harpenden NOW Dec 25 by wendy robertson

harpenden December 2025NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006

Welcome to December

At this special time of year as we spend time with family and friends, why not take the time to say hello to neighbours, or call someone you haven't heard from in a while to see how they are. A big thank you to all our advertisers, readers and those who have contributed to another successful year of the NOW magazines! Run your own business? We‘d love to include you, just book your space online today. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

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Book online NOW

Deadline 4th Dec for Jan editions www.theNOWmagazines.com

NOW for the Kids

Roald Dahl Museum

Events free with admission

Charlie’s Chocolate Christmas Storytelling

29th Nov & 6th, 7th, 13th & 14th Dec

Hear storytellers bring Roald Dahl’s words to life, as you join in with the noises and actions.

Santa at the Museum 6th & 13th Dec

Santa will be in the galleries all day, so say hello and pick a free chocolate treat.

Roald Dahl Museum, Bucks HP16 0AL roalddahlmuseum.org

Hatfield House

Winter Walks & Workshops

29th Nov - 21st Dec 11am - 4pm

Family event with festive woodland walks and Christmas decoration workshops.

A Palace Visit with Santa 29th Nov - 21st Dec 11am - 7.30 pm

Hatfield House AL9 5HX hatfield-house.co.uk

Winter-Fest

29th Nov - 24th Dec 9am - 4pm

Enjoy farm activities and discover the secrets that unfold as you journey through Santa's Magical Grotto.

Aldenham Country Park WD6 3BA aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

Christmas at Hertfordshire Zoo

29th Nov - 24th Dec selected dates

Visit Santas Grotto and receive a gift, enjoy the Christmas walkway, light display and festive animatronics. £32.99, child £33.99

Broxbourne EN10 7QA hertfordshirezoo.com

Polar Bear Trail 29th Nov - 4th Jan

Daily except Mondays, 10am - 5pm, trail sheet £1

Help Snowy the polar bear travel around the galleries and give gifts to all the animals.

Tring Natural History Museum HP23 6AP nhm.ac.uk

Lunch with the Elves 5th & 8th Dec

As well as lunch, there’ll be a sing-along with the elves, festive story time, gingerbread decorating, and if you’ve been good, you’ll receive a certificate of achievement!

Willows Activity Farm, London Colney AL4 0PF willowsactivityfarm.com

The Three Bears

6th- 24th Dec

£13.75, age 3+

Get ready for giggles galore in this wild, high-energy adventure. Perfect for all ages the show celebrates love, laughter and the beauty of families of all shapes and sizes.

Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY culturetrust.com

Rosie Robin & the Christmas Post

13th - 24th Dec from £8

This magical, heart-warming show tells the story of one tiny Robin determined that no-one is forgotten this Christmas.

Old Town Hall Arts Centre, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE oldtownhall.co.uk

Children's Christmas Trail

20th Dec - 3rd Jan

Follow the trail map to find knitted characters hiding in Town Centre shops and shop windows. Visit the website to download the trail map. Hertford Town Centre hertford.gov.uk

It’s Panto Time!

Dick Whittington & His Cat

21st Nov - 18th Jan from £20

Join intrepid hero Dick and his extraordinary cat on their quest for fame, fortune and fantastic adventures he journeys to London to become Lord Mayor.

Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ everyonetheatres.com

Jack & the Beanstalk

29th Nov - 4th Jan from £13

Full of songs you know and love, a grow-bag packed with plant-based humour and the best cow this side of Watford gap!

Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty 3rd -7th Dec £14

Enjoy this classic fairy-tale with a pantomime twist.

Redbourn Village Hall, High Street AL3 7LW ticketsource.co.uk/redbourn-players

Aladdin

5th Dec - 31st Dec from £16

Fun-filled family panto, starring TV legend

Steve Mcfadden as the boo-able baddie, and returning as fabulous Dame Dolly is St Albans’ favourite, Bob Golding. Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD everyonetheatres.com

Beauty & the Beast

5th - 31st Dec from £23

Packed with laughter, music and magical surprises, it’s the perfect festive treat for the whole family.

Watersmeet Theatre WD3 1EH watersmeet.co.uk

Beauty & the Beast

5th Dec - 4th Jan from £18.50

Packed with hilarious slapstick comedy, plenty of audience interaction and marvellous musical numbers

Beam Theatre, Hertford SG14 1PS beamhertford.co.uk

All New Adventures of Peter Pan

5th Dec - 4th Jan from £17.50

With lavish sets, hilarious jokes and fun for all the family, HOOK your tickets now! Grove Theatre, Dunstable LU4 5GP everyonetheatres.com

Cinderella 6th Dec - 3rd Jan from £23.50

Dazzling choreography, stunning sets, uplifting live music, glamorous costumes (for most of the cast members!) and, of course, plenty of audience participation.

