What's on in Luton: November and December 2026

November 2026

Ongoing until 29 November: Celebrating Luton Carnival

24 May to 29 November 2026, 11am to 5pm during museum opening days | Exhibition | Wardown House, Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA | Free, drop in.

Nine Carnival headpieces by five UK Centre for Carnival Arts design associates mark the festival's 50th anniversary. The display explores African Caribbean heritage through feathers, sequins and reused materials. Check museum opening days before travelling.

Ongoing until 15 November: Luton150 exhibition

13 September to 15 November 2026, 11am to 5pm; closed Fridays and Saturdays | Local history exhibition | Wardown House, Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA | Free, drop in.

Objects, photographs and personal stories explore Luton as it became a municipal borough 150 years ago. A second display introduces recent additions to the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Museum collection.

7 November: Luton Life Drawing

Saturday 7 November, 2pm to 4pm | Art workshop, strictly 18+ | Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 to 67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY | £15.

Tutor Matt Burden welcomes beginners and experienced artists for short and longer poses with a live nude model. Bring paper, pencils and any other materials you want to try, plus something to lean on.

8 November: Music in the Museum

Sunday 8 November, 2pm to 4pm | Bassoon duo recital | Wardown House, Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA | £16.50 including booking fee; all ages.

Lois Au and Michael Elderkin perform as Bassoons Without Borders in the museum's Drawing Room. The concert explores the range of the instrument in an intimate setting overlooking Wardown Park.

9 November: Rachel Roper and Claire Habbershaw

Monday 9 November, 7.30pm to 9.30pm | Song recital | St Mary's Church, Luton LU1 3JF | Adults £18; eligible concessions £10; under-18s in full-time education free.

Mezzo-soprano Rachel Roper and pianist Claire Habbershaw perform English song, including works by Ian Venables and Ivor Gurney. Luton Music's ticket desk accepts payment on the night; its website explains concessions.

21 November: Luton Lights Up for Christmas

Saturday 21 November, entertainment from 2pm; lights switch-on from 6pm | Free town-centre celebration | Outside Luton Town Hall and around the town centre.

Local musicians and dancers take the stage alongside walkabout entertainment. PAW Patrol's Chase and Marshall are advertised at intervals from 2pm to 5.30pm inside Frasers Plus Luton, with free outdoor festive films at Market Hill during the weekend.

December 2026

From 5 December: Adventures in Wonderland

Selected performances from Saturday 5 to Wednesday 23 December, 11.30am and 2pm | Family theatre, ages 4+ | Hat Factory Arts Centre, Bute Street, Luton | £13.75 including booking fee.

Full House Theatre invites children to join Alice on an interactive adventure with music and puppetry. The organiser has announced promotional filming at the 5 December performance; read its notice before choosing that date.

6, 13 and 20 December: Make your own Christmas card

Sundays 6, 13 and 20 December, 11am to 4pm | Family craft activity, ages 4+ | Wardown House, Old Bedford Road, Luton | Free, drop in.

Make seasonal cards to take home in this museum activity. It is a simple option for families looking for a creative visit on one of the three advertised Sundays.

7 December: Christmas with the Berkeley Ensemble

Monday 7 December, 7.30pm to 9.30pm | Chamber concert | St Mary's Church, Luton LU1 3JF | Adults £18; eligible concessions £10; under-18s in full-time education free.

Luton Music closes its 80th anniversary season with the Berkeley Ensemble and Christmas arrangements. The full musical programme is still to be announced, with mulled wine and mince pies planned for the evening.

From 11 December: Santa at Stockwood

Friday 11 to Thursday 24 December, excluding Monday 14 December; timed visits from 9.30am, last slot 2.15pm | Family Christmas experience, recommended for under-10s | Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton LU1 4LX | Adult and child from £27.50 including booking fee.

Visit the elves' workshop for crafts, letters and reindeer food before a family appointment with Santa. Extra adult tickets and arrangements for under-1s are handled by the box office; check the organiser's conditions when booking.

From 11 December: Stockwood Illuminated

Selected dates from Friday 11 to Thursday 31 December; timed entry from 4.30pm to 8pm depending on date | Outdoor light trail | Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton LU1 4LX | From £10 including booking fee; under-2s free but tickets required.

Explore illuminated gardens, interactive installations and a light-show finale. The Christmas Village offers food and gifts to buy separately. Parking is free, and the organiser provides accessibility advice and mobility equipment booking by phone.

12 December: Christmas in Hat Gardens

Saturday 12 December, noon to 4pm | Family festive activities | Hat Gardens, Bute Street, Luton.

Write and post a letter to Santa, meet giant walkabout squirrels and hear local performers on the stage. This is part of the council's town-centre Christmas programme.

19 December: Giant Snow Globe and Christmas Carols

Saturday 19 December, snow globe 11am to 4pm; carols 11am to 2pm | Free festive attraction | St George's Square, Luton.

Luton BID's current event page places the walk-in snow globe and carol singers in St George's Square. Bring a camera for a festive photograph and use the organiser's listing for updates.