Thousands attend Christmas Cracker to kick off the festive season in St Albans District
Thousands of people flocked to St Albans City Centre for one of the most thrilling events of the year – the Christmas Cracker.
The annual street festival took place from noon until darkness fell on Sunday 16 November with St Peter’s Street closed to traffic to create a vibrant atmosphere.
Among the attractions were live music, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, street entertainers and around 100 market stalls selling hot food, drinks and seasonal gifts.
Much of the family-friendly entertainment was free with something to suit people of all ages and abilities.
Festive decorations and installations were illuminated throughout the event and there were guest appearances from some of the stars of this year’s Alban Arena pantomime, Aladdin.
The Christmas Cracker was organised by St Albans City and District Council, sponsored by St Albans City Centre BID and part-funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
It was also supported by local businesses including Costa Coffee in St Albans, local radio station Mix 92.6 and Ovo.
British Sign Language Interpreters were at the activities throughout the day.
There was also an accessible viewing zone by the main stage, priority seating and ramps on kerbs for wheelchair access.
Councillor Edgar Hill, the Council’s Lead for Events, said:
Once again, the Christmas Cracker attracted huge crowds to the City Centre and launched the festive season in St Albans in an exciting way.
This was a fantastic occasion with thousands of people out and about, enjoying themselves.
The run-up to Christmas is an important time for many of our local businesses – shops, pubs, restaurants and market traders.
The Christmas Cracker provides a boost to the local economy by attracting people to the City Centre and I am sure they will have been encouraged to come back for more in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
Charter Market
Another highlight of the festive season will be the additional December dates for the twice-weekly Charter Market.
The Market will take place every Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm, in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Day as well as the usual Wednesdays and Saturdays.
There will be an extra day’s trading, too, on Tuesday 23 December.
Pantomimes
Aladdin starts at the Alban Arena on Friday 5 December and runs until Wednesday 31 December.
Its stars include EastEnders legend Steve McFadden and panto favourite Bob Golding. Tickets are available here.
This year’s pantomime at the Eric Morecambe Centre in Harpenden is Jack and the Beanstalk with more information, including how to buy tickets, available here.
Photos by Toby Shepheard: scene from the 2025 Christmas Cracker. More available on request.
Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council: 01727-919533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.
Editor’s Note: The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life changes across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, people and skills. More information is available here.
