Ideas for the festive season
Experience the captivating allure of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign as we guide you through a journey of meticulously crafted installations that pay homage to the Tudor period. This exclusive Christmas event is designed to enchant, educate, and transport you to an age of regality and wonder.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK/CHRISTMAS/
Oh yes it is!
Christmas? Surely not? Already? Where did the last 12 months go?
I t’s true – the 2023 festive season is upon us and we’ve been scouring the area to bring you a selection of the best events and things to do locally.
It’s all here in this guide, together with advertising from some great local businesses reminding you of what they offer – whether you are looking for gifts, a festive family day out or a venue for that Christmas get-together. Read on! – if you listen carefully, you’ll hear the sound of sleighbells fast approaching…
Merry Christmas!
The Christmas Guide is brought to you by the publishers of Axis, the independent monthly news magazine for eastern Hertfordshire and its borders.
Axis Publications, Lyric House, 6b St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA 01992 500198 | axismagazine.co.uk
Fantastic! TRIP THE LIGHT
Christmas light switch-on events herald the beginning of the festive season in our town centres
Bishop’s Stortford
FESTIVE FUN DAY & CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Sunday 19th November & Saturday 2nd December
There will be free fun for all the family in Bishop’s Stortford town centre between 12noon and 4pm, with performances from local choirs, dance and music groups, plus face painting, hot roasted chestnuts, cheeky elves spreading Christmas cheer and a special guest performance from Cinderella from South Mill Arts’ panto. The tree lights will be switched on in Market Square at 3.45pm by Cinderella. The town centre also hosts a Christmas Fayre, organised by the Town Council, on Saturday 2nd December from 9.30am to 4.30pm, with a funfair, Santa’s Grotto and stalls.
Hertford
HERTFORD CHRISTMAS GALA & MARKET
Friday 24th November / Fri 24th to Sun 26th Nov
Hertford’s Christmas Gala will see the town centre filled with festive and food stalls, live music and performances from 3pm to 8pm.
The Christmas lights will be switched on from a stage in Salisbury Square at 6pm.
Over the weekend, the grounds of Hertford Castle also host a Christmas market from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November, which will be open from 3.30pm to 8pm on Friday, from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday.
Hoddesdon
HODDESDON LOVES CHRISTMAS
Saturday 25th November
Hoddesdon Loves Christmas features a whole day of fun and celebrations in and around the High Street, with stalls and live entertainment. The event really cranks up from 4.45pm when a Christmas parade of floats and accompanying walkers winds its way through the town, before the focus shifts to the main stage where the Jersey Boys will perform live ahead of the lights switchon and fireworks at 6pm. This is Hoddesdon’s biggest event of the year and is organised by Love Hoddesdon BID and the Borough of Broxbourne.
Sawbridgeworth
CHRISTMAS FAYRE & LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
Saturday 25th November
Trampolines and fairground rides are among the attractions in Sawbridgeworth for the town’s light switchon event in Bell Street from 3pm. The lights will go on at 6pm.
Stevenage FESTIVE LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
Saturday 25th November
Singer and influencer Junior Andre, son of Peter Andre and Katie Price, will be performing live before switching on the festive lights at Stevenage town centre’s Event Island. His performance, from 5.10pm, will be the culmination of an afternoon of fun and events from 12noon, including face-painting, a giant snow globe, a sensory station and Christmas market. Parking at St George’s car park will be free on the day too.
DICKENSIAN EVENING
Friday 1st December
Ware’s famous Dickensian Evening takes place from 6.30pm, with local roads in and around the town centre being closed to traffic from 6pm to allow for the festivities which see thousands of people out on the streets. There will be stalls galore and entertainment, and the shops stay open too. There will be craft stalls in Ware Drill Hall and funfair rides in Amwell End. Dickensian costume is encouraged to add to the atmosphere too!
Free fun for all the family
Cheeky Elves Local Choirs Dance & Music Groups
Face Painting Hot Roasted Chestnuts and more
Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre
FESTIVE EVENTS Fabulous
A ROYAL EVENT
Hatfield Park is offering families a new educational Christmas experience for the festive season.
Fantastical Christmas Revels (hosted by none other than Queen Elizabeth I) will take guests on a journey through nine beautifully crafted installations that bring to life the Tudor period.
Afterwards, you can explore the festively decorated Stable Yard with its independent retailers and visit the Coach House Kitchen and pop-up food and drink and gift outlets. The event runs from Thursday 30th November to Sunday 31st December (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Tickets are £28 for adults, £14 for children aged 5-15; £72 for a family of up to two adults and four children.
