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If you're looking for Christmassy events, then look no further than the Mum's guide to Hitchin round-up of all the places to meet Father Christmas, see Christmas Lights, go along to festive family activities and classes, enjoy pantos and festive shows, shop at Christmas Markets, or simply have a wonderfully festive time!
I will highlight low cost events where I can, to help you find the Christmas bargains!
If you know of events that are not in this guide, then please add them using this form.
I will continue to add to this guide as more events are added to the website, and there will be more guides as we get closer to Christmas, so do bookmark this page and come back!
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Where to see Santa
Christmas Lights Switch Ons and Light Events
Children's Classes and Activities
Pantos, Films and Shows
Christmas Markets and Craft Fairs
Other Christmas Events
Where to see Santa!
Hitchin, Letchworth, Stotfold, Arlesey and surrounding villages
Breakfast with Santa at The Millstream, Hitchin
Sat 9th and Sat 23rd December 2023 10am-12pm
Get your little ones in the Christmas spirit & Join us on the 9th & the 23rd of December to have breakfast with Santa.
receive a yummy Breakfast ,a small gift and you get to meet santa in person all for £10 per child.
if adults would like to have breakfast too a £5 deposit is needed per adult.
Come & grab your tickets before they run out!!
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Meet and Greet Santa and Mrs Claus at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth
FREE AND NO NEED TO PRE-BOOK
Sun 10th December 2023 11am - 2pm, Sat 16th December 2023 10am - 2pm, Sat 23rd December 2023 10am - 2pm and Sun 24th December 2023
11am - 2pm
Santa is bringing his Workshop to Letchworth Garden City! Not only that but meet & greets with Santa & Mrs Claus will be absolutely FREE!
More details
Nearby (within 30 mins' drive)
Santa's Grotto at The Westgate Shopping Centre, Stevenage
Thurs 30th November 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023 - Various days and times, book online
Santa’s Grotto now open! Don’t forget to book online. Still only £5 to visit Santa and receive a gift
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Santa's Grotto at The Magic of Christmas Barn, Walkern
Various dates from the end of November 2023
The Elves are excitedly awaiting your arrival to take a trip through a mystery trail to reach Santa in his Grotto. Santa will know if you've behaved well this year and looks forward to seeing you! We don't want to give much away about the experience so please come and visit him.
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Santa's Grotto Experience at Frost's Garden Centres
SEN AND DOG-FRIENDLY OPTIONS TOO
Sat 4th November 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
Snowball Sammy & friends are back in the North Pole ready to greet you all again this year! There will be time for fun and games with our playful elf before you each head off to the reindeer stables to mix up some magical reindeer food with Reindeer Ronnie.
Then it's time to see the big man himself... you will have individual family time with Santa in his cosy living room and one of his elves will capture the perfect festive photo. Santa will gift a storybook exclusive to Frosts Grotto for the whole family to enjoy! Children will be able to choose a toy from our large selection in the Toy Workshop.
Willington Garden Centre
Woburn Sands Garden Centre
Santa's Grotto Experience at Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton le Clay
Sat 25th November 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
Welcome one and all to Santa's Grotto and Christmas Wonderland at the Olde Watermill Shopping Village. A fabulous festive fifty-minute experience with delights for all the family.
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Winter Wonderland breaks at Center Parcs, Woburn
Mon 6th November 2023 - Tue 2nd January 2024
Ready to feel the magic in the forest? Step into Winter Wonderland at Center Parcs from Monday 6 November 2023 until Tuesday 2 January 2024. An enchanting experience for all ages... and magical memories you'll treasure forever.
On a Winter Wonderland break, you can discover:
- A picture-perfect winter forest, with snow, twinkling lights and festive decorations
- Enchanting experiences and Toadstool displays
- Seasonal activities and festive fun for all ages
Fill your days with festive adventures in the forest, making memories you’ll never forget. Explore Santa’s Woodland Village, see spectacular displays and discover festive experiences for all ages. Make friends with our playful elves, enjoy Christmas-themed activities and even meet Santa himself.
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Afternoon tea with Santa at The White Horse, Welwyn
Fri 22nd December 2023 - Sat 23rd December 2023 2pm-4pm
Enjoy a delicious festive Afternoon Tea under our twinkling Christmas tree lights accompanied by Christmas music and watch your child's face light up as they receive a visit to Santa's Magical Grotto! (gift included).
