We have rounded up some of our favourite places to go during the Christmas time in Herefordshire including Markets, House Tours, Illuminations, Tractor runs and so much more.
1 December Christmas Lights and Festive Fayre
Ross-on-Wye
Gather around the Market House at the top of the town and watch the beautiful Christmas lights switch on as part of Ross-on-Wye’s Christmas Fayre, held in the town centre from 11am to 5pm.
Street food and drink available throughout the town with live music at the Market House to add to the festive cheer, with the lights being turned on around 4:30pm.
Ross-on-Wye Town Council’s Christmas Fayre takes place in the town centre along Broad Street and Croft Court.
In addition to a festive Santa’s grotto, there are over 70 stalls selling handmade arts and crafts plus delicious artisan food and drink including decorations, candles, bath bombs, ceramics, jewellery, cheese, chutneys, hampers, brownies and blankets.
4-7 December Hellens Manor Tudor Christmas House Tours
Much Marcle
These immersive character tours, which bring Tudor festivities to life as you explore the folk and plant lore of Christmastide. See the house dressed for Yule and visit the Roundel for warming drinks and snacks around the firepit, (a mince pie and mulled cider or apple juice are included in your ticket).
Set in the rural landscape of Herefordshire, Hellens Manor is a much-loved historic Tudor/Jacobean home, owned by the Pennington Mellor Munthe Charity Trust, with an incredible tapestry of stories, characters, art, furniture, grounds and formal gardens.
04 Dec 3:00PM to 6:00PM
05 Dec 3:00PM to 6:00PM
07 Dec 1:00PM to 6:00PM
Adults £18, Children £10.00
Hellens, Much Marcle, Ledbury. Herefordshire HR8 2LY
5-7 December Croft Castle and Gardens Illuminate
Explore the wonder of the illuminated outdoors around Croft Castle and Gardens, Gothic Arch and Church and look for the special sparkle of the ancient trees lit up for this special Winter light show.
Go indoors to see the castle dressed for Christmas and enjoy a varied programme of activity including, fire performers, musicians, storytellers and carol singers.
After you’ve explored the castle and gardens, don’t forget to grab a bite to eat. External caterers will also be there each evening, in addition to the tea-rooms serving some festive snacks and warming mulled wine.
£6 per adult, plus normal admission. £3 per child, plus normal admission. Under 5’s free.
Croft Castle, Yarpole, Nr Leominster HR6 9PW
Please note due to demand tickets must be booked in advance for this event nationaltrust.org.uk/croft-castle-and-parkland
6- 22 December Christmas Markets in Hereford City
A magical time awaits you this Christmas with fantastic Christmas Markets in Hereford, hosting around 40 stalls each day.
With festive treats and gifts on offer and including locally made crafts, decorations and jewellery as well as delicious hot street food and drinks.
Soak up the festive atmosphere all overlooked by the wonderful giant Christmas tree and lights.
All markets are in High Town and Commercial Street on:
Friday 6 December 9am to 4pm
Sunday 8 December 10am to 4pm
Friday 13 December 9am to 4pm
Sunday 15 December 10am to 4pm
Friday 20 December 9am to 4pm
Sunday 22 December 10am to 4pm
7 & 21 December Herefordshire Illuminated Tractor Runs
Organised by We Are Farming Minds (A Charity helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health in Herefordshire farming communities) watch the incredible spectacle of hundreds of decorated tractors and vehicles parade through these towns and villages.
7 December Leaving Leominster – Broad Street Carpark 6pm
7 December Leaving Wye Valley Metals Carpark Rotherwas 4.30pm
21 December Leaving Hereford Cattle Market, Roman Road 4.30pm (This run is organised by When Farmers Do Christmas)
Show your appreciation for the effort this requires from all and please give generously.
Hereford City Christmas Events and Ski-lift Experience
Hereford City Life will once again host magical Christmas entertainment in the city centre with an alpine ski-lift with snow machine and live music in the following dates:
There will be a Christmas Trail from late November to 4 Jan 2025, with prizes.
The Best Christmas Shop window competition voting runs from Sat 30 November until Thursday 18 December. More information to follow…
And don’t forget shoppers can enjoy Free Parking from 4pm on Wednesday, 4, 11 and 18 December.
14 December Hay on Wye Christmas Fayre
10am – 4pm
Bringing some festive cheer to the centre of Hay, over 100 traders join Hay’s independent high street to bring you unique Christmas gifts, local crafts, food and drink and this year the market will spread through Memorial Square, the halls, Clock Tower, PLUS Hay Castle
Follow @haymarketsltd on social media for updates about which makers, bakers, producers and artists will be bringing you their wonderful wares.
For more information email info@haymarkets.co.uk or phone 07989 98060.
14 December Leominster Victorian Christmas Street Market
10am-3pm
Step back in time and join the ‘Ragged Victorians’ for a truly Dickensian adventure at Leominster Victorian Christmas Street Market.
The town centre will be filled with stalls selling handmade and locally produced gifts for loved ones. Enjoy street food, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine or why not go for a horse and carriage ride around the town. Let yourselves be entertained by Punch and Judy, Morris dancers, live seasonal music and more.
High Street, Leominster.
A Georgian Christmas at Berrington Hall
Throughout December until 5 January
Weekends 10am – 4pm Berrington Hall is taking you back to the Georgian era this Christmas. Discover traditional decorations, atmospheric evening lighting, fireplaces brimming with dried flowers, magnificent Christmas trees and a unique ‘below stairs’ experience.
