Last checked: 1 November 2026. Please confirm times, availability and event status with the organiser.
November 2026
1 November: Diwali Celebrations
Sunday 1 November, free activities from 11am to 7.30pm; ticketed theatre show 8pm to 9.30pm | Community celebration | Harlequin Charter Place, High Street, Pondside and Watford Palace Theatre.
Make diyas, watch cultural performances and join the Festival of Light parade from Charter Place to Pondside at 5pm. Rangoli lighting follows at 5.30pm. The evening Palace Theatre performance is separately ticketed.
4 November: Sakari Oramo conducts Beethoven
Wednesday 4 November, doors 7pm | Classical concert | Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN | Free tickets through the organiser; admission is not guaranteed.
The BBC Symphony Orchestra and Astatine Trio perform an all-Beethoven programme including the Triple Concerto and Eroica Symphony. The organiser issues more tickets than seats and admits ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis.
7 November: Cassiobury Fireworks
Saturday 7 November, entertainment from 6pm; fireworks from 7.30pm | Free community fireworks display | Cassiobury Park, Watford.
The council's annual display includes live music, food stalls and funfair attractions, with charity collections supporting local causes. There is no general parking in Gade Avenue car park from 3pm; use the council's travel advice before setting off.
12 November: Professor Alice Roberts
Thursday 12 November, doors 6.30pm | Science and archaeology stage talk | Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford | Ticketed; choose seats through the venue.
From Cell to Civilisation explores the origins of life and the journeys of early humans. Alice Roberts draws on archaeology, evolutionary biology and genetics, using theatrical sound and light to tell the story.
18 November: Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special
Wednesday 18 November, doors 6.30pm | Irish dance and live music | Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford | Ticketed; see the venue for prices.
A seasonal edition of Rhythm of the Dance brings together Irish dancing, musicians and singers. The production combines its familiar dance programme with Christmas songs.
21 November: Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 21 November, 4pm to 6pm; tree switch-on at 5pm | Free family celebration | Pondside, The Parade, Watford WD17 1NA.
The afternoon starts with a High Street Christmas parade from outside McDonald's to Pondside, followed by stage entertainment from 4.30pm. New town-centre light installations are planned for this year's switch-on.
From 29 November: A Christmas Carol: The Panto
Selected performances from Sunday 29 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Family pantomime | Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ | Check the dated booking calendar for current prices.
Dickens' story gets a local twist as Scrooge and Dame Dilber discover the Christmas spirit in Watford. The theatre offers relaxed, captioned and audio-described performances; confirm the appropriate date with its access information before booking.
December 2026
6 December: Watford Santa Dash
Sunday 6 December | Charity 5k and 1k fun run | Cassiobury Park, Watford WD18 7LG | Registration required; see the event's entry options and start instructions.
Dress in festive costume and run in support of Watford Mencap's services for people with learning disabilities. The organiser welcomes participants of different abilities and provides directions to the start within the park.
13 December: The Snowman with live orchestra
Sunday 13 December, matinee doors at 12.30pm and 3.15pm | Family film and live music, recommended ages 3+ | Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford | Ticketed; check performance times when booking.
Carrot Productions presents The Snowman with its soundtrack performed by a live orchestra, alongside Shaun the Sheep's Fleece Navidad. Children aged 1 to 3 need their own ticket; babies under 12 months need a complimentary babes-in-arms ticket from the box office.
22 December: Step Into Christmas
Tuesday 22 December, doors 6.30pm | Seasonal concert | Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford | Ticketed; see the venue's seat options and prices.
A live band and singers perform Christmas favourites in a festive stage show. Use the venue's booking link for the full performance details and access arrangements.
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More local guides
- About Watford, Hertfordshire and its neighbours
- Things to do in Watford and nearby
- Watford community contacts: councils, parishes and local support
- Shopping in Watford: the High Street, the market and local independents
- Where to list your business in Watford: local directories and free promotion options