Celebrate Christmas & New Year in Bedford
Get Festive with Love Bedford
A Very Merry Bedford Christmas: Lights, Celebration and Cheer!
This Christmas BedfordBID/Love Bedford have teamed up with a range of amazing partners to create a truly magical Christmas in Bedford. Kicking off with the ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ then jump into the spirit of the festive season with December’s calendar of events.
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 in Bedford Town Centre
Bedford Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 30th November.
The Love Bedford Express Land Train Ride
Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December
10am – 4pm | 11am – 4pm
Bedford Music Service Town Centre Celebration
Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December
Small Business Saturday – Shop local
Saturday 7th December
All day
Bedford Christmas Markets
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December
Bedford Flea, Affordable Art and Local Produce Market
Sunday 8th December
Love Bedford – Have Fun! Free Family Fun Weekend
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December
10.30am – 3.30pm on both days
Glenn Miller Memorial Weekend
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December
Christmas Family Weekend
A weekend dedicated to family-friendly fun in Harpur Square. Bedford Borough Council’s Family Fun Days offers games, activities, and entertainment for all ages.
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd December
Download a timetable of events.
Things to do
Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church
The St Paul’s Church Christmas Tree Festival returns in 2024 with this year’s theme being ‘The Magic of Christmas’.
Wednesday 4th December to Sunday 8th December
10am-5pm (Sunday 12 noon-4pm)
The Wishing Tree With Heart Radio
Help make a child’s Christmas with Heart Radio and the Harpur Centre.
Monday 18th November to Friday 20th December
Vote For Your Favourite Christmas Window!
Saturday 23rd November to Wednesday 25th December
Love Bedford Christmas Wreath
Friday 22nd November to Monday 30th December
Find out more!
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!!
Late Night Shopping Hours at Harpur Centre
For all your Christmas shopping needs, the Harpur Centre is a great place to start.
Free parking and extended hours
Find car park opening times over the Festive season here.
Spend Your Love Bedford Vouchers
Presents, treats, a night out, or some essentials, our Love Bedford Vouchers are a wonderful way to discover the gorgeous shops in our town.
Church Services
Christmas is a time when attending a church service can make it complete.
St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Square
Restaurants with Christmas set menus
Find out where to eat in town this Christmas, with afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and traditional meals.
Getting to Bedford by bus
There are busses running into Bedford day and night, all week long. The £2 cap on single journey bus fares is valid until December 31st.