Selected Weekdays you are invited to Christmas at Berrington Hall to find all the items on the list that are required for the perfect Georgian Christmas. Suitable for 4-12 year olds. Trails are £3 per child and include a prize at the end.
21 & 22 December experience Georgian elegance at its finest with a horse and carriage ride that will lead you right up to the front of the neoclassical mansion, enjoying scenic views out across Capability Brown’s final landscape masterpiece.
There is no need to book; rides will be available all day from 10 am to 4 pm. Cash payment only. Prices: £4 per adult, £3 per child.
See full details for all events here: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/worcestershire-herefordshire/berrington-hall/events
Berrington Hall, near Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0DW
Where to meet Santa in Herefordshire and The Wye Valley
1-23 December at Oakchurch Farm Shop, Staunton-on-Wye HR4 7NH
Children of all ages and their families are invited to visit Santa in his grotto in the run up to Christmas at Oakchurch Farm Shop. With the help of his friends from Hereford Lions Club Santa will be arriving on Saturday 30 November and will be in residence there every weekend between 11am and 4pm and every afternoon during the week before Christmas 1-4pm.
Appointments to see Santa can be booked at www.oakchurch.net. You will be asked to make a refundable £5 payment per family to guarantee your time slot. Pre-booking is essential.
Free parking for cars, sleighs and reindeer.
6th (4.30pm) & 7th (4.00pm) December Madley Environmental Centre
Join a magical walk through decorated woodlands to see Santa, toast marshmallows with the Elf then snuggle in Santa’s warm lounge.
Children £11, Siblings under 2 £5, Adults £3
Inc Child’s gift and hot drinks and biscuits.
Book tickets on www.mesc.org.uk Enquiries to contact@mesc.org.uk T: 01981 251616
6 & 7 December Warehouse 701, Rotherwas, Hereford HR2 6NS
10am-2pm
This will be a truly festive experience when you will have time for that all important chat with the big guy himself and all children will be able to choose a special gift to take home. Be sure to take your Christmas wish list to give to Father Christmas ahead of the big day.
To ensure each child gets a magical moment with Father Christmas, slots are at 5-minute intervals with visits to see Father Christmas are strictly by appointment only.
Tickets are priced at £7.50 per child (aged 1-12). Children under 1 are FREE. Each child visiting Father Christmas will need a ticket and will receive a free gift.
See information on www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk/event-pro/meet-father-christmas-at-warehouse-701/
7-24 December (selected days) Ludlow Castle SY8 1AY
10am – 4pm
In the atmospheric ruins of Ludlow Castle, each exclusive session with Father Christmas will give your little ones time to discuss their Christmas wishes, as well as have photos taken with the man himself (photos to be taken by family members). The experience will be personalised; Father Christmas will discuss your child’s interests and give an age-appropriate gift. There will also be a Christmas tree trail around the castle (the trail is included in the admission price to the castle, and is also free for those booking to see Father Christmas).
Child to see Father Christmas £8.00 (includes admission to the castle). This price is for any age of child visiting Father Christmas. Adults £9.00 (normal price of admission to the castle)
For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.ludlowcastle.com
14 & 15 December Croft Castle, Yarpole HR6 9PW
11am – 4pm
Grab your Christmas lists and join Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their helpful elves in the dining room at Croft Castle in North Herefordshire, for some festive stories and Christmas cheer. These will be group storytelling sessions and each session will last for approximately 30 minutes between 11:00am and 4:00pm.
£5 per child, two adults can accompany each child/group of children for free (normal admission charges apply)
Booking is essential as spaces are limited on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croft-castle-and-parkland
21 (10am-3pm) & 22 (1pm-3pm) December Queenswood near Leominster HR6 0PY
Enhance your festive day with the enchanting Hidden Elf Trail, where the woodlands come alive with the mystery of hidden elves waiting to be discovered. This magical journey through the winter forest leads you to the heart of the festivities—Santa’s cosy grotto, where you’ll be welcomed by the comforting glow of the log burner. Warm up with a cup of mulled apple juice and enjoy a craft activity designed to keep little hands busy. Inside, Santa himself will greet each child with a thoughtful, nature-inspired gift.
The Elf Trail can be purchased at the Visitor Centre on the day for £10, there are unlimited spaces and no need to book so you can enjoy this at any time throughout the festive season!
Find details on www.herefordshirewt.org/events/events-activities-children-families
Until 24 December Personalised Santa Experiences at Winter Glow at Malvern Three Counties Showground
Be transported to a festive wonderland, full of immersive adventures and Christmas delights with a Personalised Santa Experience! Visiting Santa and his Elves in the Father Christmas Grotto promises magic, wonder, and festive spectacles like never before! This attraction is over 2000 m2, and has multiple areas and activities, including the Winter Village, Toy Workshop, Post Office, Tavern, Town Hall, Elf Academy, Bakery and of Course Santas Grotto. You will meet several elves, Santa and even Mrs Clause. Lasting up to 2 hours slots are available between 9:00am – 8:00pm (Subject to availability).
Decorate a Gingerbread man in Mrs Claus’s Bakery, Create memories in the Toy Workshop, Practise their Elf Circus skills in the Elf Training Academy, Write and post your Christmas list in the Winter Village, Solve Puzzles around the Winter Village in Jingles Christmas Adventure. And that’s just the beginning! There’s plenty more festive fun and surprises waiting for you and your family to discover!
Prices for Santa tickets start from £48 for an adult and child.
For many more Festive Events in and around Herefordshire check out our huge Christmas Page.