Harpenden Christmas CarniVAL 2026

Harpenden sparkles this Christmas!

The Harpenden Christmas Carnival will take place this year on Sunday 22nd November from 12pm-6pm. We can't wait to welcome you, and your family and friends, to this magical Harpenden tradition in our vibrant Town Centre.  

This year's event will include food and drink stalls, outdoor bars, fairground rides, walkabout entertainment and a petting farm. The Farmers’ Market promises a warm festive welcome, Santa will be waiting to see the children in his Grotto and we’re also delighted to welcome a wide variety of live music and entertainment on our Main Stage. Whilst community groups, charities, local performers, Young Enterprise and Santa and his elves will help to make this a magical day. 

More about what to expect

EVENT PROGRAMME WILL BE AVAILABLE HERE SOON

The Procession  

The much-loved procession will begin at 3pm; from Lydekker Park it will travel along the High Street up to Vaughan Road. The Pipes and Drums will lead the parade, closely followed by Santa and his elves. Joining them are entertainers, musicians, community groups and the cast of this year’s Harpenden Panto, Rapunzel. This year’s theme, ‘Harpenden Sparkles at Christmas’ means we can look forward to a procession filled with seasonal sparkle, festive creativity and plenty of Christmas magic! 

Main Stage Entertainment: 

13:00 Rock Choir 

13:30 Hurst Children’s Theatre Group 

14:00 Sing with Tim 

14:25 Katie Ross Dance Company 

14:45 Rock Chorus Kids 

15:00 Procession takes place along the High Street 

15:30 Number 7 

16:20 Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show 

16:40 Harpenden Panto 

17:00 Lights switch on 

Christmas Lights Switch On  

At 5pm the Town’s Christmas lights will be switched on by The Town Mayor, Cllr Kirsti Wenn, together with the winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition, a design competition open to children in Harpenden. This is always a show stopping moment for the Town and a time to appreciate the hospitality and breadth of the best of Harpenden.  

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors for their support of this year's Carnival. Sponsorship of Harpenden events is so important as enables the Town Council to organise exciting occassions for the community, with something for everyone. 

Neves Solicitors is this year’s Principal Sponsor. Stewart Matthews, Managing Partner at Neves Solicitors, said “We’re delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Christmas Carnival, which heralds the start of the festive season. Having had an office in Harpenden since 1957, we feel very firmly rooted within the local community. This festive celebration promises to be a wonderful event for everyone to enjoy.”  

The Cotswolds Company is this year’s Gold Sponsor. Paolo Sciales, Head of Retail said, “The Cotswold Company is thrilled to be sponsoring the Harpenden Christmas Carnival. It’s a truly special event for the community, and we’re proud to be part of it. Since opening our store in Harpenden town centre, we’ve been so warmly welcomed by the people of Harpenden, and we’re delighted to give something back by supporting this festive celebration.” 

Alongside the Christmas Carnival, the fantastic Christmas Emergency Services Open Day will also be taking place again this year at the Harpenden Fire Station.

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.  

For families attending with young children, there will be free lost child wristbands available at the Town Council Information Tent.  

Further information updates will be available on tthis page and our social media channels.