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Where to experience Christmas 2020

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Christmas is going to feel a little different this year, with covid-safe guidelines and socially-distanced Santas.  We are expecting that there won't be as many grottos this year (some are already confirmed as not going ahead), so we've expanded our usual "Where to see Santa" article to include other Christmas experiences too. From grottos to pantos, train rides to winter wonderlands  and Christmas markets you can find them all here.  So don't delay and get booking, as some of the most popular ones get booked up very quickly, especially this year when space will be limited.

We will continue to add to this page as more details become available.  We do our best to ensure all these details are correct but from time to time things do change, and this year more than ever the situation remains fluid, so please do check the websites.  Unless otherwise stated we expect that ALL venues will require booking to ensure social distancing can be maintained.  

Look out for the entries highlighted below in pink, these indicate that there are sessions catering for children with additional needs.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Please note that details given are as provided at time of publication by the venue.  All details and available dates are subject to change at any time due to local and national lockdown restrictions. Please take extra care to check any where booking is not required before setting off.

Click here for venues that have confirmed their usual events will not take place.

Last updated 10th December 2020


Harpenden Round Table Santa Sleigh
3rd to 24th December 2020
Santa will be making his rounds on the Harpenden Round Table sleigh this year, but his helpers won't be knocking on your doors, but you will be able to donate online and by text. This year's charities are Round Table Children’s Wish, L&D Helipad Appeal and Herts Young Homeless.  You can find details of the charities, how to donate and the areas being covered each evening on the website. Listen out for them on the night they are in your area! Times are still to be confirmed, but usually it’s between 6.45 - 8.30pm on weekdays and 4.30 - 6.30pm on weekends.  We will add the detailed schedule here as it becomes available.

Thu 3rd Dec: Townsend Ln, Barns Dene, Claygate Av, Moreton End Ln, Douglas Rd
Fri 4th Dec: Grove Av, Pipers Av, High Firs, Greenway, Sibley Av, Meadway, Leycroft Way
Sun 6th Dec: Wellbeck Rise, Cranbourne Drive
Mon 7th Dec: Jameson Rd, St James Rd, Willoughby Rd, Lea Rd, Wroxham Wy, Oulton Rise, Ox Ln
Tue 8th Dec: Aldwickbury Crescent, Chesterton Avenue
Wed 9th Dec: Carisbrooke Rd, Langdale Av, Granby Av, Lyndhurst Dr, Grasmere Av, Dalkeith Rd
Thu 10th Dec: Harpenden Rise, Park Rise, Park Mount, Park Hill, Roundwood Park, Falconers Field
Fri 11th Dec: Vale Cl, Tuffnells Wy (west end), Carpenders Cl, Shepherds Wy, The Close
Sun 13th Dec: Salisbury Av, Roseberry Av, Longcroft Av, Maple Rd, Orchard Av, Rothamsted Av
Mon 14th Dec: Molescroft, Ridge Av, Ridgewood Dr, Wells Cl, Tuffnells Wy (east end), Ashley Gdns, Haslingden Cl, Brackendale Gr, Yeomans Av, Wood End Hill
Tue 15th Dec: Cravells Rd (south-west end), Eastmoor Park, Grange Ct Rd
Wed 16th Dec: Stewart Rd, Sauncey Av (south-east end), West Wy, Manland Av, Browning Rd, Elliswick Rd, Connaught Rd, Devonshire Rd, Cornwall Rd
Thu 17th Dec: Topstreet Wy (west), Meadow Walk, Barnfield Rd, Churchfield, Piggottshill Ln, Topstreet Wy (east), Fairmead Av, Highfield Av, Sherwoods Rise, Alzey Gdns
Fri 18th Dec: Bloomfield Rd, Hillside Rd, Lambourn Gdns, Ambrose Ln, Tennyson Rd, Wordsworth Rd, Hollybush Ln (east end)

** The following are revised dates since the announcement of Tier 4 restrictions.  Please stay on your property and donate online***
Sun 20th Dec: NO FLOAT
Mon 21st Dec: Salisbury Rd, Batford Rd, Common Ln, Tallents Cres, Finley Rd, Holcroft Rd, Roundfield Av, Noke Shot, Porters Hill
Tue 22nd Dec: Hyde View Rd, Westfield Dr, Springfield Cres, Rye Hill, Moorland Rd, Westfield Rd (SW end), Lindley Cl
Wed 23rd Dec (4.30 - 6pm): Barlings Rd, The Chowns, Hawsley Rd, Penny Croft, Wheatfield Rd, Oakfield Rd, West Common Way
Wed 23rd Dec (6.15 - 8pm): Overstone Rd, Gilpin Gr, Crabtree Ln (SW end), Spenser Rd, Cowper Rd, Kipling Way
Thu 24th Dec (4 - 6pm): Longfield Rd, Coleswood Rd, Field Cl, Broadstone Rd
More details


