From markets to panto, we’ve picked the best Christmas events in Bedfordshire for a fun, festive December.
The Woburn Luxury Gift Fair, 16 November
Shop in the delightful surroundings of Woburn Safari Lodge in the grounds of the Safari Park. With over 40 stalls of inspiring gift ideas from stocking fillers to sheer indulgence, there’s something for everyone. Tickets are £5 and all proceeds go to the NSPCC to support Childline.
Handmade Christmas Market, 28 November
Head to the Friendly Nettle Café in Shortstown for an afternoon of homemade festive treats. Talented local craftspeople will be selling their collections, there will be activities and of course gingerbread, mince pies and hot chocolate!
Made in Bedford Christmas Makers’ Market, 11-12 December
The town’s most-loved Christmas fair returns this year in a new location, the beautiful Harpur Square. Browse high-quality and unique cards, gifts, decorations, homewares, jewellery, and accessories lovingly created by local artists, designers and makers. With live music, locally ground coffee, warming hot chocolate and stalls decorated with an eco-conscious theme, this promises to be a fabulously festive day out for all the family.
Shuttleworth in Lights – A Festive Special, 25 November – 19 December
This year the illuminated trail will take on a festive twist! With a bevvy of wonderful Christmas and festive elements to find along your walk as you discover an enchanting world of light and colour. Start the adventure at the World Famous Shuttleworth Collection Hangars from here enter the Swiss Garden, head into the Paddock 4 for a special display, re-join the route at the Shrubbery walk, pop past the Summer House, then stroll down the wonderful Lakeside Parkland and back into the Swiss Garden, finishing with a visit to the Gift Shop and Runway Café. Book tickets here.
Pamper and Christmas Shopping Evening, 26 November, 7pm – 10.30pm
Treat yourself to an evening of pampering, relaxation and shopping. Find some thoughtful Christmas gifts then reward yourself with a beauty treatment.
Therapists will offer a variety of treatments from top to toe, and local stallholders will be selling a range of gifts and beauty products as well as handmade crafts. All monies raised on the night is for the Forest of Marston Vale, helping care for your local community woodlands and plant more trees! £5 per person for entry – parking is free for this event. More information.
Panto at the Christmas Tree Festival, 1-5 December
‘It’s Panto!’ is the theme for this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church, Bedford. With 60 illuminated trees and daily concerts, the event is the must-see start to the Christmas season.
Bedford’s Pipe Band opens the Festival on the morning of 1 December and, in the evening, ‘Fizz at the Festival’ is a private viewing in memory of Jayne Beard, a former Chairman of the Bedford Hospitals Charity. The annual Festival Concert will be held on the evening of Friday 3 December with the Minerva Piano Trio performing pieces by Ravel, Stravinsky, Mozart & Vivaldi. The popular event is organised jointly by and is
in aid of the Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends, together with the church.
Christmas Carol at Wardown House, 2 – 18 December
This magical promenade piece takes you around the beautiful rooms in Wardown House. Telling us the story of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, be prepared to be hear this classic tale told in a way you have never heard before.
Christmas Market Weekends at Rushmere Country Park, 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19 December
Three festive weekends with gift stalls for you to browse, locally sourced and Fairtrade festive food and drink, seasonal music and of course Christmas trees for sale. The Festive Fairy trail will be available throughout and Father Christmas will be dropping by on Sunday 19 December.
Jordans Mill Christmas Craft & Food Fayre Spectacular, 11-12 December
Come along for a browse and bag yourself some amazing Christmas Gifts, made by a host of talented local businesses. Whilst you’re there spoil yourself this festive season with a Jordans Festive Afternoon Tea, or sit back and relax with with their Festive Mains Menu.
Castle Comedy Christmas Special at The Quarry Theatre, 16 December, 8pm
Castle Comedy is back at The Quarry Theatre with a Christmas Special. The show will feature star names, mince pies, crackers and loads of Christmas cheer!
Christmas Adventure Quest, 26 December – 2 January
Head to Wrest Park for a festive adventure quest! Follow the trail, find the clues, and discover the garden’s amazing stories and secrets. Treat yourself to a hot chocolate in beautiful surroundings. It’s a great way for the whole family to get out and about in Christmas week.