Christmas events in Welwyn Hatfield

Welwyn Garden City

The festivities begin in Welwyn Garden City on Saturday 15 November with a full day of entertainment and activities in the town centre. Organised by Welwyn Garden City’s Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, the event offers something for all ages.

Headlining the event and helping with the official countdown to Christmas will be Rak-Su, the sensational winners of The X Factor Series 14, who are set to deliver an unforgettable performance with their trademark energy and chart-topping hits. Joining them is Formz, returning by popular demand! With more than 4 million Spotify streams and a huge social media following, Formz is sure to bring the house down once again.

Event highlights include:

• Blizzard the Penguin, an 8ft interactive inflatable Christmas penguin
• Storytime with Santa in the Howard Centre at 1pm and 3:30pm.
• Fairground rides for all ages
• Performances from local dance and theatre groups
• Food and drink from Waffle Wands, Dotty’s Sweets, the Banquet Inn Bar and more
• Roaming entertainers, face painting, and live music

You can find full details on the BID’s website at https://www.wonderfulwgc.co.uk/wgcxmaslights25

Visitors can also enjoy the much-loved, business-funded Christmas Lights Trail organised by the WGC BID team. Stroll through the town and enjoy enchanting light installations including the giant Christmas Bear, Wilfred the Christmas Dog, and the Tunnel of Lights - each offering a unique photo opportunity. Capture the magic and share your favourite selfies on social media using the hashtag #WGCXmasLights for a chance to win festive prizes!

Santa’s Grotto at the Howard Centre will be open from 6 December – book your tickets here and get ready to step into a magical winter wonderland, where Santa is waiting to hear your Christmas wishes!

Hatfield Festive Friday – Friday 21 November

Hatfield Town Centre will host Festive Friday on Friday 21 November, offering an evening of free entertainment, food, market stalls and fun activities in White Lion Square from 3pm to 7pm.

What’s on offer:

• Live performances from DJ Dre Mbwese, Essendon Primary School, storyteller Alex Shows, Musical Melodies Youth Choir, North Star Dance Academy, and performer George Anthony
• Santa’s Grotto and his elves inside Hatfield Library
• Seasonal food stalls
• Festive drinks and mulled wine
• Fairground rides
• Roaming entertainment and Christmas character meet and greets
• Activities such as face painting and arts and crafts

Queuing systems will be in place, so please arrive early to make sure you don't miss out on the fun!

The highlight of the evening will be the official Christmas Lights Switch-On at 6pm, led by the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Lynn Chesterman OBE, and Santa Claus.

You can find full details on WHBC’s website at one.welhat.gov.uk/christmas

Hatfield Family Day – Saturday 22 November

Festivities continue in Hatfield on Saturday 22 November with a free daytime event in White Lion Square. Visitors can enjoy fairground rides and face painting, take part in arts and crafts workshops, watch live performances, and join in games and entertainment perfect for children, including a snow globe, balloon modelling and music. There will also be opportunities to meet and greet beloved Christmas characters throughout the day.

Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, said:

“Christmas in Welwyn Hatfield is a wonderful time for our communities to come together and enjoy everything our borough has to offer. These events not only bring festive cheer but also encourage footfall in both Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield town centre, creating opportunities for everyone to make lasting memories and experience the magic of the season. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to get these events organised.”

Nicola Wolff, Welwyn Garden City BID Manager, added:

“We’re delighted to bring festive fun back to Welwyn Garden City this year, with a fantastic line-up of entertainment, food, and activities for all ages. The Christmas Celebration and Light Trail are designed to create magical moments and a real sense of togetherness in the town centre, giving families and friends plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season and make special memories. Thank you to all the team and partners who have helped make this possible.”

Note to editors

• Santa’s Grotto at the Howard Centre and Hatfield Family Day on 22 November have been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.