Almost there. We don’t know about you but we’re feeling quite relieved that a pretty full-on year is drawing to a close.
Let’s be honest, most of us will have seen ‘living dangerously’ this Christmas as sharing a pint at the same table as friends down the local now the worst of the pandemic is hopefully behind us. But factor in an unexpected war in Ukraine, the economic fall-out from that, Brexit, and the short but surgically sharp recent shock that was Trussonomics (thanks to anyone who thought that was ever going to be a good idea) and it’s no wonder we’re craving that cosy feeling that an old-fashioned Christmas reliably promises.
Deck the halls, throw a log on the fire, pull a jumper over your head (maybe two if you’re short on logs) and enjoy for a while some merriment in the company of friends, family and community. This year’s guide, as ever, is full of ideas to help you along the way.
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
During the day there will be festive stalls, seasonal funfair attractions, arena entertainment as well as a giant snow globe. At the end of the day the traditional Father Christmas parade will take place from 5.15pm followed by fireworks to round o what is sure to be a memorable day.
Hertford Christmas Gala and Market Friday 25th November to Sunday 27th November
Hoddesdon Loves Christmas Saturday 26th November
Hoddesdon Loves Christmas will take over Hoddesdon’s town centre on Saturday 26th November from 10am until a fireworks finale at 5.50pm.
Hertford Christmas Gala takes place in the town centre on Friday 25th November from 3.30-8pm, with festive market stalls, food stands, fairground rides and an entertainment stage. Among those taking part will be Stagecoach Hertford, Simon Balle Big Band and a Ukrainian choir singing traditional Christmas songs.
Hertford Castle will again stage a three-day Christmas market within its grounds, from 3.30-8pm on Friday 25th, 11am-6pm on Saturday 26th and 11am to 5pm on Sunday 27th. It’s free to attend and will feature stalls selling gifts, Christmas products and food and drink, with mulled wine and mince pies by Hertford Rotary and fairground rides. The events are sponsored by Johnson & Co estate agents, McMullen’s brewery and Du eld Harrison solicitors.
the evening. Garden City Samba will process down the High Street from 7.30pm. There will also be craft markets at Ware Priory and Southern Maltings. Festive stalls will line High Street and Baldock Street and there will be a funfair in Amwell End too.
Bishop’s Stortford Christmas Fayre Saturday 3rd December
Bishop’s Stortford Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 3rd December from 9.30am to 4pm across the town centre, with North Street, Market Square, Potter Street and South Street all pedestrianised for the day. There will be festive stalls, entertainment and a Santa’s grotto in North Street.
Sawbridgeworth Christmas Fayre Sunday 4th December
Sawbridgeworth’s Christmas lights switchon and fayre will take place on Sunday 4th December in Bell Street from 1pm. There will be entertainment, stalls and a fun fair while Father Christmas will be making a grand entrance in his sleigh before setting up to greet children in his grotto.
The traditional Dickensian Evening returns to the streets of Ware for the first time in three years on Friday 2nd December. Streets in the town centre will be shut from 6pm with festivities starting at 6.10pm with a lantern parade from Ware Priory. There will be Christmas music from 6.30pm in Tudor Square where the lights on the mighty horse chestnut tree will be switched on at 7pm, with more music from Ware Ukelele and Ware Brass during
Knebworth Christmas Fair takes over the marquees and barns at Knebworth House from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th November, promising a festive shopping event with gifts for all ages from more than 250 stalls as well as food and drink. Tickets are limited and are already selling well – book yours in advance at ■ knebworthchristmasfair.co.uk.
Forty Hall in Enfield is holding a Christmas Fayre over three days from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th November. It’s from 4-8pm on Friday then 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The fayre will feature a range of creative stalls o ering unique gifts inside the hall and in the courtyard. Tickets are just £2 (under-15s free) and they must be booked in advance.
■ fortyhallestate.co.uk
The United Reformed Church in Broxbourne is hosting a Christmas market on Saturday 26th November from 10am to 1.30pm, with stalls including home baking and preserves, gifts, jewellery, toiletries, collectibles, china and glass. Refreshments and light lunches will be available at the venue in Mill Lane, Broxbourne (EN10 7BQ).
