

The Christmas Guide

HERTFORD’S ENCHANTING FAMILY PANTOMIME
Brought to you by a brand-new creative team from award-winning production company, Imagine Theatre.
Come and join us for the magical family panto Beauty and the Beast starring RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist and musical theatre sensation, Divina De Campo as The Enchantress, alongside Britain’s Got Talent’s Mama G and hilarious comedian and magician Tom Brace
When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a beast, his only hope of salvation is to find love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Can village girl Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast?
Make memories this festive season with this fun-filled Christmas cracker which is the perfect treat for all the family! Packed full of all the traditional panto ingredients: hilarious slapstick comedy, plenty of audience interaction and marvellous musical numbers, Beauty and the Beast is sure to be the hottest ticket in Hertfordshire this Christmas.

BSL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE
Sat 3 Jan at 2pm

RELAXED PERFORMANCE
Sat 27 Dec at 2pm
A relaxed performance is a performance suitable for customers who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. Audience members are able to move in and out of the auditorium freely and the auditorium becomes a more relaxed environment with the lights being kept on at a low level throughout. Any flashing light sequences and loud sound effects are removed or reduced to make the production more accessible to all.
Schools Performances
£15.00 per ticket
Tickets from £22.00
Tickets from £26.00
Tickets from £27.50
Tickets from £29.00
FRI 5 10:00am 7:00pm SAT 6 2:00pm 6:30pm SUN 7 1:00pm 5pm MON 8 NO PERFORMANCES
TUE 9 NO PERFORMANCES
WED 10 10:00am 1:30pm THU 11 10:00am 1:30pm FRI 12 10:00am 7:00pm SAT 13 11:00am 3:00pm 7:00pm SUN 14 1:00pm 5:00pm MON 15 NO PERFORMANCES TUE 16 10:00am 1:30pm WED 17 10:00am 1:30pm THU 18 10:00am 7:00pm FRI 19 NO PERFORMANCES SAT 20 11:00am 3:00pm 7:00pm SUN 21 2:00pm 6:30pm MON 22 2:00pm 6:30pm TUE 23 2:00pm 6:30pm WED 24 11:00am 3:00pm THU 25 NO PERFORMANCES FRI 26 2:00pm 6:30pm SAT 27 2:00pm 6:30pm SUN 28 2:00pm 6:30pm MON 29 2:00pm 6:30pm TUE 30 2:00pm 6:30pm WED 31 11:00am 3:00pm JANUARY THU 1 NO PERFORMANCES FRI 2 NO PERFORMANCES SAT 3 2:00pm 6:30pm SUN 4 1:00pm 5:00pm







Di sc ove r Ch r i s t m a s a t
H e r t ford s h i re Zoo
Santa’s Grotto • Light Display
Hot Festive Treat s • Christmas Walkway
Delicious Hot Chocolate • Animatronic s Roast Marshmallows
November 29th, 30th and
December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th – 24th
Secure your tickets now and prepare to make amazing memories that will last a lifetime!
Welcome to your Christmas Guide...
Christmas-time is almost here again!
Here at Axis magazine, we’ve been busy gathering information on everything festive to bring you our annual guide to events, panto, shopping and food & drink – all designed to help you make the most of Christmas 2025.
In your own preparations, please do support our advertisers –great local businesses – for whom this time of year is such an important one.
Have a very Happy Christmas!
Christmas in our towns

Gala kicks off festivities in Hertford

Hertford kicks off Christmas with three days of festivities, beginning on Friday 28th November with its town centre-based Christmas Gala, which runs from 3pm to 8pm. The town will be filled with Christmas market and food stalls, with fairground rides, Christmas carollers on Parliament Square, and live on-stage entertainment in Salisbury Square from 4.30pm, featuring the Simon Balle Big Band, performances from BEAM’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast, and local musicians Cedar and Lola. The Christmas lights switch-on from the Salisbury Square stage will be at 6pm with the Mayor of Hertford and, who knows, maybe even Father Christmas!


Hertford Castle Christmas Market
Hertford Castle Christmas Market is a three-day event from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th November in the grounds of Hertford Castle with traditional chalets selling festive produce and gifts. There will also be fairground rides, live entertainment and food and drink stalls. The market is open from 3.30pm to 8pm on Friday, from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday.

