Christmas in St Albans 2018

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Welcome

Welcome to Christmas in St Albans – a lively District with lots to offer this season. This is your guide to what’s going on to help you get out and about and into the festive spirit.

In fact, we’re all about the fun and games this Christmas.

There’s a modern yet nostalgic exhibition opening at our wonderful Museum + Gallery on 1 December called Game Plan: Board Games Revisited. It’s a showcase of board games that will be sure to have you reminiscing about rainy days.

It turns out there are lots of other fun and games to be had around the City and District, too - we’ve always been quite a playful lot! Turn to page 10 and see if you can visit all these games-themed spots this Festive season.

You’ll have a chance to be a winner every day from 1 to 25 December, too, as St Albans City Centre is transformed day by day into a huge Advent Calendar. A different festive shop window will be “revealed” at 1pm every day and if you share the big moment on Facebook you could be in with a chance to win a prize. At the end, you’ll be able to vote for your favourite display via the enjoystalbans.com website. See the locations of the different windows on pages 16 and 17.

See page six for getting to St Albans and visiting the Meraki Christmas Festival St Albans Christmas 2018 3

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Travelling to St Albans for some festive fun?

By Car Car Parking: There are many car parks in the City and District. The map on pages 8-9 shows the location of the St Albans car parks. Go to the Parking pages of the District Council’s website at stalbans.gov.uk for post codes and information on pricing.

Street parking is also available on a pay and display basis in several key locations around the City and District. Blue Badge holders can park for 3 hours free (Please display permit and time clock). Council car parks are free after 6.30pm every day and £1 all day on Sundays. For any enquiries please cotact the Council’s parking team on 01727 819206.

By Rail St Albans is 20 minutes from St Pancras on the Thameslink line and there are frequent services throughout the day and night.

The rail service also connects St Albans to Luton, London Luton airport and Bedford in the North, and Gatwick airport and Brighton heading South. Check thameslinkrailway. com for travel information and updates St Albans is also connected to Watford Junction via the Abbey Line for National Rail connections to London Euston, the West Midlands and the North via the West Coast mainline. Check abbeyline.org for more information.

Both railway stations are just a ten minute walk from the City centre and are well served by buses.

By Bus and Coach St Albans is well connected on the local bus network with services from North London, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, Luton and Watford. Bus information can be found at intalink.org.uk

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Important information for people travelling to St Albans for the Meraki Christmas Festival There is NO PARKING at Westminster Lodge for visitors to the Meraki Christmas Festival.

Visitors are encouraged to use public transport (see information above) or, if arriving by car, to use City Centre car parks.

The Front Meadow is located opposite the St Albans Abbey Station at the bottom of Holywell Hill, less than a ten-minute walk from the St Albans Museum + Gallery. Follow temporary event signposts from the Centre of St Albans to get to the Christmas Festival – see pages 8-9 for a map Several buses run up and down Holywell Hill between the Event Meadow (the St Albans Abbey Station stop) and the City Centre (St Peter’s Street).

Anybody who presents a valid rail or bus ticket for that day can claim 15 per cent off their first round of drinks at the main bar or £1 off a single fairground ride (one offer per ticket).

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Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident of the District, we hope you enjoy your visit to our vibrant and historic City Centre

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Walk from the Meraki Christmas Festival to the Clock Tower via Britain’s oldest pub, taking in a magnificent view of the Cathedral – follow the route marked . If you want to make your way from the City Centre to the Meraki Christmas Festival, the quickest way is down Holywell Hill, with its lovely independent shops and cafés.

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HAVE A PLAYFUL CHRISTMAS

St Albans has a long and fascinating history of gaming and sport that goes back thousands of years. This year, the City and District will be celebrating our special heritage with an incredible array of festive games, events and activities.

Start your journey of discovery at the new St Albans Museum + Gallery, where the vibrant and joyous Game Plan exhibition will be on display from 1st December until 3rd March.

Originally displayed at the V&A: Museum of Childhood, this exhibition celebrates the joy, excitement and occasional frustration of playing board games, with some of the most iconic, enthralling and visually striking games on show.

Keep exploring and visit St Albans Cathedral as well as Verulamium Museum to learn more about games played throughout the centuries.

Golf

Did you know St Albans is the home of the Ryder Cup? Local businessman and Mayor, Samuel Ryder took up golf in his 50s after a period of ill health.