A traditional fairground carousel will be outside Van Hage garden centre in Great Amwell every weekend up until Christmas with the chance to ride the decorative horses for £2 per person. Van Hage, Pepper Hill, Great Amwell SG12 9RP
■ vanhage.co.uk
Forty Hall
From Saturday 26th November until Monday 2nd January, you can take the kids around Ware town centre and follow the Ware Bear trail. To win a prize you must search for all 12 bears hiding in shop windows around town. It’s free to take part in – collect a map from Ware library, Ware Priory or any business with a Ware Bear cuddly toy in the window, or scan the QR code in the advert on page 6 to download a copy.
Inspired by the panto at South Mill Arts this year, Bishop’s Stortford BID have created a fun town trail that will run throughout December. Discover all the characters in shop windows, find the mystery word and enter online for a chance to win a £100 Discover Stortford voucher and panto tickets.
■ Visit discoverstortford.co.uk/events
Sunday
A Christmas farmers’ and crafts market will be held at Southern Maltings in Ware on Sunday 4th December from 10am to 3pm, showcasing local makers, bakers, creatives and craftspeople.
Sunday
If you fancy something more energetic than shopping, Grove Cottage Mencap charity is holdings its annual Santa Dash and Reindeer Run to raise funds on Sunday 4th December at Grange Paddocks leisure centre in Rye Street, Bishop’s Stortford. Entrants can run, jog, skip or walk the 1k and 5k routes. Entry is £12 for ages 13 and over and includes a full Santa suit. Anyone aged 12 and under can take part for £6. The run starts at 11am.
■ Register at mencapgrovecottage.org
Join Isabel Hospice in Market Square, Bishop’s Stortford at 4pm on Sunday 4th December to remember those we have loved and lost, with readings and carols from Herts & Soul choir –plus the magical moment when the lights of love are switched on.
■ Visit: isabelhospice.org.uk/lightsoflove
The Grinch at Jackson Square
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December
Come and meet the Grinch at Jackson Square shopping centre in Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December as he gets up to mischief and spreads some festive cheer. Keep an eye on the Jackson Square social channels for details of other Christmas celebrations, carolling and fundraising events.
Winter Wonderland Trail
Saturday 10th December to Sunday 8th January
Children and families can follow a Winter Wonderland free trail through Hertford town centre from Saturday 10th December to Sunday 8th January, finding a series of knitted characters hiding in shop windows. Pick up a trail leaflet from the Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash.
Choose your favourite show and book your tickets now!
With both Hertford Theatre and The Spotlight in Hoddesdon closed this year, local panto will take on a very di erent look, with many families looking to find alternative venues for their fix of festive fun in 2021.
Singer, actress, author and member of the Brit Award-winning group Liberty X, Michelle Heaton will be bewitching audiences this Christmas in Broxbourne’s annual panto which runs from the middle to the end of December. Tickets are £23 to see this famous panto tale that proves beauty is more than just skin-deep.
thespotlightvenue.com 01992 441946
There is a three-week run for the traditional tale that takes you from the streets of London on a spectacular voyage over the seven seas to Morocco! Join Dick Whittington, his acrobatic cat (it’s better than anything you’ll see on Youtube clips) and a cast of crazy characters on the adventure of a lifetime. Prices start at £19.50.
wyllyottstheatre.co.uk / 01707 645005
And now, for something di erent…
Free to attend outdoor panto performances of Cinderella will take place in Queen Eleanor Square, Waltham Cross on Saturday 3rd December and near the Clock Tower in High Street, Hoddesdon on Sunday 4th December. There will be 45-minute shows at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Back by popular demand, local legends Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley star in this year’s Harlow panto, the famous tale of Cinderella, which also features a live band. Cinderella is arguably the most famous panto story of them all, with Cinders longing for a happier and more exciting life away from her wicked stepsisters. Standard tickets from £22. harlowplayhouse.co.uk / 01279 431945
AT HARLOW PLAYHOUSE
Hertford Theatre remains closed for redevelopment so its team have again worked with production company Half A String to put on this family Christmas show in Ware. This is not a traditional panto; rather it is a magical tale with a professional cast and amazing puppets in a bespoke, theatre-in-the-round space. Tickets are £16.
