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 very successful year of the NOW magazines.
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Jane & Wendy @theNOWmagazines
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Where’s Santa?
Van Hage Garden Centre until 20th Dec various dates
Meet Santa, deliver your Christmas wishes and receive a gift. Adult free, child £13 Great Amwell SG12 9RP www.vanhage.co.uk
Burston Garden Centre until 24th Dec
Visit Santa in his magical Christmas grotto. St Albans AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk
Whipsnade Zoo 23rd, 24th & 30th Nov
1st, 7th, 8th 13th - 18th & 21st - 24th Dec
Meet Santa, meet Santa relaxed, meet Santa animal gift-giving and meet Santa VIP breakfast.
Dunstable LU6 2LF www.zsl.org
Santa Spectacular at Willows Farm
23rd Nov - 24th Dec various dates
Visit the magical winter wonderland, the Create-aCuddle Workshop, the Toy Workshop, write a letter to Santa and more. Adult from £24.95, child from £49.95 London Colney AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com
Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park
24th Nov - 24th Dec various 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 - £30 Enfield EN9 2EF www.leevalleyfarm.co.uk
Foxholes Farm
30th Nov, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th of Dec
Visit Farmer Christmas to receive a gift and see some of the animals in their winter housing. £3.95, child £9.95 Hertford SG13 7NT www.foxholesfarm.com
Panto Express
30th Nov, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd Dec various times from 10am
Meet Santa while enjoying a steam train ride, watch Jack and the Beanstalk, and then visit Santa’s workshop, where you can meet Mrs Claus and the elves, and choose a gift. Please book Buckinghamshire Railway Centre HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org
Mead Open Farm
30th Nov - 24th Dec selected dates
A magical festive adventure, meet Santa, decorate gingerbread men with Mother Christmas, journey through Christmas HQ, wander through The Magical Forest, make Reindeer food for Christmas Eve, visit the Make a Bear Workshop and more. Child £40, adult £30 Billington, Beds LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk
Help the Elf prepare for Santa's busy schedule, go through the magical wardrobe to meet Santa, then choose a gift from his workshop. £7.95 Borehamwood WD6 3BA www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk
Hatfield House
1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd Dec 11am - 4pm
Take a festive themed tour of the Old Palace, meet Santa and receive a Christmas gift. Please book £25 Herts AL9 5NQ www.hatfield-house.co.uk
Bletchley Park
1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th - 23rd Dec
Visit Santa and his elves in the Mansion’s Ballroom, a beautiful wood-panelled room used in WW2. £14 per child, plus admission for ages 12-17 and adults Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk
Wardown House 7th - 21st Dec
Hear a festive story from Miss Christmas, meet the whimsical elves, and receive a gift from under the tree when you meet Father Christmas. Adult £6, child £16 Luton LU2 7HA www.culturetrust.com
Luton Hoo Estate 8th Dec 10am - 4pm
Meet Santa and receive a gift, all proceeds to L&D Little Feet Appeal. Please book, £15
Luton LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk
Dine with Santa at Knebworth Barns 15th & 22nd Dec
Enjoy a festive 2 course meal, and a visit from Santa, each child will receive a gift. From £28 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
It’s Panto Time!
