St Albans is a great place to be around Christmas time. After so many Christmas activities were curbed last year, we know that this year many are hoping to get into the festive spirit and make the most of the Christmas season.

We think that there’s nothing like some of the simple traditions of Christmas to get you in the festive spirit so here are 10 great activities to enjoy around the St Albans area this Christmas time.

1.       The St Albans Nutcracker Trail

Walk around St Albans and hunt for the Nutcrackers, placed in and around the City Centres. Find the names of the fifteen Nutcracker Soldiers and enter the free draw to win a £250 gift card! This would make a great trail to do with the family or even a great way to get out and about for a walk after all that Christmas Turkey!

The Nutcracker Trail runs from 21^st November to the 2^nd January 2022.

Visit the Enjoy St Albans website for more info.

2.       Carols on the Hour at the Abbey

No Christmas in St Albans is complete without “Carols at the Abbey”. One of the Cathedral’s most popular festive events, Carols on the Hour takes place between 11am and 4pm on the 18^th of December and is a must-visit. Entry is free and not ticketed. The Christingle on the 12^th of September is great for younger children and there are services happening all over Christmas time.

Visit the Cathedral website for more info.

3.       Christmas Lights Tour

With us being in the property business, of course we had to mention the amazing efforts that so many homes in St Albans go to, to create spectacular Christmas Light displays around the city. Why not take a walk around your local area or drive a little further afield and have a look at the displays. Christmas music and thermos of Hot Chocolate optional!

4.       St Albans Round Table Santa Sleigh

Nothing gets you into the Christmas spirit like seeing Santa arriving outside your door. The St Albans Round Table Christmas sleigh has been travelling the streets of St Albans in December for over seventy years, raising money for local good causes. To see if your home is on Santa’s route this year, please visit the Round Table website.

5.       Take in a festive display at the local Garden Centres

We recommend a trip to the Garden Centre to help get you in the festive spirit. We are blessed with an array of fantastic Garden Centres in the local area, many offering some amazing Christmas Displays, wonderful Decorations, Cafes with festive treats, and even a visit to Santa!

6.       Visit a Panto

Panto is a great tradition which so many missed out on last year due to theatres being closed. This year we would definitely recommend a visit to a local Panto if you can. Snow White is running from 3rd December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 at the Alban Arena and there are also other local theatres offering Panto too.  

7.       Boxing Day Mummers Play

Another St Albans staple, the Mummers Boxing Day Play has become a major feature of Christmas in St Albans, and the group is determined that the tradition started in the 1960s will remain vibrant for many years to come. The traditional play on Boxing Day is a must-see event this Christmas.  

8.       Living Advent Calendars

Many churches locally now do a living Advent Calendar in different areas in St Albans, where they gather behind a different “window” each night of Advent. It’s a great thing to take part with during advent, especially with kids. It’s worth checking with your local churches whether they are organising something this Christmas.

9.       St Albans Christmas Post-boxes

Another activity which has quickly become a Christmas regular, raising money for local charities ADD-Vance and Youth Talk. This year there are 82 Post Boxes around St Albans and the surrounding areas, all with a Christmas themed topper on, created and sponsored by various groups and local businesses. One the website you can find a map and download an app to Scan and Win by taking photos of the trail. For more info visit the website.

   10.  The Christmas Charter Market

St Albans is famed for it’s Charter Markets and this year, there will be a whole range of markets held throughout December, including the Christmas Charter Market which will be running in the city centre every day from Monday 13^th to Friday 24^th December. A great chance to do some Christmas shopping and buy those all-important gifts!

We hope that some of these ideas will help you to get in the festive season in and around St Albans. If we can be of any assistance this festive season in making plans to buy, rent or sell your property, please do get in touch.