Storytime with Santa
On Saturday 29th November, children will be able to enjoy a magical Storytime with Santa experience at the Castle. Each session lasts around 50 minutes and the first, from 11am to 12noon is a designated SEND session. Tickets are £5 with proceeds going to the Mayor of Hertford’s Appeal Fund. For more info and a booking link visit hertford.gov.uk




Hoddesdon Loves Christmas!
Hoddesdon Loves Christmas, organised by Love Hoddesdon BID in partnership with Broxbourne Council, is the town’s biggest and most popular annual event. It takes place this year on Sunday 30th November, from 10am to 6pm in the town centre.
Shopping stalls are open all day and there is live entertainment on a main stage by the Clock Tower, starting at 10am, with a roster of great acts organised and compered by Dean Martin of Italian restaurant Nonna’s Kitchen, which is once again sponsoring the town’s Christmas tree this year. Ultimate Boy Band will headline, playing hit after hit.
There will also be street entertainment including a Snow Globe which is being sponsored and run by Hoddesdon solicitors Duffield Harrison, while Santa will be in his grotto inside Hoddesdon Library between 11am and 2pm – do note the times and bring your little ones down to meet Santa by 1.30pm to ensure you get in!
Then, from 4.45pm, the famous Love Hoddesdon Father Christmas Parade will be taking place, this year featuring more than 20 floats!
Starting from Elsie House (The Spinning Wheel building), it makes its way up the High Street and into the town centre proper, where thousands of people will be lining the streets to watch.
Love Hoddesdon’s mascot Master Henry Hoddas and Father Christmas himself (who will have had a short break after holding court in Hoddesdon Library earlier) will be among those arriving in town on floats.
After the parade passes in front of the main stage and heads down Brewery Road, the town’s Christmas lights will be officially switched on following a countdown from the stage, and there will (weather permitting) be a fireworks finale at 6pm which will be visible from wherever you are in town.









Bishop’s Stortford embraces Christmas
Bishop’s Stortford hosts its annual Christmas Fayre, organised by the town council, on Saturday 6th December from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
With North Street, Potter Street and South Street closed to traffic and fully pedestrianised, visitors are free to wander, shop, eat and celebrate the start of the Christmas season in style.
The streets will be packed with speciality Christmas stalls, featuring unique gifts, handmade crafts, home décor items and festive treats to help you tick lots of things off that Christmas list!
The market atmosphere will be enhanced with both regular Thursday and Saturday market traders alongside those from the town’s Farmers’ and Craft Market. There

Lighting up Harlow

will also be a variety of street food stalls offering, among other things, seasonal mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate. There will also be live music, street entertainment, and a Santa’s Grotto in Intercounty Estate Agents in North Street. Nearby St Michael’s Church hosts its Holly Fair on the day, from 10am to 1pm and there is free parking all day at the Northgate End car park.

Harlow is holding a Light Up Broad Walk event on Saturday 6th December ahead of a new Christmas Market which will run from Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st December. The market will feature traditional wooden cabins twinkling with lights, each offering a mix of handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and festive food and drink. There will also be creative workshops and live entertainment.
Sawbridgeworth’s switch-on event
Sawbridgeworth’s lights switch-on event is on Saturday 29th November from 3pm in the Bell Street car park.
The afternoon features a Christmas Fayre with stalls, entertainment and a visit from Santa himself! The switchingon of the lights will happen at 6pm.


Ware’s fairytale Dickensian Evening
Ware’s famous Dickensian Evening, which had been under threat this year due to a lack of volunteers to run it, is to go ahead after all, and will take place on Friday 5th December from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
It’s like a scene from a story book as Ware’s traditional High Street is transformed into a festive wonderland for the evening.
The High Street and surrounding roads will be lined with stalls selling unique handcrafted gifts and seasonal food and drink, with roads closed from late afternoon. There will be funfair rides
Waltham Cross Christmas Festival
The Waltham Cross Christmas Festival takes place on Saturday 6th December from 10am to 6pm in the town centre. You can meet Santa and his reindeer, see live acts and enjoy a pop-up panto, stalls and snow globe. The event is organised by Broxbourne Council.

in Amwell End. There will also be extra entertainment this year. Alongside the now traditional, rhythm-filled procession of a Samba band, there will be performances from Majorettes and a choir. There is a further programme of music and performances in St Mary’s Church, Leaside Church and The Drill Hall, where there will also be more stalls. Tudor Square will host carols played by Ware Brass.
The event dates back to 1994 and is always held on the first Friday in December. Dickensian costume is encouraged, with a costume competition being held this year! For details of how to enter visit dickensian.org.uk.
Seasonal fun in Cheshunt
Love Cheshunt are holding a festive fun day across Cheshunt on Saturday 22nd November, from 1pm to 4.30pm. The event will take place in three locations across Cheshunt, outside LMA dance studios, in Dobsons’ forecourt and rear car park, and outside Cheshunt Library.


