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Ho Ho Ho! Here's our ultimate guide to all the Santa's Grottos, Festive Events, Christmas Markets & Pantomimes taking place in the local area this year. From train rides to winter wonderlands you can find them all here. So don't delay and get booking, as some of the most popular ones get booked up very quickly!
We will continue to add to this page as more events are listed and the details become available. We do our best to ensure all these details are correct but from time to time things do change so please do check the websites and book where necessary to avoid disappointment. If you know of any events that aren't listed please tag me in the post or send me a message so I can add them to the list.
Where to See Santa?
The Olde Watermill Christmas Grotto (Barton-Le-Clay)
From 23rd November
A fabulous festive fifty-minute experience with delights for all the family. Design your own Santa Express decoration to take home with you. Receive a Christmassy letter from Rudolph and your magical reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve. Make your own special wish upon a star. Enjoy a ride on Santa’s Express. Meet Santa and Mrs Claus in their cosy sitting room, where Santa will have a story for you and a present for each child, enjoy your own special time with him and there will be the opportunity for you to take that memorable photograph. Booking now open. SEN sessions also available.
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Father Christmas Visits Wardown House
7th, 14th, 20th & 21st December
A magical Christmas experience awaits the whole family at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery. Children are invited to listen to a festive story from Miss Christmas, meet the whimsical elves, and receive a special gift from under the tree when they meet Father Christmas. Plus, they can enjoy milk and cookies in our cosy café afterwards, while you enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee! There will be an opportunity to take photos of your children with Father Christmas, and enjoy the festive backdrop of the beautifully decorated house, decked out in traditional Victorian style decor. Booking now open.
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Willows Farm Santa Spectacular (St Albans)
23rd - 24th, 28th - 29th November & 1st, 7th - 8th, 13th - 15th, 19th - 24th December
There’s no better place to bring your children to meet Santa and enjoy a fabulous festive family day out. Take a trip through our magical winter wonderland where you’ll find Santa in his amazing Grotto. Santa will give children a key to his Toy Shop where they can choose any gift from the hundreds stacked from floor to ceiling. Visit our Create-a-Cuddle Workshop where children can choose from a range of soft toys to make, name and take home along with a certificate. Get crafty and decorate tasty gingerbread. Write a letter to Santa (don’t forget to add your address so he can reply!) Pop on 3D glasses to watch our short festive 3D film. Sing along with our new festive shows and more!
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Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo (Dunstable)
Sat 23rd November - Tue 24th December
Santa will be there in his Grotto. More details when we have them!
Details coming soon...
Knebworth House Dine with Santa (Stevenage)
Sun 15th and Sun 22nd December
Give your family an early Christmas treat with a fantastic meal at Knebworth Barns complete with a visit from Santa. Pre-booking essential. Booking now open.
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Christmas at Mead Open Farm (Leighton Buzzard)
Weekends from 30th November then 20th - 24th December 2024
Experience a magical festive adventure as the yuletide cheer of the North Pole takes over the farm. Meet Father Christmas in his grotto, decorate gingerbread men with Mother Christmas, journey through Christmas HQ and help find the magic. Wander through The Magical Forest and make some Reindeer food to take home ready for Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to visit the Make a Bear Workshop to create your own cuddly toy. Booking now open.
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Frosts Garden Centre (Woburn Sands)
Sat 16th & 17th November, then 23rd November - 24th December
Gather 'round the fire with Mrs. Christmas as she brings the magic of Christmas to life with her heart-warming stories. Let your imagination run wild in our Toy Factory, where children can choose a Christmas-themed cuddly toy to build, adding a personal touch to their festive keepsake. Experience the joy of meeting Father Christmas himself! Step into a winter wonderland and join in the fun of making special reindeer food to sprinkle on Christmas Eve. Finally take a piece of the magic home with you by working with your family to plant a mini-Christmas tree, in a beautiful bamboo plant pot. Popular dates already selling out!
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Christmas Wonderland at Springtime Nurseries (Crews Hill, Enfield)
Thu 14th November - Tue 24th December
All aboard at our station platform, where you begin your magical ride through the reindeer forest! You may even be lucky enough to see Santa’s reindeer resting before they take flight on Christmas Eve. You’ll continue your magical ride through the Wonderland where you will see some familiar Christmas favourites, en route to Santa’s magical Ice Kingdom where Santa will greet you alongside your carriage. Remaining in your carriage you finally visit the Elves toy shop where you finish your ride and choose your Christmas gift with love from Santa.
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The Santa Claus Experience at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park (Waltham Abbey)
Weekends from 24th November then 20th - 24th December
Our fabulously festive Santa Claus Experience is a great way to start your festive celebrations this year. Santa’s cheeky elves can not wait to welcome you on our magical group experience of festive fun. Includes Sparkle Snow Show, Mother Christmas' Magical Kitchen, decorate a gingerbread man, and meet Santa with photo opportunities and goodies for the children. Only pre-bookings will be able to see Santa Claus. Booking now open.
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Odds Farm Park Christmas Cracker (High Wycombe)
Fridays - Sundays from 29th November, then 18th - 24th December 2024
Take a magical stroll to the North Pole and enjoy a personal visit to meet Father Christmas! Soak up the seasonal splendor with the return of our sell-out Christmas Spectacular Experience, where the Farm Park has been sprinkled with yuletide wonder and festive frivolities, and families will be joined by a very special guest! Booking now open.
