Check out things to do in Hertfordshire this November. From the light trails at Ashridge House to the stunning illuminated art at Wimpole, November is a great time for family visits that educate and entertain. Here are our top picks for what’s on in Hertfordshire this November.
Light Trail
28 November-1 January, 2025 | Ashridge House
The Grade I neo-Gothic country house is hosting a magical Christmas lights trail starting this month. At this highly-anticipated event, titled Ashridge House Illuminated 2024, guests will get the chance to wander through the property’s stunning Grade II* listed gardens, adorned with sustainably-powered dazzling lights and mesmerising festive installations. There will be dog-friendly times and dedicated installations for these beloved four-legged visitors – promising fun for all.
Book your tickets at Ashridge House
The Snowman
Until 12 January, 2025 | North Herts Museum
It may be a bit early to think about snow but The Snowman TM, an enchanting exhibition for all the family, is open now in Hitchin. The book, first published in 1978, was created and illustrated by Raymond Briggs, drawn only with pencil crayons in a comic strip format. Then in 1982, the classic picture book was adapted into a 26-minute animated film. Extending the picture book story was relatively easy for the talented creative team, who used their imagination to extend the Snowman’s night of exploration – including a meeting with Father Christmas.
Check out the exhibition at the North Herts Museum
Illuminated Art
22 November-1 January, 2025 | Wimpole
Wimpole will sparkle brighter than ever this winter, with a series of dazzling new illuminated artworks set to enchant visitors. These stunning installations have been created by internationally renowned artists and are guaranteed to add extra magic to the Christmas season. Designed by Culture Creative and produced in partnership with Sony Music and the National Trust, Christmas at Wimpole is a magical, after-dark trail for visitors of all ages.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
On-going | Natural History Museum
A ‘dancing’ stoat, a moonlight hunter and a David Bowie spider are just a few of the extraordinary images from the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, now in its 60th year.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will showcase 100 photographs from around the world from 11 October 2024 in London. To mark the 60th anniversary, the Museum’s flagship exhibition will feature a timeline of key moments in the competition’s history. The 60th competition attracted a record-breaking 59,228 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels from 117 countries and territories. Entries were judged anonymously on their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts. The winners of each category, and the prestigious Grand Title and Young Grand Title awards, will be announced on 8 October at a ceremony hosted by wildlife TV presenters and conservationists Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin.
This year they have introduced a new award in both the young and adult competitions, the Impact Award, to recognise a conservation success, a story of hope and/or positive change. The special prize forms part of the Natural History Museum’s vision of a future where both people and planet thrive.
Among the newly-released Highly Commended images is the first ever awarded smartphone image showing the successful completion of a mule deer doe’s circle of life by Randy Robbins. William Fortescue witnessed the complex relationship of mating lions, Tommy Trenchard records the distressing moment a shark was hauled aboard a Spanish longliner in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, and in the 10 Years and Under category, an atmospheric image of a peafowl in Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, India, by Shreyovi Mehta.
Get tickets at the National History Museum
Ed Byrne
13 November | The Alban Arena
From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Join one of our leading laugh specialists in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs. With his TV career now in its third decade, Ed has regularly appeared on the likes of QI, Mock The Week, Alan Davies As Yet Untitled, The Pilgrimage, Dara and Ed’s Road to Mandalay, Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure, The Graham Norton Show and Have I Got News For You, as well as hosting Live At The Apollo and Comic Relief Bake Off.
Book your tickets at The Alban Arena
Back to Black
1 November | Fletcher’s Lea, Ware
At the time of writing, Ware’s the Film Festival 2024 is in full swing. The week-long event includes a showcase of popular films in different venues across the town. Sit back, relax and enjoy a film in a venue a little different to the norm. On 1 November don’t miss Back to Black, about the life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. Free to attend, tickets must be secured via ticketsource.
Artisan Craft Fair
10 November | Sawbridgeworth Village Hall
Folk & Bespoke is excited to be hosting an Artisan Craft Fair event at Sawbridgeworth Village Hall. They will be hosting over 40 skilled artists, artisans and craftspeople, all of whom can’t wait to showcase their hand curated items and products, perfect as a gift or for a personal treat. This is the ideal place for a spot of early Christmas shopping.
Find more at Sawbridgeworth Village hall
PAN
20 November-11 January, 2025 | Chickenshed
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as Chickenshed presents PAN, their 50th Anniversary Christmas Show voted for by a whopping 2287 of you! Imagine Peter Pan losing his shadow, sparking an adventure that’s awfully big. Soar from the starry night skies of London to an island brimming with wonder, where fairies flit, pirates plot, and the Lost Ones await their happy ending. Wendy, John, and Michael Darling are swept into Pan’s exhilarating journey, an unforgettable escapade teeming with magical, delightful chaos. In the heart of Neverland, a story is born – a tale that grows more wondrous with time, as all great stories do.
After a day of delightful adventures, savor the rich flavors and aromas at some of the best restaurants in Hertfordshire , where culinary delights await to elevate your evening.