Radlett Centre WD7 8HL radlettcentre.co.uk

Goldilocks & the Three Bears

6th Dec - 11th Jan from £15

Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus with comedian, TV and musical theatre star

Brian Conley

Milton Keynes Theatre MK9 3NZ atgtickets.com

Jack & the Beanstalk

7th - 30th Dec from £19.50

With spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects and lots of audience participation.

EMC, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR everyonetheatres.com

Sleeping Beauty

8th Dec - 4th Jan from £23

Step into a world of magic, mischief and happily ever afters with this year’s enchanting pantomime.

Campus West, WGC AL8 6BX campuswest.co.uk

Dick Whittington

13th Dec 2.30pm from £5

Join Dick and his cat on their hilarious adventure to Old London Town Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY wpcevents.co.uk

Where’s Santa?

Van Hage Garden Centre until 24th Dec selected dates

Start at the North Pole with the Elf helpers, visit Santa and his present room and Mrs Christmas in her kitchen. Family £30 - £95 Great Amwell SG12 9RP events.bluediamond.gg

Whipsnade Zoo

22nd Nov - 24th Dec

Meet Santa in his enchanting new grotto and receive a gift, and upgrade to an animal giftgiving session for an extra sprinkle of Christmas magic. £18.50 / £42

Dunstable LU6 2LF whipsnadezoo.org

Willows Activity Farm

22nd Nov - 24th Dec selected dates

See Santa in his Grotto, receive a golden key to his toy shop and choose a gift, make-a-bear cuddly toy and enjoy gingerbread decorating, a reindeer hunt and more.

London Colney AL4 0PF willowsactivityfarm.com

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park

22nd Nov - 24th Dec selected dates

A 90 minute tour with a visit to Mother Christmas’ kitchen, a sparkle snow show, gingerbread decorating, a visit to Santa and a teddy bear to take home. £15.99 - £52

Enfield EN9 2EF leevalleyfarm.co.uk

Hatfield House

29th Nov - 21st Dec

Take a journey on the fairy-lit tractor trailer with a children’s storyteller, meet Santa and receive a gift. £35

Herts AL9 5NQ hatfield-house.co.uk

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

29th Nov - 22nd Dec selected dates

Meet Santa while enjoying a steam train ride, watch Aladdin, visit Santa’s workshop, meet Mrs Claus and the elves, and choose a gift.

HP22 4BY bucksrailcentre.org

Aldenham Country Park

29th Nov- 24th Dec selected dates

Help the Elf prepare for Santa's busy schedule, go through the magical wardrobe to meet Santa, then choose a gift from his workshop.

From £23.90 Borehamwood WD6 3BA aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

Mead Open Farm

30th Nov - 24th Dec selected dates

Enjoy a magical adventure, meet Santa for a story, decorate gingerbread men with Mother Christmas, wander through the magical forest, make reindeer food, visit the make a bear workshop and more. From £25

Billington, Beds LU7 9JH meadopenfarm.co.uk

Bletchley Park

1st - 23rd Dec selected dates

Meet Santa and be transported into the truly magical world of the Vintage Grotto. £15 - £16.75

Milton Keynes MK3 6EB bletchleypark.org.uk

Burston Garden Centre

4th - 24th selected dates

Enjoy a magical visit to meet Santa.

Child £14, adult £1

St Albans AL2 2DS burston.co.uk

Stockwood Discovery Centre

12th - 24th Dec

Meet the whimsical elves, create a festive keepsake and some reindeer food and meet Santa and receive a gift. From £25.30

Luton LU1 4LX culturetrust.com

Knebworth Barns 14th & 21st Dec

Enjoy a festive 2 course meal, and a visit from Santa, each child will receive a gift. From £34

Knebworth House SG3 6PY knebworthhouse.digitickets.co.uk

Round Table Santa Float

Keep an eye out for this charity float, check their Facebook page to find out when it’s visiting your street. @harpendenroundtable

enquiries@gjsmithroofing.com

Christmas Fairs &

Markets

Cards for Good Causes

Selling a wide range of charity Christmas cards.