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Meet Father Christmas @ The Walled Garden
Sun 8th December 10am - 4pm
'Tis the Season to be jolly! Father Christmas is taking some time out from his busy schedule to have a chat and a mince pie at Luton Hoo Estate. Places are limited - book early to avoid disappointment.
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Festive Themed Events
Christmas Carols and Torchlight Procession
29th November 7pm-8:30pm
Join us on The Square with the school choirs of Dunstable to sing carols, meet Father Christmas and turn on the Christmas Tree lights. There will also be a fantastic light show finale alongside an array of food and drink stalls down Middle Row.
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Christmas Spectacular
15th December 12-4
With special guests flying in from the North Pole. This Christmas event is not to be missed.
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Santa's Lost Sleigh: A Christmas Family Adventure
Sat 21st December
Join us at Luton Library Theatre on this exciting, interactive child's show full of fun, music, Christmas sing along and much, much more.
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The Kings Polar Bear
Sat 7th - Tue 24th December
An epic polar adventure for the whole family at the Hat Factory Arts Centre. Join Luton’s favourites Full House Theatre for a timeless tale of hope and opportunity, told under the awesome shimmer of the northern lights.
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Breakfast with Santa (The Old Moat House)
7th, 8th, 14th, 15th & 21st - 24th December
Santa is back for breakfast this festive season!
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The Elves and the Jingle Bell Ball (Hitchin)
Sat 28th - Tue 31st December
Our family friendly show is suitably for all children 1-12, with a little something for everyone. We have packed our show with more songs and silliness to keep the whole family entertained and this year we end our performance with a mini disco to celebrate the end of Christmas and the beginning of a new year!
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Festive wreath-making workshop (Dunstable downs)
Sunday, 24 November and Tuesday, 10 December Time: 6.00pm - 8.30pm
Whether you're gathering with friends or family, this is the perfect opportunity to get creative while soaking in the twinkling lights and stunning panoramic views of the Bedfordshire countryside from our Visitor Centre - the highest point in the region.
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Friends of Ardley Hill Festive Fayre
6th December 6pm - 8pm
The most wonderful time of the year and what better way to celebrate the holiday season than at our annual Friends of Ardley Hill Festive Fayre? It's an evening filled with family fun, delicious treats, and fantastic entertainment. Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and get ready to begin the festive season.
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Lancot Lights
Fri 29th November 2024 - Sat 30th November 2024 5pm - 9pm
Come and join us for a Light trail and Christmas Market.
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Bedford winter wonderland
30th November - 5th January (Tickets on sale soon)
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Pantomimes
Robin Hood - The Fantastic Family Pantomime
Fri 6th - 8th & 13th - 15th December
A merry pantomime adventure by The Griffin Players!
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Sleeping Beauty (Harpenden)
Sat 7th - Mon 30th December
Featuring great songs, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and spectacular special effects this dream of a pantomime will be an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike, at the Eric Morecambe Centre in Harpenden.
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Panto Express (Buckinghamshire Railway Centre)
Sat 30th November - Sun 1st December
See Father Christmas whilst enjoying a steam train ride AND watch a pantomime - all in one amazing Christmas experience! This year, it's bigger and better than ever!
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Christmas Markets
Twilight market (the square and middle row)
13th 14th 15th December
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Houghton Regis Memorial Hall Christmas Craft Fair
Sunday 1st December 10-3
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Christmas Fair at All Saints View (Houghton Regis)
Sunday 8th December 10:30-2:30
We have loads of stalls for you to come and see and our own raffle and Tea & Coffee stall with the proceeds going to Keech Hospice.
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Santastic Fun Day (Leightoin Buzzard)
Sun 8th December 12-4
Step into a our enchanting indoor Christmas market! and get ready for merry moments! with festive entertainment that will keep your spirits high as you shop.
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Stopsley Christmas Market
Sat 30th November
Stalls, BBQ, festive refreshments, Santa's grotto and the market cafe!
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Raynham Way Community Centre Winter Fayre
Sat 16th November
Event details to be confirmed...
Details TBC
The Christmas Market at Luton Hoo Estate
Sun 8th December
Stalls at the stunning conservatory will put you in the Christmas mood with gifts, edible treat and seasonal fayre galore. Plus a Christmas choir, woodland strolls and season snacks from the Woodyard Cafe & Brasserie
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Christmas Market at The Market Cross Pub
Say 7th December
A Christmas Market will be held this year at The Market Cross in Dunstable.
Redbourn Christmas Market
Sun 1st December
100+ stalls overflowing with delicious food, beautiful crafts and gift ideas. Seasonal music showcasing the best local talent playing your favourite festive tunes, and a yule raffle with lots of amazing prizes from local businesses.
Harpenden Christmas Farmers Market
Sun 24th November
Each Market finds a huge selection of produce available including: Meats, Preserves, Cheeses; Vegetables; Dry herbs and spices, Flowers and plants, Fresh bread, cakes and pastries, Eggs & Organic produce.
Standalone Farm Christmas Market
Sat 30th November - Sun 8th December
Join us at Standalone this Christmas for a fun-filled Festive Market complete with music, food and shopping. Our animals will even make an appearance!
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Bedford Christmas Gift & Craft Fair
Sun 8th December
We will have a variety of unique crafts, artwork, gifts and food that will make perfect Christmas presents that your friends and family will LOVE!
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Leighton Buzzard Rugby Football Club Christmas Fayre
Festive drinks & food, craft and Christmas stalls.
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