Harpenden Christmas Farmer's Market
20th December 2020
Although there will be no carnival this year, there will be some Christmas-y entertainment, a craft activity and Father Christmas will be making an appearance!
More details


Harpenden Academy Jingle Bell Walk
11th - 20th December 2020
Follow the clues around town and collect the letters to make the secret password. Ticket price includes a timed slot to see Santa on 19th or 20th December and gift from Santa.
More details


Manland PTA Festive Elf Trail
28th November - 31st December 2020
Can you spot all the elves? Solve cryptic riddles and look for 12 different letters. Rearrange the letters to decipher a festive message. 
More details


Wood End PTA Gingerbread Trail
5th - 14th December 2020
Search for the Gingerbread men around town to reveal Santa's message and be in with a chance of winning an extra special treat.
More details


Friends of High Beeches Reindeer Hunt
5th - 24th December 2020
Santa has lost his reindeer and he needs your help to find them! Follow our circular 3.5km route, crack the codes and make sure Santa's reindeer are back up at the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve.
More details


Highfield Oval Star Trail
10th - 19th December 2020 (except 13th December)
A fun and interactive activity for all the family. Complete the trail and win a prize!
More details


The Little Gym Christmas Event
6th, 13th & 20th December
Father Christmas is coming to The Little Gym. Visit Santa's Workshop, enjoy a Christmas-themed gym play session and leave with a gift.
More details

St Albans Round Table Santa Sleigh
For those in Redbourn the St Albans Round Table will be accompanying Santa on two dates around Redbourn.  Route 1 will be on Saturday 13th December and Route 2 will be on 23rd December.  On other dates between 3rd and 24th December the float will be covering different areas of St Albans.
More details


Peter Pan at The Alban Arena
11th December 2020 - 3rd January 2021
OVO makes its debut at the Alban Arena with a musical version of J.M.Barrie’s classic, much loved play, told with their customary irreverence and wit.
More details


Santa's Grotto at Burston Garden Centre
5th December - 24th December 2020
Children will walk through Candy Cane lane and get the chance to spot our mini gingerbread men, create your elf name and take an elfie selfie. Each family group will then spend time with Santa, before the accompanying adult will choose a wrapped present from Santa's sack! 
More details 


Santa's Grotto at Burston Garden Centre - Additional Needs Sessions
11th December 2020
Come and visit Santa’s Grotto for one of our additional needs sessions, which have been developed to provide a more relaxed and quieter environment for your child.  You’ll find music volume dimmed throughout, sessions are the first of the day, which is when our centre tends to be quieter a restricted amount of tickets on sale and no walk in slots available, our grotto is also fully wheelchair accessible.
More details 


Willow Foundation Christmas Concert - Online
Friday 4th December 2020
This year's concert will be streamed from St Albans Cathedral via Facebook and YouTube with all the usual carols, musical performances and more. YOu must book to receive the viewing link.  Tickets are free, but donations are appreciated.
More details


Festive Fun at Willows Activity Farm
7th - 10th, 15th & 16th December 2020
A full programme of festive fun at Willows Activity Farm.  Note that there is no Santa's grotto this year.
More details


A Merry Bear-y Christmas at Willows Activity Farm
Selected dates between 5th & 24th December
A full programme of festive fun, plus a visit to the make-a-bear workshop to make your own soft toy. Note that there is no Santa's grotto this year.
More details


Father Christmas visits Wardown House, Museum & Gallery
5th - 23rd December 2020
Share a special story in the library with Holly Claus before joining her father, Father Christmas in the dining room for a special gift from under the tree. Afterwards, you'll be treated to milk and cookies with our friendly elves.
More details


A Christmas Carol - Wardown House, Museum & Gallery
9th - 19th December 2020
This magical promenade piece takes you around the beautiful rooms in Wardown House. Telling us the story of A Christmas Carol as Charles Dickens, be prepared to be hear this classic tale told in a way you have never heard before. Not suitable for children under 12.
More details


Lunch or Dinner with Santa at Knebworth
6th, 13th , 17th, 20th, 22nd - 24th December 2020
Give your family an early Christmas treat with a fantastic lunch or dinner at Knebworth Barns, complete with a visit from Santa and a gift for every child.
More details


Winter Fest at Aldenham Country Park
5th December 2020 - 4th January 2020
Travel along the snowy trail to meet Father Christmas and his elves in their socially distanced grotto where children will receive a special present
More details


See Santa at Paradise Wildlife Park
Weekends from 5th December, plus 18th - 24th December
Entry to Santa's grotto is included in your park tickets.  It's a first-come first-serve queueing system and seeing Santa cannot be guaranteed.  You will be able to have a socially-distanced photo with Santa.
More details


Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell
3rd - 24th December 2020
Children will be enchanted by a traditional Christmas Grotto, meeting Santa, receiving a gift and having a photo opportunity with the big man himself! Santa's Grotto will be bigger this year, to allow for social distancing. 
More details

 

