21 Oct 2026
The Harpenden Christmas Carnival will see around 20,000 people flock to the town centre on Sunday November 24 for the start of the district’s festive celebrations.
Included in this year’s Christmas Carnival are food and drink stalls, outdoor bars, fairground rides and walkabout entertainment and a petting farm. The Farmers’ Market will be a main feature of the High Street, Santa will be waiting to see the children in his Grotto and there will be a wide variety of live music and entertainment.
Mayor Cllr Kirsti Wenn said: “The Carnival’s atmosphere, exciting attractions, and strong sense of community is a highlight of Harpenden Town Council’s calendar and a much-loved tradition. We are delighted to welcome community groups, charities and local, talented performers.
“Young Enterprise Stalls provided by some of Harpenden’s young entrepreneurs will be on the High Street and of course I’m very excited to be taking part in this year’s Procession which is a wonderful parade through the town by local charities, entertainers and Santa. I’ll be switching on the town’s Christmas lights at 5pm with the winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition which is a big honour for me.”
Free parking for the event will be available at the Station car park starting at 12 noon; because of expected high attendance the Town Council encourages people to walk to the event where possible.
This year’s sponsors are Neves Solicitors and The Cotswold Company.
Alongside the event, the Christmas Emergency Services Open Day will also be taking place again this year at the Harpenden Fire Station.
Further information is available on the Town Council’s website calendar: www.harpenden.gov.uk
Photo below: Tim Tate
