Broxbourne Council has announced a programme of free Christmas events across Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross, with festive markets, live entertainment, school carol performances and family activities scheduled throughout November and December 2026.
The seasonal programme, organised by the local authority alongside community partners, aims to bring residents and visitors into the borough’s town centres during the Christmas period. Activities will include two major festivals, a series of school performances and attractions designed for families.
All events will be free to attend, providing opportunities for local communities to participate in seasonal celebrations without admission charges.
Hoddesdon Loves Christmas to Launch Festive Programme on 29 November
The celebrations will begin with Hoddesdon Loves Christmas on Sunday, 29 November 2026, organised by Broxbourne Council in partnership with Love Hoddesdon.
The event will take place in Hoddesdon town centre from 10am until 6.30pm, bringing together entertainment, shopping opportunities and seasonal attractions.
Visitors can expect live performances featuring local singers, dance groups, choirs and a brass band. Christmas stalls will offer festive products, while food and drink vendors will provide refreshments throughout the day.
Family attractions will include funfair rides and a snow globe photo experience, allowing visitors to take seasonal photographs.
Christmas Parade and Fireworks to Conclude Celebrations
The Hoddesdon festival will conclude with a Christmas parade and fireworks display, providing an evening finale to the day’s activities.
The event is expected to offer opportunities for local businesses and independent traders to engage with visitors during the important pre-Christmas trading period.
Seasonal festivals can also encourage spending in nearby shops, cafés and hospitality businesses by attracting additional visitors to town centres.
However, the council has not provided attendance forecasts or estimates of the programme’s potential economic impact.
Broxbourne Schools to Participate in Festival of Carols
Schools across the borough will take part in the Festival of Carols during the first two weeks of December, with performances planned in both Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross.
In Hoddesdon, participating schools will perform traditional Christmas carols at the Hoddesdon War Memorial on 2, 4 and 9 December.
Performances are scheduled between 9.30am and 3pm on each of the three dates.
Meanwhile, schools in Waltham Cross will present their carol performances inside the Pavilions Shopping Centre on 2 and 4 December, also between 9.30am and 3pm.
School Performances to Support Community Participation
The Festival of Carols will provide opportunities for pupils to participate in public performances while bringing families and local residents together.
Holding performances in prominent town-centre locations will also make the celebrations accessible to shoppers and other visitors.
The inclusion of local schools reflects the community-focused approach of the programme, with activities taking place across multiple locations rather than being concentrated in a single venue.
Waltham Cross Christmas Festival Scheduled for 5 December
The Waltham Cross Christmas Festival will take place on Saturday, 5 December 2026, from 10am until 6pm.
The event will feature live entertainment, Christmas stalls and family attractions, including a giant snow globe.
Santa Claus and his elves will also make an appearance, with free gifts available to visitors while stocks last.
The festival will provide another opportunity for residents to enjoy seasonal activities in a town-centre setting while supporting the wider programme of Christmas celebrations across Broxbourne.
Free Admission Across All Christmas Events
Broxbourne Council has confirmed that every event in the festive programme will be free to attend and open to families.
The approach removes admission costs for visitors and allows households to participate in several activities throughout the festive season.
For local retailers and hospitality operators, the programme may also provide opportunities to benefit from additional town-centre activity during November and December.
With celebrations spanning Hoddesdon and Waltham Cross, the council’s Christmas programme combines entertainment, community participation and seasonal shopping opportunities.
Residents and visitors can find further information about event schedules and activities through the official Broxbourne Council website at www.broxbourne.gov.uk/events.
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