There will be a selection of stalls selling festive goods, a Santa’s grotto, games, rides and music and dance performances throughout the afternoon, and the event will finish with the switching-on of Cheshunt’s festive feature lighting.
For more details, see lovecheshunt.co.uk.













Festive shopping ideas
1-5 all from Frankie & Olive, Hertford
Fairisle wool handwarmers
(other colours available)
£21


Velvet tote bag with complimentary gift bag (other prints available)
£32
Shepherd sheepskin slippers
Adam in cognac
£69
Idyllhome.co.uk


Tree of Life scarf (lots of colours and prints available)
£29.95


Velvet jacket (other colours available)
Matching family Christmas pyjamas, £45 adult, £28 child, £24 baby polarnopyret.com


M&S Jumper
£40 and Autograph bag £130 Marks & Spencer




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.
Festive shopping ideas


All from Chapter 79, Hertford

Jellycat Ricky Rain Frog Christmas Tree, £50
John Lewis
Jellycat Jolly Gingerbread Fred, £20
My First Crochet Kit, £7.90
All from Crates of Wool, Ware
Stargazer 9ct yellow gold necklace, set with emerald & diamonds. Matching earrings available.
£1,545

Knit Pro Waves 2.0 deluxe crochet hook set, £35

Shades 18ct yellow gold dress ring with multiple coloured & shaped sapphires and diamonds
£2,175

John Lewis



Diamond painting kits, from £6.25

Hope 9ct yellow and white gold earrings with diamonds. Matching pendant available. £595

Handmade Zodiac star discs, £20; Handmade keyrings, £10 & by Donna Reeves, Ware Fairies in the Garden children’s nail kit, £8.95 Rexlondon.com















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













Shopping events
Unique gifts from young talent
Find unique Christmas gifts while supporting local young talent at the KidzFair Christmas Market taking place inside Bishop’s Stortford’s Jackson Square Shopping Centre on Sunday 30th November from 11am to 3pm.
The event offers young entrepreneurs aged between seven and 17 the chance to turn their idea into a real business, creating a simple business plan, branding and marketing, and selling their products on their own stall. Expect everything from art and craft to bakes, and more.

Shop at Knebworth Christmas Fair
Knebworth Christmas Fair takes place in and around the barns of Knebworth House from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd November.
Featuring an outdoor shopping area, four Christmas barns, three festive shopping marquees, a food and drink marquee and, new for this year – Christmas cabins, the event offers the chance to find gifts for all the family.
There’s also festive food and drink, live music and entertainment, the chance to step inside the Giant Snowglobe and take photos at the fair’s immersive selfie stations.

There will also be prizes awarded at the end of the event for Best Product, Best Stall and Best Customer Service.
Jackson Square Shopping Centre Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3XH kidzfair.co.uk

Knebworth House
Knebworth Park SG1 2AX knebworthchristmasfair.co.uk
Buy original art as the perfect gift
Present Arts, in The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow until Sunday 21st

December, is an exhibition-cum-artsale offering the chance to find unique and affordable cards, decorations and gifts. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10.30am to 4.30pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.
Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2HP parndonmillgallery.org



Forty Hall Christmas Fayre
Enfield’s Jacobean manor house Forty Hall hosts its annual Christmas Fayre between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November.
There will be more than 50 stalls spread over two floors of the house offering unique gifts, handmade crafts and holiday treats while the food court will be open offering seasonal bites and warm drinks.
Forty Hall
Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA fortyhallestate.co.uk

Makers & Bakers festive markets
Makers & Bakers who host regular farmers and craft markets across Hertfordshire have a number of festive markets lined up locally during November and December. The markets bring together small, independent artisans and businesses offering a wide range of homemade products from baked goods to candles, crafts and artwork.
Expect unique present ideas and a real

festive atmosphere with mulled wine and mince pies on offer. £1 voluntary donation on the door will be given to a charity chosen for each event and linked to someone special to stallholders.
Find them at BEAM, Hertford on Sunday 7th December and War Memorial Hall in Watton-at-Stone on Sunday 14th December, both from 10am to 3pm.
There are also evening events, run in conjunction with Ware’s & by Donna Reeves. These take place between 6pm and 9pm at the Baldock Street shop and community art hub on Thursday 27th November, Tuesday 9th December and Thursday 18th December.
BEAM, The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS; War Memorial Hall, High Street, Watton-at-Stone SG14 3RZ; & by Donna Reeves, 27a Baldock Street, Ware SG12 9DH Facebook: @makers_bakers_markets