Wrest Park Christmas Adventure Quest
26th December 2020 - 3rd January 2021
This one isn't taking place until after Christmas, but if you are looking for something to fill the gap between Christmas and New Year then this QR-code quest around the grounds is a chance to get out and about.
More details


Leighton Buzzard Railway - Santa's Steam Specials
Various dates from 5th - 28th December 2020
Take the train to meet Santa at Page's Park.
More details


Santa's Rooftop Ramble - Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard
12 & 13th then 17th - 24th December 2020
Make festive memories at Santa’s Rooftop Ramble. A little different from previous years, Santa has ensured that your experience will be socially distanced but just as magical.  Meet Santa & his elves, join the Great North Pole expedition and learn to be an elf at Elf 'Stealth' Academy.  
More details 


The Very Hungry Caterpillar ft. Dream Snow, Hertford Theatre

12th, 13th, 15th-20th, 22nd - 24th, 29th - 31st December 2020, 2nd & 3rd January 2021
Expect a very special, live, socially distanced performance over the festive period, perfect for younger children and their families to enjoy together.
More details


Santa at The British Schools Museum
19th December 2020
Join Santa on his sleigh as before receiving a present.
More details


Hogwarts in the Snow
3rd December 2020 - 17th January 2021
Get into the festive spirit as our annual Hogwarts in the Snow feature returns with more snow than ever!
More details


The Olde Watermill Christmas Grotto, Barton-Le-Clay, Bedfordshire
17th & 18th December 2020
Our new COVID safe Grotto has been specially altered and laid out to offer a 20 to 25 minute private *family experience of up to **6 people! You will be greeted by our resident cheeky Elf, Elfie Selfie, and Tinseltoes, who will help you wish upon a star, make your own Reindeer food, and belly laugh with their naughty antics and magic tricks. Elfie Selfie will then take you through for your Families' one-on-one experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
More details


Santa's Grotto with Peter Rabbit - The Centre:MK
3rd - 24th December 2020
Visit Santa’s Grotto and step into the wonderful World of Peter Rabbit along the way. Each family will spend 25 to 30 minutes enjoying the experience, which includes a decorated Christmas Elf biscuit and a lovely quality gift from Santa in the ticket price for each child.
More details


Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto

Weekend 5th - 23rd December 2020
Your family will have a magical meeting with Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated Mansion, where children can spend time telling him their Christmas wishes and take photos surrounded by vintage toys, Christmas trees, 1940’s greeting cards and decorations. All children will receive a lovely Christmas gift to take home.
More details

 

Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto - Autism-friendly sessions
Awaiting confirmation of dates
More details


Winter Festival & Santa's Grotto at Brent Cross Shopping Centre
5th - 19th December
Meet Santa at his 20ft light castle, wander through in awe at the light and dance displays and get your gift from Mr Claus himself. Plus ice-skating, rides, games and food venders.
More details


Santa at the Station - Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
12th, 13th, 19th - 21st December 2020
You will see Father Christmas, the children will all get a present and everyone can enjoy a steam train ride. 
More details

 

Christmas at Waddesdon
3rd - 20th December 2020 (Wed - Sun only)
Enjoy an enchanting outdoor extravaganza. Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with over 80 hand-selected stalls all housed in charming wooden chalets, surrounded by twinkling trees. The Winter Light trail will transform the Pleasure Grounds with dramatic colour and playful installations. Treat yourself to a famous festive afternoon tea of savoury treats and sweet festive fancies. 
More details


Chiltern Open Air Museum Christmas Weekend
5th & 6th December 2020
Find out a little about how Christmas was celebrated in the past and see some of the Museum's historic buildings traditionally decorated for Christmas. There will be a small artisan Christmas market and the Museum's shop will be full of handmade products made by local crafts people.
More details

 

Festive Fairy Tales with Father Christmas at Odds Farm Park
3rd to 24th December 2020
Father Christmas invites you to join him and his Elves for an enchanting, and socially distanced, group story-time. After meeting Father Christmas and stopping for a festive photo keepsake, you will take a magical stroll deep into the sparkly, wintery Enchanted Woodland, to arrive at the North Pole, with a stop at The Toyshop on the way!
More details


Audley End Miniature Railway Christmas Special
3rd - 23rd December 2020
Train ride to meet Father Christmas and his Elves, Gift for every Child, Letter Writing, Christmas Wishing Tree, Mother Christmas’s Interactive Show, talking Gingerbread House and our Adventure Play Area.
More details

 

Cancelled Events

The following have confirmed that their Christmas events are cancelled this year:
Harpenden Christmas Carnival 
Harpenden Christmas Gift Market
Southdown Lights & Lanterns Extravaganza
Batford Lights-up
Redbourn Christmas Market
The Alban Arena Pantomime
Santa @ Notcutts St Albans
Aladdin @ Luton Hoo Estate
Willows Farm Santa Spectacular
Grove Theatre Pantomime
Meet Santa @ ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Knebworth House Christmas Fair
Christmas Wonderland @ Springtime Nurseries, Crews Hill
Wrest Park

 


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