Christmas Events in Northampton

From the end of November until Christmas Day, there are many Christmassy events planned throughout Northampton. Here you can find a small selection of events happening.

Is it too early to talk about Christmas? It seems that since November has struck, that the Christmas build up has already begun. With that in mind, from the end of November until Christmas Day, there are many Christmassy events planned throughout Northamptonshire. Each one playing a different part in making this Christmas that little bit more special. There are several events that may appeal to you, depending on what you are interested in. Below are some of the events that have been announced.

FOR A LITTLE BIT OF SHOPPING:

Christmas Fair – Delapre Abbey – Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd December, 10am – 8pm (Saturday), 10am – 3pm (Sunday)

Delapre Abbey is once again bringing back its popular Christmas Fair. This year, the fair will be in the Abbey’s newly restored and transformed 19th Century Stables. This means it is more accessible for all levels of mobility. As always, the fair will host a wide variety of stalls where you can purchase handmade gifts and crafts as well as food and drink. There will also be live music, children’s workshops, and activities, making it an event for all the family. This year, the event will also be collecting Food Donations to support the Northampton Hope Centre and Food Aid Far Cotton. https://delapreabbey.org/events

Late Night Christmas Shopping – The Loft Café and Lounge Bar (Moulton) – Thursday 30th November, 630pm- 930pm

The Loft Café & Lounge Bar will be hosting a late-night shopping event. There is promise of Mince Pies, Mulled Wine and local businesses to purchase some special gifts from. You may also be interested in some Christmas Wreath Workshops that are being held on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th December.

Christmas Fair – Abington Park Museum – Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th November, 11am-4pm

The ever-popular Christmas Fair at the Abington Park Museum will return this November. This year the events promises a wide variety of crafts and independent businesses to purchase some lovely and unique gifts for loved ones this Christmas. With food vendors and refreshments available in the courtyard, this scenic Christmas Fair is always a crowd pleaser. In addition to this, you may like to explore what else Abington Park has to offer including the Park Café, the wildlife at the lake and duck pond as well as enjoying the autumn/winter scenery of the park itself. For more information, please see the below link: https://www.northamptonmuseums.com/info/26/abington-oak-room/228/christmas-fair

Christmas Craft Fair – Duston Village Hall, Ashwood Road – Sunday 26th November, 11am – 3pm

As this annual event returns, you will find a wide variety of stalls with some handmade gifts for lovely gifts. There will also be refreshments and a Deluxe Christmas Hamper Raffle.

Gift bags in red, brown, and white with decorative tags and tissue paper, possibly for a festive occasion. - Home Instead

FOR THE MUSIC LOVERS:

Carols and Crafts – Northampton Town Centre – Saturday 16th December, 12pm – 5pm

While details about this event are still being revealed, it promises plenty of Christmas Carols and musical performances in the heart of the town. Alongside this there is also promise of chances to make festive crafts for both children and adults. The Town Council have described this event as “the perfect backdrop to your Christmas Shopping”. Please see the following link for more information: https://www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/carolsandcrafts

Jazz Bands and Street Entertainment – St Giles’ Street – Saturday 2nd December, 11am- 430pm

Jazz bands and street entertainers will provide a host of entertainment for shoppers where acts include Musical Ruth, Elton Wrong, the Bad Santa’s, stilt walkers, and jugglers. On this day St Giles’ Street will be closed to enable shoppers to freely enjoy all the St Giles’ Street has to offer. https://allevents.in/northampton/a-festive-celebration-in-northamptons-cultural-quarter/200025741044909

Northampton Christmas Concert for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People – Northampton Cathedral – Friday 15th December, 7pm-9pm

For the very first time, the Rainbows Hospice will be providing Christmas cheer with the help of choirs and young musicians from local primary schools who will perform festive favourites on the night. There will be the opportunity to sing along to some favourite Christmas songs, take part in our raffle, enjoy some refreshments, and learn about how Rainbows is supporting families in your local area. For more information, please follow the link below: https://www.rainbows.co.uk/fundraise/events/northampton-christmas-concert

Candlelight Christmas: Love Actually, Home Alone & More – Northampton Museum and Art Gallery – Thursday 21st – Friday 22nd December, 6pm and 830pm.

