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.
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 2024 Mini Photoshoot
19th October
- 15th December
Younique Photography Studio, Luton
Christmas Wonderland
14th November
- 24th December
Springtime Nurseries, Enfield, Middlesex
Christmas at Waddesdon
20th November
- 24th November
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Christmas at Kew
20th November
- 24th November
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
20th November
- 24th November
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Land of Lights
22nd November
- 24th November
Gullivers Land Theme Park Resort, MIlton Keynes
Shuttleworth in Lights 2024
22nd November
- 23rd November
Shuttleworth House, Biggleswade
Santa's Grotto
23rd November
- 24th November
The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton Le Clay
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
Lighting Up Luton for Christmas
(FREE)
23rd November
Outside Luton Town Hall, Luton
Harpenden Christmas Carnival & Lights Switch On
(FREE)
24th November
High Street, Harpenden
Harpenden Christmas Farmer's Market
(FREE)
24th November
Lower High Street, Harpenden
Harpenden Christmas Farmer's Market
(FREE)
24th November
Lower High Street, Harpenden
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 Kew
26th November
- 1st December
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond
Christmas at Waddesdon
27th November
- 1st December
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
27th November
- 24th December
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Santa's Grotto (SEN Sessions)
27th November
- 28th November
The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton Le Clay
Here's the latest recommendations from our visitors and followers. Click on the business name to find out more. If you'd like to add a recommendation for a business or organisation search for their listing here on the site and click on the Leave a recommendation button.
"Took my kids to Choccos's Desserts Parlour, The Desserts exceeded my expectations where hands down the best & Priced cheep, Very nice clean dine in experience, Kids loved the Cartoons on the TV, Staff was Amazing,Definitely enjoyed our experience at Choccos's, Would recommend and will definitely be back."
Christmas 2024 Mini Photoshoot
19th October
- 15th December
Younique Photography Studio, Luton
Lighting Up Luton for Christmas
(FREE)
23rd November
Outside Luton Town Hall, Luton
Fearlessly Taylor
30th November
Luton Library Theatre, Luton
Baby and Child First Aid Class
30th November
Bushmead Community Hub, Luton
Stopsley Christmas Market
(FREE)
30th November
Stopsley Baptist Church, Luton
Family Film Club: Abominable
30th November
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Snow Globe at Market Hill
(FREE)
30th November
Market Hill, Luton
Mini Photoshoot: Stopsley Christmas Market
30th November
Stopsley Christmas Market, Luton
Robin Hood - The Fantastic Family Pantomime
6th December
Luton Library Theatre, Luton
Robin Hood - The Fantastic Family Pantomime
7th December
Luton Library Theatre, Luton
The King's Polar Bear
7th December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Father Christmas Visits Wardown
7th December
- 21st December
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Luton
Breakfast with Santa
7th December
- 8th December
The Old Moat House, Luton
Robin Hood - The Fantastic Family Pantomime
8th December
Luton Library Theatre, Luton
Artisan Fair (Monthly)
(FREE)
8th December
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton
Meet Father Christmas @ The Walled Garden
8th December
The Walled Garden Car Park, Luton
The Christmas Market at Luton Hoo Estate
(FREE)
8th December
Luton Hoo Estate, Luton
Meet & Greet with Santa
10th December
Little Bramingham Farm, Luton
Meet & Greet with Santa
12th December
Little Bramingham Farm, Luton
Robin Hood - The Fantastic Family Pantomime
13th December
Luton Library Theatre, Luton
Stockwood Illuminated Trail 2024
13th December
- 24th December
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton
Action Storytelling with Baz
(FREE)
14th December
Brown Books Ltd, Luton
Robin Hood - The Fantastic Family Pantomime
14th December
Luton Library Theatre, Luton
Christmas at Market Hill
(FREE)
14th December
Market Hill, Luton
The King's Polar Bear (2pm BSL Performance)
14th December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Robin Hood - The Fantastic Family Pantomime
15th December
Luton Library Theatre, Luton
Chaplins Pantomimes Jack and the Beanstalk
15th December
Rose Marquee, Luton Rugby Club, Luton
Taleshakers: December
16th December
Hat Factory Arts 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
The King's Polar Bear
22nd December
Hat Factory Arts Centre, 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
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