Hatfield Park, Hatfield AL9 5HX hatfield-house.co.uk
NATURE BY NIGHT, NATURE BY LIGHT
The National Trust’s Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire hosts its biggest annual fundraiser Nature by Night, Nature by Light on weekends from Friday 17th November to Sunday 10th December.
An alternative to traditional Christmas experiences, the one-and-a-half mile, afterdark illuminated trail around the gardens of the Jacobean-style house and its working 18th century watermill, is an enchanting magical celebration of the natural world. There are hot drinks in the courtyard, food trucks in the Orchard and live music from Cambridge Jazz Festival and Cambridge Folk Festival.
Tickets are £20 for adults, £15.50 for children, under 5s and carers free, discounts for family groups.
Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ nationaltrust.org.uk
National Trust Images / Justin Minns
KNEBWORTH CHRISTMAS FAIR
Knebworth Christmas Fair is the region’s biggest festive shopping event and takes place on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November in the barns and marquees of Knebworth House.
There will be more than 250 trade stands offering present ideas for the whole family including gifts for the home, gifts for pets, jewellery, fashion accessories, toys and games and food and drink.
There are a number of different ticket options depending on when, and how many times you might like to visit starting with afternoon tickets (from 1.30pm) priced at £7 adults, £5 children.
Knebworth House, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX knebworthchristmasfair.co.uk
CHRISTMAS WINE FAIR
Cellar Door Wines host a Christmas Wine Fair on Saturday 25th November where you can try and buy from more than 100 wines being showcased on the day.
The wines will be from winemakers and producers from every continent and will include every style from warming reds, Port and Sherry to crisp whites and bubbly. Tickets at £35 per person include sampling
The event which runs from 2pm to 6pm will be held over two floors in the Riding School at Hatfield House. The venue can be found in The Stable Yard which also boasts a range of other independent boutiques along with the Coach House Kitchen.
Hatfield Park, Hatfield AL9 5NE
To book, visit cellardoorwines.co.uk
Crates of Wool is a cheerful, local yarn shop in the heart of Ware. We stock a collection of natural fibres, locally dyed yarn, cotton, bamboo and standard acrylic yarns – we have something for all tastes and budgets.
We also sell patterns, buttons and a selection of haberdashery items and we have some lovely kits and books for Christmas gifts. We hold workshops in knitting, crochet and other crafts so you can learn a new craft with us or build on your existing skills.
The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm and we offer a full mail order service.
Santa DESPERATELY SEEKING
Where to find everyone’s favourite man of the season
PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK
Santa will be at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne every weekend from Saturday 2nd December and then every day from Wednesday 20th until Sunday 24th December. Entry to Santa’s Grotto is included in your day ticket which can be booked online –although do make sure you arrive early as the grotto operates a first-come, first served queuing system.
Other attractions include a festive fairy light tunnel for some sparkling photo opportunities.
Don’t forget to visit Santa’s reindeer in the Woodland Walk too!
White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne EN10 7QA pwpark.com
FOXHOLES FARM
“Farmer Christmas” will be in his grotto at Foxholes Farm Park on Saturdays and Sundays 25th and 26th November and 2nd and 3rd December.
While you wait to see him there are photo opportunities with his elves and tractors. The elves will also provide you with goodies to feed the donkeys in the grotto.
Animal feed for other animals will be available to buy separately on the day.
Tickets priced £3.95 for adults and £9.95 for children need to be pre-booked online and include a gift for each child.
Foxholes Farm, London Road, Hertford SG13 7NT foxholesfarm.com
TYNDALLS GARDEN CENTRE
Take a magical walk through Tyndall’s Winter Wonderland ending up at Santa’s sitting room where children will each receive a gift. Tickets online are £18.99 per child, £2.99 per adult (or child without Santa visit and gift). Adults go free on opening weekend (Saturday 18 and Sunday 19th November). Various dates in November and December.
