ENJOY CRACKING FESTIVITIES IN ST ALBANS THIS WINTER
Come and enjoy a magical day out in St Albans this winter where you'll find lots of fun festive events for all ages to cherish. Why not ‘crack two nuts with one nutcracker' and pick up some wonderful Christmas gifts from an array of eclectic independent shops and top high-street retailers - and take a well-earned rest in one of the many outstanding eateries offering superb festive fare.
So, wrap up warm andenjoy the buzz of St Albans this festive season...
Image: Fun and enjoyment for the whole family in St Albans © Stephanie Belton
Here's what's on in December:
The Nutcracker Christmas Trail
The whole family will love getting involved in this trail and will discover some interesting facts about St Albans along the way, whilst enjoying the beautiful sights of the city.
Nutcracker's may actually look a little scary but according to German folklore, they represent power and strength, bare their teeth to evil spirits and serve as the traditional messenger of good luck and goodwill.
Find your free Nutcracker Trail map in town or view it online(here)and then wanderaround the city and district to find 15 Nutcracker Soldiers. The map tells you the location of the soldiers andasyou find each one, write his name down on the Trail Sheet. Once you've found all of the names, fill in your details and post it into Santa's postbox, which is also marked on the map. First prize is a £250 St Albans Gift Card, plus two runners-up will each receive a £50 St Albans Gift Card.
Image: Complete the trail and get the chance to win a £250 Enjoy St Albans Gift Card
Go nuts for this fun family Christmas trail from 21stNovember 2021 until 4thJanuary 2022.
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. A host of local choirs and acoustic acts will be performing a variety of Christmas carols and modern Christmas songs. Simply sit back and enjoy the sounds or join in and sing along - it's perfect for getting you in the merry mood.
Image: Enjoy live music at the Clock Tower every Wednesday and Saturday in December © Kate Lindeman
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.
Throughout 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
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
Image: Christmas installations provide the perfect opportunity for a picture (2ndimage © Kate Lindeman)
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
Images: A number of special events will take place at St Albans Cathedral (1stimage © Stephanie Belton)
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.
Every day from 21stNovember to 24thDecember 11am-4pm, old Cath Kidson shop, Christopher Place.
Image: Enjoyment for the whole family at Santa's Post Office © Kate Lindeman
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. There's also the chance to win a £100 St Albans Gift Card.
21stNovember - 4thJanuary, Fleetville Larder, Cositas, Eyes on St Albans, Alban Arena
St Albans Postbox Toppers Charity Trail-Discover 82 postbox toppers that have been handcrafted by a team of dedicated volunteer yarn-bombers with designs including everything from Nativity scenes to Snowmen wearing colour-blind glasses. The trail is one of the biggest fundraising initiatives in St Albans that has raised over £64,000 for local charities. Search for ‘EYES on St Albans' in your App store to download the App, enjoy the trail, donate and scan to win prizes and follow theFacebookpage for more.
From 1stDecember, Park Street, Harpenden, Wheathampstead and Sandridge
Image: Charity Postbox Topper Trail is popular with locals and visitors and raises thousands for charity
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
Image: Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is the oldest pub in Britain © Stephanie Belton
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
Image: St Albans is famous for its legendary Charter and Christmas Markets © Thomas Willmott
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.
Image: Spend hours browsing St Albans' independent and eclectic shops © Kate Lindeman
‘Shop Local' this Christmas...
Behind the scenes St Albans Business Improvement District (BID) has been working incredibly hard to drive footfall and support local businesses over the Christmas period with the creation of a stunning TV ad and Christmas Gift Guide. TheTV ad, which was officially screened at the popular Christmas Cracker street festival, airs on SKY TV and beautifully printed gift guides are available to pick up in shops, cafes, local businesses and from outside BID offices- all from Sunday 21stNovember. The Christmas Gift Guide is also availableonline.
Image: Enjoy St Albans TV Ad will air from Sunday 21stNovember
Manager of St Albans BID, Denise Parsons says:
"St Albans is the perfect winter destination for family fun, entertainment and Christmas shopping. We have an eclectic mix of independent shops, big-name retail outlets and of course, our famous Charter and Pop-Up Markets all alongside our fantastic pubs and eateries.
"It's incredibly important for people to shop local this festive season and our TV ad and detailed Christmas Gift Guide will help locals and visitors to the make the most of their time shopping in our wonderful city. Our St Albans Gift Card also helps to support local businesses and is perfect for Christmas- as a stocking filler, a handy last-minute gift and it's perfect for the person who is hard to buy for... and we all know one or two of those!"
Image: Enjoy St Albans Christmas Gift Guide helps locals and visitors get the best shopping experience
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.
Download the new Enjoy St Albans Christmas Gift Guide,here.
See the new Enjoy St Albans TV Ad,here.
For further details on all events and the St Albans Gift Card, 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.
For images or more information please contactkathy@pr4.comor call 07957 383070