st albans NOW Dec 24 by wendy robertson

Pick meup I’m FREE!

December 2024

st albans NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more

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 very successful year of the NOW magazines.

To receive the magazines each month in your inbox, just visit www.theNOWmagazines.com find out how to subscribe at the bottom of every page.

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

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You can NOW book advertising online Deadline 4th Dec for Jan editions jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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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

Aldenham Country Park

30th Nov, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th & 16th - 24th Dec

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 website to find out when it’s visiting your street. www.stalbansroundtable.org.uk

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NOW for the Kids

Roald Dahl Museum

Child Heroes Christmas Trail

23rd Nov - 5th Jan

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 Roald Dahl Museum, Bucks HP16 0AL www.roalddahlmuseum.org

Scruff's Christmas Adventure

30th Nov - 24th Dec

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

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury HP20 2QP www.discoverbucksmuseum.org

Christingle Service 1st Dec 4.30pm

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

Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield EN1 4RQ www.capelmanorgardens.co.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.

Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS www.ashridgehouse.org.uk

OVO & The Maltings Theatre

A Christmas Carol 30th Nov - 29th Dec

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

UH Arts, Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU www.herts.ac.uk

Santa Dash 1st Dec

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.

Mill Green, Bush Hall Lane, Hatfield AL9 5PD

www.millgreenmuseum.co.uk

Winter Walks & Workshops 1st - 22nd Dec

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 11am - 4pm

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

I Have Nothing to Wear Fashion Event 5th Dec 7pm

Kicking off with a live catwalk performance, showing how to make the best of the clothes we have.

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

Carols in the Park 14th Dec 4pm - 5.30pm

Join Highfield Park Trust and St Luke’s Church

St Albans for carols, mulled wine and mince pies. Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

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

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

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

Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ www watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Cinderella & The Glass Slipper

30th Nov - 1st Jan

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

Sleeping Booty! 19th Dec - 4th Jan

Sleeping Beauty's adult-only alternative. £29 - £33

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

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Out & About

Rennie Grove Peace

Big Festive Quiz of the Year

Download the festive family quiz for a Christmas-themed challenge. £5

Rudolph Run 1st Dec see page 25

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 www.renniegrovepeace.org

Aylett Nurseries

‘Find the Letter’ Competition until 5th Jan Find the letters Mr Jingles the Snowman is holding and guess the festive word. Free, ages 0 - 11

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

Dunstable Downs

Festive Lunch 25th Nov - 23rd Dec 12 noon - 2pm

£16.95 - £30, child £12.95

Breakfast with the Elves £13.50, child £6.50 30th Nov - 23rd Dec 9am, 9.30am & 10am

Family Trail: Chaos at Christmas 30th Nov - 31st Dec 10am - 3pm

Help the elves find the lost Christmas tree baubles. £3

Festive Evenings 6th, 13th & 20th Dec 5pm - 7pm Music, creativity and festive fun. £8

Festive Wreath Making Workshop 10th Dec 6pm £55 please book

Post-Christmas Gentle Stroll 29th Dec 10.30am £4, child £2, please book

Dunstable Downs LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Christmas Shopping Fair 30th Nov - 1st Dec

Herts County Showground, Redbourn AL3 7PT www.charlieowenevents.co.uk

Redbourn Christmas Market

1st Dec 11am - 5pm

Cumberland Gardens & Village Hall AL3 7GH www.redbournchristmasmarket.com

Festive Decoration Mosaic Workshops

Village & Co Workshops

Christmas Metal Embossing Workshop 1st Dec 1pm - 3pm

Explore your creativity and craft some unique seasonal decor. £25 includes refreshments

8th - 15th Dec 1pm & 2.15pm

Create a festive design mosaic using an array of sparking mosaic tiles. £15

Village&Co AL4 8BB www.villageandcouk.com

St Stephen’s Church

Advent Carol Service 1st Dec 6.30pm

Christingle Service 21st Dec 5.45pm

Nativity Play during Service 22nd Dec 10am

Carol Service 22nd Dec 6.30pm

Crib Service 24th Dec 4pm

Midnight Mass 24th Dec 11pm

Christmas Day Services 8am & 10am

Watling Street, St Albans AL1 2PT

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

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Winter Walk 4th Dec 10am

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

St Albans Market

4th, 7th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 24th & 28th Dec

Dates in yellow will have seasonal gifts, the general market and international street food, those in white are just general market days.

Herts Musical Memories

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

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. www.hyh.org.uk

Christmas Raffle tickets online at 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

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

Weave your way on a self-guided tour through the illuminated pathways. £7.50, child £5.50

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com

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 Market 7th & 8th Dec 10am - 4pm Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

Waddesdon

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

Herrings Green Farm

Children’s Animal Encounter & Christmas Crafts 7th Dec 10.30am & 1.30pm

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

28th, 29th, 30th, Dec, 2nd & 3rd Jan 11am - 3.30pm

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

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

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