Autumn is on its way, and plenty is happening in Harpenden over the next few months.

From markets on the Common and community celebrations to Christmas lights, festive shopping and carols, the town has a packed calendar taking us right through to Christmas Eve.

As estate agents in Harpenden, we know that it’s not just the homes, schools and transport links that make the town such a popular place to live. Harpenden’s strong sense of community and busy calendar of local events are all part of its appeal.

So, diaries at the ready. Here’s what’s coming up in Harpenden this autumn and winter.

Sustainability Market

Sunday 20 September | Harpenden Common

Looking for greener ways to shop and live? Harpenden’s Sustainability Market returns to the Common with eco-friendly stalls offering greener gifts, household items and advice on living more sustainably.  There’ll also be vegan food and plenty of inspiration for making more environmentally conscious choices.  A lovely way to spend a Sunday while supporting businesses and organisations with sustainability at heart.

Farmers’ Market

Sunday 25 October

Harpenden Farmers’ Market brings together around 70 artisan stalls selling local produce, handmade crafts and street food.  Whether you’re stocking the kitchen, looking for something a little different or simply fancy a wander around the stalls, it’s a great excuse to head into town and enjoy a Sunday in Harpenden.

Remembrance Parade and Service

Sunday 8 November

Harpenden will come together to mark Remembrance Sunday with the town’s annual parade and service. The parade will make its way from Rothamsted Park to the War Memorial, followed by a ceremony including the laying of wreaths, two minutes’ silence and the Last Post. It’s an important date in Harpenden’s community calendar and an opportunity for the town to remember and pay its respects together.

Christmas Sustainability Market

Sunday 15 November | Harpenden Common

Christmas shopping begins with an eco-friendly twist as the Sustainability Market returns to Harpenden Common.  With eco stalls and advice on sustainable living, the market offers the chance to pick up greener gifts while supporting businesses with an environmentally conscious approach.  If you’re determined not to leave all the Christmas shopping until December, this could be a very good place to start!

Farmers’ Market

Sunday 22 November

The Farmers’ Market returns with another 70 artisan stalls offering local produce, street food and handmade crafts.  With Christmas now firmly on the horizon, it’s a good opportunity to start hunting for locally made gifts, as well as picking up a few treats for yourself.  And you might want to make a day of it because there’s another big Harpenden event happening on the same date...

Harpenden Christmas Carnival

Sunday 22 November

One of the highlights of Harpenden’s festive calendar, the Harpenden Christmas Carnival returns on 22 November.  Described by Harpenden Town Council as a “magical celebration and Harpenden tradition”, it’s a chance for the community to come together and officially get the festive season underway.  For anyone considering moving to Harpenden, events like this offer a glimpse of the community spirit that makes the town such a sought-after place to call home.

Batford Lights Switch-On

Thursday 26 November | Batford Corner

The Christmas celebrations continue in Batford with a heart-warming community lights switch-on. There’ll be carol singing, crafts and free refreshments at Batford Corner, bringing residents together to celebrate the start of the festive season.  It’s one of those smaller neighbourhood events that shows plenty is happening beyond Harpenden town centre too.

Southdown Lights & Lanterns Extravaganza

Friday 27 November | Southdown

The following evening it’s Southdown’s turn to light up for Christmas. This community celebration includes the Christmas lights switch-on, entertainment, carol singing, fairground rides and stalls. Harpenden is made up of several distinctive neighbourhoods, and community events in places such as Southdown and Batford are part of what gives different areas of the town their own character. For buyers looking at property for sale in Harpenden, exploring beyond the town centre can be a great way to get a feel for where you might like to live.

Christmas Farmers’ Market

Sunday 20 December

With just a few days to go until the big day, Harpenden’s traditional Christmas Farmers’ Market arrives with food, drink, gifts and plenty of festive treats. It’s a chance to pick up those last-minute Christmas goodies, find something special from a local producer or simply soak up the atmosphere in town. And, perhaps most importantly, there’s still time to rescue yourself if you’ve forgotten somebody’s present.

Carols on the Common

Thursday 24 December | Harpenden Common

What better way to round off Harpenden’s autumn and winter calendar than Carols on the Common on Christmas Eve?  Organised as a community fundraising event by the Harpenden Trust, it’s free to attend and brings people together for some festive fun before Christmas Day. A wonderfully traditional end to a busy few months in Harpenden.

Living in Harpenden

Markets, neighbourhood celebrations and community traditions are just some of the things that make Harpenden such an attractive place to live.  Alongside its excellent schools, green spaces and convenient connections to London, the town offers a strong sense of community that continues to attract people looking to put down roots in the area.

If these autumn events have you thinking about more than your weekend plans, our Harpenden Estate Agents are here to help. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Harpenden, or simply want to know what your property could be worth in the current market, our local team would be delighted to have a chat.

Bradford & Howley Harpenden
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