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The Little Gym Santa's Grotto at The Little Gym Harpenden
Fri 22nd December 2023 10am - 2pm
It's official, the big man is returning to The Little Gym Harpenden for another amazing Santa's Grotto event. Come and visit Santa's workshop for some sensory play and crafts, make reindeer food, enjoy some treats and of course a Christmas themed assault course in the gym and gift from Father Christmas himself.
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Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm, London Colney
Fri 24th November 2023 - Sun 27th December 2023
As well as lots of your Willows favourites, there is so much to look forward to including:
Take a trip through our magical winter wonderland where you'll find Santa in his amazing Grotto. Santa will give children a key to his Toy Shop where they can choose any gift from the hundreds stacked from floor to ceiling.
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Father Christmas visits Wardown Museum at Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, Luton
Sat 9th December 2023 - Sat 23rd December 2023
A magical Christmas experience awaits the whole family at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery.
Listen to a festive story from Mother Christmas, meet the whimsical elves, and receive a special gift from under the tree when you meet Father Christmas. Plus, you'll be treated to milk and cookies in our cozy café afterwards!
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Christmas at Paradise Wildlife Park
Various dates throughout December 2023
Entry to Santa's Grotto is included with your day tickets. You will have the opportunity to meet and have your photo taken with Santa. Santa's Grotto is a first-come, first-serve queuing system.
More details
Further Afield
Christmas Special 2023 at Audley End Miniature Railway at Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden
Sat 18th November 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
All aboard the Santa Express, the most magical, family, Christmas experience! With a Nutcrackers help, this winter you will board the Polar Express and journey deep into the Enchanted woods of Audley End Miniature Railway to visit Santa's winter workshop! Together, with her very helpful elves, Mother Christmas is ensuring all the toys are ready for Christmas eve while Santa comes to visit you in your carriage with a gift for every child.
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Santa at Van Hague, Great Amwell
Sat 4th November 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO VAN HAGE AMWELL. Grotto bookings are now open!
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Santa's Grotto with The Snowman at Centre MK
Fri 17th November 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience an incredibly exciting immersive theatrical Christmas adventure here this festive season as we welcome The SnowmanTM to the centre! This nostalgic adventure begins with an exciting and heart-warming, live interpretation of 'The SnowmanTM', brought to life by actors portraying the well-loved characters from the original story! A snowy landscape provides the perfect backdrop to view some of the most memorable and magical moments from the original animated film and all children will be given the opportunity to decorate a Christmas biscuit treat before meeting with Santa in his woodland cabin!
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Winter Wonderland - Bedford
Sat 25th November 2023 - Wed 3rd January 2024
After the success of Bedford's first WinterWonderland, we are back for a second year, packed with magical experiences. Featuring, skating under the stars in our new Ice Rink, amazing views from our Big Wheel, taking a walk through the magical Christmas Tree Maze, and Santa's Grotto for that magical Christmas feeling. Enjoy all your festive beverages and treats in Alpine Bar. We have it all here at WinterWonderland Bedford.
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The Santa Claus Experience at Lee Valley Park Farms, Waltham Abbey
Sun 3rd December 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
Meet Santa & his Elves. A Christmas treat for the whole family. Our fabulously festive Santa Claus Experience is a great way to start your festive celebrations this year. Santa's cheeky elves can not wait to welcome you on our magical group experience of festive fun. Your tour will typically take 90 minutes.
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Christmas at Gulliver's Land Resort
Weekends from Nov 25th 2023 then Weds Dec 20th - Sat Dec 23rd 2023
All Christmas theme park packages at Gulliver's Land Milton Keynes include a visit to Santa's Grotto with the opportunity for children to choose their own gift. If you want to extend the fun, then book a fantastic festive short break.
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Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Fri 17th November 2023 - Mon 1st January 2024
Experience London's magical winter destination. Enjoy ice skating, rides, food, entertainment and more. Located in London's iconic Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is the world's ultimate destination for festive fun. Running for six magical weeks from 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks, and so much more. From high adrenaline rides to family-friendly performances, classic festive treats to the newest in London's street food scene, and cosy fire pit bars to mythical ice kingdoms - we guarantee there's something for everyone. Make the most of your festive season in true Winter Wonderland style!
