Start date and time: Saturday 15 November 12:00 PM
End date and time: Saturday 15 November 5:30 PM
Location: Aldershot town centre
Cost: Free to attend
We stepped into a winter wonderland at the Aldershot Christmas Cracker!
The town centre was bursting with seasonal cheer, offering a sleigh-full of free family fun. From enchanting festive stalls and a magical grotto, to dazzling fireworks, sensational street performers and live entertainment across two stages.
You could browse over 40 festive stalls filled with handmade crafts, seasonal goodies, delicious treats and local community groups. Plus explore the brand-new street food zone on Princes Way, serving up mouth-watering global flavours to warm your winter appetite.
There was the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto and step inside the giant snow globe - both completely free.
With over 100 local performers from brass bands, choirs, dance schools and buskers lighting up two stages, the town was alive with the sounds of the season.
The highlight of the event was the countdown to the Christmas lights switch-on, which took place in Princes Gardens from 5.10pm. It also included a short firework display.
Performers and activities
- Santa's grotto - meet Santa in his cosy new grotto and share your Christmas wishes
- Giant snow globe - step inside a magical snow globe - perfect for festive photos
- Birds of prey - marvel at majestic owls and hawks up close
- Petting farm - meet friendly farm animals in this mini festive farmyard
- Circus skills - try juggling, plate-spinning and more with Juggling Jake
- Giant bubbles - watch huge shimmering bubbles float through the air
- Donkeys - feed our gentle donkeys
- Lego building - build festive creations brick by brick
- Street theatre - roaming performers bring festive fun
- Kids’ crafts - get creative with festive make-and-take Christmas crafts
- Fair rides* - whirl and twirl with classic fairground fun
- Face painting* - transform into a reindeer, elf or snowflake with a festive design!
* small charge applies
The event has been organised by us, with the help of Aldershot Community Together, a group of residents and volunteers who work with the council on projects for the town.
The event and most activities are free.
Location
The event took place across Princes Gardens, Princes Way, Union Street and Wellington Street in Aldershot town centre.
2025 event sponsors
The event is managed by Rushmoor Borough Council and is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Contact us