Festive Christmas Events Hertfordshire

Christmas markets are one of the many Christmas events Hertfordshire has to offer. I love to visit a Christmas market or two each year, soak up the atmosphere and shop for quirky or unique Christmas gifts and delicious festive treats. Many of the Christmas markets in Hertfordshire also have a Christmas Grotto, with the opportunity to meet Father Christmas!

There’s lots of choice from the Knebworth Christmas Fair, to the Waddesdon Christmas Carnival, or the artistic and unique Childwickbury Christmas Market… the list goes on.

If you’re looking for other Christmas events Hertfordshire has to offer then take a look at my guide to Family Theatre and Pantomimes in Hertfordshire and for all things festive, take a look my guide to 50+ festive things to do in December 2018.

Remember that the weather can change and so can the details of events, so please check directly with the venue or organisers BEFORE you travel.

Knebworth Winter Festival

Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AX

At the Knebworth Christmas fair you can start your Christmas shopping early. This year’s Knebworth Winter Festival will be open from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th November 2018, 10am-8pm. There will be a wide range of craft, gift and food & drink stalls as well as a themed ‘apres ski’ outdoor food and drink village, a programmed feature stage and an enchanting Santa’s grotto. Visit the website to book your tickets or for more information.

Waddesdon Christmas Carnival

Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH

From Saturday 10th November 2018 to Wednesday 2nd January 2019 (closed 24th-26th December), 11am-6pm, visit Waddesdon Manor  for the Christmas Carnival. There will be a Christmas Fair every Wednesday to Sunday against the back-drop of the North Front of the Manor, up until 16th December. Make sure you stay after dark as Waddesdon will also be home to an illuminated light trail from dusk until 6pm and 3D light projections created by students from the Guildhall School.  Don’t forget to book in advance for your timed tickets to see the house filled with dazzling decorations and trees sparkling with lights. Visit the website for more information.

Aldenham Country Park Frost Fair

Aldenham Country Park, Aldenham Road, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3BA

This year’s Frost Fair at Aldenham Country Park takes place Thursday 15th November to Sunday 18th November 2018, 10am-5pm each day. There will be a range of festive gifts, crafts, fine foods and festive ideas on offer and Father Christmas will be paying a visit. Tickets are £8 for adults and children under 15 years old are free when accompanied by an adult. Visit the website for more information.

Tewin Bury Farm Christmas Market

Tewin Bury Farm Hotel, Hertford Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0JB

On Sunday 18th November 2018, 11am-5pm, visit the Tewin Bury Farm Christmas Market in the Meadow Barn. There will be a range of stalls selling festive goods and gifts. You can also enjoy warming refreshments in the café. Tickets are £1 and can be purchased on the door. Visit the website for more information.

Hertford Christmas Gala

Hertford Town Centre

The annual Hertford Christmas gala takes place on Friday 23rd November 2018, from 3.30 to 8pm. Enjoy a fun-filled and festive evening with Christmas markets, street entertainment, performance stage, petting reindeer and stalls, as well as a Christmas grotto and Christmas tree lights switch on. Visit the website for more information.

Earthworks St Albans Christmas Fair and Open Day

Hixberry Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0TZ

The Earthworks Christmas Fair and Open Day will be held on Saturday 24th November 2018, 12noon to 3pm at Earthworks, Hixberry Lane, St Albans, AL4 0TZ. Join in and celebrate Christmas with some festive shopping and a stroll around Earthworks’ beautiful site. There will be homemade wreaths for sale, as well as the Earthworks famous ‘reindeer’, Christmas cards, carol singing, mince pies, spiced apple juice and refreshments. Family friendly. Visit the website for more information.

Childwickbury Christmas Market

Childwickbury Estate, Harpenden Road, Hertfordshire, AL3 6JX

For a unique Christmas shopping experience come along to the Childwickbury Christmas Market, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November 2018, 10am to 5pm. You’ll find original artwork, ceramics, jewellery and gifts all available direct from the artists. Free entry and free parking. Visit the website for more information.

Harpenden Christmas Carnival

Harpenden High Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2RS

On Sunday 25th November 2018, come along to the Harpenden Christmas Carnival on Harpenden High Street from 12noon until 6pm, with the Christmas lights switch on at 5pm. You can enjoy a carnival procession, festive stalls, the Farmers’ Market, Christmas lights and fairground rides. Visit the website for more information.

Tring Christmas Festival

Tring High Street

Enjoy the Tring Christmas Festival on Friday 30th November 2018, 6.30-9.30pm as Tring High Street, Dolphin Square and the Victoria Hall are transformed into a sparkling Christmas Market. There will be a main entertainment stage in Church Square, a fun fair on upper High Street and Father Christmas inside Victoria Hall. Visit the website for more information.

Hitchin Creative Fair 2018

Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1JE

Visit the Hitchin Creative Fair 2018 on Saturday 1st December 2018, 11am to 4pm at Hitchin Town Hall. Enjoy this festive fair that brings together local creatives – the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping. You’ll find art, prints, textiles, jewellery, accessories and gifts. Visit the website for more information.

Southern Maltings Christmas Craft Market

Kibes Lane, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 7BS

On Saturday 1st December 2018, 10am-4pm, visit the Southern Maltings Christmas Craft Market where there will be local artisans ready to help you to purchase unique gifts. Relax with some tea, mince pies or a glass of bubbly in between browsing. Visit the website for more information.

Bishops Stortford Christmas Fayre

Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre, CM23 3UU

Bishops Stortford Christmas Fayre returns on Saturday 1st December 2018, throughout the main High Street in Bishop’s Stortford. Shop for all the Christmas essentials, from gifts such as hampers and handmade jewellery to real Christmas trees and wreaths. Visit the website for more information.

Redbourn Christmas Market

High Street, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7LW

On Sunday 2nd December 2018, 11am to 5pm, visit the Redbourn Christmas Market and enjoy a range of stalls with delicious food, beautiful crafts and gifts, as well as festive music, Santa’s Grotto, children’s activities and refreshments. Visit the website for more information.

Details of events are correct at the time of publishing.

Please check the details of an event directly with the venue or organisers before you travel.