His enthusiasm led him to set up the Ryder Cup tournament between Europe and the USA. You can see one of his golf clubs on display in St Albans

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Museum + Gallery, and walk past the headquarters of his seed company (and the seed hall next door) on Holywell Hill – now the Clarion Collection Hotel and Café Rouge, respectively.

Samuel Ryder

Nine Men’s Morris – Cathedral and Verulamium Museum

Nine Men’s Morris is a relatively simple strategy game for two players.

If you visit Verulamium Museum you can see pieces which were discovered during excavations that show the game was played by the Romans.

It continued to be popular in Europe throughout the medieval and Tudor periods. There are many examples of

boards scratched into stonework, like the one in St Albans Cathedral. Can you spot it? Look on the northern side of the building on some of the stone seating where patient pilgrims may have sat waiting to visit the Shrine of St Alban.

Steeplechase race

Steeple Chase

The St Albans Grand Steeple Chase was first run on Nomansland Common in 1830 and became a regular fixture bringing much business to the town. It promoted by Thomas Coleman, owner of the Turf Hotel on Chequer Street.

The race is thought to have inspired the creation of the annual Grand National horse race at Aintree.

Pub sports

The Fleur de Lys – now The Snug – was a pub on French Row thought to date back to the Middle Ages. It had a bowling alley, though such sports (as well as bull and bear baiting) were discouraged during the Puritan era. It’s not the only pub in St Albans associated with a sport; The Bat & Ball on Chequer Street closed in the 1980s though you can still see the sign above the nail salon and Ye Olde Fighting

Cocks had – as its name suggests – a cock-fighting pit where that activity took place until it was banned the 19th century.

Archery

Records show an earthen ditch erected around the town, known as the Tonman Ditch which was owned and maintained by the Abbey. It was sometimes referred to as the ‘Monk’s Ditch’ and in the medieval era housed St Albans’ archery butts. It was deep enough to contain misdirected arrows and wide enough to double up as a roadway.

Medieval chess piece

On display at St Albans Museum + Gallery is a chess piece made of deer antler, found while excavating the medieval town. It represents a knight in battle; if you look closely you can see that is decorated with carved lines and ring-and-dot patterns.

Dated to 1200s, chess was a game played mainly by the elite so this object suggests that its owner was someone of high status.

There’s plenty more fun and games going on this festive season. Events listings start on the next page, and all the entries marked with a bauble mean that there are games involved.

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Events

ST MARY’S CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR St Mary’s Church, 1 Sherwood Avenue, St Albans AL4 9QA

FESTIVE TOUCHES FOR YOUR HOME Cositas 32-34, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1BZ

Learn to make beautiful decorative items for your home that you’ll enjoy year after year. From Christmas stockings to beautiful wreaths, both traditional and ‘alternative’ – think baubles, pompoms and yarn! All materials and equipment provided, just sit down for a relaxing session of making and learning in our beautiful shop. Participants can also benefit from a ten per cent discount off purchases in the shop on the day of their workshop.

Sat 17 Nov 10.30-12.30 Screen print stocking – £55 Sat 24 Nov 10.30-12.30 Patchwork Christmas Stocking – £50 Sat 1 Dec 10.30-12.30 Light-up willow star – £45; 2-4pm Alternative Christmas wreaths - £55 Sat 15 Dec 10.20-12.30 Traditional wreaths – £60 Various prices. Book online at cositas.co.uk

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Church Christmas fair with traditional stalls and refreshments. Raffles, tombola, children’s activities, gifts and crafts, lunches and visit from Santa at 11.30am. The stalls are all run by our congregation and groups that use the church (Rainbows, Brownies and Guides) All profits go towards the charities that the church supports.

Sat 17 Nov 10.30am-2pm Entry 50p per adult.

Accompanied children free

ST ALBANS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

St Peter’s Street, Chequer Street, Market Place and the Clock Tower, St Albans An afternoon of entertainment throughout the city followed by the lights switch-on at 5pm Sun 18 Nov 12noon – 6pm Free event

STOCK YOUR PANTRY AND STAY PLASTIC-FREE THIS CHRISTMAS The Refill Pantry, 26 London Road, St Albans AL1 1NG

Pop down to The Refill Pantry to pick up Christmas themed recipes, as well as some environmentally friendly gifts. Buy your dried fruits, nuts and spices for Christmas cakes and mincemeat while enjoying a festive drink.

Sun 18 Nov 11am – 3pm Free event

CLOCK TOWER CHRISTMAS OPENING High Street, St Albans, AL3 4EL

Climb the 93 steps of this unique, medieval town belfry and enjoy the view of St Albans as it prepares for Christmas.