27 St Andrew Street, Hertford, SG14 1HZ 01992 558333
www.castleflooringhertford.co.uk info@castleflooringhertford.co.uk







Thistle House, 32a St Andrew Street, Hertford, SG14 1JA 01992 587065 www.duffieldharrison.co.uk



www.grisaillestudio.co.uk 21 Old Cross, SG14 1RE, Hertford Conveyancing, Wills, Probate, Employment, Family and

@grisaillestudio














UNFORGETTABLE GIFTS
at Lee Valley sport and leisure venues
GIFTS FROM £10

Incredible thrills await with White Water Rafting, track cycling, BMX, horse riding and more. Our vouchers and gift cards deliver heart pounding experiences for every adrenalin seeker.
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Hoddesdon
Loves
Sunday 30 November
10am-6.30pm
Hoddesdon Town Centre
A fun-filled day of live music, food and craft stalls, mulled wine, Christmas parade, snow globe, fireworks, fun fair rides and much more...



A variety of live acts including singers, dance groups, choirs and a brass band


A magical time of the year

Light trails add sparkle to the festive season

Neverland at Kenwood
Friday 21st November to Saturday 3rd January
Neverland at Kenwood will see the grounds of Kenwood House transformed into a breathtaking immersive outdoor light trail inspired by JM Barrie’s timeless tale of Peter Pan.
Visitors are invited to follow Tinkerbell’s fairydust path from the rooftops of London to the heart of Neverland – soaring through the Darling family home, past a glowing Big Ben, and into a wondrous world where magic and adventure capture the imagination.
From the Lost Boys’ secret hideout to the eerie glowing Skull Rock and Captain Hook’s iconic pirate ship, the trail blends
spectacular lighting, immersive storytelling and an atmospheric soundscape to bring Barrie’s beloved world vividly to life.
Highlights include illuminated jellyfish floating in the Mermaid Lagoon; a dramatic four metre skull presiding over Skull Rock; and, at Lost Boys’ Island, five towering Tipi tents and a six metre long crocodile. There are also magical books that drift overhead and a life-size puppet of Nana the dog.
Festive food and drink will be on offer.
Kenwood House
Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR neverlandatkenwood.co.uk




Christmas at Kew
Friday 14th November to Sunday 4th January
London’s original light trail first launched at the botanical gardens in 2013 and, as well as paving the way for many others, has remained a firm festive favourite for all ages ever since.
and world premieres which will allow visitors to enjoy London’s largest Unesco World Heritage site in an entirely new light.
Palm House, with a newly created projection show above the Botanical restaurant on Museum Number 1 and ends with a spectacular show at Temperate House, the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse.
installations that are as inspiring as they are


enchanting – highlighting nature, science



Christmas at Wimpole 2025
Friday 21st November to Saturday 3rd January
This much loved Christmas trail returns for its fifth year in 2025 bringing more sparkle, colour and festive cheer than ever before to the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate.
A shooting star drops dramatically from three metres high at the trail entrance setting the tone for an evening of enchantment.
This year visitors can walk through the longest Christmas Cathedral in the Sony Christmas trails series – a spectacular 48 metres of glittering light – as part of a route filled with brand new installations and returning favourites.
Other highlights include a field of 50 colour changing crocuses, seven atmospheric haze arches, and the much-loved Bubble

Walk for younger visitors. The ‘Sea of Light’ and the spectacular House Show promise to leave guests with lasting memories.
A magical glimpse of Father Christmas completes the experience. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and seasonal food and drink will be on offer from hand-picked stalls.
Wimpole Estate
Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/ christmas-at-wimpole


Glow at RHS Hyde Hall
Friday 21st November to Saturday 27th December
See the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hyde Hall garden brought to life with dazzling colour, twinkling lights and festive cheer as its winter illuminations trail Glow returns for 2025.
The sparkling trail starts at the garden’s iconic sycamore sculpture before taking visitors through some of its best loved areas including the Australia and New Zealand Garden, Queen Mother’s Garden, Robinson Garden and Winter Garden, with trees, shrubs and sculptures bathed in colour.
Cabins by the lake along with the Gardener’s Rest restaurant will offer food and refreshments while at the garden centre you’ll find UK-grown Christmas trees, festive houseplants, decorations and gifts. Tickets must be booked in advance.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford CM3 8ET rhs.org.uk









