Your Christmas in Bedford Borough - a season of festive fun for everyone!
This year, we hope 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, family-friendly festivities and a wide array of events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from light displays to live music and markets. We look forward to seeing you support local businesses and enjoying everything Bedford town centre has to offer.
Christmas activities in Bedford town centre are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Our libraries and The Higgins Bedford
All Bedford Borough Libraries will have free craft sessions for families, details will be available soon on www.bedford.gov.uk/Libraries.
The Higgins Bedford is free to explore, with all sorts of exhibitions, displays, talks, tours, and activities for people of all ages. For families, the team have planned free activities, such as a storytelling session and a family Crafternoon, plus there’s a craft workshop in the new year. Learn more and find out what’s planned at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk.
Getting to Bedford town centre
It's free to park in Queen Street multi-storey car park for the first two hours Monday to Friday. It’s also free to park for the first two hours every Saturday in all Council-owned town centre single and multi-storey car parks, and free to park all day in all Council-owned town centre car parks on Sundays. Find out more about parking in Bedford town centre on our parking webpages.
Don't forget that bus fares remain at just £3 each way. Some discounts and offers are available on the providers' apps – Grant Palmer, Stagecoach, and Uno.
There is also the Elstow Park and Ride service from Progress Park on the A6. See www.bedford.gov.uk/parkandride.
There are plenty of places to lock your bike in Bedford town centre too. There is an enclosed bike shelter in Bedford town centre that you can only open as a registered user with a smartphone app. It’s on the corner of the Harpur Centre and opposite St Paul’s Church. It’s free to register. For more information, please contact sustainable.transport@bedford.gov.ukand they will email you the instructions.
December events in Bedford town centre
Thursday 11 December: Ukrainian Christmas Folk Traditions, a reminiscence session
These themed monthly reminiscence sessions run 11am-midday. Join in a with friendly and informal group. It’s a great way to meet new people, be inspired by memories and stories of the past.
This month, explore the Ukrainian Folk and Heritage exhibition and learn about their Christmas traditions, along with sharing some festive treats.
Learn more at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Reminiscence_Sessions
Saturday 13: Bedford Choral Society Christmas Concert at Bedford Corn Exchange
A Christmas concert for all the family from 3pm! There is a selection of traditional Christmas carols and also well loved Christmas music, new and old.
This year we will be joined by the choirs of Great Denham and Sharnbrook primary schools. A perfect way to come out of the cold and enjoy the warm spirit of Christmas.
Learn more and book tickets at www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/bedford-choral-society-christmas-concert.
Saturday 13: Santa Storytime and Christmas Colouring at Bedford Central Library
Families are invited along from 11.30am, find out more at www.bedford.gov.uk/Libraries.
Sunday 14: Sunday Crafternoon for families at The Higgins Bedford
Crafternoons are free, monthly creative activity sessions for families to have a go at 'making' together and enjoy the chance to get creative. All resources are provided. Suitable for under 12s. Learn more at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_Events.
Sunday 14: Bedford Santa Run 2025 on The Embankment
Get that Christmas feeling by joining 100s of Santas running around The Embankment in Bedford. Run, walk or jog with all the family – you can even bring the dog!
Santa suits are provided and you can celebrate at the end with a medal and a mince pie. Come and join in the fun and help Keech continue to provide our specialist care for our patients and their families.
Learn more and book your space at www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/santa-run-2025.
Saturday 20: Christmas Sing-a-long in Harpur Square
Come along and get that festive feeling in Bedford Town Centre this Christmas time. The sing-a-long will be led by the Grace Community Church. This community event is open to everyone, and carols have been scheduled to enable panto-goers the opportunity to stop by on the way to the Corn Exchange. Carol singing will be taking place at midday and 3.30pm, lasting approximately 45 minutes each.
- Download the Christmas Sing-a-long song sheet (PDF)
Saturday 20: Christmas Cards family craft session at Bedford Central Library
Learn more at www.bedford.gov.uk/Libraries.
Saturday 20 - Wednesday 31: Aladdin - The Pantomime at Bedford Corn Exchange
This classic tale tells the story of Aladdin, the poor street urchin who falls in love with a beautiful Princess but is thwarted at every opportunity by the evil scheming Abanazar, advisor to the Queen. Will Aladdin keep the lamp? What would your three wishes be?
A family-friendly production with all the slapstick and comedy expected from a traditional pantomime. Jam-packed with classic tunes, old and new, together with audience participation, an excellent treat for all the family.
Relaxed performance 29 December at 1-4.30pm.
Learn more and book your tickets at www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/aladdin-2.
Sunday 28: Storytelling in the Gallery at The Higgins Bedford
Join Toby's Tall Tales as children are engaged with an immersive story reading experience that uses resources such as puppets, drawings, songs and the artwork from the gallery. Ideal for ages up to 7.
Learn more and book at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Whats_on/Family_Events.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.