There will be giantsized traditional board games, including snakes and ladders, draughts, noughts and crosses, and Connect Four on the first floor for children to enjoy.

The first 25 children who successfully hunt down the parachuting Santas hidden in the Clock Tower will win a small chocolate Santa.

Sun 18 Nov 2-6pm Admission for adults £1, Accompanied, under 12’s free. No disabled access

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Events

Thu 22 Nov 7-9.30pm Admission £6.

Email enquiries@ livingroomherts to request tickets

LOW IMPACT CHRISTMAS

Upstairs at The Harpenden Arms, 188 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2TR Come along to hear ideas and join in discussion about how to enjoy a sustainable Christmas season – presents, food and things to make.

Tues 20 Nov 7.30-9.30pm Free event. Booking requested via MeetUp: meetu.ps/e/FTB3t/ H1PXD/f

SANTA SPECTACULAR

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL4 0PF Have a truly magical day out at Willows Activity Farm. Meet Santa and receive a golden key to his Toy Shop, attend Elf Academy and enjoy ice-skating, gingerbread decorating, live shows, feeding Santa’s reindeer and more.

Wed 21 Nov - Tues 24 Dec 10am-5.30pm Further information and tickets sales at willowsactivityfarm.com

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BRUSH LETTER A FESTIVE BANNER WITH JEN ROFFE

St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ Learn the techniques from an expert calligrapher, perfect your own beautiful brush lettering style and create a hand-lettered banner to take home. A beginners brush lettering kit is provided.

Thurs 22 Nov 2018 10:30am-1pm £45 tickets in advance from.stalbansmuseums. org.uk

STORIES FROM THE LIVING ROOM

St Pauls Church, Blandford Road, St Albans AL1 4JP An evening of poetry, music and comic turns devised, organised and performed by people who are in recovery from addiction.

The Living Room provides free treatment to people living in Hertfordshire who suffer with the illness of addiction, and support to their families and carers.

SANTA’S GROTTO AND WINTER WONDERLAND

Burston Garden Centre, North Orbital Road, St. Albans AL2 2DS Make your own reindeer food and listen to a story from Sprout the talking reindeer before visiting Santa and receiving a gift.

Christmas themed meals available in the Winter Wonderland restaurant.

Weekends and selected weekdays from Sat 24 Nov to Tues 24 Dec. Tickets and further information at burston. co.uk

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Events

BRUSH LETTER A SET OF CHRISTMAS CARDS WITH JEN ROFFE St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ

CHILDWICKBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET

The beautifully restored 19th century horse-stalls and tack rooms is a unique setting for a wide variety of Christmas gift stalls including fine art, stained glass, jewellery, and more.

Food, drinks and mulled wine will be available all weekend.

Sat 24 – Sun 25 Nov 10am-5pm Free event

EARTHWORKS CHRISTMAS FAIR

Earthworks, Hixberry Lane, St. Albans AL4 0TZ Christmas Fair with handmade crafts for sale and a chance to meet Father Christmas in a beautiful grotto. Hot drinks and festive treats. Live music.

Sat 24 Nov 12-3pm Free event

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Learn the techniques from an expert calligrapher and leave having created your own hand-lettered card design which will then be professionally printed to create a bespoke set of 6 cards. Lettering brush, ink, guide sheets, good quality practice paper included.

Sat 24 Nov 2018 10:30am1pm £50 tickets in advance from stalbansmuseums. org.uk

HARPENDEN CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

WHEATHAMPSTEAD VILLAGE LIGHTS SWITCH ON

High Street, Wheathampstead AL4 8AA Bring the children to see Santa, have fun on fairground rides, sample local shops and businesses and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.

Thu 29 Nov- 5.45-8pm Free event

PARK STREET CHRISTMAS

How Wood Shops, AL2 2RA Light up and mince pies in the heart of the village community, with live Big Band music, raffle and children’s choirs Thu 29 Nov 5,15-7pm Free event

Harpenden High Street, Harpenden Once again the carnival will be held in conjunction with the monthly Farmers Market and include entertainment at Church Green from 1pm, the arrival of the Mayor in a walking procession at 3pm and the switching on of the Christmas lights at 5pm Sun 25 Nov 12 noon-6pm Free event

MERAKI CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Front Meadow, Verulamium Park AL1 2DL

Shop for unique handmade goods at St Albans Christmas Market and enjoy all the fun of a winter wonderland with rides, a spectacular virtual reality Santa’s grotto experience,

Christmas movies, skating, an ice bar and much, much more.