hertfordtheatre.com
A professional cast of seven is joined by an ensemble of local young talent as Jack makes his way up the Beanstalk on his high-flying, magical journey where a series of ginormous adventures await him. Expect toe-tapping tunes, fabulous costumes and a hilarious cast of characters to keep young and older entertained in this timeless tale. Tickets start from £18.
southmillarts.com / 01279 710200
This Christmas, Mark Gatiss’ spectacular theatrical take on Charles Dickens’ much loved festive classic A Christmas Carol takes to the big screen on two dates at the end of November and early December.
Gatiss (Sherlock, Dracula, Doctor Who) stars as Jacob Marley in his own re-telling of the winter ghost story and is joined by Nicholas Farrell (Chariots of Fire, The Crown, The Iron Lady) as Scrooge.
The play was filmed live for cinemas during its 2021 stage run at north London’s Alexandra Palace. And if you weren’t lucky enough to catch it on stage, the film is definitely one to see this Christmas time. Like many of Dickens’ works, A Christmas Carol can be seen as a piece of social commentary, an attempt to open the hearts of the better o in Victorian England towards the poor.
Both chilling and ultimately heart-warming, it tells the story of the mean-spirited miser Ebenezer Scrooge who, on a cold Christmas Eve, is paid an unexpected visit by the spirit of his former business partner Jacob Marley. Bound in chains as punishment for a lifetime of greed, the unearthly figure explains it isn’t too late for Scrooge to change his miserly ways in order to escape the same fate, but first he’ll face three more encounters – from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future…
Find it in selected cinemas including: Cineworld at Southbury Road, Enfield & Stevenage Leisure Park Odeon at Hatfield Galleria Empire in Bishop’s Stortford
Hatfield House and parkland will be transformed with a seasonal trail featuring more than a million twinkling lights – with sparkling tunnels of light, trees drenched in colour and larger than life illuminations set to a backdrop of seasonal music.
From Friday 25th November to Saturday 31st December with timed entry.
■ hatfield-house.co.uk
Take a magical walk along an illuminated 1.5 mile route featuring light installations, projections, sculpture, performance and sensory experiences in an enchanting celebration of the natural world at this Cambridgeshire venue. The National Trust shop will be open for festive shopping.
From Friday 9th December to Wednesday 21st December.
■ nationaltrust.org.uk
Step aboard one of the heritage railway’s festively decorated trains for a journey through the countryside and back, with onboard narration and music as the train passes illuminated lineside displays highlighting the railway’s stations, rural setting and woodlands.
From Friday 18th November to Sunday 15th January.
■ eorailway.co.uk
Take an enchanting journey round the RHS garden near Chelmsford in Essex with garden areas, trees and features bathed in festive colour. The garden centre and on-site shop will be open o ering gift ideas for gardeners and all the family.
From Tuesday 22nd November to Friday 30th December.
■ rhs.org.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.
Violets Floral Designs in Sawbridgeworth has just moved to a new Bell Street home complete with a dedicated workshop area to host courses and classes. Christmas wreath workshops, each for up to five people and lasting three hours, are planned on various dates at the end of November and in early December. The £55 per person fee includes all the materials that you’ll need – including Prosecco and nibbles! Book online.
17a Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AR
violetsfloraldesigns.co.uk
Artshed Arts in Ware is o ering a range of Christmas themed workshops in late November and early December including a number where you can learn to create either fresh foliage or willow-based long lasting festive wreaths.
Tea, co ee, water and mince pies are all available with the cost of the 90-minute workshop at £55 including all the materials that you’ll need.