The New Adventures of Peter Pan 22nd Nov - 19th Jan
Soar to Neverland in this high-flying pantomime adventure. £20 - £34
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ www.everyonetheatres.com
Aladdin 30th Nov - 31st Dec
A magic carpet ride like no other, as Aladdin takes to the skies of Watford. £11.50 - £100
Prepare to be swept off your feet in this enchanting production. £23, child £21 Beam Theatre, Hertford SG14 1PS www.beamhertford.co.uk
Jack & The Beanstalk 4th Dec 4pm
A fun filled, family friendly panto. £12, child £5 Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY www.wpcevents.co.uk
Treasure Island 4th - 8th Dec
Filled with mischief, song, dance and laughter. £13 Redbourn Village Hall, High Street AL3 7LW www.ticketsource.co.uk/redbourn-players
Jack & the Beanstalk 6th - 31st Dec
With nothing but a handful of magic beans, Jack must find the courage to climb to Cloudland, slay a giant, win the hand of the Princess and free his village forever! £21 - £26.50
Watersmeet Theatre WD3 1EH www.watersmeet.co.uk
Beauty & The Beast 6th Dec - 5th Jan
Hilarious fun-filled family pantomime, starring TV legend Joe Swash. From £15 Grove Theatre, Dunstable LU4 5GP www.everyonetheatres.com
Peter Pan 6th Dec - 5th Jan
Join Peter Pan in this high-flying adventure, starring the strictly sensational Craig Revel Horwood as Captain Hook! From £13
Milton Keynes Theatre MK9 3NZ www.atgtickets.com
Sleeping Beauty 7th - 30th Dec
With great songs, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and spectacular special effects. £22 - £26
EMC, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.everyonetheatres.com
Sleeping Beauty 7th Dec - 3rd Jan
Dazzling choreography, stunning sets, uplifting live music, glamourous costumes (for most of the cast members!) and, of course, plenty of audience participation. £20 - £25
Radlett Centre WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk
Sleeping Beauty 9th Dec - 5th Jan
Promising belly laughs and a whole lot of magic. £18 Campus West, WGC AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk
Cinderella 12th Dec - 12th Jan
Fun-filled family panto, starring Samantha Womack (EastEnders) as the fairy, alongside St Albans Legends, Bob Golding and Ian Kirkby as the Wicked (but very funny) step-sisters. £18 - £36.50
Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD www.everyonetheatres.com
Puss In Boots 14th - 29th Dec
This sword-swinging, paw-scratching, timestopping pantomime is an action packed treat for all ages. From £10
The SandPit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX www.SandPitTheatre.co.uk
Find out what your favourite Roald Dahl heroes, like Matilda and Charlie, have got for Christmas, find their stockings to earn a hero’s stamp at the end. Free with Museum admission
Santa at the Museum 14th Dec
Enjoy this laid back Santa experience, as he’ll be making appearances throughout the day, say hello and pick a free chocolate treat, join in with storytelling from one of his helpers and enjoy some Christmas crafts.
Free with Museum entry, please book
Guided Walk: Christmas Trek & Treat
27th Dec 11.45am & 2.15pm
Take a tour around Great Missenden, see the places that inspired Dahl’s books, hear some wintry extracts from them and then enjoy hot drinks and mince pies. £10 plus entry fee age 5+
Heroic Animals 28th Dec from 10.30am
Come face-to-face with some heroic minibeasts and bugs as Jungle Juniors tell you about the animals’ wondrous ways and teach you some fascinating facts. £4 plus entry free
Join Scruff on a tail-wagging adventure filled with magical puppetry, hilarious characters and lots of giggles! Please book, under 5s Old Town Hall Arts Centre, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk
Christmas at Hertfordshire Zoo
30th Nov - 24th Dec
See the Zoo transformed into a Christmas wonderland, meet Santa (at weekends & 23rd & 24th Dec), receive a gift and capture the moment with a photo. The Grinch will be roaming around the zoo, spreading his own brand of holiday humour. See the animals with their Christmas enrichment toys, cleverly designed to stimulate their natural behaviours.
Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.hertfordshirezoo.com
Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery
Christmas Family Fun!
30th Nov, 7th, 14th, 21st Dec 10am & 1.15pm
Explore the Gallery, enjoy a festive tale with Santa and have fun decorating a festive biscuit. Ages 3-10, included in admission charge
The Science of Christmas 7th Dec 10.15am, 12 noon & 2pm
Enjoy this seasonal science workshop, make and test a catapult, learn how to grow your own sugar crystals, create Christmas slime to take home and more. Ages 5-11, £5
Christmas Clay 14th Dec 10am - 2pm, drop in Make hanging clay and paper ornaments to take home. Ages 3 - 11, £4
Children will receive a Christingle; an orange, decorated with sweets, dried fruit, red ribbon and a candle. A short talk will be given about The Children’s Society, a national charity running local projects to help vulnerable children and young people. There will be a collection for the charity. St Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2TP
Festive Fun
2nd - 6th, 9th - 12th & 16th - 18th Dec
With a snowball shoot out, the no ice ice-rink, reindeer funfair ride, 3D cinema film, meet Ronnie the Reindeer and lots more.
