Christmas markets, lights switch-ons, Santa's grottos, pantomimes, carol concerts and festive days out, gathered in one place. From town-centre switch-ons and craft fairs to winter light trails and steam-train Santa specials, here's what's on near you this Christmas, with dates, times and prices so you can plan the season.
Sunday afternoon in Watford
1
· 12:00 – 18:00
St Albans Christmas Cracker
The Christmas Cracker is St Albans' big festive street party, launching the season with around a hundred stalls filling the historic city centre around St Peter's Street. Browse gifts, crafts and seasonal food and drink, enjoy the funfair rides and catch the acts on stage as the city gets into the Christmas spirit.
It runs from noon until 6pm and is free to attend, so it's a perfect afternoon out for all the family.
2
· 12:00 – 18:00
Harpenden Christmas Carnival
Harpenden's Christmas Carnival is a magical afternoon in the leafy town centre, with festive fun for all the family, a seasonal farmers' market and the switching-on of the town's Christmas lights. It's free and everyone is welcome.
The carnival runs from 12 to 6pm, and from 1 to 5pm the same day Harpenden Fire Station opens its doors for a Christmas Emergency Services Day, a chance for little ones to see the vehicles up close. Another festive farmers' market follows on Sunday 20 December, 10am–2pm.
Sunday evening in Watford
1
· 12:00 – 18:00
St Albans Christmas Cracker
The Christmas Cracker is St Albans' big festive street party, launching the season with around a hundred stalls filling the historic city centre around St Peter's Street. Browse gifts, crafts and seasonal food and drink, enjoy the funfair rides and catch the acts on stage as the city gets into the Christmas spirit.
It runs from noon until 6pm and is free to attend, so it's a perfect afternoon out for all the family.
2
· 12:00 – 18:00
Harpenden Christmas Carnival
Harpenden's Christmas Carnival is a magical afternoon in the leafy town centre, with festive fun for all the family, a seasonal farmers' market and the switching-on of the town's Christmas lights. It's free and everyone is welcome.
The carnival runs from 12 to 6pm, and from 1 to 5pm the same day Harpenden Fire Station opens its doors for a Christmas Emergency Services Day, a chance for little ones to see the vehicles up close. Another festive farmers' market follows on Sunday 20 December, 10am–2pm.