Hertford Christmas Events

Both events are organised by Hertford Town Council, and sponsored by Duffield Harrison Solicitors and McCarthy and Stone. The festivities take place in Hertford town centre, where residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the county town, shop locally and get into the Christmas spirit. 

Hertford Christmas Gala 

The streets will be filled with Christmas market stalls, children will be able to meet Santa in his grotto, reindeers can be stroked, and visitors even get a chance to hold a friendly barn owl. 

Street entertainers including Olaf from Frozen and Mickey and Minnie Mouse will roam around the town, there will be fairground rides and singers, performers and bands will perform live on stage. 

Visitors are welcome to dress up in nativity costume and have a free photograph taken whilst inside the nativity stable provided by The Hertford Baptist Church. 

The Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Rosemary Bolton, accompanied by Santa, will switch the Christmas tree lights on in Salisbury Square at 6.30pm. 

The performance stage line up located at Salisbury Square is as follows:

4.30pm – 5.25pm – Simon Balle Big Band

5:35pm – 5.55pm – Make Believe

6pm – 6.20pm – Stage Coach Hertford

6.20pm – 6.30pm – Winning Windows Prize Presentation

6.30pm – 6.35pm – Christmas Tree Lights Switch On

6.35pm – 7.20pm – All That Soul

7.25pm – 8pm – Somewhere 2 Sing

In addition, many of the retailers will offer in store discounts and promotions. 

Examples of some of the discounts, events and promotions will include:

• Leaf Café – Children can post letters in store to the North Pole. Letters can be pre written or children can write their letter in the café. Make sure to include your address to that Santa can send you a response.
• Hertford Theatre – Free face painting, goodie bags, balloons and craft activities. Enjoy the Winter Wonderland decorated foyer and enjoy a special offer for bookings to The Snow Queen when booked on the evening of the Gala.
• Hertford Museum - Christmas Extravaganza:  crafts, carol singing, storytelling & Father Christmas in his grotto from 4pm – 8pm.
• Mudlarks Garden Café – Join Mother Christmas for festive cookie decorating for £1.50 per child. Visit Santa’s Grotto from 4pm – 8pm.
• Love Locks Hair & Makeup Lounge – Sparkle Package, plaits & face glitter for £5 plus 10% off adult walk in clients. 

• Lance James the Jewellers – Up to 50% off jewellery plus a lucky dip to win a surprise gift.
• Kids Connection Shoes – 20% off all bags and 50% off all school shoes and boots.
• Tom Ashley Hair – 20% discount on selected products.
• The Flower Bar – 10% off orders over £30.
• Paul Martin Perfumery – Up to 10% off full price products. 

Shop Hertford Event 

The festivities continue after the Christmas Gala with ‘Shop Hertford’ Christmas event that runs on Saturday 23^rd November in the town centre. 

Many retailers will be offering discounts, promotions and in-store entertainment throughout the day.  

Highlights include:

• Hertford Museum – Join local historian Edgar Lake for a lively illustrated talk on the thrill of Christmas shopping in Hertford’s bustling Victorian centre. Enjoy some delicious tea and cake and discover how Hertford folk geared up for the big day. Tickets £5 pp (includes refreshments) available from Hertford Museum or www.ticketsource.co.uk
• Mark Wines Antiques – 10% discount on all ticketed items
• Retail Therapy – Spend £50 and draw a lucky dip. Top prize voucher worth £150 to spend in store.

• Hertford House – Free kids goody bags
• Fred & Ginger – 10% off with Caprice, Georgina and Jo
• Ilvino Café – Free cannoli with any order.
• Giambrones – Free gift wrapping on all pre-ordered hampers over £30
• Lance James the Jewellers – Up to 50% off jewellery plus a lucky dip to win a surprise gift.
• Kids Connection Shoes – 20% off all bags and 50% off all school shoes and boots 

Chairman of Hertford Town Council’s Development & Leisure Committee, Councillor Jane Sartin, said: “There’s a huge amount going on in Hertford town centre on 22^nd and 23^rd November to kick-off the Christmas season. I hope local residents and visitors to the town alike will enjoy the activities, and take advantage of the special offers in many of the shops and places to eat and drink.”  

Event Sponsors, Duffield Harrison Solicitors, said: “We at Duffield Harrison are proud to sponsor the Hertford Christmas Gala. We look forward to seeing you all at this fun filled festive event.” 

Duffield Harrison will offer a 10% discount off Conveyancing Fees and 15% off fees for Wills and Power of Attorney at the Hertford office on instructions received before 31^st May 2020 when customers quote ‘HertfordChristmas2019’ 

Julie Wards, National Sales Director for McCarthy and Stone the event sponsors, said: “At McCarthy and Stone, we appreciate our responsibilities go further than building quality retirement communities. We also seek to create a positive legacy in the areas in which we build, which is why we are delighted to support the Hertford Christmas Gala. It’s a fantastic event for all ages to enjoy and our team and homeowners at Isabella House and Edward House can’t wait to pop along and join in the fun.” 

The events programme will be available from Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre or online by visiting www.gohertford.co.uk/events closer to the event.