Sedge Green, Nazeing EN9 2PA plantsgaloreonline.co.uk
SOUTH MILL ARTS
Enjoy a craft activity before meeting Santa at South Mill Arts on various dates between Saturday 9th and Sunday 24th December. Children will receive a special gift before the visit ends with hot chocolate and cookies in the VIP Christmas Café. Tickets costing £15 and admitting one adult and one child can be booked online.
that includes collection by vintage bus from either Epping or Ongar, festive entertainment while you wait to board the train at North Weald, and a train journey through ancient Epping Forest with activities on board as well as a visit from Santa with gifts for children. Trains run on various dates in late November and throughout December. Various prices from £110 for a family of four. eorailway.co.uk
South Mill Arts, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG southmillarts.co.uk
EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY
Take the family on board one of Epping Ongar Railway’s Santa Specials on dates in November and December. The heritage railway offers a two-and-a-half-hour experience
VAN
HAGE GARDEN CENTRE
Santa will be in his grotto at Van Hage garden centre on various dates in November and December. Tickets, which must be pre-booked online, cost £12.50 per child plus £1.50 booking fee per family group (up to four) to include gift from Santa.
Pepper Hill, Great Amwell SG12 9RP vanhage.co.uk
HARLOW GARDEN CENTRE
Enjoy breakfast with Santa at Harlow Garden Centre on dates in November and December. Adults and children can enjoy breakfast, fun activities and a special visit from Santa with a gift for every child. £14.95 per ticket which must be booked in advance online.
Canes Lane (A414), Hastingwood CM17 9LD bluediamond.gg
Hoddesdon
Hoddesdon prepares for the festive season!
Hoddesdon continues to thrive due to Love Hoddesdon BID, the company representing the business improvement district covering the town centre. Footfall levels in the town are good, whilst the vacancy rate is less than 5%, which compares well with many neighbouring towns and this festive season local businesses need your support, so why not pay Hoddesdon a visit and enjoy what it has to offer!
www.lovehoddesdon.co.uk
@lovehoddesdon
Events
Hoddesdon
Loves Christmas25th November
This is the biggest event of the year for our town and in conjunction with Broxbourne Council we will have a full day of celebration, stalls, funfair and live entertainment. The evening will start with our annual Christmas Parade through the town centre at 4.45pm with over 20 floats and walkers joining in this year, followed by a special performance from the Jersey Boys (sponsored by Nonna’s Kitchen) and the finale of the lights switch on and firework display at 6pm.
Any interested stall holders should contact 01992 785655 for details.
New Year Street Fair29th December - 2nd January
Come and visit Hoddesdon Town centre with the family over the new year period and enjoy the fair brought to you by Love Hoddesdon and Broxbourne Council, every day from 11am.
Networking Breakfasts
Every month we arrange a networking event which takes place in one of our local restaurants or businesses in the town centre. These have been growing in popularity and we had over 60 attendees at our last event. We arrange for a speaker to come along as well as updates from local businesses and Love Hoddesdon itself. If you are interested in attending, please email lovehoddesdon@outlook.com
Our Christmas Network Breakfast Meeting will be held on the 10th of December at Nonna’s Kitchen, Brewery Road, Hoddesdon. These are free to both BID Levy payers and Voluntary members, with a charge of £8 (Including breakfast) for non-members.
GUIDE CHRISTMAS Panto
CINDERELLA
The Spotlight, Hoddesdon 12th to 30th December
The Spotlight’s production of that all-time favourite pantomime, Cinderella, runs from Tuesday 12th to Saturday 30th December this year and promises to be a festive feast for all the family. Tickets start at £18. thespotlightvenue.com 01992 441946
SNOW WHITE
Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar 15th to 31st December
The always enchanting story of Snow White is brought engagingly to life at Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar this Christmas. Performances begin on Friday 15th December and will run through to Sunday 31st December.
Ticket prices start at £16.50. wyllyottstheatre.co.uk 01707 645005
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Harlow Playhouse 1st December to 7th January
The Playhouse’s panto is always a spectacular one and this year’s offering of the classic Beauty and the Beast is no different. This is one of the longer runs locally this year, running throughout December and into the first week of January. Tickets start from £15. harlowplayhouse.co.uk 01279 431945
CINDERELLA
South Mill Arts 9th December to 2nd January
Cinders is popular this year – and not just at the ball! South Mill Arts’ production of Cinderella in Bishop’s Stortford runs from Saturday 9th December until Tuesday 2nd January with ticket prices starting from £20.50.
southmillarts.co.uk 01279 710200
PUSS IN BOOTS
Hertford Dramatic & Operatic Society
4th to 14th January
With Hertford Theatre still being redeveloped, amateur group HDOS offer the only opportunity to see a traditional panto in the county town this Christmas (or, to be accurate, just after it!). They will present Puss in Boots at
The Studio Theatre at Bentley House, Hertford from Thursday 4th to Sunday 14th January. Tickets details had not been released at the time going to print, so visit their website for updates.
hdos.org.uk
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Broxbourne Theatre Company 10th to 14th January
The traditional panto by Broxbourne Theatre Company is Jack and the Beanstalk and takes place at The Spotlight in Hoddesdon from Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th January.
