Christmas Markets and Pop-ups in Harpenden and Surrounding Areas
Christmas markets are magical. Twinkling lights, hot chocolate, mulled wine, gingerbread and local made gifts for loved ones, are just some of the things that make the festive season so special. Why not pop along and show support to some of the local Christmas Markets and Pop-Ups, which are offering a wide array of gifts and treats (many of which are from local businesses).
Check out our guide of local Christmas Markets and Pop-Ups to visit this festive season.
The We Are Harpenden Christmas Market
🎄 Join us (We Are Harpenden) and the Eric Morecambe Centre for the Harpenden Christmas Market on Saturday 22nd November, 10am–5pm! Experience a festive day filled with sparkling stalls, handmade gifts, delicious treats, and seasonal cheer. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop local, support independent makers and small businesses, and find unique Christmas presents in the heart of Harpenden.
Where: The Eric Morecambe Centre
When: 22nd November 10am - 5pm
Cost: Free
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The Harpenden Christmas Sustainability Market
An ideal place to find responsibly sourced gifts for your loved ones or to grab a bite to eat. This market has everything from eco-friendly clothing to shaving creams, and they are bringing back their Big Christmas Jumper Swap, so be sure to bring along a sweater to swap.
Where: The Common, Harpenden, AL5 2HZ
When: Sunday 16th November - 10am to 3pm
About: Sustainable St Albans raise awareness and address the challenges of climate change. In partnership with Harpenden Town Council, they run a Sustainability Market in Harpenden on the Third Sunday of alternate months excluding January (March, May, July, Sept, Nov).
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Wheathampstead Christmas Market & Lights Up
When: Thursday, 27 November, 5.30pm to 8pm
About: Experience a magical evening filled with festive stalls, live music, delightful choirs, delicious food and drinks, and exciting funfair rides. It's the way to celebrate the start of the festive season with family and friends. And Santa will be there too. Don't miss out on this unforgettable event!
Harpenden Christmas Carnival & Farmers Market
The Carnival will feature all the traditional features such as a Santa's Grotto, food stalls, outdoor bars, the market, entertainment, the traditional procession and the Christmas Lights Switch On at 5.00pm. The farmers market will also be featuring all of our regular local sellers until 2:00pm.
Where: High Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire
When: 23rd of November, 10am - 6pm
About: . The Harpenden Town Council strives to conserve and improve the towns’ green spaces, promote Harpenden as a sustainable town, put on events for the community and run efficient low-cost.
The Hertfordshire Garden Centre
Christmas gifts and winter plants on sale at this lovely centre in Redbourn.
Where: Redding Lane, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7PS.
When: Christmas season, see website for opening times.
About: In 2009 Graham Armstrong took over the site, previously Godlys Roses, and since then it’s grown into a thriving store and centre with a popular café and landscaping arm.
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The Hertfordshire Christmas Shopping Fair
Around 120 exhibitors with plenty of Christmas treats.
Where: Hertfordshire Showground, Dunstable Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 7PT
When: Saturday 30th November - Sunday 1st December, 10:00-16:00.
About: Charlie Owen Events put on country shows and craft, food and seasonal fairs with stalls and entertainment for all the family.
Tickets: Adults £5, discounts online, under 18s free.
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The Hertfordshire Garden Centre
Christmas gifts and winter plants on sale at this lovely centre in Redbourn.
Where: Redding Lane, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7PS.
When: Christmas season, see website for opening times.
About: In 2009 Graham Armstrong took over the site, previously Godlys Roses, and since then it’s grown into a thriving store and centre with a popular café and landscaping arm.
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St. Albans Christmas Cracker Street Festival
The annual Christmas fair comes back to the city centre to enthral all ages of the St. Albans community.
Where: St Peter's Street and Marketplace, St Albans city centre, Hertfordshire.
When: Sunday 16th November, 12:00-18:00
About: A free event for the whole family with food and arts and crafts stalls, live music, and plenty of festive light installations.
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Our Lady of Lourdes, Christmas Fair
A traditional Christmas Fair with the usual stalls including bottles, cakes, craft, gifts and toys.
Where: Lourdes Hall, Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PD
When: Saturday 6th December, 12pm - 2pm
About: A welcoming Catholic parish in Harpenden, putting on events and bringing the community together.
Tickets: None required, free entry.
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Redbourn Christmas Fair
100+ stalls at this festive market raising funds for the community with seasonal music.
Where: High Street, Cumberland Gardens and the Village Hall car park, Redbourn, Hertfordshire.
When: Sunday 20th November, 11am - 5pm
About: The Redbourn committee run by volunteers, first put together a market in 2012 and the annual Christmas market has gone from strength to strength since then.
Tickets: Not for profit – no tickets but all donations welcome.
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Salvation Army Fair
Stalls full of great gift items and festive decorations, with music by the Salvation Army brass band.
Where: The Salvation Army, Leyton Green, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2TG.
When: Saturday 15th November, 10am - 2pm
About: The Salvation Army is a Christian Church and a Registered Charity and has had a branch in Harpenden for 138 years.
Tickets: None required.
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Sarah Collins at The Barn
Only open twice a year, this gift shop is a treasure trove for Christmas goodies.
Where: The Barn, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, AL4 8RQ.
When: 2nd October to the 21st December
About: Sarah Collins is a freelance illustrator/designer working from a 17th Century barn in Wheathampstead that sells gifts and treats during two periods a year.
Tickets: None required
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Southdown lights switch on
This exciting Christmas Light switch on event brings a variety of entertainment including carol singing, fair ground rides and stalls. Enjoy free entry to meet and greet Santa and craft activities! Local businesses will also be involved with special Christmas themed offerings.
Where: Southdown High Street
When: Friday 28th of November, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Tickets: None required
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Farmers Market
Every month Harpenden hosts a farmer’s market. This will be a great place to find any extra Christmas treats.
Where: High Street, Harpenden
When: Saturday 21st December, 10am-2pm
Tickets: None required
surrounding areas
Watford Town Winterfest
A market with a variety of stall this market is the perfect place to find little Christmas gifts.
Where: Watford House Lane, Watford, WD17 1BJ
When: Saturday 15th November 2pm-6pm with light switch on at 4.30pm
About: This market dates all the way back to the 12th century, it is open to the public on Tuesdays and Saturdays and now open on Sundays for speciality markets.
Tickets: None required, free entry.
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Christmas Market at Luton Hoo
This year they are hosting their second Christmas Market with lots of gifts, treats and seasonal fayre galore! Visits to Santa Claus are bookable, see more info on the website.
Where: Luton Hoo Estate, border of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, LU1 4LF
When: Sunday 7th December 10am-4pm
Tickets: None required, free entry, £2 parking
About: A country hotel, which has been a home and estate since 1601 until today. It is a popular venue for filming as well as events.
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Hertford Castle Christmas Market
Annual Christmas market, the perfect place to shop local and early for the season. Includes a free Santa story time on the Sunday. See the website for the entertainment programme.
Where: Hertford Castle, Castle Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1HR.
When: Friday 28th November 3.30pm-8pm, Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday 30th November 11am-5pm.
About: Hertford castle is an iconic Grade 1 listed, 15th Century building with beautiful gardens alongside the river Lea open to hire for weddings and events. The Hertford council puts on events and promotes local news, groups and activities via their Go Hertford website.
Tickets: The event is FREE of charge to attend; you are however welcome to donate to the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity Appeal Fund.
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