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Days out and Activities on a budget this festive period

Published: 18th November 2025

Ah Christmas it's the most wonderful time of the year! But it can also be overwhelming for parents, theres so much to do, so many bright and shiney days out and the desire to make sure your children don't miss out can be overwhelming.

But lets be honest, we are in a cost of living crisis, everything is more expensive and families are making cut backs. I know from talks I've had with local families that some of you are actually dreading the run up to Christmas, some of you are feeling real guilt because you know that your budget won't stretch to all those big ticket days out this year. But i'm here to tell you to give your head a wobble because children do not need big ticket events to have a magical Christmas.

When I was a child we didn't really have those big fancy days out, if we did see Santa it would be at our local school fete, one of the dads with a dodgy beard and a selection box.Festive days out were the local light switch on but do you know what I still have the most magical memories of that time.

So lets have a look at whats on locally that doesn't cost a fortune.

Capel Manor

First things first if you are looking for a Festive day out, Capel Manor offer a real budget friendly option for a day full of festive sparkle, with a festive trail through the beautiful gardens, Christmas crafts and even a mini zoo.

Tickets start from just £6.50 with a family ticket being just £32.52- Santa is an optional add on of £6.50.

Elf Trail Cedars Nature Centre

Festive trail to find the cheeky elves and their hidden word with a magic reindeer dust as a reward! £2.40 pp including all the animal meet and greets such as feeding the meerkats and fish - total bargain. Plus set in a beautiful parkland! More details here.

Van Hage Garden Centre - FREE

There is something so magical about a wonder round the garden centre at Christmas, take some festive photos, get in the festive spirit- totally for free. If your budget stretches why not have a ride on the carousel outside, or take a festive train ride £1.50 pp (selected dates), or why not start a new tradition and pick one new festive decoration each year to hang on the tree. Magical and budget friendly.

Festive Elf Quest - Celtic Harmony Camp

Your Quest awaits... Explore trails and hidden corners of the enchanted woodland. Follow the clues, tasks and riddles left by mischievous elves and spot their little houses tucked amongst the trees. £5 per child (accompanying adults are free). Once the quest is completed, receive a magical gift! More details here

Hertford Christmas Gala FREE

Like a say the local town light switch on was a staple of my childhood, enjoy some free entertainment, browse the festive markets, pop into the library for some free story telling and then finally watch the lights switch on. More details here.

Polar Bear Trail - Tring Natural History Museum FREE

Join Snowy, the charismatic polar bear, as he travels around the galleries meeting animals from around the world. Help Snowy choose what present to give to them and answer quiz questions along the way. As you make your way around the galleries, look out for the polar bears on our display cases. See here.

Christmas Carols in the Courtyard - Free, Festive, in Hertford need we say more?

Stockwood Illuminated

Light trails can be some of the more expensive days out this time of year, but Stockwood Discovery Centres light trail is well regarded locally and fromonly £7 pp. Details here .