Bedford Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Bedford and surrounding areas
Bedford celebrates the holiday season with cozy Holiday lights and plenty of things to do along the River Great Ouse and around the town centre. Seasonal markets and winter festivals fill the calendar with festive events and family-friendly activities for visitors and locals alike. From craft stalls and carols in St Paul’s Square to illuminated walks by the Embankment, Bedford’s festive season offers warm gatherings, light displays and community activities that celebrate the best of winter.
Find the best Bedford Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
22 eventsVintage Christmas Grotto with a Codebreaker theme
Christmas Parties
20 eventsCreate personalized loose leaf tea blends and enjoy tea-infused treats.
Christmas Lights
15 eventsIlluminated trail celebrating plants after dark.
Christmas Shows
9 eventsPantomime meets circus with a star-studded cast.
Christmas Activities
34 eventsCommunity hero to switch on the Christmas lights
Editor's Picks (6)
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Christmas in Cambridge
(Cambridge)
Festive market, ice rink, maze, and big wheel on Parker's Piece.
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Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto
(Bletchley)
Vintage Christmas Grotto with a Codebreaker theme
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Cambridge Botanic Lights 2025
(Cambridge)
Illuminated trail celebrating plants after dark.
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Kettering Christmas Lights Switch On
(Kettering)
Community hero to switch on the Christmas lights
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A Very Merry Bedford Christmas Market Weekender
Weekend Christmas market with artisan vendors
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Land of Lights
(Milton Keynes)
Spectacular lantern festival with dazzling light displays
Events Happening Soon (6)
Bedford Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Bedford
Bedford Christmas FAQ
The City of Bedford's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is one of the biggest events, featuring live music, a holiday market, children's activities, and the lighting of the city tree. It usually takes place in early December at Old Bedford School or Generations Park.
Bedford celebrates with community-focused events like the Tree Lighting ceremony that includes live reindeer, s'mores, and local student performances, creating a warm and interactive holiday tradition for residents and visitors alike.
The Glenbrook neighborhood is well-known for its extensive drive-through Christmas light display. Other local neighborhoods also offer festive walking trails and neighborhood displays that are popular with families and visitors.
Christmas markets and local artisan vendors are featured prominently at the annual Tree Lighting event and at various neighborhood markets throughout Bedford during the holiday season.
Visiting neighborhood light displays, attending the free Tree Lighting event, and exploring local holiday markets are great budget-friendly ways to enjoy the season in Bedford without spending much.
Families will enjoy the Tree Lighting event with its children's activity area, live reindeer, and games. Walking or driving through local light displays like Glenbrook also offers a festive outing suitable for all ages.