Planning a festive day out in St Albans? From candlelit concerts to creative markets, this Hertfordshire city goes all out for Christmas, making it the perfect place to visit. The best part is it’s so easy to reach with Thameslink, only 20 minutes from central London. These are the best Christmas events to enjoy in St Albans this year.
Christmas Artisan Market
- Date: Saturday 7 November 2026, 11am - 3pm
- Location: St Albans Cathedral
- Tickets: Book here
Looking for somewhere to pick up a few Christmas gifts, support independent businesses and soak up a bit of festive atmosphere? This is the one. More than 70 artisan stalls will fill the magnificent Nave of St Albans Cathedral, with independent makers, artists, creatives and small businesses selling everything from gifts and crafts to one-off finds. From 12pm, children from Alban City, Aboyne Lodge and The Abbey primary schools will be singing on the altar, while a 92.6 FM radio show and the Abbots Kitchen Café add to the day.
Entry is just £2.50 for adults, with under-16s going free, making this an easy one to add to a festive day out.
St Albans Christmas Cracker
- Date: Sunday 22 November 2026
- Location: St Peter’s Street, High Street, Chequer Street & Victoria Street
- Tickets: Free, no tickets or booking required
The city’s biggest street party is back and it’s bursting with festive sparkle. On 22 November, St Peter’s Street, Chequer Street and beyond will transform into one giant winter wonderland. Expect live music on the main stage, panto stars dropping by for a laugh, and a School Choirs stage filling the air with Christmas cheer. Follow the sound of laughter to the Clock Tower, where OVO Theatre will bring classic carols to life, or head to Santa’s grotto for a free visit with the big man himself.
With more than a hundred stalls selling gifts, decorations, jewellery and irresistible festive food, this is the perfect place to kickstart the season. Warm your hands around a mulled wine at the Costa Coffee Christmas Catch-Up area, hop on a fairground ride, and soak up the glow of a city in full celebration mode. Whether you come for the choirs, the crafts or just the atmosphere, this is one event that’ll leave you positively twinkling.
The Christmas Orchestra 2026
- Date: Friday 28 November 2026 (two shows: 6pm and 8:15pm)
- Location: St Albans Cathedral
- Tickets: Book here
Get ready for a cinematic sleigh ride through Christmas past and present. This dazzling concert brings together a 16-piece chamber orchestra, full sound production and an immersive light show to deliver immaculate festive vibes. Expect goose bumps as you’re swept through the soundtracks of Home Alone, Love Actually, The Nutcracker, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and more, plus sing-along favourites that’ll have the whole audience joining in.
It’s the kind of night that wraps you up in nostalgia and sparkle, from the first swell of the strings to the final crescendo. Whether you’re a film buff or just in need of a dose of festive magic, The Christmas Orchestra promises a joyful, heart-thumping celebration that captures the very essence of the season.
A Christmas Carol
- Date: Friday 4 December - Tuesday 30 December 2026
- Location: The Barn, St Michaels Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW
- Tickets: Book here
If you’re looking for a festive evening that offers more than the usual carols and tinsel, then this production of A Christmas Carol is the perfect outing. Staged by OVO, this production promises to be a slick, immersive spin on a time-honoured tale.
You’ll be led through spirited scenes of ghostly marvel and Victorian cheer, moving around the garden as the story unfolds. The performance runs for 60 minutes and is designed to charm both grown-ups and younger theatre-goers alike. Take in the winter air of the open setting, sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate, and let the familiar transformation of Scrooge take on fresh life in unexpected surroundings. Book early if you want to avoid missing out, the evening slots are filling up fast.
St Albans Creative Christmas Market
- Date: Saturday 5 December 2026, 10am - 4pm
- Location: St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Peter’s Street
- Tickets: Free, no tickets or booking required
This small but well-curated indoor market celebrates local artists and makers. You’ll find jewellery, ceramics, prints, puzzles and cakes from over 20 independent creators. It’s a calmer, community-focused market where you can shop local and meet the people behind the gifts. The museum is in the heart of the city, a short walk from St Albans City station, making it easy to get to by train.
Christmas by Candlelight at St Albans Cathedral
- Dates: Thursday 17 December 2026
- Location: St Albans Cathedral
- Tickets: Book here
If you like your Christmas with a touch of showbiz sparkle, this is the one to book. The grand setting of St Albans Cathedral will be glowing by candlelight as a cast of West End stars take to the stage for the ultimate festive concert. Backed by a live band, they’ll belt out all your Christmas favourites, from White Christmas and Let It Snow to O Holy Night and Santa Baby.
It’s the kind of night that makes you forget the cold outside and hum carols all the way home. Expect soaring vocals, glittering harmonies and plenty of chances to sing along. Whether you’re a musical theatre lover or just someone who can’t resist a Christmas classic, this candlelit concert promises a joyful, heart-warming evening that’ll have you feeling merry from the first note to the last.
