From markets to panto, we’ve picked the best Christmas events in Bedfordshire for a fun, festive December.
Made in Bedford, 6 December, 10am-3pm
Bedford Chartered Market Square, St Paul’s Square, Bedford
A lovely fair showcasing the best of crafts of local artists, craftspeople and producers. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy cards, gifts and decorations. The Number 13 café will be open for refreshments, cakes and there will be vegan food from Scrumdiddly Kitchen. There are a few changes to apply with COVID safety measures including fewer stalls outside on the Market Square. Unfortunately, there’s no music or live demos, but you can still expect a buzzing festive atmosphere.
That’ll be the Day Christmas Show, 8 & 12 December
Your own home
There’s no need to head out into the cold this December, the theatre is coming straight to your living room! ‘That’ll be the Day Christmas Show’ which is now approaching its 35th anniversary year, is not letting COVID get in the way of festivities. Supported with funding from Arts Council England, the show has partnered with Milton Keynes Theatre to deliver the brand new Christmas show online direct into people’s homes, with up to £4.25 per stream going to help support the venue through these challenging times. The pre-recorded show includes the best pop Christmas classics and traditional Christmas songs along with hilarious comedy routines. Plus there’s the added bonus of a live Q&A with producer and director Trevor Payne and some of the cast on the evening. Tickets priced: £12.99
A Christmas Carol, 11-12 December
Leighton Buzzard Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard
Great for a children, this is a joyful adaptation of the Dickens classic filled with festive cheer, handcrafted puppets, music and silly escapades. Created by children’s theatre company, Full House Theatre, audiences can enjoy snowy wintery scenes and a fantastic cast. Find out more.
Christmas Dinner & Music, 12 & 19 December
Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Hill Lane, Biggleswade SG18 9EP
It’s been a tough year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a traditional Christmas celebration. Get together with family, friends or colleagues for a festive feast and performance from lounge singer Becky Bennet. Dine in the surroundings of a beautiful country house, decked with Christmas trees and twinkling lights, which has all the glamour of a traditional Christmas gathering. Price: £70 per person. Book your table.
Castle Comedy Theatre, 17 December
Quarry Theatre, 26 St Peter’s Street, Bedford
Likely to be a sell-out, there’s laughs aplenty at this festive comedy night. The show will feature star names, socially distanced seating, table and auditorium drinks service, and a bar with beers and spirits for a great price. Opening the show is Patrick Monahan, an audience favourite who blends a high-energy comedy style with hilarious and engaging topical and observational material. Book your tickets.
Christmas Adventure at Wrest Park, 26 December – 3 January, 10am-4pm
Silsoe, MK45 4HR
Get the family away from the screens and into the great outdoors with Wrest Park’s festive adventure quest. Search the grounds clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales and historic stories. Price: entry fee applies. Find out more about the adventure.
