While recent polls may paint Luton with a hint of bah-humbug, insiders know better. Our town is brimming with festive joy and exciting events that could warm event the Grinch’s heart. So, fasten up your seatbelts for a joyous sleigh ride as we unveil the top festive happenings in Luton this Christmas.
Father Christmas at Wardown House
Sunday 3rd December – Saturday 23rd December | Various times | Wardown House
Get ready for festive and traditional fun at Wardown House this December.
Father Christmas is back, and he’s bringing the cheer. Mother Christmas has a heart-warming tale, whimsical elves await, and a surprise gift under the tree is waiting for you. After the merry meet-and-greet, dive into milk and cookies at the cosy café.
Prices – £15 Child/£6 Adult (includes tea & coffee)
Lighting Up Luton for Christmas
Saturday 25th November| From 2pm | Luton Town Centre
Luton town centre’s biggest festive celebration is back this year! Enjoy outdoor entertainment, live music, and special appearances by Peppa Pig and George. The Mall Luton opens a free grotto from 10am, offering a chance to meet Father Christmas and explore the Elves’ Toy Workshop. It’ll be a day of grand festivities for the whole family!
Prices – Free
Keech Christmas Market
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November | 10am – 4pm | Barnfield College
Nothing screams festive joy quite like a Christmas market and Keech Hospice has your holiday cheer covered! Join over 1,500 merry-makers later this month at Barnfield College for a magical Christmas market extravaganza. With 50+ stalls offering homemade delights, crafts, exclusive Keech Christmas merch, raffle tickets, and tasty refreshments
Prices – Entry is £3.00 (£2.00 concessions, under 14’s go free)
Stockwood Illuminated
Friday 15th December to Saturday 23rd December | Various times | Stockwood Park
This December, get ready for the return of the much-anticipated Stockwood Illuminated 2023— one of our favourite festivities in Luton! Join The Culture Trust for a winter light celebration that’s nothing short of magical at Stockwood Discovery Centre.
Enjoy strolling through illuminated pathways amidst the enchanting gardens on a self-guided tour. Every corner is kissed by the soft glow of festive lights, creating a magical vibe that captures the pure spirit of the season. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!
Prices – Adult £7.50 / £5.50 Concessions + £1 booking fee each
Meet Elves Behavin’ Badly
Saturday 25th November | Various times | The Mall, Luton
Snap a photo and brace yourself for the mischievous fun as the Elves kick off Prankmas around The Mall Shopping Centre. Keep those eyes peeled for their hilarious antics!
Meet these merry mischief-makers at intervals between 11am and 3.30pm in the centre – don’t forget to enjoy all the magic of Christmas with the Lighting Up Luton Light Switch On on the same day!
Prices – Free
Giving Grotto and Elves’ Toy Workshop
Saturday 25th November – Sunday 24th December | 10am – 3pm | The Mall, Luton
Dive into festive fun at The Mall! Bring the little ones for a FREE Christmas adventure – meet Father Christmas, spill your Christmas wishes, and secure a spot on the ‘nice list.’
Decked in elf hats, you can explore the Elves’ Toy Workshop, helping sort through wish lists and crafting a wooden Snowman toy. Don’t forget pics with Santa!
Catch him in Central Square every weekend from 25th Nov to 16th Dec, then daily until Christmas Eve, with quiet sessions every Sunday morning from 10am.
As a free experience, The Mall are encouraging donations at the grotto to support local charities, Luton Foodbank and Level Trust (if you are able to).
Prices – Free
High Town Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 2nd December | From 4.30pm | Burr Street, High Town
Join the High Town community for a festive celebration in Burr Street Square! Enjoy Christmas carols, music, and a lantern walk. The highlight? The magical moment when they switch on the Christmas tree lights, marking the start of the holiday season.
Don’t miss this memorable event with your neighbours and friends!
Prices – Free
Christmas at Hat Gardens
Saturday 9th December | 12pm – 4pm | Hat Gardens, Bute Street
Get ready for a jolly good time at Hat Gardens this December!
Head to Hat Gardens on Saturday 9th December for its first-ever Christmas event. Enjoy live music, a DJ, choirs, and festive face-painting. Plus, snap unforgettable family selfies in the giant snow globe. It’s free, it’s fun— all thanks to Luton Borough Council and Luton BID.
Prices – Free
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Saturday 2nd December – Sunday 10th December | Various times | Luton Library Theatre
Nothing says Christmas like a pantomime! Mirror, Mirror on the wall – witness the best pantomime of all!
Follow the captivating journey into the classic fairy tale of Snow White with The Griffin Players. Encounter hilarious characters and immerse yourself in a generous serving of audience participation.
Will the Wicked Queen triumph in her quest to be rid of her beautiful stepdaughter forever? Will Snow White find her Happy Ever After? Find out at Luton Library Theatre.
Prices – Adult – £13+ booking fee Concession – £11 + booking fee Family ticket – £44 + booking fee
Fallowfield Christmas Lights
Saturday 2nd December – Sunday 24th December | 4 – 9pm | Fallowfield, Luton
Anthony O’Toole in Fallowfields has been bringing festive joy to our town through his Christmas lights display. And guess what? This year, it’s bigger and better than ever – with a whopping 65,000 lights.
Don’t forget to bring some change for the donation pot and help the O’Toole family reach their target for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. It’s not just a light show; it’s a community celebration for a great cause!
Enjoy Santa visits every night until Christmas Eve, from 4pm to around 9pm. The lights will continue to dazzle until Saturday 6 January.
Prices – Admission is free, but your donations are greatly appreciated.
Despite the sceptics, Luton truly sparkles as a festive town, radiating an extraordinary community spirit and hosting organisations that wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of Christmas.
This blog offers just a glimpse into the festive happenings in our town this Christmas, so whether you’re eager to find more events this season or have an event to share, explore our vibrant what’s-on guide.
About the Author
Laura Redmond
Laura is a passionate supporter of the Step Forward Luton campaign and a Place Activation and Marketing Coordinator. Armed with a journalism degree and unwavering love for her university town, she believes there's more to Luton that meets the eye. From charity work to market management, Laura's professional journey has explored every corner of Luton. When she's not busy being a marketing maven, she's lacing up her walking shoes to explore the town's green spaces or unearthing Luton's hidden foodie gems.