4-30TH DECEMBER 2025












Panto Guide


Beauty and the Beast comes to BEAM BEAM in Hertford has really pulled out all the stops to make it a magical Christmas with the festive classic Beauty and the Beast as its panto this year.
It stars Drag Race and musical theatre star Divina De Campo, comedian and impressionist Nerine Skinner, Britain’s Got Talent’s Mama G, comedian and magician Tom Brace (who grew up locally in Harlow) and musical theatre star Lucy Ireland.
When’s it on?
Friday 5th December to Sunday 4th January
Book at: beamhertford.co.uk

The fairest panto of them all… Snow White is coming to town in Bishop’s Stortford at South Mill Arts. The fairest panto of them all takes you on a journey to a magical land where brave princes and wicked witches dwell. The professional production features a cast of all-singing alldancing West End performers.
When’s it on?
Friday 28th November to Friday 2nd January
Book at: southmillarts.co.uk / 01279 710200

Panto – with a twist at Millfield

Rapunzel and the Revengers is a traditional panto with a tangled twist that is being performed this Christmas at the Millfield Theatre in Edmonton. Join Rapunzel with her luscious long locks in an epic showdown against the most powerful group of villains the panto world has ever seen – The Revengers, led by the wickedly glamorous Mother G!
When’s it on?
Thursday 4th to Tuesday 30th December
Book at: millfieldtheatre.co.uk / 020 8807 6680


Go to the ball at Wyllyotts
Cinderella comes to the ever-popular Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar this year. Arguably the best-loved panto of them all, Cinders is a classic tale of magic and true love and is brought to you by the team behind last year’s hugely successful Aladdin show. Abi Fullard plays Cinders, Luke & Elliott the Ugly Sisters, Morgan Phillips Buttons, Rebecca Vere Fairy Godmother and Holly Lineton Prince Charming.
When’s it on?

Friday 12th to Wednesday 31st December
Book at: wyllyottstheatre.co.uk / 01707 645005


Sleeping Beauty in kingdom of Harlowtopia
Sleeping Beauty awakens at Harlow Playhouse this Christmas. In the kingdom of Harlowtopia, far, far away, a beautiful princess awaits her true love’s kiss to awaken her from a deep slumber. Get ready to boo, hiss and cheer a talented cast featuring Harlow favourites Ben Parsley and Jimmy Burton-Iles on a magical ride through panto-land.
When’s it on?
Friday 28th November to Sunday 4th January.
Book at: harlowplayhouse.co.uk / 01279 431945

Festive party nights at The Spotlight
The Spotlight in Hoddesdon has had to cancel its planned panto (Snow White) this Christmas for operational reasons and has instead arranged a series of different festive shows. They include 80s Live, Rat Pack Live, Man in the Mirror and Abba and Motown Christmas shows – plus Uncle Funk’s Christmas Disco Inferno and discos for both adults and children. For full details visit thespotlightvenue.com.

Cinders comes to Hoddesdon
Hertfordshire Studios in Brewery Road, Hoddesdon is hosting Cinderella, performed by British Pantomimes, in a series of child-friendly 60-minute performances. British Pantomimes is a true locally-grown success story, led by producer Kev Orkian of Hertfordshire Studios and choreographed by Nicole May from Hodesdon’s Mayhem Theatre Arts.
When’s it on?
Thursday 27th November to Sunday 7th December
Book at: britishpantomimes.com / 01992 899000

Broxbourne Theatre Company
The good news is that panto will still be coming to The Spotlight after Christmas when Broxbourne Theatre Company present Dick Whittington. Make sure to book early to be certain of your seat!
When’s it on?
Wednesday 7th to Sunday 11th January
Book at: thespotlightvenue.com / 01992 441946




Saturday 6 December, 7.30pm

Sunday 7 December, 7.30pm

Saturday 13 December, doors open from 6.30pm, music from 8pm
Saturday 20 December, 7.30pm

Tuesday 9 December, 7.30pm

Thursday 18 December, 3pm


Friday 12 December, doors open from 6pm, music from 7.30pm

Friday 19 December, 7.30pm
Monday 22 December, 2pm





Christmas

Could you help us in supporting vulnerable families in our local community?
Every donation you make will put a smile on a child's face this Christmas.
Please donate to our GoFundMe link or purchase an item for a child from our amazon wish list.