Harpenden URC Church, Vaughan Road AL5 4ED until 19th Dec Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm

St Peters Church, St Albans AL1 3HG until 23rd Dec Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm & Sun: 11am - 4pm cardsforcharity.co.uk

The Barn until 21st Dec Thurs - Sun: 10am - 5pm

Selling gifts, ceramics, greetings cards, decorations, bags, bracelets, artwork and more.

The Long Barn, Wheathampstead AL4 8RQ sarahcollinsbarn.com

Christmas Market

29th & 30th Nov & 6th & 7th Dec from £5.50

Festive market selling unique, handcrafted gifts. Standalone Farm, Letchworth Garden City SG6 4JN standalonefarm.com

Redbourn Christmas Market

30th Nov 11am - 5pm

Over 100 stalls selling food, crafts and gifts, and festive tunes from the best local talent.

Cumberland Gardens & Village Hall, Redbourn High Street AL3 7GH redbournchristmasmarket.com

Sandridge Christmas Market

6th Dec 11am - 4pm

Indoor and outdoor market with over 35 stalls from small businesses.

Sandridge Scout Hut, Sandridgebury Lane AL3 6JB facebook.com

Christmas Shopping Fair

6th & 7th Dec 10am - 4pm

With gifts, arts, crafts, fashion and beauty. £5 Herts County Showground, Redbourn AL3 7PT charlieowenevents.co.uk

St Albans & Local Markets

St Albans Market

11th - 13th, 17th - 24th & 31st Dec

2nd Sunday Market 14th Dec 8am - 2pm

Vintage Market 21st Dec 9am - 3pm

Harpenden Farmers Market 28th Dec 10am - 2pm

Makers + Creatives Christmas Market

16th Dec 6pm - 9pm £3

The Hub on Verulam, St Albans AL3 4DA popupbazaarcreatives.com

Winter Planters

If you’re not going to venture into the garden much this winter, make sure you create a winter planter or two which will look gorgeous from the warm comfort of your house and may help to coax you outside from time to time.

Choose a larger container as it will protect the roots on the plants due to the greater volume of compost. Avoid any container less than 30cm diameter. Any container will insulate the roots a little, but one made from thick wood (such as a wooden trough or a halfbarrel) will be very effective. Good quality, fairly chunky plastic also works quite well. Try to avoid metal as this tends to conduct cold.

A lining of bubble-wrap polythene or even a few layers of old fabric or carpet, sandwiched between the sides of the container and the compost will help to keep both compost and roots warm. Try to position the planters out of the windiest areas. If possible place them close to a house wall on the south or west side as this will help to provide a little extra warmth.

You’ll be amazed at the range of plants for adding winter colour and interest to pots and planters. Think about winter flowering pansies or even hardier smaller flowered violas.

Winter flowering heathers can make a good base for the display and you can add trailing plants such as variegated ivies to help provide extra colour, texture and interesting leaf shapes.

At this time of year, garden centres will have tiny versions of shrubs such as Skimmias, Pieris or Hollies and many dwarf Conifers. They will provide good colour and interest in a container for a year or two and can then be planted in your garden to reach their full size.

In warmer areas, add bright patches of colour using the ‘Winter Cherry’ or Solanum which has bright yellow and orange fruits. You could use winter flowering Cyclamen but these need a sheltered spot such as a window box on a protected wall.

Don’t forget to add in a few early spring flowering bulbs such as miniature Narcissus, Crocus and miniature Iris. Hide them beneath the roots of your winter bedding plants; you’ll forget they are there until they burst out in spring!

Enjoy your free time and let us do the hard work for you

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Festive Fun

Christmas Light Trail

27th Nov - 1st Jan from 4pm

Discover dazzling installations, festive favourites and magical moments. Ashridge House HP4 1NS ashridgehouse.org.uk

A Christmas Carol £15 - £27.50 28th Nov - 30th Dec

British Schools Museum, Hitchin 5th - 30th Dec

Vintry Garden by St Albans Cathedral

OVO Productions will take audiences on an open air journey in this truly unique festive experience, immersing you in the spirit of Christmas past, present and yet to come ovo.org.uk

The Horn

World Famous Pub Quiz

1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Dec 8pm

Round up your friends and put your thinking caps on for the weekly Monday pub quiz, with a rollover round. £2 includes the chance to win a cash prize Desert Penguins Crimbo Bash 12th Dec 8pm-2am, band onstage 10.30pm free

Get ready for a massive Christmas party featuring the one and only Desert Penguins, the noughties Pop gone Rock legends.