Westmill Farm, Westmill Road, Ware, Herts SG12 0ES
artshedarts.co.uk
The Chequers at Matching Green hosts wreath making workshops on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th December. Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival before learning how to make your own 12inch wreath using seasonal decorations such as cinnamon sticks, oranges and thistle that will be suitable to adorn your front door – or to give as a gift.
All materials needed will be provided and are included in the £60 cost of the workshop.
Matching Green, near Harlow, Essex CM17 0PZ
Join the Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Susan Barber, at one of three wreath making workshops being held at Hertford Castle in early December to raise money for the Mayor’s charities.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of Prosecco, soft drinks and mince pies while learning how to make your own luxury wreath with fresh flowers and foliage from the castle grounds.
The events are on Thursday 1st and Sunday 4th (two sessions) December and cost £50.
The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR
thechequersmatchinggreen.co.uk hertford.gov.uk
Ice skating is one of the most magical highlights of the festive season
Alexandra Palace in Wood Green hosts thousands of visitors each Christmas at its Festive Skate sessions which this year run daily from Monday 28th November through to Sunday 8th January. Whizz around the ice to the background of your favourite tunes, ending your visit with a mulled wine, Baileys hot chocolate and mince pies in the East Court Café. If you’d rather watch the experts, the palace hosts pantomime Rapunzel on Ice from Monday December 5th to Monday 12th with two hour performances suitable for everyone aged 2 and above.
For more visit alexandrapalace.com.
Skate Stevenage and Skate Letchworth are two covered real ice rinks hosted by leisure trust Stevenage Leisure Limited. Both rinks are open from Saturday 19th November to Sunday 8th January this year with sessions on various days and times. New this year, Skate Stevenage can be found at Event Island in the town centre (SG1 1BP) while Skate Letchworth, in its third season, is located on the terrace of Letchworth Outdoor Pool (SG6 4UF).
For more details and to book visit sll.co.uk.
For ice skating at some of the capital’s most iconic (and Instagrammable) rinks try:
Skate at Somerset House with the London venue’s neo-classical courtyard transformed into the ultimate winter destination complete with 40ft Christmas tree.
■ somersethouse.org.uk
Winter Wonderland, that huge tribute to festive fun in Hyde Park also hosts a huge rink that encircles a Victorian bandstand.
■ hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Glide at Battersea Power Station, new this year and possibly the coolest venue for festive selfies, Glide is a riverside rink set against the backdrop of the power station building and complete with sparking lights and 30ft Christmas tree.
■ glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
The Gibberd Garden at Old Harlow will be the venue for an afternoon of Christmas music, prose and poetry involving a number of local groups including Bishop’s Stortford Choral Society, The Voices of Harlow, New Edition Singers, Harlow U3A Choir and The Henry Moore School Choir. Prose and poetry will be read by Keir Sothcott in the intervals between choirs. The event is on Saturday 3rd December from 12noon to 3pm at The Gibberd Garden, Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA. Tickets are £5 or £10 for a family (2 adults plus family children) online from thegibberdgarden.co.uk. Refreshments will be available too.
A Christmas Carol and Remembrance Service will be held on Wednesday 7th December at Woollensbrook Crematorium in Hoddesdon to which local families are invited. The festive gathering provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together and remember their loved ones in the run-up to Christmas. The service will take place from 6pm and will feature a combination of readings and carols. It is free to attend but people are asked to book their place in advance by calling 01992 705900 or emailing woollensbrook@westerleighgroup. co.uk.
The Harmonaires Choir present a family Christmas concert in aid of Shelter – at an hour long it’s perfect for enjoying while out shopping locally in Bishop’s Stortford! It’s on Saturday 10th December at 11am at St Michael’s Church in Windhill and will feature favourite carols and Christmas songs, with plenty of opportunity for the audience to singalong. Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for children from theharmonaireschoir.com.
Hertford Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas concert is on Sunday 11th December at 3pm at Haileybury Big School in Hertford Heath (SG13 7NU) and will feature a selection of festive music for all the family including a children’s choir. Tickets £14 adults, £6 children/students, £34 family (2+2). Tickets from Hertford Town & Tourist Information Centre (01992 584322) or wegottickets.com.