Tickets are £19.50 to see this accomplished amateur group tread the boards with gusto. See broxbournetheatrecompany.co.uk for more details.
thespotlightvenue.com 01992 441946
Art
THE OF GIFTING
Find unique presents at local arts and crafts events
PRESENT ARTS
Present Arts at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow offers the opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts created by the talented artists and craftspeople who have studios at the venue, along with works from guest artists. The exhibition runs from Thursday 9th November to Saturday 23rd December and features affordable artwork including paintings, ceramics, prints, jewellery and cards for you, your home and for gifting. Admission is free. The mill is in Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2HP. See the website for opening hours. parndonmill.co.uk
MUDLARKS CRAFT FAIR
Hertford’s Mudlarks Café hosts a free entry Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 19th November where you’ll find stalls from local artists and makers. Gifts on offer will include handmade jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles and Christmas crafts. Refreshments will also be available.
Mudlarks is a charity that supports adults and young people with learning disabilities and mental health concerns with its vegan and
vegetarian café at 32 Fore Street providing training and paid work that enables everyone to take a full and active role in the local community.
The event runs from 11am to 4pm at 32 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1BY.
mudlarksgarden.org.uk
COURTYARD ARTS FUN DAY
Courtyard Arts in Hertford hosts a Christmas Fun Day on Saturday 9th December. There’s the chance to browse as well as purchase pieces in the Courtyard Arts Members’ Show, as well as to find festive gifts in the shop, hear carols from The Courtyard Quartet and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. There’s also a colouring competition for children. You can also use your visit to find out more about Courtyard – a gallery, shop and teaching studios – which offers a range of artistic classes for adults and children throughout the year.
The festive event runs from 11am to 2pm and entry is free. Courtyard Arts is in Port Vale, Hertford SG14 3AA.
courtyardarts.org.uk
CHRISTMAS FUNDAY
At our Ware workshop and gallery we offer a professional framing service not just for canvases, prints and posters, but treasured memorabilia including medals, uniform badges, programmes and sports shirts
We also stock a selection of readyframed prints and handmade earthenware and stoneware sculptures made by local artists
CAROL CONCERT WITH WARE BRASS
SUNDAY, 17 DEC | 3:30PM
OUTSIDE ON THE FRONT LAWN
THE PRIORY, HIGH ST, WARE SG12 9AL
BRING YOUR OWN CANDLES MULLED WINE FOR SALE, PROCEEDS TO THE MAYOR’S CHARITY, CITIZENS ADVICE EAST HERTS
An evening of Christmas music and carols
Saturday 16th Dec. 2023
7.30pm All Saints’ Church, Hertford
Tickets: £16 (reserved), £4 (students), £12 (unreserved) via ticketsource.co.uk or email tickets@hertfordchoral.org.uk
For full details, visit www.hertfordchoral.org.uk
25 Artists and Craftspeople from here and further afield offer their unique and affordable works for sale in this exhibition designed for giving to others, or even oneself!
10-5 Tues - Fri 2-4 Sundays
While you’re here you can pick up information on all the classes that are available
Parndon Mill, Elizabeth Way, Harlow, Essex CM20 2HP Tel:01279 426042 Email: info@parndonmill.co.uk www.parndonmill.co.uk Web: Charity No. 1168202
Pick up and drop off parcels at your convenience
We even offer storage and pick, pack and post fulfilment services!
A song for CHRISTMAS
Carol concerts to get you in the
A CANDLELIGHT EXPERIENCE
Saturday 25th November
Lumos Live is bringing A Christmas Candlelight Experience to All Saints’ Church in Queens Road, Hertford SG13 8AY on Saturday 25th November at 7pm. This hourlong concert features a string trio playing a selection of Christmas favourites. Tickets are from £17.50 to £30. Visit lumoslive.co.uk for more details and tickets.
BROXBOURNE COMMUNITY CHOIR
Saturday 2nd December
Broxbourne Community Choir present It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas, with Christmas carols and festive songs, at Christ Church, New Road, Ware SG12 7BS on Saturday 2nd December at 3pm. Admission is £10 for adults, £3 for children. Tickets available from Gabby on 07875 221543.
