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If you're looking for Christmassy events right here in Hitchin and the surrounding area, then look no further than the Mum's guide to Hitchin round-up of all the local Christmas fair and markets!

If you know of events that are not in this guide, then please add them using this form.

I will continue to add to this guide as more events are added to the website, and there will be more guides as we get closer to Christmas, so do bookmark this page and come back!

There are a number of other guides where you can find even more great events:

• Christmas Lights Switch-Ons-
• Christmas Lights Trails 
• Where to see Father Christmas 
• Christmas films and shows - coming soon!

Christmas Markets, Shopping and Craft Fairs

In Hitchin

Handmade Hitchin Market at The Vic
Thu 21st November 2024 5-9pm
A festive shopping evening offering gifts from local makers, shakers & creators. 10 stalls offering, cakes & bakes, floristry, jewellery, clothing, Pottery and more. Festive market over in the pub barn. Mulled booze & food.
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Shop Small Hitchin - Christmas Market at Hitchin Town Hall
FREE ENTRY
Sat 23rd November 2024 - Sun 24th November 2024 11am - 4pm
Hitchin is where our Shop Small Markets began and are always hugely popular with both stall holders and shoppers. This year we have 2 dates with different stalls each day! This means we will be showcasing 76 small businesses over 2 floors throughout the weekend! The perfect place to get all that Christmas Shopping done!
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Christmas Fayre at Smarty's Day Nursery
Sat 23rd November 2024 12:30-3:30pm
FREE ENTRY BUT DONATIONS WELCOME
Christmas fair with homemade crafts, personalised accessories and gifts, cake sale, sweets and treats, plus lots more. Fundraising for the nursery.
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Christmas Fair at The George and Dragon Graveley, Hitchin
Sat 23rd November 2024 12 - 4pm
£1 CHARITY DONATION ENTRY FEE
🤶Join us at The George and Dragon for a fun filled Christmas Fayre🤶
📅 Saturday 23rd November
🕰️ 12pm-4pm
💷 Please bring cash for the stalls as these will be externally run
💷£1 entry to the fayre (money goes to the charity)
🍔Food and Drinks available from the bar
We will be hosting a charity fayre in aid of 3 year old twins Marlowe & Harper who were born with Celerbal Palsy along with other medical conditions. All money raised at the fayre will go towards a 3 week intensive therapy course at The Napa Center in London. Along side other treatment the girls are receiving their family feel this will be one of the best chances for the girls to further their development.
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Foxholes Christmas Fair at Foxholes Care Home, Hitchin
FREE ENTRY
Fri 29th November 2024 11am-5pm
A festive event with food, crafts and gifts!
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Christmas Craft Fair at The British Schools Museum, Hitchin
FREE ENTRY
Sat 30th November 2024 - Sun 1st December 2024 10am - 2pm
Join us at the British Schools Museum for a weekend of wonderful local crafts and locally sourced gifts! Find something for everyone on your present list, from handmade clothes to locally sourced honey, beautiful woodwork, to handmade cards and candles. We have plenty of Crafts catered towards small children this year!
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St Mary's Church, Pirton - Christmas Fair
Sat 30th November 2024 12-4pm
FREE ENTRY
Free entry, handmade gifts, soup and refreshments. Raising money for St Mary's Church, Pirton.
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Christmas Fayre at Offley Hoo Farm
Sat 30th November 2024 - Sun 1st December 2024 10am - 3pm
FREE ENTRY TO FAYRE, PRE-BOOK TO SEE SANTA
Santas Grotto from 11am - 2pm both days. Various stalls with gifts galore to start your Christmas shopping. Caroline Acaster Photography 1st December from 11am - 3pm. @thecuckooukulelegroup playing in the barn. Bar open @thedreambeancafeuk.
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Mum2mum Market Hitchin at Woodside Hall
Sun 1st December 2024 2:30 - 4:30PM
£2 ENTRY
Whether you want to sell or shop at our indoor market just follow this event for all the info!
Come and shop pre loved, good condition all things baby, kids and maternity with 20 stalls to browse!
Free goody bag for the fist 100 shoppers through the door!
Woodside Hall, Walsworth Road Hitchin SG4 9SP
2:30pm- 4:30pm
Refreshments and snacks available
£2 entry, kids for free, free entry in the last half hour
Free parking
relax afterwards with a cuppa while your little ones do some colouring 
CASH ONLY!
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Hitchin Art Hub Fair on Hitchin Market Place
Sat 7th December 2024
FREE TO ATTEND
A chance to buy a unique Christmas present from the local artists selling their work on the Market Place.
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Hitchin Markets Takeover on Hitchin Market Place
Sun 8th December 2024 10am-4pm
FREE TO ATTEND
Browse and buy from the Hitchin Market stallholders when they take over the square for the day.
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The Angels' Christmas Market at The Angels pub
Sun 8th December 2024 From 12pm
FREE ENTRY
Are you looking for some unique crafts or Christmas gifts? We are holding our very own Christmas market with all things festive.
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Hitchin Christmas Wine Fair at Hitchin Town Hall
Sun 8th December 2024 2-8pm
Get into the festive spirit at our fabulous Christmas Fair!
Join us at Hitchin Town Hall for a day chock-full of wine, food and enough Christmas cheer to last until New Year's Day! One of our biggest events of the year, this is a great way to get into the swing of the holiday season and a terrific opportunity to get your Christmas shopping sorted as we open up 25 wines for you to sample, hand-picked by our amazing team.
Explore the wines at your own pace and take advantage of our informed but informal experts as we help you find everything you need for all your gift giving and Christmas Day/New Year's Eve indulging needs, all while munching on some tasty seasonal treats. Taste as much or as little as you want; we're sure that no matter what, you'll catch the festive fever!
Make sure you don't miss our wonderful wine-ter wonderland, because this is more than an event - it's the day the Christmas season begins!
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Letchworth, Stotfold, Arlesey and surrounding villages

