The build-up to Christmas is on and a number of free events organised by Rushmoor Borough Council will be putting Aldershot and Farnborough in a fine festive spirit throughout November and December!
Christmas in Rushmoor starts with a bang in Aldershot town centre on Saturday 16 November, with the amazing Aldershot Christmas Cracker.
The fun starts at midday when the town centre will be packed full of festive stalls to browse and free family activities to enjoy, plus live performances from local brass bands, choirs, and dance schools. Visitors can take a look around a nativity farm, try their hand at Lego brick building, bounce around in a giant snow globe and visit Father Christmas in his grotto.
The highlight of the day will be the countdown to the Christmas lights switch-on, which will take place in Princes Gardens from 5.15pm, including a short firework display and a giant snow machine! The event has been organised by the council, with the help of Aldershot Community Together, a group of residents and volunteers who work with the council on projects for the town.
Next up is the Festive Craft Fayre at Southwood Country Park on Sunday 17 November from 10am to 3pm. Local crafters will be setting up in the field centre, just next to the café, and children will also be able to enjoy the fantastic outside play area.
Soak up the seasonal atmosphere at the Farnborough Frost Fair in the town centre on Saturday 23 November, between 10am and 3.30pm, with over 35 stalls along Queensmead, packed with handmade gifts, unique Christmas decorations and local food and drink!
Families can enjoy walkabout street theatre, have a go at circus skills with Juggling Jake, meet the beautiful birds of prey, enjoy making Christmas decorations, watch giant bubble creations and have their faces painted.
Meet Father Christmas in his grotto and watch over 100 performers from brass bands, local choirs and dance schools take to two stages to perform.
The following week it’s the children's pre-loved market taking place at the Princes Hall in Aldershot, on Saturday, 30 November, between 10am and midday.
Browse stalls with baby clothes, children's clothes, maternity wear, second-hand toys, books and baby equipment on sale. Larger items such as prams, pushchairs or cots will also be available to buy.
Other events in the packed calendar include the Farnborough Christmas Craft Fayre on Saturday 7 December in Queensmead, between 9am and 4pm, and the popular North Town carol concert on Wednesday 11 December from 6.30pm on the green by Waggoners Walk. All are welcome and there will be free refreshments, Christmas crafts for children and a special visit from Father Christmas.
Aldershot’s Christmas Craft Fayre is inside in The Wellington shopping centre on Saturday 14 December, from 10am to 3pm.
The final event of the year will be a magical evening of Christmas carols in Aldershot's Princes Gardens bandstand on Saturday 21 December from 5.30pm until 6.30pm, hosted by Aldershot Churches Together.
Event sponsors include Farnborough International, Grainger plc, Stagecoach and Farnborough Airport. They are also part funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Economic Growth, Councillor Keith Dibble, said:
"Christmas can be a really expensive time for everyone, so I am delighted that we have so many festive events for our residents to enjoy, with many free activities for families. We have something happening almost every weekend from mid-November until Christmas - so I hope residents really enjoy the build up to the big day in our town centres.”
For more information please see our events pages.
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