Fri 30 Nov – Sat 22 Dec. Closed Mons Tues 11:30am – 10pm; Wed11am – 10pm; -Sat 10am-11pm. Sun 10am – 8pm Free event; some attractions require tickets, see merakichristmas.com for details

CHOOSE YOUR CHRISTMAS WINES Flagship Wines, 417 Hatfield Road, St. Albans AL4 0XP

Three tastings over three weekends to help you choose your festive drinks.

Champagne, sparkling wine and aperitifs Fri 30 Nov 6pm-7.30pm; Sat 1 Dec 11am-6pm; Sun 2 Dec 2-5pm Wines to accompany a festive meal Fri 7 Dec 6pm7.30pm; Sat 8 Dec 11am6pm; Sun 9 Dec 2-5pm Rich port, luscious dessert wines and others to complete a meal Fri 14 Dec 6pm-7.30pm; Sat 15 Dec 11am-6pm; Sun 16 Dec 2-5pm Free event

WHY SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS? Of course we all love the ease and convenience of online shopping, but it’s well worth leaving the house to do your Christmas shopping in bricks-and-mortar businesses this year. Here’s why: There’s something wonderfully festive about brightly lit windows, happy crowds, and Christmas lights. The general air of delicious anticipation can only really be enjoyed by pounding the glistening pavements of your favourite shopping streets Retail staff depend on recommendations and customer interactions and they know their products inside out.

They’re more likely to provide good service and ensure you get the best gift from their ranges.

If it’s variety you’re after, and quirky, one-off goods that are more likely to have been made locally, then you should browse around a few shop windows instead of opening up the laptop These businesses are agile and responsive to demand.

They can often change their product range at short notice in response to local taste or conditions Spending money in a small business keeps money in the local economy. For every £1 spent with a small business, 63p stays local. That compares to 40p in every £1 spent with a larger business Online retailers seek to reduce the human contribution to processing a transaction to less than one minute. Isn’t a smile, a recommendation, comparing the look and feel of your gift, the festive glow of agreeing on just the right purchase, worth more than 59 seconds of human interaction?

Getting out of the house and meeting people who are passionate about what they sell will give you a warm, festive glow better than any mulled wine!

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Events SOUTHDOWN LIGHTS AND LANTERNS EXTRAVAGANZA

Southdown High Street, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1QQ A lantern parade by Santa wih Grove Infant and Junior Schools, followed by Christmas Carols around the Christmas tree from both schools and English Miscellany. Main lights switch-on at 7pm, Santa’s Grotto open 6-8pm.

Fri 30 Nov 5.30pm-8pm Free event

CHRISTMAS BIRDS OF BRAY

Christopher Place Shopping Centre, St Albans AL3 5DQ Meet and find out all about stunning birds of prey.

Sat 1 Dec 11am-3pm Free event

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY NATIONWIDE

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, noncommercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’. Many businesses host events and offer discounts on the day – see stalbansbid.com Sat 1 Dec Free event

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GAME PLAN: BOARD GAMES REDISCOVERED St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ

This exhibition celebrates the joy, excitement and occasional frustration of playing board games.

Sat 1 Dec 10am-5pm until 3 March 2019 Adult – £5 Children – £3.

Pay at the welcome desk

PLAY THE GAME!

St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ Celebrate the opening of the Game Plan exhibition with this free, drop-in event. Help create giant game pieces for display in the museum play giant games and design your own board game to take home.

ST ALBANS TOUR GUIDES WALKS FOR DEC

All walks start outside the Museum + Gallery Take a break from Christmas shopping to join the St Albans tour guides for an illuminating 90-minute tour of St Albans Sun 2, 9 and 16 Dec Historic St Albans 3pm; Wed 12 Dec Ghost Walk 8pm (adults only).

Walks £5 per adult, and £2 per accompanying child aged 5-15. Under 5’s are free. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Ghost walks must be booked online: www. stalbanstourguides.co.uk/ public-walks-calendar

JINGLE BELL JOG

Waterend Barn, St Peters Street, St Albans AL1 3LE

Sat 1 Dec 11am-4pm

5km Jingle Bell Jog and 1.5km Christmas fun run through the streets of St Albans. 5km Jingle Bell Jog open to over 10’s; 1.5km fun run open to all ages.

