The Harpenden Christmas Carnival will take place this year on Sunday 22nd November from 12pm-6pm. This event welcomes around 20,000 people to Harpenden's vibrant Town Centre and has become an important event for the local community providing an opportunity for friends, neighbours and families to come together to enjoy a free or low cost festive celebration.

Mayor of Harpenden, Cllr Kirsti Wenn said “The Carnival's atmosphere, exciting attractions, and strong sense of community is a highlight of Harpenden Town Council's calendar and a much-loved tradition. We are delighted to welcome community groups, charities and local, talented performers. Young Enterprise Stalls provided by some of Harpenden's young entrepreneurs will be on the High Street and of course I'm very excited to be taking part in this year's Procession which is a wonderful parade through the town by local charities, entertainers and Santa. I'll be switching on the Town's Christmas lights at 5pm with winner of the Mayor's Christmas Card Competition which is a big honour for me.”

Included in this year's Christmas Carnival are food and drink stalls, outdoor bars, fairground rides and walkabout entertainment and a petting farm. The Farmers' Market will be a main feature of the High Street, Santa will be waiting to see the children in his Grotto and we're also delighted to welcome a wide variety of live music and entertainment.

The Procession
The much-loved procession will begin at 3pm; from Lydekker Park it will travel along the High Street up to Vaughan Road. The Pipes and Drums will lead the parade, closely followed by Santa and his elves. Joining them are entertainers, musicians, community groups and the cast of this year's Harpenden Panto, Rapunzel. This year's theme, 'Harpenden Sparkles at Christmas' means we can look forward to a procession filled with seasonal sparkle, festive creativity and plenty of Christmas magic!


Main Stage Entertainment:
13:00 Rock Choir
13:30 Hurst Children's Theatre Group
14:00 Sing with Tim
14:25 Katie Ross Dance Company
14:45 Rock Chorus Kids
15:00 Procession takes place along the High Street
15:30 Number 7
16:20 Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show
16:40 Harpenden Panto
17:00 Lights switch on

Christmas Lights Switch On
At 5pm the Town's Christmas lights will be switched on by The Town Mayor, Cllr Kirsti Wenn, together with the winner of the Mayor's Christmas Card Competition, a design competition open to children in Harpenden. This is always a show stopping moment for the Town and a time to appreciate the hospitality and breadth of the best of Harpenden.