Browse the siteWelcome! From bumps to teens we have it covered.
This is your one-stop site for everything you need to know about living in Luton with children.
Kickstart your festive organisation with our downloadable planner sheet!
We're adding lots of events to our What's On page for the Christmas period and with so much to chose from already you might find our downloadable Festive Planner useful.
⬇️ Click here to download
🖨️ Print
✔️and check out our What's On page to start filling it in.
We will of course keep adding more events and activities to the website as we hear about them, so do keep checking back.
As the festive season nears, Luton and the surrounding areas of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire come alive with some of the most enchanting Christmas light trails and illuminations around.
Picture twinkling light displays, glittering forests, and magical pathways that turn cold winter nights into dazzling spectacles. Whether you're exploring Luton's vibrant displays or venturing to nearby gems in St Albans, Harpenden, and beyond, these illuminated trails offer the perfect holiday experience—ideal for families, friends, or couples seeking a cozy, festive escape.
Grab a hot drink, bundle up, and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonder of the season!
And as always please do check full details on events before you attend, as things can always change and displays are weather dependent.
STOCKWOOD ILLUMINATED
From Friday 13th December
This December, join The Culture Trust for their winter light celebration set against the backdrop of the beautiful gardens at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Discover Stockwood like you've never seen it before, weave your way on a self-guided tour through the illuminated pathways, set against the backdrop of the lush greenery. More details...
Land of Lights (Milton Keynes)
From Friday 8th November
Journey through an enchanting landscape illuminated by glowing creatures, majestic monuments and mystical surprises. Enjoy magical photo points across the trail, dog-friendly nights, food, drinks & tasty treats. More details...
Ashridge House Illuminated
From Friday 29th November
Experience Hertfordshire's biggest Christmas Light Trail; an enchanting evening with their magical lights, perfect for the whole family. Wander through the stunning gardens, adorned with dazzling lights and mesmerising new installations. More details...
Christmas at Waddesdon
From Friday 15th November
This Christmas be spirited away to a magical wonderland at Waddesdon. Transformed again with captivating new festive displays and decorations, promising an immersive Sleeping Beauty inspired experience! More details...
Shuttleworth in Lights
From Friday 15th November
Come and explore the world-famous Shuttleworth Collection and Swiss Garden in a way you've never seen them before! More details...
Christmas at Kew
From Wednesday 13th November
As one of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed illuminated trails, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year. More details...
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
From Friday 15th November
Where new memories are made as a multitude of glowing lights and seasonal sounds fill the crisp air with festivity. The after-dark spectacular and leading UK’s illuminated trail, has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. More details...
Hi, I’m Maria and I run the Mum's Guide to Luton website and social media. I live in Luton with my husband, our 2-year-old daughter and 3 cats!
I love getting out and about with my family and friends, either to classes and playgroups, local attractions and events or local walks in the park so I hope I’ll have a lot to offer in terms of great things to do in and around Luton. I also love a bit of planning and organisation so am always looking for what's on in the area and finding new places to visit.
As a first-time mum, clueless about where to find any local play groups or places to take my daughter as she was getting more mobile, I found the Mum's Guide to Hitchin Instagram and Facebook pages a lifesaver. So when we moved back to Luton in 2023 I wanted to be able to give something back, and hopefully be able to help others struggling to find things to do with the little ones! I know how important it is, particularly as a new parent to find things to do, not only for your children, but for you to socialise too.
My goal is to provide a website and social pages packed with so much local information for families, that you really don’t need to look elsewhere. I know how busy life is as a parent, and I’m hoping to take the hard work out of finding great things for you to do for quality family time together.
I will continue to update the website with new business listings and events as they get announced, so be sure to bookmark the website address to your browser. I will also still be posting lots on social media so if you aren't already following give me a follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Please help me spread the word about Mum's guide to Luton as I would love to help as many families in the area as possible!
If you have any recommendations for the website or run a local business and would like to be involved in the site or want to list your an event, please do get in touch through my social media channels, list your business for FREE here or e-mail [email protected].
And do say hi if you see us out and about!
