13 Nov 2026
The countdown is on for the return of St Albans’ much-loved Christmas postbox toppers, with 105 locations planned, almost £9,000 already donated to this year’s charities and a few woolly surprises waiting to be revealed.
With just weeks to go until the official launch on Friday November 27, the volunteer knitters and crocheters behind St Albans Postboxes are putting the finishing touches to another extraordinary collection of handmade creations.
Now in its ninth year, the project has become a firm Christmas tradition across St Albans, Harpenden and surrounding villages, and has recently passed the remarkable milestone of £200,000 raised for local charities since 2018.
This year’s campaign is supporting The Pioneer Club and Herts Inclusive Theatre, with 42 sponsors already confirmed and a further six potentially joining them.
So far, £8,801.22 has been donated, with more sponsorship payments expected in the coming weeks. But with 105 locations planned, there are still plenty of opportunities for businesses, families, schools and community groups to get involved.
Clare Suttie, one of the organisers, said: “Every year we think our makers can’t possibly outdo themselves, and every year they prove us wrong!
“We’ve got 105 locations this year, which is quite something when you remember that every single topper is handmade by volunteers who give up enormous amounts of their time throughout the year.
“We’re hugely grateful to our 42 confirmed sponsors, but we’d love to get more of those postboxes sponsored before the launch.
“You don’t have to be a business to take part. Some of our loveliest sponsorships come from families, neighbours and individuals who simply want to do something good for their community.
“And having now raised more than £200,000 since we started in 2018, it’s wonderful to see what a bit of wool, a lot of imagination and some very generous people can achieve!”
For many sponsors, supporting the campaign is about much more than spreading festive cheer.
The Cobbled Kitchen has a particularly personal reason for getting involved, having seen first-hand the difference The Pioneer Club makes to young people.
Owner Danielle Durant-Taylor said: “I’ve always loved the Pioneer Club. They helped develop confidence and independence when my boys were younger and provided brilliant male role models for all who use the skate park. The oldest charity skate park should go on forever!”
The Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership is another supporter, recognising the way the project brings people together.
Spokesperson Kate Swindells said: “The campaign embodies our ‘Being Kind Along the Line’ ethos, celebrating the kindness, creativity and generosity that help communities thrive. Through small acts of care, shared creativity and support for local charities, the appeal brings people together and highlights the positive difference we can make when we look out for one another.”
And in the villages, local firms are once again joining forces to support the trail. Ginny Cooper, chairman of Wheathampstead Businesses, said: “We love being involved in the Christmas Postbox Topper initiative as the toppers bring so much joy and raise valuable funds for worthy local charities. It’s wonderful seeing people smile as they walk past the topper we’ve sponsored in Brewhouse Hill/Rectory Gardens.”
The designs themselves remain closely guarded secrets until the big reveal, although organisers have been sharing occasional sneak peeks on social media.
Among the early teasers is a rather fabulous crocheted Claudia Winkleman, with the rest of her topper still firmly under wraps.
From festive favourites to popular culture and wonderfully unexpected creations, the makers are promising plenty of surprises when the trail launches.
With 105 locations to discover, visitors will have plenty to explore.
Thanks to sponsorship from St Albans BID, additional maps will be available in print and online, including dedicated walking, running and family routes.
The maps are once again being designed by Clare Seldon of Event Maps, who has the considerable challenge of fitting all 105 locations onto a map.
The public will have an opportunity to see the finished creations together at a special viewing day at The Pioneer Club on Thursday November 26, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
The official launch takes place at St Albans Clock Tower on Friday November 27 at 9.30am, with the toppers appearing across the district ready for December.
With 105 locations and 42 confirmed sponsors, there are still plenty of postboxes waiting for support.
Sponsorship starts at £125, with donations shared between The Pioneer Club and Herts Inclusive Theatre.
Businesses, individuals, families, schools, clubs, residents’ associations and community groups are all welcome to get involved.
For further information, sponsorship opportunities and donations, visit: www.stalbanspostboxes.org.uk