Wear your best Christmas jumpers!

Free event (entry to the Game Plan exhibition is payable. See above)

Sign up at renniegrove. org/jinglebelljog

Sun 2 Dec 9.30am-12 noon

Jingle Bell Jog: Age 10-15 £8; age 16+ £12. Includes Santa hat and medal 1.5km Fun Run: Up to age 15 £6; age 16+ £10.

Includes antlers and medal

Events REDBOURN CHRISTMAS MARKET

Redbourn High Street AL3 7BD Set in Redbourn High Street, the Village Hall and Cumberland Gardens, this year there will be over 100 stalls, live music, a variety of food, Santa’s Grotto, face painting, mulled wine and more. The ‘big switch on’ is at 4.05pm.

Sun 2 Dec 11am-5pm Free event

LIGHT UP A LIFE

Grove House, Waverley Road, St Albans AL3 5QX A wonderful, positive and uplifting way to come together with your friends and family to remember someone special at Christmas time.

Sun 2 Dec 4pm-5.30pm Free event but donations welcome

BATFORD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS UP

WILLOW FOUNDATION CAROL CONCERT

Batford corner will be full of Christmas spirit with an evening of carols from local Batford schools and the English Miscellany. Join in with the singing before the lights are switched on at 6pm.

Sun 2 Dec 5pm-6.30pm

An evening of your favourite Christmas Carols sung by the spectacular Hertfordshire Chorus with guest performance

by Bishops Hatfield Girls School Choir, with plenty of opportunities for group participation.

Free event

Tue 4 Dec 7.30pm-9.30pm

ADVENT PROCESSION

Tickets available at the Cathedral Box Office or from stalbanscathedral.org

Batford Corner, Lower Luton Road, Harpenden AL5 5AL

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans AL1 1BY This beautiful candlelit service features readings, poetry and music to mark the start of the season of Advent. Starting in darkness, the Cathedral will then be lit by hundreds of candles, reminding us of the hope and expectation of the season.

Sun 2 Dec 6.30pm-8pm Free event

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans AL1 1BY

DESIGN YOUR OWN GIFT WRAP AND CARDS WITH SARAH MORONEY St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ

Create and perfect your own gift wrap designs.

Take home two sheets of wrapping paper, four tags, two cards. No previous artistic skills are necessary and all materials are provided.

Weds 5 Dec 2018 10:30am12.30pm £20 tickets in advance from stalbansmuseums. org.uk

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CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT

St Peter’s Church, St Peters Street, St Albans AL1 3HG An Evening of Festive Music from The King of Hearts and The Amicis led by BBC Proms Conductor, Douglas Coombes. Hosted by Pam Rhode Thu 6 Dec 6.30pm-9.30pm Tickets from renniegrove. org/carolconcert

CINDERELLA

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD Don’t miss the hilarious, fun-packed family pantomime Cinderella, starring Rachel Stevens (S Club 7), Children’s favourite, Ben Faulks (Cbeebies’ Mr Bloom) and local legend, Bob Golding plus a full supporting West End cast.

Thu 6 Dec-Sun 6 Jan Box office tel 01727 844488 or at alban-arena.co.uk

THE BEST WAYS TO GET OUTSIDE THIS CHRISTMAS Avoid the doldrums between Christmas and New Year by getting out and about in St Albans City and District Go tobogganing – At the time of writing, a cold winter is being predicted, with odds of 4/6 on a white Christmas.

Warm up with some tobogganing at favourite spots in Verulamium Park St Albans or Marquis Lane Playground in Harpenden Heartwood Forest is a great place to see the life cycle of woodland. From young saplings to wizened and twisted venerable old trees – when there are no leaves the shapes of the trees become even more distinct and dramatic. Heartwood Forest, Sandridge AL4 9DQ Do the Advent Trail – see if you can find all the festive shop windows in number order – see page 16 and 17 for a handy map. And when you’ve seen them all, vote for your favourite online at enjoystalbans.com Why not walk or cycle the Green Ring? A 6.5 mile route around the City of St Albans should blow any remaining cobwebs away. Find a map on the District Council website or pick one up at Visitor Information Points and the Council offices.

Walk one of the Wheathampstead Heritage Trails. From a mile-long walk around the historic village centre, to some longer strolls along the River Lea and Devil’s Dyke, find them all at wheathampsteadheritage.org.uk

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Events ST ALBANS SLEEPOUT

Oaklands College, Smallford, Hatfield Road, St Albans AL4 OJA Why sleepout? So a homeless person doesn’t have to! Brave the cold and help a homeless person keep warm. Get sponsors and sleep out for one night for charity.

Fri 7 Dec 9pm to 7am Sat 8 Dec Free to enter.

Please register at stalbanssleepout.org.uk

A CHRISTMAS TRESTLE SCHOOL OF DRAMA SHARING Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0JQ

Join Trestle for an evening of short performances from youth theatre groups, sharing some of the work they’ve been creating, with mulled wine and mince pies during the interval.

Sat 8 Dec 5-7pm All tickets £5.

Available online at www.trestle.org.uk or call 01727 850950

CHRISTMAS SNOW GLOBE

Christopher Place Shopping Centre, St Albans AL3 5DQ Bring family, friends or work colleagues to have a Christmas photo taken in the snow globe.

Sat 8 Dec 11am-4pm Free event

COBBLED TOGETHER COOKERY CLASSES 69 Harpenden Road, St Albans AL3 6BY

Fun, all hands on deck cookery class held in my home kitchen. We’ll make several festive dishes together and you’ll leave with armfuls of food you’ve made, as well as the confidence to have a go at home.

Fri 7 Dec and Wed 12 Dec 12 noon-2pm £45 per person.

Booking essential at thecobbledkitchen.co.uk

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SEEING DOUBLE – CHOCOLATE REPLICA WORKSHOP St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ

Learn how museum replica objects are made with archaeologist Tess Machling and Replica Maker Roland Williamson.

Learn about the process and have a go at painting your own chocolate object.

Sat 8 Dec 2018 2-4.30pm £25 tickets in advance from stalbansmuseums.org.uk

ST ALBANS BACH CHOIR FAMILY CAROL CONCERT

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans AL1 1BY Two family-friendly carol concerts performed by the St Albans Bach Choir and guests Embassy Brass.

The afternoon concert is particularly suitable for children.

Sat 8 Dec 3pm - 4pm and 7pm-8.30pm Tickets available at the Cathedral Box Office or from stalbanscathedral.org

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1TE

A perfect festive treat for the whole family, with spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects and plenty of audience participation.

Sat 8 Dec-Sun 30 Dec Book at harpendenpublichalls. co.uk or on 01582 767525

A RENAISSANCE CHRISTMAS – CHORAL MUSIC FROM EUROPEAN ROYAL COURTS AND CATHEDRALS St Peter’s Church, 70 St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL1 3HG

St Albans Chamber Choir present glorious Christmas music from the royal courts and cathedrals of 16th and 17th century Europe.

Sat 8 Dec 7.30pm-10pm Tickets available on the door or in advance by calling 07570 454744 or e-mailing tickets@ stalbanschamberchoir. org.uk or online at ticketsource.co.uk

THE SNOWMAN

Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road Harpenden AL5 1TE Enjoy a special screening of the timeless classic animated film, The Snowman, featuring a live performance of Howard Blake’s musical score performed for you by the Hitchin Band.

Sun 9 Dec 10.30 and 11.30am. Running time approx. 30 mins. Cert U. Tickets from harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

SANTA’S ABBEY LINE GROTTO

St Stephen Parish Council Station Road Bricket Wood AL1 3PJ Ride on the Abbey Line to meet Santa and his elves at his grotto at Bricket Wood station. There will be live music, face painting, balloon modelling, ‘ride-on’ mini steam railway, fun quiz with prizes, food and drink.

Sun 9 Dec 1pm-4pm Train tickets (valid all day) required to visit Santa.

Otherwise a fee of £2.25 per child will apply at the venue. Let Santa and his elves know you’ll be there by registering via the events page on the website www.abbeyline.org.uk

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING

Grove House Waverley Road, St Albans AL3 5QX Make your own Christmas Wreath which will last throughout the Christmas season. Ticket price includes refreshments, oasis bases, fresh foliage and ribbons. Bring your own secateurs!

Mon 10 Dec 10am-12 noon.

Tickets £25 available by calling 01727 731028

ST ALBANS LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS SLEIGH COLLECTIONS St Albans Lions will be touring the area with a Sleigh, Christmas music and Father Christmas collecting money for local charities.

Park Street 11 and 12 Dec; Bricket Wood 13 Dec; Waitrose, King Harry Lane 15 Dec; Jersey Farm area 18-20 Dec; Quadrant, Marshalswick 22 Dec Free event

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Events MAKE A WINTER LANTERN WITH SARAH MORONEY

St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ Create your very own light for use with an LED flameless candle from a selection of fabric designs.