STM Christmas Market at Fortescue Hall
Sun 24th November 2024 10am-2pm
FREE ENTRY
EVERYONE WELCOME! Lots of amazing small businesses, food & drink, crafts & Santas grotto.
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Letchworth Christmas Market in Letchworth Town Centre
Sat 30th November 2024 10am - 5pm
FREE TO ATTEND
Join us in Letchworth for a Christmas Market in the Arcade and Leys Square. Choirs, music and entertainment in Leys Square as well as a few Festive surprises...
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Christmas Market at Standalone Farm, Letchworth
Sat 30th November 2024 - Sun 1st December 2024 and Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th December 2024 
PRE-BOOK ON WEBSITE
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! Visit Standalone on the weekends of 30th Nov - 1st Dec & 7th - 8th December as we transform our farmyard into a magical Festive Market. Our Christmas Market will be the perfect place to shop for presents, enjoy some tasty food and get into the festive spirit.
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Stotfold Creative Fair Christmas at Roecroft Centre
FREE ENTRY
Sun 1st December 2024 11am - 4pm
The Stotfold Creative Fair is back!
The Roecroft Centre has been refurbished and we are back with an amazing Christmas Fair jam-packed with the best local makers and businesses.
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Christmas Market Evening at Belisily Café, Letchworth
Thu 12th December 2024 6-9pm
£2 entry fee can be redeemed against Café spend on the night
A sociable evening of warm nibbles & drinks whilst browsing local sellers for last minute gifts or to treat yourselves.
There will be mulled wine, hot chocolate & more on offer in the café between 6 and 9pm. Local sellers will be on hand with a wealth of stocking fillers and treats for you all! This is a chilled out, sociable evening where you get the adult company we all crave sometimes!
The £2 entry fee can be redeemed against Café spend on the night, contact [email protected] 07455 079296 or @Belisily to book your space.
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Craft and Farmers Market on  Leys Square, Letchworth
Sat 21st December 2024 9am - 3pm
FREE TO ATTEND
The Letchworth Craft & Farmers Market is back this Saturday in Leys Square. The last one of the year outside! Meet some amazing, local traders and #loveletchworth.
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Nearby (within 30 mins' drive)

