Watford town centre will host a free Christmas event featuring fairground rides, food stalls and a parade next month.

The second annual Winterfest will take place on Saturday, November 23 from 2pm to 6pm and will include fairground rides, Christmas activities, food and drink stalls.

There will also be a high street parade, live street performances and Santa Claus.

The event is returning for its second edition after a popular event last yearThe event is returning for its second edition after a popular event last year (Image: Watford Town Centre BID) Kara Mesiano, Watford BID manager, said: "We are delighted to once again be delivering a festive event to mark the beginning of a busy Christmas period.

"We know how tough times are for many local families, which is why we wanted to host a spectacular event that is completely free to attend, with activities and rides that are free to enjoy.

"Huge credit goes to our BID businesses for funding another thrilling and dynamic event in our town for the benefit of residents and visitors.

"We encourage all attendees to enjoy a full day out in Watford Town Centre; do some Christmas shopping, enjoy a coffee, experience Winterfest, book a lovely evening meal and go for a celebratory drink afterwards."

Winterfest will include a parade from 4pm followed by the switching on of the Christmas lightsWinterfest will include a parade from 4pm followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights (Image: Watford Town Centre BID) The Parade will be the main event area for the day, featuring activities for all ages, a community atmosphere, and a Christmas theme.

Fairground rides will include a rodeo reindeer, giant snow globe, Christmas carousel, snowboard simulator, penguin skittles, and more. There will also be a Christmas-themed Watford market and additional food, drink, and community stalls.

One of the event's main features, the Winterfest parade, will start at 4pm outside McDonald’s on Lower High Street.
Watford Town Centre Winterfest will return on Saturday, November 23Watford Town Centre Winterfest will return on Saturday, November 23 (Image: Watford Town Centre BID)

The parade will feature a marching band, costume characters, community groups, and Santa Claus riding his sleigh.

Watford BID's LED Christmas light installations will then be switched on at around 4.30pm.

The lights, funded for the sixth year running by Watford BID with support from Watford Borough Council, will illuminate the town every evening until January 2025.

Residents can keep updated on Watford Town Centre Winterfest and other Christmas events via Watford Town Centre's Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, and TikTok accounts, as well as their website: watfordtowncentre.com.