Willows Activity Farm, London Colney AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com
Rudolph Christmas Trail
3rd Dec - 5th Jan
Help Father Christmas round up his reindeer after their holidays. Search the galleries and track them down using clues from the postcards they sent from their travels. All ages, £1 per trail
The Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk
The King's Polar Bear 7th- 24th Dec
A timeless tale of hope and opportunity, told under the shimmer of the northern lights, full of snow and sparkle where you will be carried away by the magic of an arctic adventure.
£12, child £10, age 4+
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton, LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com
Christmas at Capel Manor Gardens
14th & 15th Dec 10am - 4pm
The 17th century Georgian Manor House will be magically transformed for Christmas, children can meet Santa in his Grotto, take part in Christmas crafts, write and send a letter to Santa, visit the animals and lots more. £10, child £6
Inclusive choir for all, regardless of ability, just turn up. Leyton Green, Harpenden www.harpenden.gov.uk
Rennie Grove Peace
Big Festive Quiz of the Year
Download the festive family quiz for a Christmas-themed challenge. £5
Rudolph Run 1st 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 (see page 6)
Waterend Barn, St Peter’s Street, St Albans 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 14th Dec 6pm
3-course meal with wine, a local band and auction. In aid of RGHC and Crohn’s & Colitis UK. £70
Verulam Golf Club, St Albans AL1 1JG
Christmas Skydive 14th Dec
An opportunity to conquer the skies and create memories that will last a lifetime. Hinton Airfield, Brackley NN13 5NS www.renniegrovepeace.org
Harpenden Railways until 31st Dec
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 11am - 3pm free
A display of the three railway lines which led to Harpenden’s development from a rural village into a town. Harpenden Museum, EMC AL5 2FR www.harpenden-history.org.uk
Aylett Nurseries
Children’s ‘Find the Letter’ Competition until 5th Jan
Find Mr Jingles the Snowman in the Christmas displays, write down the letters he’s holding, and use them to guess the festive word. 5 winners will each receive a £10 gift voucher. Free, ages 0 - 11
Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day 12th Dec
The Aylett Team will be wearing festive jumpers and making a donation to Save the Children, why not go along in yours and make a donation, or do it online
at www.savethechildren.org.uk/donate
North Orbital Rd, St Albans AL2 1DH
www.aylettnurseries.co.uk
Dunstable Downs
Festive Lunch
25th Nov - 23rd Dec 12 noon - 2pm
Crackers, decorations, perfect winter views and a festive lunch with all the trimmings.
£16.95 - £30, child £12.95
Breakfast with the Elves
30th Nov - 23rd Dec 9am, 9.30am & 10am
Step into magic as the View Café is transformed into a cheeky elves workshop. £13.50, child £6.50
Family Trail: Chaos at Christmas
30th Nov - 31st Dec 10am - 3pm
The elves have knocked over the Christmas tree, scattering all the baubles, help them find them on this trail. £3
Festive Evenings 6th, 13th & 20th Dec 5pm - 7pm
Music, creativity and festive fun with bauble-making workshops, and a magical 'Chaos at Christmas' family trail. £8
Festive Wreath Making Workshop
10th Dec 6pm £55
A great way to kick off the festive season. Please book
Post-Christmas Gentle Stroll 29th Dec 10.30am
Take a stroll across the Downs.
