Event details

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".

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.

Craft Workshops will take place as usual in Park Hall, including children's Christmas stocking decorating, Christmas sack printing, and wreath making. THese should be booked in advance.

Alongside the event, the fantastic Christmas Emergency Services Open Day will also be taking place again this year at the Harpenden Fire Station.

Free parking for the event will be available at the Station car park starting at 12 noon; because of expected high attendance the Town Council encourages people to walk to the event where possible.