Step into a world of festive enchantment with the Christmas Trails in Hertfordshire 2024! This season, explore dazzling light displays, follow magical trails through stunning gardens and historic venues, and immerse yourself in the twinkling lights and sparkling decorations that bring the holiday spirit to life. Whether you're strolling through a winter wonderland at Ashridge House or embarking on a reindeer hunt at a local museum, there's a trail for every adventurer, young and old. Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate, and let the magic of Hertfordshire’s Christmas trails fill your heart with joy this festive season!
St Albans Christmas fun for all
St Albans is brimming with festive activities this season, whether you love amazing food and drink, shopping till you drop, or festive shows to give you the Christmassy feels, St Albans is the place to find it! Families can embark on the Gingerbread Trail or hunt for hidden stockings at St Albans Museum + Gallery. For a historical twist, explore the 12 Days of Christmas Trail at Verulamium Museum.
Don’t miss the St Albans Post Boxes trail, raising money for local charities with creatively decorated toppers, or the magical Live Nativity Trail. The city also offers superb seasonal shopping, festive food and drink, live entertainment including pantomimes and classic Christmas films, and a buzzing Christmas market. With festive street performances and plenty of photo opportunities, St Albans is the perfect destination for holiday fun!
Ashridge House Christmas Magic
Ashridge House invites you to experience the magic of Christmas with its dazzling lights trail, running from 28th November to 1st January. Just 30 minutes from Central London, this magnificent neo-Gothic country house will transform its stunning gardens into a wonderland of twinkling lights and enchanting new installations. Even your furry friends are welcome, with dog-friendly times and special displays designed just for them! After wandering through the illuminated gardens, stop by the Festive Food Village to indulge in a delicious selection of seasonal treats, making it the perfect Christmas outing for the whole family.
Santa Storyboat
Frogmore Paper Mill is hosting a magical Santa Storyboat experience on Monday, 23rd December, with trips from 2-3pm and 4-5pm. Families are invited to step aboard the Bryan Donkin boat for a festive journey featuring stories, wildlife spotting, and a special visit from Father Christmas himself. The 45-minute to 1-hour boat ride, complete with twinkling lights and decorations, will delight children aged 4-8 years, with each little passenger receiving a goody bag from Santa at the end of the trip. Tickets are £12 per person, and advanced booking is essential. Boats depart from the Frogmore Paper Mill Wharf, and parking is available just a short walk away.
Rudolph Christmas Trail
The Natural History Museum in Tring is hosting a festive Rudolph Christmas Trail from 3rd December to 5th January during regular museum hours. For just £1 per trail, visitors of all ages can help Father Christmas find his reindeer, who have gone on holiday since last Christmas! Using clues from postcards sent by the reindeer, explore the galleries to round them up. No booking is needed - just grab your trail map from the museum shop on the day and get ready for a fun, festive adventure.