£4, child £2, please book
Dunstable Downs, Beds LU6 2GY
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
St Albans City Walks
1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 27th & 29th Dec
Historic St Albans 11.15am
12th Dec Ghosts & Ghouls 7.30pm
30th Dec Tudor St Albans Revealed 2.30pm
31st Dec Wars of the Roses 2.30pm
£6, please book online www.stalbanstourguides.co.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
Herts Musical Memories
Wheathampstead 2nd & 9th Dec 10.30am - 12 noon
Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY
St Albans 6th & 13th Dec 2.15pm - 3.45pm
Homewood URC Church Hall, St Albans AL1 4BH 0208 950 5757 admin@hertsmusicalmemories.org.uk www.hertsmusicalmemories.org.uk
Harpenden Photographic Society
Talk: The Great Wilderness by Alex Nail 3rd Dec
Alex is a full time landscape photographer known for his mountain and wilderness images. Hear about his trips into the mountains, summit camping to be on location when the light is at its best. (via Zoom) www.harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk
More Out & About
Christmas Lunch 4th & 5th Dec 12 noon
Enjoy a 3-course Christmas lunch, with crackers, decorations, festive music and all the trimmings. £60
A gentle walk with beautiful views over Capability Brown designed countryside. £10
Christmas Market 8th Dec 10am - 4pm
With Santa’s grotto, Christmas Choir, Woodyard Café, and a visit to The Walled Garden. Free Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk
Herts Young Homeless
Christmas at St Albans Clock Tower 7th Dec all day
Come and enjoy some festive music with all proceeds to 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. www.hyh.org.uk
Get Festive for Keech! 9th - 13th Dec
Dress up at home, work or school in festive jumpers, sparkly headwear or silly socks and donate £2 to raise vital funds for Keech Hospice Care, your local adult and children’s hospice. www.keech.org.uk
Harpenden Gardening Society 10th Dec 7.45pm
‘Gardeners Question Time’ with their own experts. All Saints Church, Station Road, Harpenden AL5 4UU Facebook: Friends of Harpenden Gardening Society
Charity Sparkle Day 12th Dec
Wear a Christmas jumper or something sparkly and help raise funds for your local hospital. www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk
Stockwood Illuminated 13th - 24th Dec
Discover Stockwood like you've never seen it before, as you weave your way on a self-guided tour through the illuminated pathways, set against the backdrop of lush greenery. £7.50, child £5.50
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com
On The Map Theatre Workshop
18th Dec 12 noon - 2pm
Join Trestle Theatre Company for a masterclass looking at their theatre masks, and exploring physical theatre. Through drama activities and exploration create and meet new characters that help put St Albans ‘On The Map’. Free, please book, age 16+
A beautiful candlelit service combining readings and music to mark the start of Advent.
Willow Carol Concert 2nd Dec 7.30pm
An evening of carols sung by the Hertfordshire Chorus and Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School with audience participation. £15.50 - £20.50
Bublé Christmas by Candlelight 4th Dec 7.30pm
Featuring a live Big Band and the UK’s number one Michael Bublé tribute act. £10 - £60
Talk: It's a Wonderful Life: Is It?
An exploration of the theologies behind this 1947 film with the Revd Peter Waddell. £10
Christmas Carols with St Albans Bach Choir & Embassy Brass 7th Dec 3pm & 7pm 3pm for families with young children.
£2.50 & £11 / 7pm for all the family. £8 & £17.50
Parish Eucharist with Nativity 8th Dec 9.30am
Join in with 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.
Carol Concert by The Hospice of St Francis 8th Dec 3pm
A magical afternoon of festive carols and Christmas readings. £8 - £20
Carols on the Hour 14th Dec 11am - 6pm
Bite-sized carol services, on the hour, every hour, a fantastic chance to sing Christmas carols and enjoy music from different local choirs.
Live Nativity Trail 14th Dec 12 noon - 3pm
Find the characters and animals from the nativity story, as you follow the Live Nativity Trail app around the Cathedral.
Christingle 15th Dec 3pm
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.
Christmas Eve
Lessons & Carols 21st & 22nd Dec 7.30pm
Opening with the choir singing Silent Night, as candlelight spills through the cathedral, then continuing with lessons, carols and Christmas motets performed by the choir. 22nd Dec service will be livestreamed
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 Traditional Eucharist with Christmas music.
Boxing Day
Carols 26th Dec 4pm
An informal service for a final festive celebration.
St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org
NOW at the Museums
St Albans Museum + Gallery AL1 3DH
Maria Meyer: Thingchronicity until 9th March
Local artist Maria develops the concept of ‘Thingchronicity’ through a series of captivating sculptures, installations and paintings.
Exhibition: Catching the Chain until 25th April
Inspired by the Museum's cells and courtroom this explores the history of criminal justice and the ways in which local communities have dealt with crime from the Iron Age to today.
Talk: History of Christmas Carols 10th Dec 7pm
Telling the stories of carols from Good King Wenceslas and Away in a Manger to Ding Dong Merrily on High and The Twelve Days of Christmas. £10, Zoom £6
Museum Minis: Mog's Christmas by Judith Kerr 13th Dec 11am
Christmas themed craft activities. £6.50
Band on the Balcony 15th Dec 1pm
Local folk-noir band Vik have written two songs for the Catching the Chain exhibition; Beyond the Seas and Breaking the Chain, both were inspired by historic courtroom trials of local people which took place in the Museums’ courtroom. Free
The Emperor’s New Clothes 18th - 23rd Dec
An exciting new telling of this classic tale, blending storytelling with digital technology, headphones will be provided. £12.50
Verulamium Museum St Albans AL3 4SW
Exhibition: Mapping an Uneven Path: Stories of Health & Disability at Verulamium until 23rd Feb
Exploring the ways in which Romans practiced and understood medicine and healing, as well as their cultural attitudes towards disability. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
NOW for some Entertainment
Ashridge House
Ashridge House Illuminated
29th Nov - 1st Jan 4pm - 8pm please book
The Old Town Hall Arts Centre
Print & Prosecco 1st Dec 7.30pm £35
Experience an enchanting evening on the magical light trail, wander through the stunning gardens with dazzling lights and installations.
Carol Service 19th Dec 6pm
An intimate carol service in the historic chapel to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with carols and song. Register your interest online and names will be selected through a random drawing process.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshops
28th - 30th Nov & 5th - 8th Dec
Learn to create a festive masterpiece to take home. Enjoy bottomless bubbles or a warming hot festive drink. £87.50 please book.
An open-air promenade through the grounds of the UK’s oldest theatre, in this unique festive experience. This magical performance is guaranteed to amuse and move children and adults alike, and send you home full with festive cheer. £15 - £25 (see page 13)
Roman Theatre, Bluehouse Hill, St Albans AL3 6AE
Christmas with the Herts Big Band 14th Dec 8pm
Join the award-winning Herts Big Band and vocalist Helen Burnett for a night of big band jazz and plenty of festive cheer with jazz arrangements of Christmas songs and carols. £10 - £13.50
The Maltings Theatre, Victoria St, St Albans AL1 3HL
Baby Broadway 22nd Dec 2pm & 3.30pm
A magical concert bringing the spirit of Christmas to life for families with young children. Sing and dance to festive show tunes from hit musicals and Christmas films. All ages, £14.50, child £5.50
The Maltings Theatre, Victoria St, St Albans AL1 3HL www.ovo.org.uk
Christmas Spectacular 1st Dec 2pm
Join children’s author and illustrator James Mayhew, and de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra for a concert of Christmas music, as Mayhew paints live in perfect synchronicity with the music. £15, child £7
Run, walk or dance your way through the family festive fun run route, as you join hundreds of people taking to the streets of Hemel Hempstead dressed in festive gear. Early bird £10, child £5 www.stfrancis.org.uk
Enjoy a creative night out with friends, at this mindful arty experience as you create bespoke beautiful prints.
