Last updated: 11 November 2024
Welcome to your comprehensive guide for the holidays in Watford! Discover all the top festive events and activities. Whether you call Watford home or are exploring it for the first time, our guide unlocks all the festive secrets.
One of the highlights of the season is the Hertford Castle Christmas Market, where charming stalls showcase local crafts and delicious treats. Tring’s Christmas Festival brings a delightful atmosphere with live music and family-friendly activities, perfect for soaking up the holiday cheer. And the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter - Hogwarts in the Snow is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring the iconic sets transformed with enchanting seasonal decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Watford Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Event at Welwyn Garden City
- What to Expect
- Interactive street entertainment and giant Christmas light installations.
- Description
- Welwyn Garden City's Christmas Lights Event features festive fun with street entertainment, a funfair, and a Christmas market. Father Christmas will be visiting for magical story time, and there are walk-about photo opportunities and delicious food options available.
- Where
- Welwyn Garden City | More Info : Christmas Lights Event at Welwyn Garden City
Watford Christmas Lights Switch-On
- What to Expect
- Community celebration featuring a spectacular light display and live performances
- Description
- The vibrant streets of Watford are illuminated as the community comes together for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On. Families gather to witness the dazzling display of lights and enjoy an array of entertainment, including live music and performances. The event creates a warm atmosphere that heralds the festive season, enhancing the town's spirit and providing a gathering point for residents.
- Where
- Watford | More Info : Watford Christmas Lights Switch-On
Watford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Tring’s Christmas Festival
- What to Expect
- Free holiday market with live music and food.
- Description
- Tring’s Christmas Festival is a free event featuring festive market stalls, live music, food, and drink. It offers a variety of gifts and seasonal items, making it a great place for holiday shopping.
- Where
- Tring | More Info : Tring’s Christmas Festival
Hertford Castle Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of shopping and entertainment in a historic castle setting.
- Description
- Hertford Castle Christmas Market features an array of Christmas market stalls offering homeware, crafts, and jewelry. The event includes food and drink stalls, fairground rides, and live entertainment. It is set within the beautiful Castle grounds and offers a perfect opportunity to shop early for local Christmas items.
- Where
- Hertford | More Info : Hertford Castle Christmas Market
St Albans Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Dazzling lights and exciting events.
- Description
- St Albans Christmas Market offers dazzling lights, fabulous shopping, and a variety of exciting events, making it a vibrant destination for everyone.
- Where
- St Albans | More Info : St Albans Christmas Market
Christmas at Knebworth House
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local artisans and festive food.
- Description
- Knebworth House hosts a three-day Christmas Fair featuring over 250 stalls with Christmas gifts, local artisans, and festive food & drink. The event offers a wide range of shopping options and delicious culinary delights.
- Where
- Knebworth | More Info : Christmas at Knebworth House
Knebworth Christmas Fair at the Knebworth House
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with new outdoor shopping marquees and wider aisles.
- Description
- The Knebworth Christmas Fair at Knebworth House features over 250 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts, presents for all ages, and delicious festive food and drink.
- Where
- Knebworth | More Info : Knebworth Christmas Fair at the Knebworth House
Redbourn Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local crafts and seasonal music.
- Description
- Redbourn Christmas Market offers a wealth of local crafts, delicious food, and entertainment in the historic village of Redbourn. The event is organized by volunteers for the community's benefit, with funds raised supporting the Christmas light display in Cumberland Gardens.
- Where
- Redbourn | More Info : Redbourn Christmas Market
Christmas Market at Macdonald Compleat Angler
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of festive activities and local vendors.
- Description
- Join us at Macdonald Compleat Angler for our first-ever Christmas Market, featuring real reindeer, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and local crafts.
- Where
- Marlow | More Info : Christmas Market at Macdonald Compleat Angler
Kiwi Christmas Carols and Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly celebration with New Zealand carols and creative market stalls.
- Description
- Join the Kiwi Christmas Carols and Christmas Market at St Lawrence Jewry, where you can enjoy New Zealand carols, candlelight, and a market showcasing creative talents from Kiwis in London. Nibbles and discounted drinks will be available, making it a fun event for all ages.
- Where
- London | More Info : Kiwi Christmas Carols and Christmas Market
Watford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Frost Fair at Hatfield House
- What to Expect
- Immersive historical installations and interactive activities.
- Description
- Explore Hatfield House's Christmas experience, featuring 9 beautifully crafted installations, a guided tour of the Old Palace, and wintry woodland walks. Wander through the Garden and Lime Walk, admire festive settings, and end with a grand finale of a 12ft statue of Queen Elizabeth I. Enjoy local choirs, unique retailers, and delicious drinks in the Stable Yard.
- Where
- Hatfield | More Info : Frost Fair at Hatfield House
Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa experience with various holiday activities.
- Description
- Meet Santa at Willows Activity Farm, where children can choose a gift from Santa's Toy Shop, create a cuddly toy, decorate gingerbread, and enjoy festive shows and rides.
- Where
- St Albans | More Info : Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm
Pantomime at Watford Palace Theatre
- What to Expect
- Traditional pantomime with audience participation.
- Description
- Pantomime at Watford Palace Theatre features a classic tale with colorful characters, music, and comedy.
- Where
- Watford | More Info : Pantomime at Watford Palace Theatre
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Abbey Theatre
- What to Expect
- Classic adaptation of C.S. Lewis's tale with intricate sets and characters.
- Description
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Abbey Theatre is an adaptation of C.S. Lewis's timeless tale, following Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie as they discover a mysterious wardrobe leading to the magical land of Narnia. They embark on a fantastic adventure to save Narnia from everlasting winter, meeting Mr. Tumnus, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, and Father Christmas along the way. This production is recommended for all ages but contains scenes that some younger children may find upsetting.
- Where
- St Albans | More Info : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Abbey Theatre
Tis the Season at St Albans Cathedral
- What to Expect
- Christmas carols and readings in a historic cathedral setting.
- Description
- St Albans Cathedral hosts a variety of events, including concerts, film screenings, and exhibitions. The atmosphere is enhanced by the cathedral's historic architecture and beautiful wall paintings.
- Where
- St Albans | More Info : Tis the Season at St Albans Cathedral
Watford Other Holiday Activities
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter - Hogwarts in the Snow
- What to Expect
- Iconic Harry Potter sets dressed in festive filmmaking snow.
- Description
- Step into the Great Hall, adorned with gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and enjoy a mouth-watering banquet set up as it was for the end-of-term feast at Hogwarts. Christmas trees tower over you, topped by authentic flying witches and inviting fireplaces adorned with festive holly, mistletoe, and wreaths. Explore fan-favourite sets like the Gryffindor Boys' Dormitory and Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms, discovering how these sets were dressed for Christmas scenes in the film series.
- Where
- Watford | More Info : Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter - Hogwarts in the Snow
Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with Santa visit and gift.
- Description
- Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park, where children can enjoy a 5-minute visit with Santa Claus, receive a Christmas gift, and get a Child Winter Zoo Pass valid for one future visit.
- Where
- Shepreth | More Info : Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park