Don’t Be Home Alone 13th Dec 8pm-2am, band onstage 10.30pm free

A festive celebration with songs that bring the cheer, spark the spirit, and keep the dancefloor merry all night long. Live performances by local cover band Half Life, will spread some Christmas magic (and maybe a little chaos) the only way they know how!

The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3TE thehorn.co.uk

The Old Town Hall

Solve-A-Long-A-Murder She Wrote:

A Fashionable Way to Die 3rd Dec 8pm £22

A unique and hilarious night featuring games, prizes, audience participation and a screening of this episode of the classic Murder, She Wrote. Live at The Old Town Hall 11th Dec 8pm £10

An electrifying night of local talent brought to you by the multi-award-winning Juicebox Live!

Christmas Screaming Blue Murder 15th Dec 8pm £10age 18+

This months comedy club welcomes Michael Shafar and Tamar Broadbent.

The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE oldtownhall.co.uk

Christmas Concert 4th Dec 7pm £15

Featuring Magic Voices and a fabulous junior choir, in aid of local charity AT Society.

Church of St John’s, Harpenden AL5 1DH atsociety.org.uk

Live Cinema

With The World of Hans Zimmer -A New Dimension 4th Dec & 18th Dec 7.30pm

This concert in Krakow displays the entire spectrum of Zimmer's work, allowing you to experience his film music with overwhelming intensity.

Merrily We Roll Along 5th Dec 7.30pm

Spanning three decades and charting the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends, writer Mary and playwright Charley, featuring some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

André Rieu’s Christmas Concert 6th Dec 7pm & 7th Dec 2.30pm

The Nutcracker 10th Dec 7.15pm & 14th Dec 2pm

Magician Herr Drosselmeyer needs to save his nephew. Hans-Peter who has been transformed into a Nutcracker; the only way to save him is for the Nutcracker to defeat the Mouse King and find a girl to love and care for him.

Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX campuswest.co.uk

Christmas Lunches

5th, 6th & 7th Dec 12noon £40

Enjoy a sumptuous 3-course lunch, complete with all the trimmings.

Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden rothamstedmanor.com

Southdown Performing Arts Centre

U3A Ukulele Band 5th Dec 2.30pm £5

Christmas Concert 13th Dec 7.30pm

A mix of sacred and modern Christmas music with the Beati Vocal Ensemble. £10, concs £8 Harpenden AL5 1QQ southdownspace.org

Singers at the Barn 7th Dec 7pm

£7

On the first Sunday of each month, enjoy the diverse musical talents of individual performers, as they sing and play a wide range of music.

Mayor’s Christmas Carol Concert

Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk

10th Dec 6pm £6, child free

Join in a sing-along to traditional favourites with performances by local schools. All proceeds to the

Mayor’s nominated charities. 01582 463662 harpenden.gov.uk

Comedy Crackers

10th Dec 7.30pm £33 age 14+

A perfectly-wrapped night of comedy, featuring household names Dara O’Briain, Ivo Graham, Josh Jones and more!

The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD everyonetheatres.com

Christmas Bliss Day Disco

13th Dec 1pm from £20.76

The ultimate festive party for adults who love to dance, socialise and enjoy the music they grew up with…all before the sun goes down! Pioneer Club, St Albans AL3 5AY pioneerclub.co.uk

Charity Concert 13th Dec 3pm

Music Makers will be raising the roof with joyous songs for the festive season, while raising vital funds for the Harpenden Community First Responders.

High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden

Tickets judie.caunce@gmail.com / 07775 652578 harpendenresponders.org.uk

Carols in the Park 13th Dec 4pm

With carols, mulled wine and mince pies.

Highfield Park, Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA highfieldparktrust.co.uk

St Albans Choral Society

13th Dec 7.30pm

A programme of Christmas music old and new. St Peter's Church, St Albans AL1 3HG stalbanschoralsociety.org

St Albans Organ Theatre

Organ Concert 13th Dec 3pm

With Elizabeth Harrison.

Mechanical Instrument Concert 14th Dec 3pm Please book Camp Road AL1 5PE stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Maltings Arts Theatre

Christmas with the Hertfordshire Big Band 13th Dec 7.30pm £12 - £15

Join the county’s premier award-winning jazz ensemble for a night of big band jazz and festive cheer.

Baby Broadway at Christmas 20th Dec 10am & 11.30am £13.50 - £15

Sing and dance along to festive show tunes from hit musicals and beloved Christmas films, all performed by talented West End singers.

For all ages from newborns to grandparents!