Midwinter Revels 3rd Dec 8pm
A celebration of Yuletide past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart! £16, child £12
Christmas Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club 16th Dec 8pm
With Diane Spencer and Kevin Shepherd. £10
The Old Town Hall Arts Centre, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk
Mill Green Museum & Working Mill
Christmas at the Watermill
1st Dec 10am, 12 noon, 2pm
It's a race against time for Father Christmas to mill enough flour for all the treats Mrs Christmas needs to make. Help them out in this fun, immersive experience. Learn about Christmas in the recent past, play some old-fashioned games, 'print your own wrapping paper', and enjoy cream teas, mince pies and mulled wine.
Magic of Midwinter 21st Dec 1pm - 5pm
Take part in this traditional Wassail with music, activities, mill tours and a fruit tree planting celebration. Enjoy hot food, mulled cider and the chance to buy some last-minute Christmas gifts.
Experience the magic of the season on Festive Woodland Walks full of beautiful creations handcrafted by the Park and Gardens Team, and Christmas Decoration Workshops. £20, child £10
Hatfield House, Herts AL9 5NQ
www.hatfield-house.co.uk
Christmas Concert 5th Dec 7pm
The AT Society concert, with Crabtree Junior School choir and the Magic Voices. Plus mulled wine, mince pies and a raffle. £15, child £5
St John’s Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ
www.atsociety.org.uk
The Pioneer Club
Kicking off with a live catwalk performance, showing how to make the best of the clothes we have.
I Have Nothing to Wear Fashion Event 5th Dec 7pm
Emphasis will be on investing in vintage and well made clothing that lasts, buying second-hand, upcycling and swapping with friends. There will also be a DJ and bar throughout the evening. £22.38
Guilty Pleasures NYE! 31st Dec 8pm £17.50
Dance the night away to floor fillers from the likes of ABBA, Queen, Whitney, Elton, Taylor and more. 18+
The Pioneer Club, St Albans AL3 5AY www.tickets.pioneerclub.co.uk
Barn Theatre
Jazz at the Barn: Jazzface 6th Dec 8pm Hertfordshire’s most famous jazz power trio. £10
It's a Wonderful Life
13th - 21st Dec 8pm & 21st Dec 2.30pm
A magical stage adaption of Capra’s acclaimed film.
Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk
St Albans Organ Theatre
Organ Concert with David Ivory 7th Dec 3pm
Mechanical Instrument Christmas Special 8th Dec 3pm Featuring several visiting organs. Camp Road AL1 5PE
www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk
Event Cinema
Andre Rieu's Concert: Gold and Silver 7th Dec 7.15pm & 8th Dec 1pm
Under the sparkle of 150 chandeliers and 50 Venetian candelabras, enjoy the magical melody of all your favourite Christmas classics. £16.50 - £17.50
Royal Ballet & Opera: Cinderella 10th Dec 7.15pm & 15th Dec 2pm
Be transported into an ethereal world where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true. This enchanting ballet is a theatrical experience for all the family. £21.60 - £22.60
Royal Ballet & Opera: The Nutcracker 21st Dec 7pm & 22nd Dec 2pm
A sparkling festive treat for the whole family, as fairytale magic comes together with spectacular dancing. £17.50 - £18.50
Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk
A Christmas Celebration 8th Dec 7pm Hymns, carols and readings from St Albans Choral Society including Gustav Holst - Christmas Day, Richard James Harvey - Chanticleer and Morten Lauridsen - O Magnum Mysterium. With Edward Kemp-Luck on the organ. St Peter's Church, St Albans AL1 3HG www.stalbanschoralsociety.org
A Christmas Cracker 11th Dec 8pm
The Fayrfax Consort's 8 voices directed by David Ireson, present an hour of joyous and reflective music
with carols and readings, followed by seasonal refreshments. £10, call 01727 852364
St Mary's Church, St Albans AL4 9QA
A Christmas Charity Concert 14th Dec 3pm
Join The Music Makers Choir of Harpenden as they celebrate their 60th anniversary, while supporting local charity Youth Talk. £10, child free High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU musicmakerschoir.wordpress.com
The Railway Children 14th - 28th Dec
The lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are disrupted when they’re forced to move with their mother to the countryside. The nearby railway is a source of fascination and the children soon find themselves deep in the middle of a real-life adventure. As they come to terms with their new lives, the bonds of family and the importance of making new connections have never been more important. £9 - £15, age 7+
Abbey Theatre, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk
Ring Out, Wild Bells 16th Dec 8pm
Traditional and contemporary carols for choir and audience, with Matthew Woodward on piano. Ticket includes seasonal refreshments. £18, student £9, child free
St John’s Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ www.hardyngechoir.org
Christmas Carols for Choir & Audience
17th Dec 7.30pm £16, child/student £8
With Harpenden Choral Society and organist Roger Carter. Tickets include seasonal refreshments.