No previous artistic skills are necessary and all materials (including an LED candle per lantern) are provided Wed 12 Dec 2018 10:30am12pm £25 tickets in advance from stalbansmuseums. org.uk

HAREY OPEN MIC

The Hare & Hounds, Sopwell Lane, St Albans AL11RL The Harey Open Mic welcomes performers at all levels. Musicians, Spoken Word, Comedy & beyond.

Hosted by The Parsons Knows.

Wed 12 Dec 8.30pm-11pm Free entry. Sign up for floor spots by emailing theparsonsknows@ outlook.com Free event

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GAMES IN THE GALLERIES

St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ Enjoy playing a selection of giant games in the Assembly Room throughout the holidays. Free fun for all the family.

Sat 15 Dec – Sun 6 Jan Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm Free event (entry to the Game Plan exhibition is payable)

COME AND HELP FILL SANTA’S SLEIGH St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ

Can you help Santa to find presents for refugees?

They need socks, hats, scarves, gloves, sleeping bags, walking boots, tracksuit bottoms, jumpers and coats. All of these can be pre-loved but underwear must be new. Father Christmas has got together with St Albans for Refugees (StAR) and all children can come and see him free of charge and have their photo taken and get a lollipop instead of a present. All he asks is that you help him to gather the presents he needs so that everyone one on Christmas Day.

Sat 15 Dec 2018 10am-4pm Free event [Please note this is not a traditional grotto and Father Christmas will not be handing out presents but collecting donations instead.]

HANSEL & GRETEL

The Sandpit Theatre, the Ridgeway, St Albans AL4 9NX An interactive Christmas treat for early years, families and anyone who would enjoy a relaxed, inclusive theatre experience. Join Hansel and Gretel as they venture into the woods, trailing breadcrumbs as they go.

Sat 15 Dec 11.30am12.45pm and 2.30pm 3.45pm Tickets from the box office or online at sandpittheatre.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GAMES – CURLING AND SKITTLES

Christopher Place shopping Centre St Albans AL3 5DQ Come and try your hand at the winter sports of curling and skittles. Grab a mulled wine or hot drink and soak in the atmosphere.

Sat 15 Dec 11am-3pm Free event

A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL

The Christmas play for the whole family. On a snowy Christmas Eve, three ghosts take Scrooge on a fantastic journey. By glimpsing his past, present and future, he learns to love Christmas and finally make friends with the kind of people around him.

Sat 15 Dec to Sat 29 Dec, various times.

Tickets from the box office, by calling 01727 857861 or at www.abbeytheatre. org.uk

CAROLS ON THE HOUR

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans AL1 1BY A whole day of short carol services to help the whole family get into the Christmas spirit. Each carol service lasts just 30 minutes - enough time to sing some uplifting carols with the Cathedral Choirs and local visiting choirs, and to get a real taste of Christmas in the beautiful, atmospheric surrounds of the Cathedral.

Sat 15 Dec on the hour between 11am and 4.30pm Free event

TIPS FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS….

Festive indulgence and excess need not come at too high an environmental price. Here are some tips for a more sustainable Christmas Gifts and wrapping….

Wrap your gifts in fabric squares tied with pretty ribbons which can be saved and used again next year… or use a gift bag or box that you can bring out time and time again. If you want to use paper, choose matte wrapping paper as it can be recycled along with your other paper.

Food and Drink Love your leftovers – make sure none of your festive fayre goes to waste by resisting the temptation to over-buy and making brilliant use of leftovers – look online for inspiration.

Remember to use your food waste caddy for any scraps and peelings. Rather than buying expensive soft drinks in single-use plastic containers, infuse jugs of tap water with ginger, lemon or cucumber.

Decorations Artificial trees can be reused year after year, but are hard to recycle at the end of their life. Instead of throwing them away, consider repurposing them as wreaths or garlands for your home. Check Pinterest for creative ideas. If you’re starting from scratch, consider a small Christmas tree with roots that you can plant out in the new year and bring inside each December.

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Events ST ALBANS BOARD GAME CLUB GAMING DAY 3rd Scouts HQ Scout Hut, Chene Drive, Waverley Road St Albans

All games and gamers welcome. Bring your games or just come along and play what is there: anything from quick, easy card games to three-hour epics. We offer teaching and help.

BoardGameMonster.co.uk will have a table of games for sale on the day.

