Eager for the holiday season in Harlow? Check out our guide for all the festive activities! Whether you're a Harlow native or a curious traveler, this guide unlocks the city's festive secrets.
One of the highlights is the Christmas Lights Switch-On, transforming the city into a sparkling winter wonderland. The Harlow Playhouse Christmas Pantomime offers an entertaining experience filled with laughter and whimsical performances. And the Christmas Charity Run is something you definitely don't want to miss, blending fitness with holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Harlow
- Christmas Lights Switch-On
- Harlow Playhouse Christmas Pantomime
- Christmas Charity Run
- Carols by Candlelight Service
- Christmas Public Skate Session
- Seasonal Music Performance at Moot House
- Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
Harlow Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Switch-On
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and simultaneous illumination
Description:
Harlow's Christmas Lights Switch-On transforms the town center into a dazzling spectacle. The entire community gathers for a synchronized countdown, culminating in a breathtaking moment when thousands of lights illuminate simultaneously. This annual tradition dates back to 1947, shortly after Harlow was designated as a New Town. Visitors can join in caroling led by local choirs, adding their voices to the joyous atmosphere. The event showcases Harlow's strong community spirit, uniting residents and visitors in a shared celebration of the season's arrival.
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Harlow Holiday Giving Opportunities
Christmas Charity Run
What to Expect:
Costume-themed run through Harlow's green spaces
Description:
Harlow's Christmas Charity Run combines fitness, philanthropy, and festivity in a unique outdoor event. Participants dash through the town's extensive network of green spaces, a hallmark of Harlow's garden city design. Runners don creative holiday-themed costumes, adding a playful visual element to the race. The event supports local charities, embodying Harlow's community-focused spirit. Along the route, runners encounter live music performances, energizing their strides. This run, initiated in 2010, has grown to become a significant annual fundraiser, uniting the community in a healthy and charitable endeavor.
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Harlow Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Harlow Playhouse Christmas Pantomime
What to Expect:
Interactive pantomime with local history twist
Description:
The Harlow Playhouse Christmas Pantomime injects a unique local flavor into a beloved British tradition. This year's production weaves Harlow's rich history into the storyline, creating a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. The air fills with laughter as the audience participates in classic call-and-response moments. You'll spot familiar Harlow landmarks cleverly incorporated into the set design. The pantomime, a staple at the Playhouse since its opening in 1971, continues to evolve while maintaining its quintessential British charm. Local actors and community members come together to bring this vibrant performance to life.
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Harlow Playhouse Christmas Pantomime
Carols by Candlelight Service
What to Expect:
Candlelit service in a historic Norman church
Description:
Harlow's Carols by Candlelight Service takes place in the town's oldest building, the Norman-era St. Mary's Church. The flickering candlelight casts a warm glow on the ancient stonework, creating an atmosphere steeped in history. Attendees can participate in singing traditional carols, their voices resonating through the centuries-old nave. The service incorporates elements of Harlow's diverse community, reflecting the town's evolution since its designation as a New Town in 1947. This annual event bridges the gap between Harlow's ancient roots and its modern identity, offering a moment of reflection amidst the holiday bustle.
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Seasonal Music Performance at Moot House
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional and contemporary music in a historic setting
Description:
The Seasonal Music Performance at Moot House blends the old with the new in a unique musical celebration. Set in one of Harlow's oldest buildings, the concert features an eclectic mix of traditional carols and contemporary compositions. The performance showcases local talent, highlighting Harlow's vibrant arts scene. Attendees can enjoy mulled wine, a nod to the building's history as a former pub. The Moot House, dating back to the 16th century, provides an intimate and historic backdrop for this musical journey. The event embodies Harlow's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modern artistic expressions.
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Seasonal Music Performance at Moot House
Harlow Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Public Skate Session
What to Expect:
Ice skating with projection mapping on the rink
Description:
Harlow's Christmas Public Skate Session elevates the traditional ice skating experience with cutting-edge technology. The rink comes alive with stunning projection mapping, creating an ever-changing landscape beneath skaters' feet. Glide over shimmering snowflakes or skate through a virtual forest. The event pays homage to Harlow's reputation as a center for science and technology, dating back to its development as a New Town. You can join a friendly game of ice hockey during designated periods. This innovative approach to ice skating offers a fresh twist on a classic winter activity.
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Christmas Public Skate Session
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly wreath making using locally sourced materials
Description:
Harlow's Christmas Wreath Making Workshop emphasizes sustainability and local resources. Participants craft unique wreaths using materials sourced from Harlow's abundant green spaces, a key feature of the town's garden city design. The workshop takes place in the Gibberd Garden, created by Harlow's master planner Sir Frederick Gibberd. You'll learn traditional wreath-making techniques while gaining insight into Harlow's horticultural heritage. The scent of fresh evergreens fills the air as attendees work. This hands-on activity not only produces beautiful decorations but also fosters a deeper connection to Harlow's natural environment and design philosophy.
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Christmas Wreath Making Workshop