The Maltings Theatre AL1 3HL ovo.org.uk

Celebrate Christmas 15th Dec 8pm

A selection of carols for choir and audience with The Hardynge Choir. £18, student £9, child free

St John's Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ hardyngechoir.org

Harpenden Choral Society

16th Dec 7.30pm

Christmas carol concert for choir and audience with organist Roger Carter. High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden harpendenchoralsociety.org

FestiveLea Christmas Concert 18th Dec 7.30pm £10 - £18

An evening of uplifting singing and popular carols with the Lea Singers.

St John's Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ leasingers.co.uk

The Box of Delights

19th - 28th Dec £16, child £10 age 7+

When Kay Harker returns home for the Christmas holidays, he meets an old magician who entrusts him with a mysterious, magical box. The box has incredible powers and Kay is quickly entangled in a thrilling adventure involving time travel, magic and sinister forces. A festive, fast-paced blend of mystery and enchantment, filled with wonder and the spirit of childhood adventure.

Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL abbeytheatre.org.uk

Cinderella & Scruff the Dog

23rd Dec 1.15pm £7

An enchanting musical fairy tail for all the family! Harpenden Library, High Street AL5 2RU

Please book via your local library

Carols on the Common 24th Dec 6pm

Hosted by The Harpenden Trust. Harpenden Common harpenden.gov.uk

Jack & the Beanstalk 30th Dec 4pm £7

A musical fairy tale for the whole family.

St Albans Library, Level 2, Maltings AL1 3JQ

Please book via your local library

 A great way to meet new people

 No need to read music

 No auditions

 Not for profit

Harpenden

Salvation Army Hall AL5 2TG Wednesdays 10.45am - 12.15pm

Wheathampstead

Mead Hall AL4 8BP (free parking) Mondays 1.30pm - 3pm

Out & About

Memory Lane Café

Mondays 2pm - 3.30pm

Tea, chat and activities.

Salvation Army Hall, Leyton Green, Harpenden harpenden.gov.uk

Waddesdon

Christmas Fair & Food Village until 14th Dec Wed - Sun: 12 noon - 7pm

Browse artisan stalls. Entry with admission

Christmas at Waddesdon

22nd Nov - 4th Jan Weds - Sun

22nd, 23rd, 29th & 30th Dec from 12 noon

Enjoy a festive trans-European tour exploring traditions that light up each countries winter season, see the front of the house transformed into a moving tapestry of colour, and lots more.

Waddesdon Bucks HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk

Everyday Life in Edwardian

Harpenden until 31st Jan free

Tues, Thurs & Sat: 11am - 3pm

Exhibition to see what living in Harpenden was like before WW1.

Harpenden Museum, EMC AL5 2FR harpenden-history.org.uk

University of Hertfordshire

Firm Foundations Part II: The Legacy of St Albans School of Art until 20th Feb free Exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of the School of Art.

Sat-ART-day 13th Dec 11am - 3pm free drop in Get creative and explore the exhibition with dropin activities and guided tours.

Art + Design Gallery, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB uharts.co.uk

Wrest Park

Christmas at Wrest Park

22nd Nov - 21st Dec 10am - 4pm weekends

A magical way to start the festive season.

Festive Afternoon Tea

22nd Nov - 21st Dec Wed - Sun from 12 noon

Meet Father Christmas

29th Nov - 21st Dec 10.20am - 3pm weekends

Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR

english-heritage.org.uk

Dunstable Downs

Christmas Wreath Making Workshops

30th Nov & 9th Dec 6.30pm £60 please book

A great way to kick off the festive season.

Festive Craft Evening

4th Dec 5pm - 8pm, free entry, craft activities £3

Browse unique gifts, enjoy mini wreath making and bauble decorating.

A Knights Festive Feast Trail

6th Dec - 4th Jan 10.30am - 4pm, £3

Complete tasks, follow clues and gather everything needed to complete the festive banquet table with a prize at the end.

Breakfast with the Elves 7th, 14th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd Dec 9.30am, 10am & 10.30am

Step into magic as the View Café is transformed into the elves workshop. £13.95, child £6.95

Festive Knights Banquet

19th Dec 6pm, £40, child £20

A night of laughter, music and magic, as you step into a world of gallant knights and royal banquets.

Dunstable Downs, Beds LU6 2GY nationaltrust.org.uk

Aylett Nurseries

Wreath Decorating Workshops

30th Nov 10.30am & 5th Dec 2.30pm & 7pm

£45, adults only

Children’s Christmas Craft Activities

20th - 22nd Dec 9.30am, 11am & 2pm, £7.50

Table Arrangement Workshops 22nd Dec

Adult & child 10.30am / Adult only 2.30pm £25

Materials and foliage included.