Sat 15 Dec 11am-11pm Adults – £5; ages 12-16 - £3; under 12’s – free (must be accompanied by an adult). Pay on the door.

THE DE HAVILLAND PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU

James Mayhew and the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra present everyone’s favourite Christmas music in a spectacular concert, with illustrations created live on stage during this performance of Tchaikovsky’s evergreen score.

Sun 16 Dec 2pm-3.30pm and 4.30-6pm Book tickets at uharts. co.uk or 01707 281127

CAROL CONCERT FOR ST FRANCIS HOSPICE, PRESENTED BY THE ST ALBANS LIONS St Albans Cathedral Sumpter Yard AL1 1BY

REINDEER ON THE MALL

Christopher Place Shopping Centre, St Albans AL3 5DQ Find out all about these wonderful creatures at this truly special event Sat 22 Dec 11am-3pm Free event

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Celebrate the festive season with the Hospice of St Francis, featuring performances by the talented Harpenden Choral Society and the Sir John Lawes School Choir as well as plenty of opportunities for audience participation!

Sun 16 Dec 3pm – 4.30pm Tickets available from the Cathedral Box Office or from stalbanscathedral.org

THE MECHANICAL INSTRUMENT CHRISTMAS SPECIAL St Albans Organ Theatre, 320 Camp Road St Albans AL15PE

Enjoy a Christmas Special which includes several visiting organs and other festive attractions and refreshments and mince pies.

Sun 16 Dec1.45pm-5pm Booking essential at stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

HAREY XMAS LOUNGE

The Hare & Hounds Sopwell Lane, St Albans AL11RL Live acoustic music from local performers in a relaxed Sun afternoon atmosphere.

Sun 16 Dec3pm-6pm Free event. Child and dog friendly.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT MALTINGS ARTS THEATRE The Maltings Arts Theature, Level 2 The Maltings, St Albans AL1 3HL A special performance of Charles Dickens’ famous Christmas tale set among the darkness and decay of Victorian London Wed 19 and Thu 20 Dec 10.30am and 8pm Tickets from ticketsource. co.uk/ovo or on 07807 521436

MAKE AND DO CRAFT SESSIONS

St Albans Museum + Gallery, Market Place, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ Drop in to take part in simple craft activities inspired by the Game Plan exhibition. All children to be accompanied by an adult.

Wed 19 – Fri 21 Dec and Fri 28 – Sun 30 Dec 2-4pm Free event

CRIB SERVICE

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard St Albans AL1 1BY A lively, familyfriendly service aimed predominantly at families and children with a chance to visit the crib and join in the singing of carols.

Tue 24 Dec 2.30pm-3.30pm Free event

ST ALBANS LIONS CLUB – CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION

St Albans Lions are recycling Christmas Trees on behalf of the Hospice of St. Francis in AL1, 2, 3 and 4. Last year we recycled over 400 trees raising over £4500 for St Francis Hospice.

Sun 6 Jan - Tue 8 Jan 9am6.30pm Service free in return for a donation. Register at charityxmastreecollection. com by 4 Jan 2019

EXTRA CHARTER MARKET DAYS THIS CHRISTMAS St Albans Charter Market is steeped in history.

Its Royal Charter was granted in 1553, but it’s documented as far back as the 9th century. Today’s Market is a hugely popular fixture every Wednesday and Saturday with up to 150 stalls running the length of St Peters Street.

There’s even more to enjoy this festive season with some extra Markets, and a return of the hugely popular Christmas Charter Market Christmas Farmers’ Market Sunday 9 December Come and meet makers and producers at this monthly fixture, and pick up something special for the festive table.

French Market Thursday 13 and Friday 14 Dec A little Continental pizazz with food and gifts with a distinctly French accent Christmas Charter Market extension Sunday 16 Dec – Monday 24 Dec Pick up your festive fruit and veg, and get gifts for everybody on your list at our special festive version of the Christmas Market, which will take place outside the Museum + Gallery. Lots of your favourite street food traders will be here, too, so come on down and enjoy a tasty treat.

Tinseltown Festive Pop-Ups! Look out for live music and arts performance around the Clock Tower on Charter Market days throughout the festive period.

Fancy some festive folk, blues, pop or a Seasonal Choir whilst working your way through the Christmas shopping? St Albans Arts Team will be programming a host of delights to add some cheer and merriment to the town centre!

For full programme go to www.facebook.com/SAASHArts

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