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Legoland at Christmas
Sat Nov 25th then various dates from Dec 2nd - Jan 3rd
Get ready for a magical day of entertainment starting as soon as you enter the Park. Start your day snapping an (s)elfie in front of our giant DUPLO®â€¯Christmas Tree - the perfect spot for a family photo worthy of a Christmas Card. There will be lots of festive scenes hidden in Miniland for your little builders to discover. Also, in Miniland, Christmas is taking over The Brick! Your little elves will be able to festive activities and LEGO builds...There will be live entertainment and characters to meet plus a selection of our amazing rides and attractions will be available so you and your family will be able to build memories that will last a lifetime. There is also the option to pre book a meet and greet with Father Christmas.
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Christmas Light Switch Ons and Light Events
Hitchin, Letchworth, Stotfold, Arlesey and surrounding villages
Check out the Houses with Christmas Lights Article here.
Nearby (within 30 mins' drive)
Christmas at Wrest Park
Fri 1st December 2023 - Mon 1st January 2024 4 - 8.30pm
Christmas at Wrest Park is a brand new, interactive light trail for 2023 set to bring colour, lights and play to Bedfordshire this December! Brought to you by our event partner Kilimanjaro Live in association with English Heritage. With a host of light installations designed to fit in with the natural surroundings, expect the unexpected and allow the Christmas spirit to take over as you immerse yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer.
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Stockwood Illuminated 2023 at Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton
Fri 15th December 2023 - Sat 23rd December 2023
This December, we invite you to join us for our winter light celebration set against the backdrop of the beautiful gardens at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Discover Stockwood like you've never seen it before, as you weave your way on a self-guided tour through the illuminated pathways, set against the backdrop of the lush greenery.
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Christmas at Kew Gardens
Wed 15th November 2023 - Sun 7th January 2024 4:20pm - 10pm
As one of the highlights of the UK's festive calendar, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year. It's a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
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Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Fri 17th November 2023 - Mon 1st January 2024
This Christmas Blenheim Palace is showcasing a brand new illuminated light trail and exquisitely themed Palace interior. It's where Christmas memories are made, and we wouldn't want you to miss out! Marvel at our magical Christmas light trail
Our new Christmas illuminated light trail for 2023 brings together a multitude of twinkling lights, seasonal sounds and festive fun. Now firmly established as an unmissable diary date, our after-dark trail makes for an unforgettable time, with a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way!
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Children's Classes and Activities
Hitchin, Letchworth, Stotfold, Arlesey and surrounding villages
Christmas Winter Wonderland Party at Fabios Gelato, Hitchin
Fri 22nd December 2023 10am or 2pm
Fabio's gelato & well known Childrens entertainer Auntie Kitty have teamed up to bring you this fabulous Christmas themed party. There will be Singing, Dancing, themed activities & decorate your own gelato sundae.
There are two sessions
10-12pm for 12m -4 years
2-4pm for 5 years +
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Ember Elf & The Christmas Wish at Ickleford Village Hall
Sat 23rd December 2023 - Various times
Have you heard the news?! Ember Elf returns to her Ickleford Sorting Station on Saturday 23rd December with 'Ember Elf and the Christmas Wish'; a lively interactive show with dancing, crafting and a Christmas Hunt for 10 little elves! Ember the Elf is stationed in Ickleford's Secret Sorting Station, when disaster strikes and she desperately needs some help to make sure all the letters get sorted for the local children and to raise Christmas Cheer levels in time to save the big night! Ticket price includes a wrapped present.
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Build a Bear Special Christmas Party at Little Rascals Soft Play, Hitchin
Fri 22nd December 2023 1:30-3:30pm
Join us for a PAW-some Christmas Party with a Build-A-Bear Workshop! Get ready for a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer, cuddly friends, and magical memories!
Activities include:
Meet and greet with Santa Bear
DIY Christmas-themed bear stuffing
Sing-along to your favorite holiday tunes
Festive face painting
Capture the moment at our Christmas-themed photo booth
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BabyBeats Christmas Party at Arlesey Youth Centre
Wed 20th December 2023 1.15pm
Join us for our festive class for you and your baby. BabyBeats is a mum and baby class that includes Gentle Exercise, baby yoga baby massage and sensory play.
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Nearby (within 30 mins' drive)
Breakfast with the Elves at Dunstable Downs
Sat 2nd, Sun 3rd, Sat 9th, Sun 10th, Sat 16th - Sat 23rd December 2023
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! So join in the festive fun, meet the elves and complete your Christmas colouring whilst enjoying your meal with winter view.
