Last updated: 11 November 2024
Find everything you need for the holidays in Hertford with our comprehensive guide. Discover all the top events and activities. From those who navigate Hertford streets with ease to those still finding their way, our guide leads to holiday joy.
Popular events this festive season include the charming Knebworth Christmas Fair, where a delightful selection of stalls and activities create a warm atmosphere. Another highlight is the Hertford Castle Christmas Market, boasting a picturesque setting for local crafts and seasonal treats. And the Tring’s Christmas Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering family-friendly entertainment and festive cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Hertford Holiday Light Displays
Ashridge House Illuminated
- What to Expect
- Extended 1.4km light trail with 33% more installations than most other UK light trails.
- Description
- Explore Ashridge House's stunning Grade II listed gardens adorned with dazzling lights and mesmerising new installations. The event features 20 different light experiences, a vibrant food village, and dog-friendly nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Where
- Berkhamsted | More Info : Ashridge House Illuminated
Hertford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Knebworth Christmas Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with over 250 stalls and new outdoor shopping marquees.
- Description
- The Knebworth Christmas Fair is a three-day event at Knebworth House, featuring local artisans, boutique vendors, and a wide range of Christmas gifts, decorations, and festive food and drink.
- Where
- Stevenage | More Info : Knebworth Christmas Fair
Hertford Castle Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local shopping and festive entertainment.
- Description
- Hertford Castle Christmas Market features an array of Christmas market stalls offering homeware, crafts, and jewellery. The event includes food and drink stalls, fairground rides, and live entertainment.
- Where
- Hertford | More Info : Hertford Castle Christmas Market
Tring’s Christmas Festival
- What to Expect
- Large-scale Christmas market with local traders and entertainment.
- Description
- Tring’s Christmas Festival is a vibrant celebration marking the start of the festive season. The event transforms Tring High Street into a bustling Christmas market with local traders, entertainment stages, fun fairs, and Santa's Grotto. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food, drinks, and gifts while taking in the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Tring | More Info : Tring’s Christmas Festival
St Albans Christmas Cracker Market
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly event with live music and festive light installations.
- Description
- The St Albans Christmas Cracker Market is a free family event featuring food and arts and crafts stalls, live music, and festive light installations in the city centre.
- Where
- St Albans | More Info : St Albans Christmas Cracker Market
Redbourn Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Community-driven market supporting local artisans and festive lighting.
- Description
- Redbourn Christmas Market is a vibrant community event featuring over 100 stalls offering local crafts, delicious food, and seasonal music. The market supports the village's Christmas light display in Cumberland Gardens.
- Where
- Redbourn | More Info : Redbourn Christmas Market
Braintree Christmas Street Market
- What to Expect
- Seasonal treats and local produce in a festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a variety of food stalls, bars, crafts, handmade items, and local produce. The event features an Artisan Hub in George Yard, Christmas entertainment, and the light switch-on. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere with mulled wine and seasonal treats.
- Where
- Braintree | More Info : Braintree Christmas Street Market
Hertford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Fantastical Christmas Revels at Hatfield House
- What to Expect
- Tudor-themed Christmas celebration with bespoke installations.
- Description
- Step into the realm of Tudor festivities at Hatfield Park, where Queen Elizabeth I hosts a journey through time and tradition. Wander through the West Garden, past the Knot Garden, and into the Victorian Kitchen, encountering imposing Tudor bespoke installations, including a majestic carriage and merry mummers performing festive plays. Gaze upon the Christmas Kissing Bough and immerse yourself in the melodies of the era. Capture your journey with an awe-inspiring figure of Queen Elizabeth I, transporting yourself to a regal past amidst the sparkle of the season.
- Where
- Hatfield | More Info : Fantastical Christmas Revels at Hatfield House
The Snowman Tour at St Albans Cathedral
- What to Expect
- Live music accompaniment to a beloved animated film.
- Description
- The Snowman Tour at St Albans Cathedral features a delightful animated film with live music, showcasing Aardman's classic characters in a special screening.
- Where
- St Albans | More Info : The Snowman Tour at St Albans Cathedral
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Abbey Theatre
- What to Expect
- Animated Aslan on the back screen.
- Description
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Abbey Theatre is an adaptation of C. S. Lewis's timeless tale, where four siblings discover a magical land ruled by the White Witch. They embark on a fantastic adventure to save Narnia from everlasting winter, meeting Mr Tumnus, Mr and Mrs Beaver, and even Father Christmas. This production features strong acting and a compelling storyline, recommended for ages 7 and up.
- Where
- St Albans | More Info : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Abbey Theatre
Jingle all the way in Stevenage
- What to Expect
- Pratfalling family comedy with nostalgic value.
- Description
- Jingle All the Way is a classic comedy where Arnold Schwarzenegger's character desperately seeks a Turbo Man toy for his son, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic events.
- Where
- Stevenage | More Info : Jingle all the way in Stevenage
Dine with Santa at Knebworth House
- What to Expect
- Intimate holiday dining experience with Santa Claus.
- Description
- Join us at Knebworth House for a festive holiday celebration where children can dine with Santa Claus in a delightful setting.
- Where
- Stevenage | More Info : Dine with Santa at Knebworth House
Hertford Other Holiday Activities
Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive activities with Santa and his reindeer.
- Description
- At Willows Activity Farm, Santa Spectacular offers a comprehensive festive experience with activities like Create-a-Cuddle, gingerbread decorating, and visiting the Toy Workshop to make a wooden reindeer. Children can choose a gift from Santa's Toy Shop and enjoy various shows, rides, and interactions with reindeer and Peter Rabbit.
- Where
- St Albans | More Info : Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm
Winter Fest at Aldenham Country Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive farm activities and Santa's Magical Grotto.
- Description
- At Winter Fest at Aldenham Country Park, explore the farm to meet all the animals, enjoy festive tunes in the Dance Tunnel, and participate in the Elf Hunt to win a prize. The event also features giant puzzles, mini-tractor play, and photo opportunities. Visit Santa's Magical Grotto to help the Elf prepare for Christmas and meet Santa himself.
- Where
- Elstree | More Info : Winter Fest at Aldenham Country Park
Hemel Hempstead Christmas Present Trail
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday trail with giant presents and a word puzzle.
- Description
- Explore Hemel Hempstead's Christmas Present Trail, where 8 giant presents are scattered throughout the Marlowes and Old Town. Each present displays a letter for you to collect and decipher a word. Correct entries are entered into a prize draw for a £200 gift voucher.
- Where
- Hemel Hempstead | More Info : Hemel Hempstead Christmas Present Trail
Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa experience with a zoo visit.
- Description
- Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park, where children can enjoy five minutes with Father Christmas and receive a Christmas gift, along with a Child Winter Zoo Pass valid for one future visit.
- Where
- Shepreth | More Info : Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park
Christmas Fair & Santa at Ho-Ho-Hopefield
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and animal encounters.
- Description
- Join Hopefield Animal Sanctuary for a Christmas event featuring letter writing to Santa, a Christmas trail, Santa's grotto with a gift, Christmas arts and crafts, access to a miniature Christmas village, and free gingerbread, warm squash, and mulled wine for adults. General admission to the sanctuary is included.
- Where
- Brentwood | More Info : Christmas Fair & Santa at Ho-Ho-Hopefield