Where to see Santa

Christmas at the zoo
Santa will be at Hertfordshire Zoo on the weekends of 29th and 30th November, 6th and 7th, 13th and 14th, 20th and 21st December, and then daily from Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th.
Tickets for the Christmas Wonderland experience that features a light display, animatronics, visit to Santa’s Grotto and a gift for participating children also include day admission to the wider zoo.
Hertfordshire Zoo
White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne EN10 7QA hertfordshirezoo.com


Meet Santa at the Palace
A Palace Visit with Santa looks set to be a magical festive experience for young visitors and their families at Hatfield House this winter.
Embark on a seasonal journey aboard a fairy-lit tractor trailer, where, accompanied by a children’s storyteller, you’ll hear the enchanting tale of Santa’s lost reindeer –brought to life through festive sculptures crafted by the Park and Gardens team. Together, you’ll walk through the West Garden to meet Santa in front of the fireplace in the Upper Solar Room of the Old Palace with the chance for photos before choosing a Hatfield Park-branded gift to take home.
Hatfield Park
Hatfield AL9 5HX hatfield-house.co.uk




Visit Winter Wonderland & Grotto
Tyndalls Garden Centre’s famed Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Grotto opens on Saturday 22nd November and from then on various dates throughout November and December.
Take a magical walk through the enchanting wonderland where Santa’s elves are busy preparing for Christmas before meeting the man of the season himself in Santa’s Living Room. Young visitors can also choose a present from the elf’s workshop. Visitors can opt to take the Wonderland Walk without a visit and gift from Santa.
Tyndalls stocks a large range of Christmas decorations – with 10% off festive items on opening weekend. There’s also an onsite café, plus free parking outside.
Tyndalls Garden Centre
Sedge Green, Nazeing EN9 2PA tyndallswinterwonderland.com
Santa at Van Hage

Father Christmas teams up with hospice St Clare Hospice has teamed up with Blue Diamond’s Harlow Garden Centre to host Santa’s Grotto at weekends between Saturday 29th November and Sunday 21st December at the garden centre.
All proceeds from the grotto will be donated to the charity to help fund its services for local people.
Tickets are £15 (plus booking fee) per child with up to two accompanying adults and include visit with Santa and his elves, a chance to gather food for Rudolph for Christmas Eve and a gift.
Harlow Garden Centre Canes Lane, Hastingwood CM17 9LD stclarehospice.org.uk/santas-grotto
At Santa’s Grotto at Van Hage in Great Amwell, the journey begins in the reindeer stables at the North Pole where visitors can help mix up a magical batch of reindeer food to guide Santa’s sleigh to your door on Christmas Eve. After a visit to Santa in his cosy living room, and the Present Room to choose a gift, help Mrs Christmas decorate gingerbread biscuits in her kitchen. The grotto is open until Christmas Eve on selected dates.
Van Hage Garden Centre
Pepper Hill, Great Amwell SG12 9RP events.bluediamond.gg







Celebrate with your family at our family-run Italian restaurant in the heart of Hertford!
Great food ❆ Great company ❆ Great atmosphere
3 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ
Open Wednesday to Saturday 5-11pm | Sunday 12-5pm
Book online at Ilvinorestaurant.co.uk or call 01992 550582
Il Vino Café
Our small family café with friendly staff, excellent coffee, panini and cake
Open Monday to Sunday 8am-4pm
Takeaway available online at ilvinocafe.co.uk
82 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1BY
Market Bar
Cocktails, wine and tapas
Open Wednesday & Thursday 5-10pm Friday & Saturday 12-3pm & 5pm-1am
Bottomless brunch 12-3pm Friday & Saturday
33-35 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1DJ
Dine and drink at one of our family of Hertford venues!




A Festive Season to Remember
Get into the festive spirit with great food, good company and all the seasonal feels at Fanhams Hall. From festive afternoon teas and laid-back Sunday lunches to full-on feasts on Christmas Day and Boxing Day – we’ve got all your favourites.
Planning a get-together? We’ve got party nights and private spaces ready to go. And if you don’t fancy heading home, cosy bed and breakfast stays start from just £125 per room.
- Christmas stays
- Christmas Day lunch
- Boxing Day lunch
- Festive afternoon tea
- Christmas parties

460511