Menu:
Childs breakfast - £5.95 Apple or orange juice. Fried egg, bacon, sausage, hash brown and baked beans. (Vegetarian option available)
Adults breakfast - £9.50 Regular Tea, Speciality Tea or Barista Coffee 2 Fried eggs, 2 slices of bacon, sausage, hash brown and baked beans. (Vegetarian option available)
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Christmas Family Trail at Dunstable Downs
LOW COST - £3 PER CHILD
Fri 15th December 2023 - Sat 23rd December 2023 11am - 3pm
Wrap up warm and get ready for a jolly December adventure as we embark on a quest to assist Santa’s elves find and recover the pieces of Santa's missing letter! Solve enchanting clues and riddles and successfully deliver the whole of the missing letter to the Elves' sorting office, where a festive surprise will await!
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Pantos, Films and Christmas Shows
Hitchin, Letchworth, Stotfold, Arlesey and surrounding villages
The Elves and The Magic Bear at The British Schools Museum, Hitchin
Sat 23rd December 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
This year The Doorstep Elves are taking their original stage show, The Elves and The Magic Bear to the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and The British Schools Museum in Hitchin, Herts. The Elves and The Magic Bear is an interactive, Christmas theatre experience suitable for the whole family! (Believers aged 1-92!)
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Little Red Riding Hood - A Christmas Show For Children aged 3-8 at The Market Theatre, Hitchin
Sat 9th December 2023 - Sat 30th December 2023
This Christmas, the Market Theatre stages a brand new version of another classic fairytale. Red Riding ​Hood is off on an adventure to Grandma's house, but beware; an evil wolf is lurking in the woods and he'll do anything to stop ​her. Packed full of laughs, songs and audience participation (including the grown-ups!). Book now ​for the little panto with the big heart, eyes and teeth!
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Broadway Cinema Kids Club at Broadway Cinema & Theatre
LOW COST - £1.75 PER PERSON
Saturday and Sunday mornings in December 2023
Christmas movies start in December! We have regular screenings on Saturday and Sunday mornings, tickets are £1.75 per person.
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Robot's Search for Snow at The Storeroom, Letchworth
Sat Dec 16th and 17th, Fri 22nd-Sun 24th and Weds 27th - Fri 29th
Robot is a Christmas tree decoration who always ends up on the same side of the tree, facing away from the window. As such he has never seen the Snow. This Christmas he escapes from his storage box before the tree is decorated and journeys across Letchworth in search of the elusive Snow. Robot's Search for Snow is a charming, original Christmas theatre show. Expect a flurry of music, puppets and festivity.
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Nearby (within 30 mins' drive)
Panto: Sleeping Beauty at The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
Wed 29th November 2023 - Sun 21st January 2024
The Princess is searching for happiness, Evil Carabosse is searching for revenge, Chester the Jester is searching for someone to laugh at his jokes and Dame Nellie Night Nurse ... is searching for a man ... in the front two rows!!!!!.
From the team behind last year's smash hit show Cinderella, join us for another spectacular Stevenage pantomime full of music, laughter, amazing special effects and plenty of surprises. With swash-buckling Prince Valiant, dreams really can come true .....
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The All New Adventures of Peter Pan at The Alban Arena
Fri 8th December 2023 - Sun 31st December 2023
Coronation Street Legend Chris Gascoyne will star as Captain Hook, alongside CBeebie's Maddie Moate as Tinkerbell, and St Albans' favourite Ian Kirkby as Mrs Smee, in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan this pantomime season!
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Rapunzel - The Pantomime at The SandPit Theatre, St Albans
Sat 16th December 2023 - Sun 31st December 2023 12pm + 3pm
The critically acclaimed creative team that brought you 'Hansel & Gretel' are back with more fun-fueled pantomime madness; a joyful new twist on another old story, it's not to be missed. Rapunzel saves the day (and herself!) in this action-packed, magical musical pantomime adventure. Let down your hair with a cast of kooky characters as they dance and sing through this unusual tangled tale; where people live in giant old boots and tall towers, where frog boys rap about enchanted ponds and girls with long hair battle more than split ends!
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Beauty & The Beast at The Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden
Sat 9th December 2023 - Sat 30th December 2023
When the Prince is cursed to live as a Beast in his magical castle his only hope is to find true love before the last petal falls. Will the beautiful Belle be the chance he has been waiting for? Will French Franc be able to save the day from the evil Grimalkin and will Dame Dolly Doughnut finally find her new husband? This family pantomime features spectacular scenery, glittering costumes, amazing special effects, plenty of audience participation and Harpenden's pawfect panto pooch.