North Orbital Rd, St Albans AL2 1DH aylettnurseries.co.uk

Rennie Grove Peace

Big Festive Quiz of the Year

1st Dec - 5th Jan

Download the festive family quiz for a Christmas-themed challenge. £6

Wreath Making Workshop 4th Dec 7pm

For anyone green fingered or wanting to get into the Christmas spirit. £45

Grove House, Waverly Road, St Albans

I & G Charity Ball 5th Dec 6pm

3-course meal with wine, a local band and auction.

In aid of RGHC and Crohn’s & Colitis UK. £75 Verulam Golf Club, St Albans AL1 1JG

Rudolph Run 7th Dec

Put on your antlers and Christmas jumpers and run through the streets of St Albans city centre, in either the 1.5km or 5km route. £10, child £6

Waterend Barn, St Peter’s Street, St Albans renniegrovepeace.org

Out & About

Herts Musical Memories

Wheathampstead

1st & 8th Dec 10.30am - 12 noon

Marford Memorial Hall AL4 8AY

St Albans

5th & 12th Dec 2.15pm - 3.45pm

Homewood URC Church Hall AL1 4BH 020 8950 5757

admin@hertsmusicalmemories.org.uk hertsmusicalmemories.org.uk

Shake Rattle & Sing!

2nd Dec 5.30pm - 7pm

Soroptimist local women's group, will be singing at St Albans City Station in aid of the Women's Refuge. Both 2 and 4 legged friends are welcome to join the fun! sigbi.org/st-albans

Light Up a Life

Bedford Hospital 2nd Dec 5pm - 7pm

L&D 4th Dec 5pm - 7pm Lights £5, or 3 for £10

Virtual lights can be bought as a gift or in memory of a loved one. Funds raised support Bedford Special Care Baby Unit and L&D Neonatal Parents Accommodation Appeal. fundraising@bedsft.nhs.uk / 01582 718289

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Garden Walk 3rd Dec 10.30am

Join a volunteer guide to explore the garden and hear its history through the words of those who lived and worked there. £7.50

Christmas Market 7th Dec 10am - 4pm

With Santa’s grotto, gifts, festive food. Free entry

Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF lutonhooestate.co.uk

A Codebreakers Christmas

4th - 30th Dec Thurs - Sun & 22nd & 23rd Dec

See the Codebreakers carry out their top-secret wartime work, craft your own 1940s inspired Christmas decorations and more. £28, £19.50

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB bletchleypark.org.uk

Shuttleworth

Shuttleworth in Lights 5th - 7th, 12th - 14th, 19th - 21st Dec & 1st - 3rd Jan

Follow the illuminated trail through over 100 years of aviation and automotive history. £16, child £10

Christmas Market

13th & 14th Dec 10am - 4pm

Biggleswade SG18 9DT shuttleworth.org

Christmas Lunch 6th Dec 12 noon

Enjoy a 3-course Christmas lunch complete with all the trimmings. £40

Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden AL5 2BG rothamstedmanor.com

Festive Weekend

6th & 7th Dec 10am - 4pm

Meet Santa, see how people celebrated a wartime Christmas, browse artisan crafts and travelling historical market stalls, with candlemaking, festive storytelling and craft activities. £16, child £11

Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB coam.org.uk

Christmas Elf Cadet Training

6th - 14th Dec

Train to be an RAF’s Elf Cadet, by loading the sleigh and mapping Santa's route.

Age 4 - 11, £6.50

RAF London, Hendon NW9 5LL rafmuseum.org.uk

Herrings Green Farm

Father Christmas & Nativity Barn

6th, 7th, 13th & 14th Dec 11am & 1pm

Visit the nativity barn, meet the donkeys, write a letter to Santa, decorate a Christmas ornament, meet Santa and receive a gift. £7.95 - £17

Herb Christmas Wreath Workshop

7th Dec 9.30am & 1.30pm

Relax, get creative, and enjoy the wonderful scents of the holidays. £54

Christmas Centre Piece Workshop

20th Dec 12 noon £54

Create a beautiful centre piece for your table. Herrings Green Farm, MK45 3DT birdsofpreycentre.co.uk

Stained Glass Workshop

7th Dec 10am £75

Join Hicca Glass for a hands-on workshop learning how to make your very own festive stained glass decoration.