Christmas Market at The Salvation Army Hall, Harpenden
Sat 16th November 2024 10 - 2pm
Come and get a head start on your Christmas shopping! We have stalls bursting with great present ideas and Christmas craft to turn your home into a winter wonderland. With music from our Brass Band you are guaranteed to leave with a large dose of Christmas spirit!
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Christmas Lights Event in Welwyn Garden City town centre
Sat 16th November 2024 12-6pm
FREE TO ATTEND
- Christmas Market
- Funfair
- Street Entertainment
- Music
- Performances from local dance groups & performance art schools
- Face Painting
- Story time with Santa
- 6:00 pm light switch on
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Harpenden Christmas Carnival & Lights Switch On on the High Street
Sun 24th November 2024 12 - 6pm
FREE TO ATTEND
The Harpenden Christmas Carnival has become a wonderful symbol of the start of the festive season - it's free to attend and everyone is welcome! The Christmas Carnival is a lively occasion with an abundance of live entertainment, activities, food and drink, outdoor bars and music as well as the Christmas Farmers' Market. Santa and his cheeky elves will be at the event again this year and there will be the opportunity to see them in the Procession as well as in his Grotto.
The Procession will begin at 3pm; from Lydekker Park it will travel along the High Street up to Vaughan Road. This year its theme is "A Harpenden Winter Wonderland" and the Town Council has opened the opportunity to join in to even more groups than before, making it an even bigger showstopper at the event. The Pipes and Drums will lead the parade as tradition dictates, closely followed by Santa and his elves. Joining them are stilt walkers and entertainers, Brownies and Rainbows groups, Police Cadets, Harpenden Colts FC, schools, entertainers, musicians, community groups and the cast of this year's Harpenden Panto.
Live entertainment will be performed on two stages with community groups and music entertainment split between the two. We're delighted to welcome SASA School of Performing Arts, Hurst Children's Theatre Group, Rock Choir, the Gang Show and many other fabulous local performers to the main stage. The Mini Stage on Harpenden Common will include a variety of music and children's entertainment including the Elves Show and Strike Free, talented musicians from Roundwood School.
The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 5pm by The Town Mayor, Cllr Pip Liver, together with the winner of the Mayor's Christmas Card Competition, a design competition open to children in Harpenden. This is always a show stopping moment for the Town and a time to appreciate the hospitality and breadth of the best of Harpenden.
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Essendon Country Club's Christmas Market
Sun 24th November 2024 11:00am - 4:00pm
FREE ENTRY AND CAR PARKING
We're delighted to announce that we will be hosting our very own Christmas Market this year on Sunday 24th November between 11am - 4pm. Please bring your family and friends down for an afternoon of Christmas shopping hosted in our beautiful Grand 16th Century Oak Framed Barn surrounded in 400 acres of stunning countryside! Our bar will be open for you to purchase popular festive food and drink on the day. Free entry and free car parking but please reserve your tickets via the website.
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Farmer Christmas Woodland Light Trail & grotto at Tewinbury farm
Sat 28th November 2024 - Wed 1st January 2025
Get ready for the ultimate festive experience at Tewinbury Farm this Christmas season! We are thrilled to announce our Farmer Christmas Light Trail & Grotto, a magical adventure for the whole family. Starting Thursday, 28th November, we invite you to step into the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, festive food, visit to Farmer Santa & plenty of seasonal cheer.
Explore the Christmas Light Trail
Take a walk through our immersive Christmas Light Trail through the woodlands. Experience twinkling lights, whimsical displays, festive decorations as you wind your way through our winter wonderland that's sure to dazzle visitors of all ages.
Visit Farmer Santa's Grotto
At the end of the trail, make your way to Farmer Santa's Grotto, where Santa himself will be waiting to greet you with a warm welcome. Kids can share their Christmas wishes, have a special moment with Santa, and receive a gift to take home.
Festive Food & Drink Market
Feeling hungry after your adventure? Stop by our Christmas Food Market filled with festive street food and seasonal treats. From warming mulled wine & hot chocolate to street food, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
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Christmas Fair & Light Switch On on Biggleswade Market Square
Fri 29th November 2024 From Midday to 10pm
FREE TO ATTEND
Biggleswade Town Council present the Annual Christmas Fair & Light Switch on. The fair will take part in the Market Square on Friday 29th November 2024 between noon and 10pm. There will be lots of food and craft stalls, performances by schools during the day, the light switch on by the Mayor followed by a performance by 'White Lights'.
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Stopsley Christmas Market at Stopsley Baptist Church
Sat 30th November 2024 11am - 3pm
FREE ENTRY
Stalls, BBQ, festive refreshments, santas grotto and the market cafe! A joint partnership between Stopsley Baptist Church and St Thomas' Church.
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Redbourn Christmas Market at Cumberland Gardens, Redbourn High Street and the V
Sun 1st December 2024 11am - 5pm
Kick off the festive season with a visit to the pretty village of Redbourn which, on Sunday 1st December 2024, will be transformed into our annual Christmas Market. Indulge in a wealth of local crafts, fabulous food and entertainment. We will have over 100 wonderful stalls. Wander along the High Street, outside the Village Hall and around Cumberland Gardens to find a huge range of quality products, beautiful crafts and gift ideas, by local artists, to get your Christmas shopping underway. There will also be delicious food stalls and many others offering drinks including tea and coffee, mulled wine and mince pies, to name but a few. Father Christmas will join us, with his elves, as well as entertainment to keep the festive mood going throughout the market. There will be a festive raffle with amazing prizes kindly donated by local businesses, including a luxury Christmas Hamper worth £250! Cumberland Gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a traditional Christmas tree and festive lighting. The Village Hall will be joyfully decorated so you can sit and enjoy your refreshments and catch up with friends and family. There will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy all day! Redbourn Christmas Market is a not-for-profit event organised by volunteers to raise funds for running the event and paying for the Christmas light display.
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Shuttleworth Christmas Market at Shuttleworth Collection & Gardens
Sat 7th December 2024 - Sun 8th December 2024 10am - 4pm
Explore the grand rooms and grounds of Shuttleworth House and Garden Suite and meander around a variety of local food, craft and gift stalls. Shuttleworth House was designed by the prominent Victorian architect Henry Clutton and is a real treasure trove of opulence, with many fantastic artefacts to see. Admission is free, donations are welcome- last entry 15:30.
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The Bull Christmas Market at The Bull Barton le Clay
Sat 7th December 2024 11am - 4pm
We are excited to announce the Bull will be holding our first Christmas market!
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The Christmas Market at Luton Hoo Estate at Luton Hoo Estate
Sun 8th December 2024 10am - 4pm
FREE ENTRY AND PARKING
- Stalls at the stunning conservatory will put you in the Christmas mood with gifts, edible treat and seasonal fayre galore
- Visits to Father Christmas will be bookable from 1 October (last year they sold out in 3 days!)
- The Woodyard Cafe & Brasserie will be serving delicious seasonal offerings
- Stroll through the Woodland walk between the Woodyard and the Walled Garden and take your time within its historic walls
- There will also be a Christmas choir to add to the atmosphere
And best of all... entry is FREE (parking only £2)
Christmas really does start here!
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Harpenden Farmer's Market on Lower High Street
Sun 22nd December 2024 10am - 2pm
FREE TO ATTEND
Harpenden Farmer's Market takes place on the 4th Sunday of the month. Each Market finds a huge selection of produce available including: Meats, pies, sausages, game meats; Preserves - pickles, jams and honey; Cheeses; Vegetables; Dry herbs and spices; Flowers and plants; Fresh bread, cakes and pastries; Eggs; Organic produce.
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Further Afield

