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.
The Pop Up Bazaar Christmas Market
Date: Saturday 8 November 2025, 11:00 - 15:00
Location: St Albans Cathedral
Tickets: Free, no tickets or booking required
Step through the cathedral doors and straight into Christmas. Beneath the arches of St Albans Cathedral, more than 60 independent stalls will fill the nave with the scent of cinnamon, pine, and mulled cider. Expect handmade gifts, local crafts, and delicious seasonal treats, all sound tracked by live music at the altar. There’s a children’s craft corner and a face painter too, so little ones can join the fun while grown-ups browse and sip something warm and spiced.
Entry is completely free, and with Dinner Ladies serving festive bites and afternoon tea in the new Abbot’s Kitchen, you’ll want to stay a while. Come for the market, stay for the art exhibition, and enjoy the atmosphere of one of the city’s most magical spaces. Bring friends, bring the dog, and make a proper day of it, this is St Albans at its twinkliest.
St Albans Christmas Cracker
Date: Sunday 16 November 2025, 12:00 - 18:00
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 16 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 brand-new 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 2025
Date: Friday 29 November 2025 (two shows: 18:45 and 21:00)
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 Polar Express, 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 5 December - Tuesday 30 December 2025
Location: The Vintry Garden (by the cathedral)
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 in the atmospheric grounds of Vintry Garden, 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 6 December 2025, 11:00 - 16:00
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: Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 December 2025, 19:30
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.
