Your Christmas in Bedford Borough - a season of festive fun for everyone!
This year, we’re working with Bedford BID to bring you the very best of Christmas in Bedford Borough, with a range of exciting events and activities happening across the festive season.
Packed with joy, excitement, and family-friendly festivities and a wide array of events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from dazzling light displays to live music and markets. Support local businesses and enjoy everything our borough has to offer.
All Bedford Borough Libraries will have free crafts from Monday 23 December to Friday 3 January, details will be available soon on www.bedford.gov.uk/Libraries.
It's free to park in Allhallows and Lurke Street multi-storey car parks for the first fours hours every day, and free to park all day in all Council-owned town centre car parks on Sundays. Find out more on our parking webpages.
Don't forget that bus fares remain at just £2 each until the end of December and there are plenty of places to lock your bike in the town centre too.
Bedford Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 30 November
The Bedford Christmas Lights Switch On has been rescheduled to Saturday 30th November due to high winds.
There will be a jam-packed day of festive fun including live music, stage performances, a mini Christmas market, food and drink stalls, and free family entertainment like crazy golf, a photo booth and the Love Bedford Land Train.
The highlight will be the Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm followed by carols and a Christmas disco. Don't miss this opportunity to kick off the festive season in Bedford!
Event Schedule
10am-7pm: Love Bedford Express Land Train on Silver Street and Midland Road, and Mini Christmas Market, Food, Coffee and Bar in Harpur Square
12-7pm: Christmas Crazy Golf and Photo Booth in the Harpur Suite
11am-6.30pm: Live Music and a DJ on the Love Bedford Stage in Harpur Square
- 11am-4pm: Local Youth Performers
- 4.15-4.40pm: Laura Menozzi sings her Christmas set
- 4.40-5pm: Christmas Carols with Laura Menozzi and Priory School Choir, Laura will sing again just after the lights switch on
- 5pm: Countdown and Christmas Lights Switch-On
- 5:15pm-6.30pm: Christmas Disco with DJ Steven Gordon-Wilson
This event is Funded by UK Government, and is also sponsored by BedfordBID/Love Bedford.
Bedford Music Service performances and Land Train
Saturday 30 November, 10am – 4pm and Sunday 1 December, 11am – 4pm
Enjoy performances from local youth music groups organised by the Bedford Music Service alongside fun rides on the Love Bedford Express Land Train.
The Land Train is free for everyone, it’s the perfect way to explore the sights in style, so take a festive journey along Silver Street and Midland Road with Christmas music and bubbles too.
Saturday on The Love Bedford Stage in Harpur Square:
- 11.15am-12pm: DJ Sophia, The Prophecy from Mark Rutherford, and SWLL from Goldington Academy
- 12-1pm: DJ Josh, Blue Flame from Castle Newnham and Back2Back DJs
- 1-2pm: DJ Curtis, FLWD from Goldington Academy, The Hills Academy Choir, and Apollo from Bedford Rock School
- 2-3pm DJ Riccardo, Bedford Kids Chorus, and Saturday Morning Music Centre Rock Band
- 3-4pm DJ Taya, Black Ridge, and Inertia from Bedford Rock School
- 4.15-4.40pm: Laura Menozzi sings her Christmas set
- 4.40-5pm: Christmas Carols with Laura Menozzi and Priory School Choir, Laura will sing again just after the lights switch on
- 5pm: Countdown and Christmas Lights Switch-On with Father Christmas, Mayor Tom Wootton, Laura and the choir
- 5:15pm-6.30pm: Christmas Disco with DJ Steven Gordon-Wilson
Sunday On the Love Bedford Stage in Harpur Square:
- 11.15am-12pm: DJ George and Solo singers and duets from Rox Vox
- 12-1pm: DJ Fabio, Friday Flyers Jazz Band, Girls Will Be Girls - Bedford Rock School
- 1-2pm: DJ Jake, Back2Back DJs, and Monochrome - Bedford Rock School
- 2-3pm: DJ Guraj, Vocal Beats, Creative Beats, and LUMA Dhol Class
- 3-4pm: Steel Pan Academy
The Bedford Music Service performances are Funded by UK Government.
Kempston Light Switch-On
Sunday, 1 December
The Christmas festivities, thanks to Kempston Town Council and Bedford Borough Council, kick off in the Saxon Centre at 12 noon with local school choirs performing, building up to the grand switch-on at 5pm.
Soak up the festive atmosphere with local artisan stalls, delicious treats, and festive rides until 6pm. There is plenty of family fun for everyone. Don’t forget to take a festive family photo under the Christmas tree at the Saxon Centre.
Crown Ballet - Nutcracker
Sunday 1 December, 2.30pm - Bedford Corn Exchange
The original Christmas story is based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King written by E. T. A. Hoffmann. It tells the story of Marie, a sad little girl, whose godfather, Drosselmeier, gives her a Nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve. In her lively imagination it turns into a prince and the magic starts… This eternal seasonal favourite will be an unforgettable journey and an ideal introduction to audiences of any age to the magic that is classical ballet.
Visit Nut Cracker - Bedford Corn Exchange.
Neil Sands – Christmas Memories 2024
Monday 2 December, 2pm - Bedford Corn Exchange
Start Christmas in style as Neil Sands and his fabulous West End cast invite you to take a festive afternoon trip back down Memory Lane for an unforgettable afternoon of nonstop nostalgia, filled with more songs and carols, more stunning costumes and more festive fun than ever before. Described as “Like A Sparkly Christmas Card Come To Life” with its shimmering stage set, beautiful Christmas trees, glittering fairy lights, and even falling snow.