High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU www.ticketsource.co.uk/harpendenchoralsociety
FestiveLea Christmas Concert
19th Dec 7.30pm
Join the Lea Singers for a selection of carols for audience and choir. £18, child £10
St. John's Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ www.leasingers.co.uk
A Christmas Carol
20th Dec 7pm & 21st Dec 2.30pm & 6pm
Experience one of Dickens’ works in the Banqueting Hall, a room where he once performed. Grab some mulled wine, but don’t get too comfortable, expect characters to leap from the page and Dickens to dance before your eyes as the two actors tell our favourite Christmas story. The Positif Chamber Choir will provide entertainment during the interval.
£19, child £13
Knebworth House SG3 6PY www.knebworthhouse.com
Dower Design is an architectural design studio based in St Albans
experienced project design team have over a decade of experience in providing technical and creative drawings for planning permission, building regulations and design development. If you would like to discuss a project, please get in touch
Selling a wide range of Charity Christmas Cards. - Harpenden URC Church, Vaughan Road AL5 4ED until 14th Dec 10am - 4pm Mon - Sat
- St Peters Church, St Albans AL1 3HG 10am - 4pm Mon - Sat & 11am - 4pm Sun www.cardsforcharity.co.uk
The Barn until 22nd Dec Thursdays - Sundays 10am - 5pm
Beautiful gifts, jewellery, home accessories, fashion and more, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, pop along and treat yourself or shop for some special gifts. The Long Barn, Wheathampstead AL4 8RQ www.sarahcollinsbarn.com
Christmas Shopping Fair 30th Nov - 1st Dec
With gifts, arts, crafts, fashion and beauty. Herts County Showground, Redbourn AL3 7PT www.charlieowenevents.co.uk
Christmas Market
30th Nov - 8th Dec 10am - 4pm
Festive market with music, and even an appearance from the animals! Standalone Farm SG6 4JN www.standalonefarm.digitickets.co.uk
Redbourn Christmas Market 1st Dec 11am - 5pm
With more than 100 stalls overflowing with food, crafts and gifts, a yule raffle and lots more.
Cumberland Gardens & Village Hall, Redbourn High Street AL3 7GH www.redbournchristmasmarket.com
Village & Co Workshops
Christmas Metal Embossing Workshop
1st Dec 1pm - 3pm
This hands-on workshop is a perfect chance to unwind, explore your creativity and craft some unique seasonal decor. £25 includes refreshments
Dates in red will have seasonal gifts, the general market and international street food, those in white are just general market days.
