The annual St Albans Christmas Cracker returns this year to kick off the festive celebrations across the city. 

Join in on the fun on Saturday, November 17, where festivities will begin in St Peter’s Street, Chequer Street, High Street and Market Place from noon to 6pm. 

Musicians and bands as well as a visit from the star of this year’s Alban Arena panto can be found on stage, as well as performances from the ‘Rising Stars’ from all over the district outside of Anthropologie in Market Place. 

A hundred or so market pitches will also be gracing the streets of St Albans ranging from jewellery and gifts to mulled wine and food making sure this event is laced with as much festive spirit as possible.

Councillor Anthony Rowlands, lead for events at St Albans council, said: “I am thrilled at the prospect of another St Albans Christmas Cracker.

“This is a fantastic way to get the district’s festive season underway and always attracts thousands of people to the city centre.

“I urge our residents not to miss out on the fun as there is great entertainment, much of it free, for people of all ages.

“The event also provides a boost to the local economy by bringing many extra visitors to the city centre where they will use our shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants as well as the market stalls.”

Vivien Cannon, manager of St Albans City Centre BID, said: “Everything has been laid on for the whole community to come along and help launch the start of this wonderful Christmas season.

“Our city centre businesses invest in the city through sponsorship of the event. Everyone wants to make sure visitors enjoy browsing around the stalls and enjoy the festive entertainments.

"Most of all, our businesses send Christmas Greetings and the message to continue to shop locally this Christmas.” 

If anyone is wondering if they will be on the naughty list this year, you can ask Santa in his grotto, near the Alban Arena..

There will be a variety of arts and crafts activities and walkabout entertainment to keep visitors occupied.