Celebrate Christmas & New Year in Bedford
Get Festive with Love Bedford
A Very Merry Bedford Christmas: Lights, Celebration and Cheer!
This Christmas, Love Bedford is highlighting a fantastic range of festive events taking place across the town.
Jump into the spirit of the festive season, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
If you still haven’t decided how to celebrate New Year, our events calendar below has some ideas to help you do it in style!
Find full details below why Christmas in Bedford will be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’!
Free Events around Bedford
Bedford Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 22nd November
Wixams Winter Wonderland
Saturday 29th November
Kempston Light Switch On
Sunday 30th November
Bedford Music Service Harpur Square Christmas Gig
Saturday 29th November and Sunday 30th November
Small Business Saturday – Shop local
Saturday 6th December (All day)
Bedford Christmas Markets
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December
Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce Market
Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December
Lunchtime Carols at Milton Ernest Garden Centre
Saturday 6th December
Bromham Mill Artisan Christmas Fair
Sunday 7th December
Christmas Market at Shuttleworth
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December
St Cuthbert’s Street Christmas Fair
Sunday 14th December
Christmas Eve Jingle Jam
Wednesday 24th December
Things to do
Bedford Heights Christmas Market
Get into the festive spirit at the Bedford Heights Christmas Market, returning once again as a much-loved seasonal event.
Thursday 27th November
Victorian Christmas Fayre
This Christmas community event offers free entry and features over 40 indoor stalls, showcasing a wide range of handmade and locally crafted items.
Saturday 29th November
The Wishing Tree With Heart Radio
Help make a child’s Christmas with Heart Radio and the Harpur Centre.
Monday 17th November to Sunday 21st December
Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church
The St Paul’s Church Christmas Tree Festival returns this year for its Silver Jubilee – celebrating 25 years of festive cheer, community spirit, and musical joy.
Wednesday 3rd December to Sunday 7th December
Step Into Christmas
Get ready to embrace the magic of the season with Step Into Christmas, the most heart-warming festive show at the Bedford Corn Exchange
Sunday 7th December
Christmas Concert at St Paul’s Church
Professional chamber choir, CONTINUUM return to St Paul’s church to bring some festive cheer.
Wednesday 10th December
Christmas Parties at Shuttleworth
Celebrate in style this festive season in the stunning Victorian mansion house at Shuttleworth.
Friday 12th December
Christian Christmas Gala
Chosen Generation Young Adults ministry is hosting a Christmas Gala party at the Centenary Hall. Lots of festive fun awaits.
Saturday 13th December
Brunch with Santa at The Longholme
Celebrate the season with a festive brunch at The Longholme on December 13th or 20th. Enjoy a cozy holiday atmosphere with Santa and his trusty elf.
Saturday 13th and 20th December
Christmas Jumper Paddle
The perfect Christmas combo! Pick from a canoe, kayak, or SUP to paddle and finish with hot brew & mince pies.
Sunday 14th December
Christmas Mega Quiz at Brewpoint
Get ready for a festive night of fun at Brewpoint in Bedford with a Christmas Quiz and some holiday cheer.
Tuesday 16th December
A Christmas Carol Concert
The Bedford Music Club present Queen Victoria’s Consort in a concert of tunes, carols and readings from Dickens’ evergreen A Christmas Carol.
Friday 19th December
Shuttleworth in Lights
An illuminated light trail that is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Friday 19th December (Different dates also available)
Aladdin Pantomime at Bedford Corn Exchange
Get ready for some Pantomime fun this Christmas season at the Bedford Corn Exchange.
Saturday 20th – 31st December
Christmas Parkour Camps
Spiral Freerun are running three camp days for different abilities over the festive season.
Monday 22nd,29th and Wednesday 31st December
Festive Live Sessions
Step into a month of music, celebration, and festive warmth at Nazar Turkish Kitchen & Bar.
Various Dates from 6th to 31st December
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve at Brewpoint
Ring in the New Year at Brewpoint with an unforgettable evening of live entertainment, great company, and festive cheer.
Wednesday 31st December
New Year’s Eve at Lagos Rooftop Lounge & Bar
Ring in 2026 at Lagos Rooftop Bar & Lounge in Bedford as it hosts an electrifying rooftop party.
Wednesday 31st December
New Year’s Eve at Esquires
Ring in the New Year at Esquires with big tunes and a double tribute special of Pulp’d and Blur2.
Wednesday 31st December
New Year’s Eve at Rose Bedford
Ring in the New Year at Rose Bedford, enjoy great company as you count down to midnight in style.
Wednesday 31st December
Family Friendly New Year’s Eve
Celebrate New Year’s Eve the family-friendly way at Maypole Farm with a fun early-evening party running from 5:30pm to 7pm.
Wednesday 31st December
Essential Information
Help For People Sleeping Rough in Bedford
Christmas is a time to think about friends and family, and also to consider those who might be struggling.
Santa’s Grotto At The Harpur Centre
No Christmas is complete without visiting Santa with your list – make sure it’s not too long!!
Shopping at the Harpur Centre
For all your Christmas shopping needs, the Harpur Centre is a great place to start.
Parking in Bedford
Free parking in Queen Street car park for the first 2 hours on weekdays.
Free parking the first 2 hours every Saturday in all Council car parks and free all day on Sundays.
Church Services
Christmas is a time when attending a church service can make it complete.
St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Square
Getting to Bedford by bus
There are buses running into Bedford day and night, all week long. Check how these services may change during the festive season.