Hertford Choral Society’s Christmas concert features Wenceslas by Bob Chilcott, based on the well-known tune and including some audience participation, on Saturday 17th December. A second half will include favourite carols sung by both choir and audience. It’s at All Saints’ Church, Hertford (SG13 8AY) from 7.30-9.45pm). Tickets £16 reserved, £12 unreserved, £4 students. For ticket enquiries email tickets@hertfordchoral.org.uk.
Ware Priory is holding a Christmas Carol Concert with Ware Brass performing traditional carols on Sunday 18th December from 3-5pm
in the Priory grounds, High Street, Ware (SG12 9AL). Entry is free and the concert is suitable for the whole family to attend.
Christmas at Haileybury Sunday 18th December
Hertfordshire Chorus will perform a magical Christmas concert in the very special surroundings of Haileybury College Chapel in Hertford Heath (SG13 7NU) on Sunday 18th December at 6.30pm. The concert is family-friendly with audience carols. The Chorus will sing a variety of Christmas music, old and new. Tickets from £5 to £15 from hertfordshirechorus.org.uk. The event is raising funds for Willow Foundation.
Nothing shrieks festive fun more than a Christmas jumper. Unfashionable, only wearable one day a year, then good only for putting in a box until the following 25th December right?
with a smile. Here’s our selection from the high street…
venues’ websites for full details of sessions and prices
Tyndalls Garden Centre in Nazeing opens its annual Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Grotto on Saturday 19th November with opportunities to walk the festive trail before meeting Santa in his cosy sitting room and picking a gift on a range of dates up until Christmas Eve.
■ plantsgaloreonline.co.uk
Harlow Garden Centre is o ering the chance for families to join Santa for breakfast on various dates during December.
Enjoy mini pastries followed by a choice of
cooked breakfast or pancakes with syrup or strawberry jam for children, cooked breakfast or eggs Florentine for adults.
Cost is £13.95 per person which for children also includes a gift from Santa.
■ bluediamond.gg
Van Hage garden centre at Great Amwell near Ware o ers the chance to meet Santa and his elves on selected dates in November and December.
Tickets are £12 per child plus booking fee and include an age-specific gift. Photographic
souvenirs including keyrings, baubles and frames available to purchase on the day.
■ vanhage.co.uk
Myddelton House Gardens in Bulls Cross, Enfield o ers young visitors the chance to meet Santa in his grotto on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December.
Before arriving at the grotto explore the gardens where your help will be appreciated in stopping mischevious elves trying to steal Santa’s naughty list!
All children visiting Santa receive a Christmas gift appropriate to their age.
■ visit leevalley.org.uk
Knebworth Barns at Knebworth House invite you to dine with Santa at a series of events on 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December. Enjoy a traditional festive meal complete with Christmas crackers and mince pies and a visit from the all important man himself.
■ knebworthhouse.com
Epping Ongar Railway has once again scheduled a number of Santa’s Special Train Journeys to run between its heritage stations in December.
Expect a festive food stall, live brass band and
Christmas characters at the station before you board the train for a journey through the Essex countryside and an onboard visit with present from Santa.
■ eorailway.co.uk
Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne will be welcoming Santa every weekend from 3rd December and then every day from 17th to 24th December. Entry to his grotto is included in the price of your entry ticket with the opportunity to meet and have your photo taken with Santa on a first-come, first-served queuing basis. Don’t forget to visit his reindeer in the Woodland Walk too!
■ pwpark.com
Audley End Miniature Railway o ers a magical, family Christmas experience. A trip on the Santa Express to Father Christmas’s Winter Wonderland is followed by a walk through the new enchanted Fulfen Forest to make your own reindeer feed package for Christmas Eve at the reindeer feed factory. There’s also the chance to send a letter to Santa, explore the Adventure Play Area, enjoy refreshments in the café and listen to Mother Christmas’s Storytelling Show.
■ audley-end-railway.co.uk