Mill Green Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PD millgreenmuseum.co.uk

St Albans City Walks

7th, 14th, 28th & 30th Dec

Historic St Albans 11.15am

11th Dec Ghosts & Ghouls 7.30pm

21st Dec Christmas St Albans 11.15am

29th Dec Explore St Peters 11.15am

31st Dec People Who Built St Albans 2pm

£6, please book online stalbanstourguides.co.uk

A local family business offering regular, occasional and one off gardening and maintenance services

Lawn Mowing I Hedge Cutting

Weeding I Garden Clearance

Fencing I Power Washing/Sealing

Turfing I General Maintenance + Much more…

info@detailgardening.co.uk

DetailGardening www.detailgardening.co.uk

NOW at the Cathedral

Advent Procession 1st Dec 6pm

A beautiful candlelit service combining readings and music to mark the start of Advent.

Willow Carol Concert 2nd Dec 7.30pm

Enjoy carols sung by the Hertfordshire Chorus and Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School with audience participation. £17.50 - £22.50

30th Anniversary Christmas Concert 3rd Dec 7.30pm £5.50 - £18

An evening of celebration with carols, songs and readings with West Herts Hospitals Charity.

St Albans Bach Choir Carol Concerts 6th Dec 3pm for families with young children. £2.50 & £11 7pm for all the family. £8 & £17.50

Carol Concert by The Hospice of St Francis 7th Dec 2pm £8 - £20

A magical afternoon of festive carols and Christmas readings.

Carols on the Hour 13th Dec 11am - 5pm

Bite-sized carol services every hour, a fantastic chance to sing Christmas carols and enjoy music from different local choirs.

Live Nativity Trail 13th Dec 12 noon - 3pm

Find the characters and animals from the nativity story, as you follow the Live Nativity Trail app around the Cathedral.

Parish Eucharist with Nativity 14th Dec 9.30am

Join in the journey to Bethlehem and watch the traditional crib scene come to life, as the children of the Cathedral star in this heart-warming retelling of the very first Christmas.

Christingle 14th Dec 2pm

In support of the Children's Society, this service uses a decorated orange as a symbol to explore the story of God’s love for the world, each element has symbolic value, and during the service candles are lit to represent Christ's light.

The Snowman’ film with Live Orchestra 20th Dec 1.15pm £17 - £32

With some of the UK’s finest musicians and a special visit from the Snowman himself.

Lessons & Carols 21st & 22nd Dec 7.30pm

Opening with the choir singing Silent Night, as candlelight fills the cathedral, then lessons, carols and Christmas motets will be performed by the choir. 22nd Dec service will be live-streamed

Christmas Eve

Crib Services 11am & 2pm

With carol singing and the Christmas story in the nave. Children and families welcome.

Choral Evensong 5pm

A beautiful service of music, readings and prayer. Midnight Mass 11pm

Christmas Day

Eucharist with Hymns 8am

Christmas Day Eucharist

9.30am A joyous Christmas Day service

11.15am Eucharist with Christmas music

Boxing Day Carols 26th Dec 4pm

An informal service for a final festive celebration.

Sing Loud NYE - Family Silent Disco 31st Dec 8pm 18+ £49.95

Tune in with LED headsets and dance your way through the decades, from 70s disco anthems to 90s club classics, all the way to today’s charttopping bangers!

St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY stalbanscathedral.org

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Exhibition: Worlds Connected until 22nd Feb

Multi-sensory exhibition exploring connections between St Albans and the Islamic World, from scientific discoveries to a fondness for coffee!

Exhibition: Inns & Alehouses in Victorian St Albans 28th Nov - 15th March free

Learn about the venues that served the city's population from beer houses to taverns and the reasons they flourished or failed as St Albans moved into the twentieth century.

St Albans Creative Christmas Market 6th Dec

Discover over 20 small creative businesses, and shop for beautiful gifts, stocking fillers and bespoke local-made products. Free entry

Talk: A Musical History of Christmas 15th Dec 7pm £10

Discover the history of Christmas traditions and the origins of some of the best loved carols and festive songs, sung live by The Monday Choir. St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL1 3DH stalbansmuseums.org.uk

We care about your small jobs too!

●Electric and Power Showers Fitted

●Ball Valves and Overflows

●Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins

●Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps

●Plumb in Washing Machines and Dishwashers

●Repair Leaking Pipes

●Outside Taps

Dean Herrington 01727 764217 07830 159010

info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk see

Out & About

Harpenden Gardening Society

9th Dec 7.45pm

‘Gardeners Question Time’ with their own experts.

