This month marks the start of the festive season. At the BID we have been busy pulling together the Winter in Watford campaign with Watford Borough Council, Watford Colosseum, intu Watford and Watford Palace Theatre, providing a guide to what’s on in Watford during the Christmas period via a dedicated website www.winterinwatford.com.

On Thursday November 15, the Christmas lights in the town centre and at intu Watford were switched on. Intu Watford hosted a spectacular switch-on event presented by BBC Radio 1’s Chris Stark.

This year Watford BID are inviting visitors to explore the town centre with a fun Angels and Elves festive trail. From Saturday, December 1 to Sunday, December 30, visitors can pick-up or download a free trail map and children’s activity sheet at select stores and search for colourful angels and elves placed in windows of local businesses. Also, keep an eye out for some exciting trail treats!

During the festive period there are a whole host of events and activities taking place across the town. The popular Big Skate ice rink returns to the top of The Parade near the pond from Saturday November 24 to Sunday, January 13. Watford Palace Theatre’s Christmas panto this year, Jack & the Beanstalk will run from Wednesday December 5 to Saturday January 5. Intu’s Santa’s Grotto will be welcoming children from today to Christmas Eve and the centre will be open for late-night shopping with free parking after 6pm on weekdays from Monday December 3. Watford Colosseum will be hosting children’s show Santa Claus & the Magical Christmas Journey from Saturday December 1 to Christmas Eve and The Sleeping Beauty ballet on Saturday and Sunday December 22 and 23.

For further details on events and to see what else is on in town please visit www.winterinwatford.com. If you have a festive event or offer you would like featured on the Winter in Watford website, please contact our office at enquires@watfordbid.co.uk .

Watford Business Improvement District (BID) works for and is funded by town centre businesses, working together, investing in and improving the town centre. Keep up to date with BID activities by visiting www.watfordbid.co.uk.

  • Maria Manion is chief executive of Watford BID