Maria x
Christmas Wonderland
14th November
- 24th December
Springtime Nurseries, Enfield, Middlesex
Frosts Santa's Grotto Experience 2024
23rd November
- 24th December
Frosts Garden Centre, Milton Keynes
Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo
23rd November
- 24th December
Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable
The Santa Claus Experience
24th November
- 24th December
Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, Waltham Abbey
Santa Spectacular
25th November
- 31st December
Willow's Activity Farm, St Albans
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
27th November
- 24th December
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Ashridge House Illuminated Lights
28th November
- 1st January
Ashridge House, Berkhamsted
Father Christmas at Wrest Park
29th November
- 23rd December
Wrest Park, Silsoe
Odds Farm Park Christmas Cracker
29th November
- 24th December
Odds Farm Park, High Wycombe
Bedford Winter Wonderland
30th November
- 5th January
Bedford Park, Bedford
Smiley Sam & Santa
(FREE)
1st December
- 24th December
Luton (Various), Luton
Christmas at Kew
3rd December
- 24th December
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond
Family trail: Chaos at Christmas
5th December
- 31st December
Dunstable Downs, Dunstable
The King's Polar Bear
7th December
- 24th December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Father Christmas Visits Wardown
7th December
- 21st December
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Luton
Sleeping Beauty
7th December
- 30th December
The Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden
Stockwood Illuminated Trail 2024
13th December
- 24th December
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton
Christmas at Waddesdon
18th December
- 22nd December
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Land of Lights
18th December
- 24th December
Gullivers Land Theme Park Resort, MIlton Keynes
Santa's Grotto
18th December
- 24th December
The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton Le Clay
Christmas at Mead Open Farm
20th December
- 24th December
Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard
Christmas Wonderland in Cheddington
(FREE)
21st December
Cheddington Village Hall, Leighton Buzzard
Festive Sounds at Market Hill
(FREE)
21st December
Market Hill, Luton
Santa's Lost Sleigh: A Christmas Family Adventure
21st December
Luton Library Theatre, Luton
Christmas at Woodside
21st December
- 24th December
Woodside Animal Farm, Aley Green
The King's Polar Bear
21st December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Action Storytelling with Baz
(FREE)
21st December
Brown Books Ltd, Luton
Build-A-Christmas-Bear Workshop
21st December
- 22nd December
Bennett's Cafe & Community Hub, Bennett's Recreation Ground
Meet Santa & His Elf
21st December
Perfect Playland, Shefford
Panto Express
21st December
- 22nd December
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Aylesbury
The Living Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
22nd December
The BIGG Theatre, Biggleswade
The King's Polar Bear
22nd December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Enchanted Forest Grotto (Quiet Sessions)
22nd December
Luton Point, Luton
The King's Polar Bear
23rd December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
The Snowman™ Quiet Opening
(FREE)
23rd December
North Herts Museum, Hitchin
Toddler Christmas Session (The Real Play)
23rd December
Dunstable Parish Church Hall, Dunstable
Meet Santa & His Elf
23rd December
Perfect Playland, Shefford
The King's Polar Bear
24th December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Christmas at Kew
26th December
- 5th January
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
26th December
- 1st January
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Christmas at Waddesdon
27th December
- 5th January
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Christmas Ghost walk
27th December
Walks start at priory church, Priory church
Elsa and Anna meet and Greet
27th December
Pad studios, Unit 5-6 Grove Park, Court Drive
Smiley Sam & Santa
(FREE)
1st December
- 24th December
Luton (Various), Luton
The King's Polar Bear
7th December
- 24th December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Father Christmas Visits Wardown
7th December
- 21st December
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Luton
Stockwood Illuminated Trail 2024
13th December
- 24th December
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton
Festive Sounds at Market Hill
(FREE)
21st December
Market Hill, Luton
Santa's Lost Sleigh: A Christmas Family Adventure
21st December
Luton Library Theatre, Luton
The King's Polar Bear
21st December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Action Storytelling with Baz
(FREE)
21st December
Brown Books Ltd, Luton
The King's Polar Bear
22nd December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Enchanted Forest Grotto (Quiet Sessions)
22nd December
Luton Point, Luton
The King's Polar Bear
23rd December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
The King's Polar Bear
24th December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Baby and Child First Aid Class
11th January
Bushmead Community Hub, Luton
Family Film Club: Trolls Band Together
18th January
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Town Mouse and Country Mouse
1st February
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
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