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Fri 15th November 2024 - Sun 5th January 2025
This Christmas be spirited away to a magical wonderland at Waddesdon. The Manor and grounds will be transformed again with captivating new festive displays and decorations, promising to surprise and delight with our most enchanting Christmas experience yet. Inspired by the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, Waddesdon will be an immersive experience. Enjoy beautifully decorated interiors, new light projections on the Manor façade, a glittering light trail in the gardens and the return of the ever-popular Christmas fair.
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Huntingdon Christmas Market in Huntingdon Town Centre
Fri 22nd November 2024 - Sun 24th November 2024
Step into a winter woodland with Huntingdon Christmas Market, brought to you by Huntingdon Town Council. This year's event will run from Friday 22nd November - Sunday 24th November 2024. Each day will be packed full of festive cheer with music, shopping, delicious food, and entertainment.
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Festive Weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum
Sat 7th December 2024 - Sun 8th December 2024 10am - 5pm
Join for a weekend of festive fun. The Museum's collection of historic buildings will be decorated traditionally for Christmas with ivy, natural foliage, and candles. The 1940s Prefab will show how people celebrated a restrained wartime Christmas enlivened by make-do-and-mend decorations. Within the buildings you will find costumed stewards carrying out activities and telling visitors what life would have been like for past inhabitants. There will be an artisan craft market full of locally made products and the Museum's shop will be stocked with items that would make great Christmas gifts. Local choirs will be performing and you can have-a-go at candle-making*, listen to festive storytelling, take part in craft activities, see Father Christmas and say 'hello' to the festive ponies.
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Have a lovely Christmas x