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Peter Pan and Me at Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton
Sat 9th December 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
A whimsical and fun adventure story for small people with big imaginations.
Michael, the youngest of the Darling children has grown up. He has always wondered about his childhood memories of flying through the night sky. He remembers a far-away island of pirates, mermaids, fairies and Peter Pan! Was it all a dream? Could it really have happened? Join Michael as he tells his story about the boy who never grew up.
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Further Afield
The Ballad of Ruby at The Old Town Hall Arts Centre, Hemel Hempstead
Tue 5th December 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023 2pm
An original show for children made especially for ages 5 and up. In this story Rudy doesn't have a red nose; rather it's his talent for exciting new music that sets him apart from all the other Reindeer. Together with a magical Jazz Penguin he goes on an adventure that teaches him that life isn't about following the herd. Funny, warm and with a big heart, this show features live music, original songs and lots of imagination that is guaranteed to have children aged 5 and up mesmerised from start to finish.
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Cinderella at South Mill Arts, Bishop's Stortford
Sat 2nd December 2023 - Tue 2nd January 2024
The most beloved of all pantomimes is coming to South Mill Arts! Due to public demand the team behind the spectacular success Jack & the Beanstalk, are returning. Writer/director Ian McFarlane, and a cast of all singing and dancing West End performers, will present this jewel of a fairy tale classic...with a few magical twists.
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Christmas Markets, Shopping and Craft Fairs
Rainbow Craft Fairs - Christmas Edition at church House, Hitchin
Thu 21st December 2023 11am - 5pm
We are running our first Christmas Edition craft fair with all different locals far and wide stall holders....It's Free Admission and Refreshments available.
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Other Christmas Events
Hitchin, Letchworth, Stotfold, Arlesey and surrounding villages
Christmas Afternoon Teas at North Herts Museum, Hitchin
Tue 28th November 2023 - Sat 23rd December 2023 (Closed Mondays)
Join us for festive afternoon teas! We'll be serving a selection of sparkly cakes and jolly good sandwiches over the Christmas period
Add on a glass of warm mulled wine and make the perfect merry outing.
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Skate Letchworth at Letchworth Outdoor Pool
Sat 18th November 2023 - Sun 7th January 2024
Our state-of-the-art ice rink is back for the festive season, located on the terrace at Letchworth Outdoor Pool this Christmas. Skate Letchworth is perfect for various ages and abilities. Children will love living out their Frozen dreams and can become Elsa on the ice. It's also a great evening activity for adults. So round up your friends and head down to Letchworth Outdoor Pool this winter. Whether it's your first time on the ice or if you're a seasoned pro, you won't want to miss this.
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Nearby (within 30 minutes' drive)
Christmas Owl Encounter at Herrings Green Activity Farm
Thu 21st December 2023 10am and 1pm
Join us this Christmas and spend some festive time in the company of our Owls.
Under the guidance of our falconers you will have the opportunity to meet and handle different species of owls including the Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, European Eagle Owl, Scops Owl and more. Ask the falconers any questions you may have and take the opportunity to take some photos.
From here you will head out to the flying ground where you will be able to fly some of the owls. Experience their silent flight as they glide into your gloved hand.
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Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo
Sat 25th November 2023 - Sun 24th December 2023
Lots going on over the festive period at Whipsnade Zoo:
- Meet Santa at Whipsnade Zoo
- Breakfast Storytime with Santa
- Meet Santa Animal Gift Giving
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Festive Gentle Stroll with Santa Paws on Dunstable Downs
Tue 19th December 2023 10.30am - 1pm
Join us with your dogs for a Festive Walk on Dunstable Downs. This walk will be led by our legendary volunteers, Geoff and Annette and will be along the multi-user path. A special prize will be available for the most festively dressed pooch!
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Further Afield
Christmas at Waddesdon
Wed 22nd November 2023 - Mon 1st January 2024
This Christmas at Waddesdon, be spirited away to a magical wonderland as classic tales come to life with new decorations in the house and dazzling new light displays outside enchant and delight. Once upon a time at Waddesdon...This year the Manor transforms into a fantastical and festive wonderland with new, themed displays in the house and brand-new light projections on the Manor façade inspired by three classic tales. Go on a magical adventure as you enter the wondrous world of Alice in Wonderland, find the Snow Queen's kingdom and fly with Peter Pan to Neverland.
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Have a lovely Christmas x
