There are so many lovely Christmas events going on across Bedfordshire this year. I’ve put together this what’s on guide for Bedfordshire to share the best free and cheap family events with you. For what’s on guides covering the other counties (Bucks, Oxon & Herts), reviews, craft ideas and some Christmas blogs make sure you visit the Christmas page. I’m also going to be reviewing various Christmas events in and around Bedfordshire, which I’ll share on there as well. Don’t forget to check out the Facebook events page for lots more events all over the area.
This page has been updated with Christmas events and activities in Bedfordshire for 2023. Some events haven’t been announced yet. I’ll be adding more to the Facebook page and updating this page as I find them. If you know of any that I’ve missed just get in touch.
Christmas events in Leighton Buzzard
The Leighton Buzzard Christmas festival weekend is from the 24th to 26th November 2023. There’s the light switch-on, gift and craft stalls, firework display, a Santa dash and a family fun day on the Sunday. This is a free Christmas event.
On the 9th December there is also a free carol concert at All Saints Chuch in Leighton Buzzard. Starts at 7pm. The council is also running a free teddy bear trail on the High Street until the 23rd December 2023.
There will be two Christmas special events at Leighton Buzzard Railway in Bedfordshire this year. There’s Santa Specials (£13.50/£8.50 per child and £12.50 per adult) and Mince pie specials (£7.50 per child and £10.50 per adult). Various dates in December.
The Magic of Christmas events at Mead Open Farm at Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire run from the 2nd – 24th December 2023. There’s a magical walkthrough, Santa’s grotto, gingerbread decoration, making reindeer food and access to the farm. Children £36-£41. Adults £26-£31. Babies £12-£17. Read my full review of Mead Open Farm here.
Christmas events in Bedford
There’s a Christmas tree festival on the 6th December 2023 – 10th December 2023 at St Paul’s Church from 10:00 – 17:00. Entry is £3 per adult, under 16’s FREE.
There’s a performance of Cinderella at the Bedford Corn Exchange on the 21st – 31st December 2023. £16 per child, £19 per adult
Christmas events in Luton / Dunstable
The Stockwood Discovery Centre (reviewed here) has an illuminated trail from the 15th – 23rd December 2023. Tickets are £7.50/£5.50 online. The walk-through lasts about 60 minutes and then there’s activities, treats and stalls to enjoy afterwards.
Wardown House in Luton, Bedfordshire have fewer Christmas events this year. There’s a Santa’s Grotto with Mother Christmas and Father Christmas. Running from the 9th – 23rd December. Sessions last 30 minutes. £15 per child, £6 per adult.
The Hat Factory in Luton has a production of Peter Pan from the 9th – 24th December. £11 per adult, £9 per child
Dunstable Downs (reviewed here) in Bedfordshire is running lots of Christmas events this year. From the 15th – 23rd December there’s a festive trail where you have to help the Elves find the pieces of Santa’s missing letter. £3 per child, 15th – 23rd December, 10-3. On the 16th & 22nd December there’s a night lit version of the trail and a family craft in the yard. £6 per person. 5-7pm. Pre-booking required. You can also enjoy breakfast with the Elves from the 16th – 23rd December. £5.95 per child, £9.50 per adult (including breakfast). There’s also festive lunches and festive afternoon teas. And then on the 29th December there’s a Twixmas gentle stroll – £3 per adult, £1.50 per child.
The cheaper Christmas events at Whipsnade Zoo just outside of Dunstable in Bedfordshire have now sold out, but there’s still tickets for the more expensive breakfast with Santa. It’s £40 per child/ £19.50 per adult. Tickets to the zoo generally are also available. There will still be lots of festive decorations around the zoo. You can find out more about what’s on and book your tickets here (affiliate link). You can read my full review of Whipsnade Zoo here.
Dunstable Town Council have one Christmas event this year. That’s the Twilight Markets on the 8th – 10th December. As well as the stalls there’s Santa and a free children’s carousel.
The Christmas events at Priory House and Gardens this year are actually at theBennett’s recreation ground. From Monday 20 November to Saturday 23rd December 2023 there’s a festive Afternoon Tea.
There’s a free family Christmas movie day in Flitwick on the 21st December from 11am. They’ll be showing Arthur Christmas, Nightmare befor Christmas and Fred Clause. No booking required
Houghton Hall has two Christmas events this year, but only one of them is really family friendly. That’s “Christmas at Bumble Cottage” on the 21st & 22nd December. There’s free storytelling and trail, plus £5 bauble workshop and games
Christmas events around Bedfordshire
The Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire always do lots of Christmas events. 5th December – Festive lunches. 20th December – Christmas crafts, £4. 21st & 22nd – Interactive Christmas show, £15 per child/£5 per adult. There’s also a Christmas party on the 21st, £15 per child. 27th – Magic show, £5 per child. 28th December – Princess Christmas Afternoon Tea, £15 per child. You can read my review here in the mean time.
Wrest Park are hosting a brand new Christmas event this year. Their very first light trail runs from the 1st – 30th December. English Heritage members get a 33% discount. Peak family tickets are £66.28, plus £5 parking. The gardens are open during the day (until 3pm) at weekends and the week after Christmas. You can read my full review here. Members go free.
Shuttleworth in lights runs from the end of November – 17th December 2023. It’s £13.50 per adult, £8 per child. Apparently it takes 1.5 – 3 hours to get around the trail. It includes going through the hangers as well as the gardens. Read my review of the museum here.
Jordan’s Mill in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire have got got a winter snow trail from the 12th – 31st December (closed on Mondays). £3.50 per child, includes prize.
The Woburn Sands Christmas Fayre is on the 26th November 2023. There will be food stalls, rides, a raffle, band, stalls and Santa.
That’s all for now. I’ll be adding lots of free and cheap Christmas events in Bedfordshire between now and the big day so keep checking back for more ideas. There are lots of places in and around Bedfordshire that are open but not necessarily running Christmas events. You can search for all of the reviews on the Free Time with the Kids map here. For all of the other what’s on guides and reviews of Christmas events the Free Time with the Kids Christmas pages are here.
The details of these Bedfordshire based Christmas events are correct at the time of writing, but double check with the venue before visiting/booking.
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I’m Vicky and I am a mum of three living in Aylesbury. I set up Free Time with the Kids to review free and cheap family days out in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire, mainly because I kept forgetting all the fabulous places that were recommended to me!! I love getting out and about with the kids (and hubby of course) and we have adventures all over the place. My reviews tell you all the things you need to know about the family days out and activities we’ve done such as how much it costs, if there’s parking, toilets and if there’s a cafe or if picnics are allowed. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook