WINTER IN ST ALBANS - IT'S A CRACKER!
What's on in November & December
The historic and cultural city of St Albans, Hertfordshire, is simply magical in winter and is a must-visit destination for Christmas shopping, fantastic entertainment and delicious food and drink- all guaranteed to start your winter off with a bang and get you in the ‘Christmassy mood'.
So, wrap up warm and enjoy the buzz of St Albans this festive season, here's what's on...
St Albans Fireworks Spectacular- A joyous event held in Verulamium park- enjoy the crisp winter air, food and drink stalls and a truly awesome firework display which will be accompanied by music from the Bond films. The St Albans Cathedral event has been running for over 30 years, a family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children is £25 and monies from sales go to local charities.
Saturday 6thNovember, Verulamium Park, gates open at 6pm display starts at 7.30pm
Christmas Tree Lights- Watch the official switch-on of the Christmas tree lights in Christopher Place where you'll also find luxury fashion brands, specialist retailers and plenty of food and drink establishments- perfect for a spot of Christmas retail therapy.
Saturday 20thNovember, Christopher Place
St Albans Christmas Cracker- The festive season begins with the spectacularChristmas Cracker event, when the Christmas lights are officially switched on! It's the perfect time to kickstart your Christmas shopping and enjoy fun for all the family at the Christmas Street Festival with family entertainment, rides and festive market stalls.This fantastic event is the star on top of the tree this Christmas andyou'll be sure to find delightful gifts for friends and loved ones.
Sunday 21stNovember, Central St Albans, 12-6pm
St Albans Arts Teams Tinseltown-Jingle all the way to the Clock Tower where you can enjoy live music every Wednesday and Saturday throughout December. Local choirs and acoustic acts will be performing a variety of Christmas carols and modern Christmas songs. Perfect for getting you in the merry mood.
Wednesday & Saturday, December, St Albans Clock Tower (Sponsored by St Albans BID)
Winterscapes- Wonder at the vibrant and beautiful artworks created by local St Albans artists at this outside pop-up public art exhibition. The community arts initiative with Collective Gallery aims to enhance the city centre and make art inclusive for all, giving people joy in the most unexpected of places.
November & December, City Centre, Parklets, Museum Railings
Covent Garden Street Performers- Bringing the magic and theatre of Covent Garden to St Albans! You might just bump into these outrageously funny and brilliant street acts as you wander around town, who knows where they'll pop up- watch out for the toy soldiers and trees on stilts!
12th& 19thDecember
Nutcracker Trail- Go nuts for this fun family Christmas trail! Try to find all the nutcrackers hidden around St Albans town and the wider district. Free trail maps available from the town centre.
21stNovember until Christmas Day
Christmas Installations - Incredible Christmas lights and animation installations dotted across St Albans town centre will bring fun and joy to all folk across the festive period- and provide the perfect opportunity for a fabulous Instagram picture too!
Central St Albans
Christmas Carol Concerts- A number of special festive events will be taking place at St Albans Cathedral this winter. Including The Hospice of St Francis concert, a magical afternoon of popular carols, guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit! With special performances from talented local choirs, the hour and 15-minute concert will feature a mix of solo recitals, thoughtful festive readings and plenty of opportunity for merry audience participation. Standard tickets cost £12.
Sunday 5thDecember, St Albans Cathedral, 3pm
Live Street Entertainment-Wrap up warm and enjoy festive family fun when a variety of fantastic theatre productions come to town. Innovative and interactive live theatre performances from Trestle Theatre and Booster Cushion Street Theatre.
7th, 10th, 12 December (Trestle) & 23rdDecember (Booster Cushion), Outside The Museum + Gallery
Santa's Post Office- Make memories when Santa's ‘official' and busy Post Office comes to town. The space is beautifully decorated to get everyone in the Christmas spirit, children can write a letter to Santa, enjoy Christmassy arts and crafts and interactive family games and fun.
Dates throughout December, old Cath Kidson shop, Christopher Place.
Santa's Post Boxes-Fun and wonder for little ones when they write a letter to Santa and post it in one of the special post boxes located around town - watch the delight on their faces when they receive a reply from the Big Man himself! Don't forget to include the email of a parent or carer.
1st- 22ndDecember, Fleetville Larder, Cositas, Eyes on St Albans, Alban Arena
Festive Garland Workshop- Create a bright and textural garland using cotton, acrylic paint, brushes and rags- inspired by a vintage French decoration that artist and workshop host, Anna Ray, once found in an antique shop. All garlands will be photographed together as a piece of art once finished.
Sunday 5thDecember, Museum + Gallery, £25pp, 2.30pm,
Festive Dining & Cosy Pubs-St Albans has a remarkable history and reputation with food and drink and its modern-day foodie scene, with a host of special festive events, makes it the go-to for Christmas. From fine dining celebrations for large parties to cosy intimate get-togethers around the pub fire, the eateries and pubs in town will provide the most memorable Christmas fare.
November & December, St Albans
Independent Shopping- St Albans is a spectacular shopping destination all year round but at Christmas, the quaint streets and medieval buildings housing independent shops really come alive. From charming boutiques and quirky interior shops to artisan jewellers and health and beauty independents, all lit up with beautiful Christmas lights, you'll enjoy spending hours browsing. And there's plenty of well-known retailers too for those on your list who like well-known brands.
Legendary Markets- St Albans is renowned for its markets. From the historic and regular Charter Market to its vibrant pop-ups including; Enjoy Eco, Young Traders, Inside Out, Real Street Food Nights, Caravanserai, Farmers, World and Vintage Markets, all offering an eclectic mix of fresh produce, diverse artisan goods and world foods. A truly magical and vibrant place to be at Christmas with special produce and festive gifts on offer, you can shop for everything you could possibly want!
Various dates across November & December, St Albans Town Centre
Manager of St Albans BID, Denise Parsons says:
"St Albans is the perfect destination for fun and entertainment this winter and to kickstart your Christmas shopping. We have an eclectic mix of independent shops, big-name retail outlets and of course, our famous Charter Markets all alongside our many pubs and eateries.
"The Christmas Cracker event is a fantastic showcase of what St Albans has to offer and we are delighted to welcome people to eat, drink, shop and enjoy the vibrancy of our wonderful city."
Just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London St Pancras International and excellent road connections, St Albans is easily accessible, making it the perfect day or staycation destination this winter.
Where to stay?
Accommodation in the city centre ranges from small and intimate bed and breakfasts to large hotels including the stunning country style Manor hotel, St Michaels Manor, the luxurious Sopwell House and the Victorian Grade II listed Torrington Hall.
For further details, visitEnjoyStAlbans.com
About St Albans
- St Albans is one of the best-kept secrets in UK tourism. A historic gem of an English Cathedral City just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London is easily accessible by road with links to the M25, M1 and A1(M)
- The city's colourful history and heritage can be seen in the Roman remains and the beautiful medieval architecture and picturesque buildings that look spectacular all year round.
- A fabulous shopping destination, St Albans is home to an array of innovative independent retailers and well-known chains
- The city is famous for its café and pub culture with a fantastic range of award-winning eating and drinking establishments, including Britain's oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
- Enjoy lots of green, open spaces and parks - making St Albans a family friendly destination.
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