Concerts by candlelight enhance the magic of live music. This special Christmas concert brings the music of some classic Christmas Films to the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery under the gentle glow of candlelight. Some of the music that will be played includes ‘Let it Snow’, ‘All I want for Christmas’, ‘White Christmas’, ‘It’s Beginning to Look a like Christmas’, and so much more.  For more information or tickets please see the link below. https://feverup.com/m/142215?utm_source=google&utm_medium=sc_opt&utm_campaign=candlelight_orm&utm_content=661588706533&gad_source=1

Close-up of an open hymnbook with "Silent Night, Holy Night" sheet music, and bokeh Christmas lights in the background. - Home Instead

SOMETHING WITH A LITTLE BIT FOR EVERYONE:

Northampton Christmas Light Switch on Event – Becket’s Park – Saturday 25th November,

This year Northampton’s Christmas Light switch on will be based at Beckett’s Park where the Town Centre is undergoing building work. The event promises a 40ft Christmas Tree to be centre stage in Beckett’s Park. The official light switch on will then take place at 6pm, however there will be a host of activities at the park throughout the day. These include watching Christmas Films, joining Santa’s elves to make Christmas Crafts, storytelling, and even a Silent Disco. In addition to this, there will also be a variety of food and drink stands as well as stalls featuring local produce, community groups and businesses. https://www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/switchon2023

Winter Light Trail – Delapre Abbey – Friday 24th November – Sunday 31st December, 4pm-8pm

Delapre Abbey’s popular Christmas light trail returns this year, with a promise of a new and interactive trail. As you walk through Delapre Abbey there will be a variety of enchanting light installations spanning through the woodland, walled garden, and grounds of the Abbey. On top of this there will be a selection of local and independent food vendors, children’s funfair attractions as well as a Après Ski Bar. For more information or to book tickets please follow the below link: https://www.winterlighttrail.co.uk/northampton

Christmas Afternoon Tea – The Loft Café and Lounge Bar (Moulton) – Friday 1st – Friday 22nd December

Throughout December The Loft are serving special Christmas Afternoon Tea. This includes a selection of Christmas themed sandwiches, Christmas Scones and Christmas themed cakes served with Mulled Wine (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic). This is priced at £19.95 per person, and you can purchase vouchers for this if wanted. If you are interested in this, please call the Café on 01604 492027. Or see the following link- https://www.facebook.com/TheLoftCafeAndLoungeBar/

Festive Fair – Northamptonshire Central Library, Town Centre – Saturday 25th November, 11am-4pm

Northamptonshire’s Central Library is once again hosting a Festive Fair where you can purchase some lovely gifts from independent businesses or participate in some Christmas games and activities. You may then enjoy browsing the endless books (or audiobooks or CDs) that the library has to offer. For more information please see the following website: https://allevents.in/northampton/festive-fair-at-northamptonshire-central-library/200025741069210

Santa Specials – Northampton and Lamport Railway – Every weekend in December

This event is definitely one for the children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Northampton and Lamport Railway is once again hosting its special Christmas experience where whilst taking a trip on the train you can write a letter to Santa while enjoying some refreshments. When the train journey reaches its destination, you can then meet Santa in his workshop and children will receive a present. This can also be upgraded depending on your choice. Wheelchair users can also be accommodated where there is a Wheelchair users’ compartment. For more information please see the following link: https://www.nlr.org.uk/santa-specials-2023/

Sustainable Wreath Making Workshop – Grounds Café at Salcey Forest – Friday 8th December, 10am-1230pm.

At this event, all equipment and decorations are provided (minus secateurs- you will need to bring your own), there is even a slice of cake included! The session is what you would hope it to be- a friendly and supportive event helping you to make a lovely Christmas wreath only using sustainable and natural decoration. For more information or to book tickets please see the below website: https://www.forestryengland.uk/forest-event/events-salcey-forest/christmas-wreath-workshops

An older man and children gather around a table to decorate a gingerbread house, assisted by a woman in a white vest. - Home Instead

Christmas is an occasion for all, where everyone has their own favourite things about it or their own traditions. At Home Instead Northampton, our Care Professionals love to support their clients to do the things they enjoy. This could be helping someone to complete a hobby that they need a little (and sometimes steady) helping hand to do. It may also be by supporting someone to go somewhere they really want to go. At Christmas, this could mean that our Care Professionals help their clients to go Christmas shopping for friends and family. It could be supporting them to make or write Christmas cards. You may enjoy going to a favourite café for a lovely hot chocolate and Christmas themed treat. You may like to see the Christmas Decorations in the local area, in the shops or even further away. Our Care Professionals can support you will all of these – and even more.

If you are interested in any of the above events, or even some that are not listed. If you have any Christmas traditions or activities, you would like support to complete. Please, call and speak to a member of our office team where we can work with you to support you to enjoy these special Christmas events.

Would you, or a loved one benefit from some companionship support from our Care Professionals? This support could be as simple as a friendly face coming to visit and having a nice chat. It could be someone to accompany you to go for a nice Winter walk so that you have a little peace of mind. Or it could be having some support to access the wider community to attend events such as those listed above. If this is something you may like, please call our office on 01604 211190 where a member of our office team will talk with you about how Home Instead Northampton can help you.