All Saints Church, Station Road AL5 4UU

Wednesday Wander

10th Dec 12 noon - 2pm

Join a volunteer for an informal guided walk and see the diversity of wildlife that call the reserve home at this time of year. £6, age 8+ RSPB Rye Meads SG12 8JS rspb.org.uk

Stockwood Illuminated

12th Dec - 4th Jan 4.30pm - 8pm £9

Discover Stockwood as you've never seen it before, weave your way through the illuminated pathways set against the backdrop of lush greenery, with interactive light installations, shimmering disks reflecting the sky, bouncing psychedelic colours, colourful animations and sparkly mirrors.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX culturetrust.com

Christmas Tree Festival

16th - 22nd Dec

A magical display of decorated trees celebrating the local community, in support of St Saviour’s Development Fund and Herts Young Homeless. Donations welcome

St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF stsavioursstalbans.com

Knebworth House

A Christmas Carol 19th & 20th Dec

The Living Theatre presents a reading of Charles Dickens in the Banqueting Hall, a room Charles Dickens once performed in.

Simply Sinatra 21st Dec

Vocalist Oliver Darley and pianist Chad Lelong bring stories and songs of the star of the Great American Songbook, Frank Sinatra.

Christmas Fair 21st - 23rd Dec

Packed with gifts and festive food and drink. Stevenage SG1 2AX knebworthhouse.com

The Libraries

Harpenden Library

Craftea 30th Dec & 27th Jan 3pm - 4.30pm Coffee and craft social.

Children's LEGO Clubs £4.40, please book

Harpenden: Mondays 3.45pm St Albans: Fridays 4.30pm Winter Reads until 31st Jan

Open to all ages, join the challenge at your local library.

Harpenden Library, High Street AL5 2RU

St Albans Library, Level 2, The Maltings AL1 3JQ hertfordshire.gov.uk

Dig for well-being!

FoodSmiles is looking for new members to join in with growing vegetables at Hammond’s End Farm in Harpenden. They work together to plan, grow and share the harvest in a weekly veg box. They are a Community Benefit Society, where you learn the skills to grow your own, to reconnect with nature, access local organicallygrown food, meet new people. They are looking for people with some knowledge of growing but, most importantly a willingness to learn, share ideas, work with the team and get stuck in. email:Membership@FoodSmilesStAlbans.org.uk

Herts Young Homeless

Christmas Raffle

Buy tickets online and be in with the chance to win a family ticket to Warner Bros Studios Harry Potter tour, theatre tickets and more. hyh.org.uk

Get Your Skates on!

Festive Ice Rinks

Battersea Power Station until 4th Jan

Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, as you skate around this stunning rink, illuminated by twinkling lights and a 30ft Christmas tree. Brand-new this year, discover London’s only Skate Trail, take skating to the next level as you glide along this exciting new feature. batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Brent Cross until 4th Jan

Step into a winter wonderland and enjoy magical moments on the ice with friends or family. Glide beneath sparkling lights, soak up the festive atmosphere, and enjoy the simple fun of skating together.

Hampton Court Palace

21st Nov - 4th Jan

Immerse yourself skating in the magical scenes where King Henry VIII once walked, surrounded by beautiful greenery, captivating fairy lights, and a warm, festive experience. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland until 1st Jan

From thrilling rides and immersive icy attractions to carnival games and enchanting shows, there’s something for everyone. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Somerset House until 11th Jan

With skating lessons, relaxed sessions and trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks, there's something for everyone. somersethouse.org.uk

Canary Wharf until 22nd Feb

Perfect for families, friends, and festive outings, in the heart of the city. Glide across the ice beneath sparkling lights, enjoy seasonal music, and make unforgettable memories this winter. cerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

Permanent Ice/Snow Venues

Alexandra Palace

At this time of year, All Pally’s lofty indoor skating arena is shuzshed up a bit, as the rink becomes an indoor winter wonderland. alexandrapalace.com

Queens

Home to the capital’s oldest and only all-yearround ice rink, it’s more than just a historic icon –it’s a playground for all ages. Glide across the ice, hit a strike at London’s favourite bowling alley with 17 lanes, or test your aim with six cuttingedge interactive darts oches. Feeling nostalgic? Step into the retro arcade, or try something truly unique with London’s only on-ice curling lanes queens.london

The Snow Centre

The place to be for thrills and endless excitement. The team of expert instructors provide ski and snowboard lessons for all abilities on the 160m main slope and the UK's largest lesson slope, ensuring they are educational but, most importantly fun.

St Albans Hill, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9NH thesnowcentre.com