WARE CHORAL SOCIETY
Saturday 2nd December
Ware Choral Society present A Starry Night, an evening of Christmas music, at The Drill Hall in Amwell End, Ware SG12 9HP on Saturday 2nd December at 7.30pm. Tickets £15 from warechoral.org.uk or on the door.
WILLOW CAROL CONCERT
Tuesday 5th December
festive mood
Wilson and his wife Megs. It’s on Tuesday 5th December at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at £19.50, £17.50, £16.50 and £15.50. All adult tickets come with a free mince pie to be enjoyed after the concert. Book at stalbanscathedral.org.
HERTFORD CHORAL SOCIETY
Saturday 16th December
Hertford Choral Society’s Christmas concert is called This Joyous Night and promises an evening of Christmas music and carols. It’s on Saturday 16th December at 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church in Queens Road, Hertford SG13 8AY. Tickets £16 (reserved), £12 (unreserved), £4 students via ticketsource. co.uk or by email to tickets@hertfordchoral.org. uk. For full details visit hertfordchoral.org.uk.
CHRISTMAS AT HAILEYBURY
Sunday 17th December
Hertfordshire Chorus will present Christmas at Haileybury, a festive feast of carols for all the family, on Sunday 17th December. It’s at 6pm in Big School, Haileybury College, Hertford Heath SG13 7NU. Tickets £15 and £10, or £5 for children and students. Visit hertfordshirechorus.org.uk/
WARE CAROL CONCERT
Sunday 17th December
Local charity Willow has teamed up with Hertfordshire Chorus for this year’s Willow Carol Concert in the incredible surroundings of St Albans Cathedral. It’s an evening of carols with opportunities for audience participation and raises money for the charity which was founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob
Ware Town Council’s annual carol concert with Ware Brass will take place on the front lawn of Ware Priory in High Street, Ware SG12 9AL on Sunday 17th December at 3.30pm. There will be mulled wine for sale with all proceeds to the Mayor’s charity, Citizens Advice East Herts. The concert is free to attend.
GET OUT IN THE FRESH AIR THIS Christmas!
Great
SKATE
As The Christmas Guide went to print news was breaking that ice skating will be coming to Bishop’s Stortford this festive season.
The town and district councils, together with Bishop’s Stortford BID are working on plans for the rink to be situated on the former Charringtons car park in the town centre for three days between Christmas and New Year. It will be free to skate with no booking required. Keep an eye on discoverstortford. co.uk or see @DiscoverStortford on Instagram or Facebook for updates!
*There is also festive ice skating at Alexandra Palace in north London –visit alexandrapalace.com to book sessions.
SWIM
When it’s cold outside there’s nothing like er, an outdoor swim, don’t you agree?
Well hundreds do with Ware Lido’s festive swim sessions on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day selling out within hours of going online at the beginning of November! Ware Town Council is opening the newly-refurbished lido for its first festive period ever. The pool is heated –although the changing rooms aren’t. As this guide went to print there were still sessions available for Friday 29th and Saturday 30th December, as well as New Year’s Day – and others may yet be added! Price is £6.50 for adults, £3.50 children and concessions. Priory Street, Ware SG12 0DE warepriorylido.co.uk
DashingTHROUGH THE SNOW
Have some festive fun and help raise money for local charities
TEENS UNITE SANTA DASH
Teens Unite, which supports young people overcoming cancer, is seeking entrants for its Santa Dash at Broxbourne Sports Club on Sunday 17th December. You can walk, jog or run the 5k route, a pushchairs and dogs are welcome. A Santa suit is supplied for every entrant. It starts at 10am and tickets are £11 for adults, £8 for children or £32 for a family (2+2). Sign up at teensunite.org
GROVE COTTAGE REINDEER RUN
Rye Street. Entry is £12 for adults (13 years and over) and £6 for children (12 years and under) with reindeer antlers included in the price. Sign up at mencapgrovecottage.org
Grove Cottage, the Bishop’s Stortford-based charity that provides social and educational activities for people of all ages with a learning disability, hosts Reindeer Run on Sunday 3rd December Walk or jog either the 1k or 5k route which both start at Grange Paddocks in
ST CLARE HOSPICE RUDOLPH RUN
St Clare Hospice is inviting local primary schools in West Essex and East Herts to raise money for the charity by hosting their own sponsored Rudolph Run. Schools set the date, distance and location and the hospice fundraising team will supply a pair of antlers for every participant (subject to a minimum £2.50 sponsorship). Every pupil who takes part will receive a certificate of achievement. Events can be held anywhere. Find out more at stclarehospice.org.uk/ rudolphrun
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