Harpenden Farmers Market
22nd Dec 8am - 2pm
●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
Out of Town
Off the Wall Art Fair until 15th Dec
Wednesdays - Fridays 10am - 3pm
Saturdays 10am - 4pm & Sundays 12pm - 4pm
Work for sale from over 30 artists, including paintings, prints, ceramics, glass, sculpture, jewellery and more. Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury HP20 2QP www.discoverbucksmuseum.org
Shuttleworth
Shuttleworth in Lights until 15th Dec
Follow the illuminated trail through over 100 years of aviation and automotive history. £15, child £10
Christmas Fair & Food Village until 22nd Dec Wed - Sun, 12 noon - 7pm
Christmas at Waddesdon 15th Nov - 5th Jan Wed - Sun plus 30th & 31st Dec / excludes 23rd - 26th Dec
An immersive experience inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty with light projections on the Manor façade, a light trail in the gardens and lots more. Waddesdon Bucks HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk Wrest Park
Christmas Afternoon Tea 23rd Nov - 22nd Dec Wed - Sun 12 noon
Narnia 23rd Nov - 31st Dec 10am-4pm
Step into the magic of Narnia, with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and scenes from this much loved story. On weekends enjoy unlimited fairground rides for £5 Wreath Making Workshop 2nd - 10th Dec 11am
Includes afternoon tea. £85 Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk
Christmas Elf Cadet Training
30th Nov & 1st, 7th & 8th Dec various times
Train to be an RAF’s Elf Cadet, by loading the sleigh and mapping Santa's route. Age 4 - 11, £7.50 RAF London, Hendon NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk
Christmas in Hertford
Wreath Making Workshops 1st Dec 10am & 2pm
Make a luxury wreath with fresh flowers and foliage. £55 please book. Hertford Castle SG14 1HR
Children's Christmas Trail 21st Dec - 4th Jan
Follow the trail map to find knitted characters hiding in Town Centre shops and shop windows, to win a £30 gift voucher. Visit the website to download the trail map www.hertford.gov.uk
Wednesday Wander 4th 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 www.rspb.org.uk
Festive Weekend 7th & 8th Dec 10am - 4pm
Meet Santa, see how people celebrated a wartime Christmas, browse artisan crafts and travelling historical market stalls, with candle-making, festive storytelling and craft activities. £15, child £10
Chiltern Open Air Museum,Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk
Meet the goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and reptiles, then get creative making Christmas cards, a tree decoration and more. Child £15, includes one free adult, age 4+
Father Christmas & Nativity Barn
7th, 8th, 14th & 15th Dec 11am & 1pm
Visit the nativity barn, meet the Christmas donkeys, write a letter to Santa, decorate a Christmas ornament, meet Santa and receive a gift. £7.95 - £17
Christmas Alpaca Walk & Tea for Two 21st Dec 11am & 2pm
Enjoy a leisurely walk, meet the herd of alpacas and their babies, then relax in the tearoom with tea/coffee and cakes. £46 for two
Herrings Green Farm, MK45 3DT www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk
Sunday at the Mills 8th Dec 11am - 4pm
Explore the historic gunpowder factory, with its listed buildings, monuments and museum exhibitions. Children can enjoy rocket-making, tractor-trailer tours, railway rides, an armoury and more. £15, child £10
Royal Gunpowder Mills, EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com
Introduction to Woodland Coppicing 10th Dec 10am - 1pm
Learn about this traditional technique and have a go yourself. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather. Age 18+ free but donations welcome Old Park Wood, UB9 6UX www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Bletchley Park Family Activities
Christmas Gingerbread Codebreaking
14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd Dec 11am - 3.30pm
Gingerbread people will be found all over Bletchley Park, make one to hang on your tree, break codes to find a recipe for Christmas treats, make decorations out of recycled materials, as families did during WW2. Ages 5-14, with an adult Puzzles & Pastimes
Find out if you could have been a Codebreaker by completing puzzles, playing games, testing your skills and challenging your friends and family. Ages 5-14, accompanied by an adult Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk
− Servicing (all vehicles)
MOT’s
Tyres
− Batteries
− Air Conditioning
Bodywork Repair
Remapping
− Wheel Alignment
Free Vehicle Collection
− Wheel Refurbishment
Timing Belts
Exhausts
− Diagnostics
Nutwood (Left Hand Gate), Down Green Lane, Wheathampstead AL4 8EB
Contact Robert Innes 07596 454 550 Friendly, Reliable, Independent Business
Index of Businesses
● Bathrooms, Shower Rooms, Cloakrooms and Kitchens from Design to Completion
● Local Family Run Business, Over 40 Years Experience
● Honest and Reliable Service
● Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries
& Kitchens
● Electric and Power Showers
● Repair/Renew Stopcocks, Taps and Outside Taps
● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins
● Leaking Pipes and Overflows
● Washing Machines and Dishwashers Installed
Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk
Wishing all our Clients a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year
