Festive Activities in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire 2023: A Heliodoor Apartments Guide
Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive magic of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire! Here at Heliodoor Apartments, we have put together this list of fun, festive activities that will make your holiday season truly special. From enchanting grotto experiences, to traditional markets, and even festive dinosaur shows – there’s something for everyone!
Christmas Markets
Discover the enchanting Christmas markets of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, where the festive spirit really comes alive. From the lively St Albans Christmas Market with its theatrical performances to the Hertford Castle Christmas Market set against a picturesque castle backdrop – enjoy your Christmas shopping in style this year!
Hertfordshire:
Market: St Albans Christmas Market (Hertfordshire)
Dates: Sunday 19th November (12 noon – 6pm)
Info: This market is part of the Christmas Cracker Event happening in St Albans. There will be theatrical performances, dance and music all on the big stage! You’ll also find a Santa’s grotto here, a creative play zone with fairground rides, street performers, and of course the festive market!
Market: Hertford Castle Christmas Market (Hertfordshire)
Dates: Friday 24th November – 3.30pm – 8pm | Saturday 25th November – 11am – 6pm | Sunday 26th November – 11am – 5pm
Info: This market is set within the beautiful grounds of the castle with plenty of seasonal treats on offer! This year includes a ‘Story time with Santa’ (Sun 26th Nov from 11am – this is free but requires booking in advance as spaces are limited).
Market: Knebworth Christmas Fair (Hertfordshire)
Dates: Friday 24th – Sunday 26th November (10am – 1:30pm onwards)
Info: This is a ticketed Christmas Fair with no guarantee there will be tickets at the gate. This Fair is huge with over 250 stalls to browse (plus lots of food sampling on offer!) Buggies and prams are not permitted in the inside areas, there is a free buggy park available.
Festive Days Out
Looking for something fun to do in the run-up to Christmas Then check out these fun activities for the whole family. Skate across the ice to meet Santa or step back in time at Bletchley Park’s vintage Christmas celebration.
Hertfordshire:
Activity: The Real Christmas Tree Farm – Ashridge (Hertfordshire)
Dates: Sunday 26th November – Friday 23rd December (Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm + Sunday 10am-4pm)
Info: Visit one of the UK’s nuggets suppliers of Christmas trees this year and pick out your very own to take home. All trees are freshly cut and if you do end up choosing a tree that’s bigger than your car, they do offer a delivery service too!
Buckinghamshire:
Activity: Skate & See Santa at Planet Ice (Buckinghamshire)
Dates: Every weekend in December from Saturday 2nd December (11am – 4pm) | Then every day from Thursday 21st to Christmas Eve (11am – 4pm)
Info: This is a great family day out, skating and meeting Santa all in one! There is limited availability so booking eary is encouraged. Santa and his Elves will read the children a Christmas story, and each child will receive a gift from Santa.
Activity: Christmas at Bletchley Park (Buckinghamshire)
Dates: Dates TBC (Santa’s Grotto is 20th – 23rd December (10am – 3.30pm)
Info: See Bletchley Park transformed this December and experience a vintage Christmas! The Codebreaking Huts and Mansion will be dressed with vintage 1940s Christmas decorations, and there might just be reindeer there too! There’s a free trail for children plus a Santa’s grotto.
Activity: Land of Lights Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire)
Dates: Now until Feb 2024
Info: This festival of lights is not to be missed! With a brand new trail this year featuring 12 incredible worlds inspired by fairy tales and well-known characters! This one is great for any age or group and is both wheelchair and pushchair friendly!
Festive Performances and Shows
Enjoy a classic pantomime at Watford Palace Theatre, or treat the little ones to a Jurassic adventure with the “Jurassic Live Christmas Special” at Milton Keynes Theatre. Each show promises laughter, joy, and a touch of Christmas magic.
Hertfordshire:
Show: The Snowman Tour 2023 at St Albans Cathedral (Hertfordshire)
Dates: Saturday 2nd December with matinee and evening shows
Info: Taking place in the beautiful cathedral there is a very special performance featuring two of the UK’s best-loved and iconic animated films, ‘The Snowman’ and ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers’, with live accompaniment from an outstanding professional orchestra.
Show: Cinderella – Pantomime at Watford Palace Theatre (Hertfordshire)
Dates: 30th November – 31st December
Info: This twist on the classic Cinderella story is based in 1999! Cinderella wants to party ‘like its 1999’ but her stepmother has other ideas…Boxes are available for this performance and seat up to 4.
Buckinghamshire:
Show: Jurassic Live Christmas Special at Milton Keynes Theatre (Buckinghamshire)
Dates: Friday 1st – Saturday 2nd December
Info: If your little ones are into Dinosaurs, then you don’t want to miss this show. Aimed at families, this performance takes you on a festive musical journey to save the day! There is lots of audience participation and plenty of dinosaurs to enjoy!
Link: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/jurassic-live-christmas-special/milton-keynes-theatre/
Please do check the event website for the most up-to-date details for each activity, and book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment!
And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, then we can help there. We have apartments located in Milton Keynes, Watford and St Albans. We can accommodate larger groups and are flexible on the length of stay, making us a great option for large families and groups. If you have any questions at all, please do let us know, we want to make your stay as comfortable as we can.
We hope this list has given you some ideas of things you’d like to see and do this winter, but whatever you choose to do this Christmas season, we hope you have a wonderful time with friends and family!