Visit Neil Sands Christmas Memories - Bedford Corn Exchange.
Bedford Christmas Markets
Saturday 7 December, 10am -5pm
Explore the Bedford Christmas Market and soak up the festive atmosphere with local artisan stalls, delicious treats, and festive rides at the Harpur Suite and Harpur Square. With plenty of free rides, courtesy of Bedford Borough Council, there is plenty of family fun for everyone.
Our charter market traders will be bringing their festive collections to St Paul’s Square and along Midland Road and Allhallows. The Love Bedford Team will also be out and about for Small Business Saturday, promoting the wide selection of independent businesses and encouraging people to shop local.
Bedford Christmas Flea and Bedford Christmas Markets
Sunday 8 December
Explore the Bedford Christmas Market and soak up the festive atmosphere with local artisan stalls, delicious treats, and festive rides at Harpur Suite and Harpur Square from 10am – 4pm.
There will be plenty of free rides courtesy of Bedford Borough Council and lots of family fun for everyone.
St Paul’s Square will host the exciting Christmas Flea Market with its very own Seeing Eye Rum Stage from 10am–3.30pm. Enjoy live music, festive performances, and unique flea market finds that are sure to make your Christmas shopping experience one-of-a-kind.
Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend – Harpur Square
Saturday 14 December, 10am - 4pm and Sunday 15 December 11am-4pm
Put on your best 40s gear and celebrate the music of the legendary Glenn Miller with live performances from May Blossom, Vintage Songbird, in the Harpur Suite during the tea dance each day.
You can also take part in free dance taster sessions, and enjoy talks, tours and a display area, all in the Harpur Suite.
Outside in Harpur Square there will be a display of military vehicles and One Fat Hen will be providing hot drinks and homemade cakes at ‘the NAAFI’.
An event for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike!
Dances and talks in the Harpur Suite, all hosted by Viv the Spiv.
Saturday:
- Lindy Hop taster classes at 10.30am and 12.30pm with Swingsters.
- Barn Dance class at 11.45am with All Ruzzit Buzzit.
Sunday:
- Barn Dance class at 11.45am with All Ruzzit Buzzit.
- Lindy Hop taster class at 12.30pm with Swingsters.
Both days:
- Social Foxtrot class at 1.15pm with All Ruzzit Buzzit.
- Bedford and the BBC talk at 1.30pm with Bedfordshire Association of Tour Guides.
- Tea Dance 2-4pm with May Blossom, Vintage Songbird, performing his timeless swing tunes and other fabulous songs from the 1940s.
This event is Funded by UK Government.
Philharmonia Concert – Brass at Christmas
Tuesday 10 December, 7.30pm - Bedford Corn Exchange
Step inside into the warmth and join the Philharmonia Orchestra’s brass ensemble for an evening of seasonal music. Christmas time and brass music go hand in hand, dazzling brass players take the spotlight in this carefully curated programme of carols, festive favourites and more. Celebrate the season with us in the heart of Bedford.
Visit Philharmonia Concert - Bedford Corn Exchange.
Step into Christmas
Saturday 14 December, 7.30pm - Bedford Corn Exchange
This Christmas concert feel good show, brings all the magic of the season to life, with all you favourite songs, you will know and love! It’s the time when every Santa has a ball, as this warm hearted, family favourite spectacular starring an amazing cast of singers, dancers and specialty acts, give you their hearts and do not take them away! So Step Into Christmas! as we give you something special.
Visit Step into Christmas - Bedford Corn Exchange.
Love Bedford – Have Fun!
Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 December
To celebrate the arrival of the Christmas holidays, Love Bedford invites the young and the young at heart to visit the town centre for some free festive fun!
Magical Face painting in the Howard Centre, mesmerising balloon artistry in The Arcade, festive music and more, 10.30am–3.30pm on both days. Whist you’re there, it’s a great time to visit Santa in the Harpur Centre Grotto too.
Festive Family Fun Weekend
Saturday, 21 December and Sunday, 22 December
A weekend dedicated to family-friendly fun, with the Council’s Family Fun Day offering games, activities, and entertainment for kids of all ages. Keep your ears open for live music, with bands and choirs throughout the weekend, bringing the Christmas cheer to life.
See the Festive Family Fun Weekend programme (PDF).
This event is Funded by UK Government.
Snow White Pantomime
Saturday 21 December - Tuesday 31 December - Bedford Corn Exchange
Come and see Snow White and her friends on a journey of laughter, love and happily ever afters in this family friendly pantomime. Filled with slapstick comedy, audience interaction, and catchy tunes, “Snow White Pantomime” is a magical adventure that delights audiences of all ages.
Relaxed performance 29 December at 1pm. Christmas Eve Performance at 11am. No performances Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
Visit Snow White - Bedford Corn Exchange.
New Year stars
Friday 3 January 2024 - The Higgins Bedford
In this workshop with Creative Days we will look at Epiphany stars as a starting point before creating special stars of our own to celebrate the new year, new beginnings, thoughts and focus. Children will also get to choose from a collection of hidden words, all meaningful and special, to keep with their star as something to reflect on throughout 2025.
Suitable for children of primary school age. Younger children are welcome but will need significant support from their parents.
Workshops last an hour and start at 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm.
To book phone 01234 718044 or online at The Higgins Bedford.