Keech Hospice is getting ready for a busy Christmas, with a packed programme of festive events bringing communities together across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, including two brand-new events for 2026.
The first-ever Keech Carol Concert and Tractor Run join firm festive favourites including the Christmas Market, Santa Run, Light Up a Life, Christmas Tree Recycling and the much-loved Smiley Sam and Santa Bobsleigh.
From hundreds of Santas taking over Bedford to a convoy of illuminated tractors bringing some Christmas magic to local roads, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved, have some festive fun and help Keech wrap families in care.
Here’s what’s coming up this Christmas:
Keech Christmas Market
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November, 10am–4pm, Barnfield College, Luton, LU2 7BF
The festive season gets underway with Keech’s popular Christmas Market, bringing together local businesses, makers and the community for a weekend of cosy Christmas shopping and seasonal treats. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, cakes, gifts and Keech Christmas goodies, as well as enjoying refreshments and soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Entry is £3, concessions £2 and free for under-14s. No need to book in advance, just turn up and enjoy.
Find out more here
NEW: Keech Carol Concert
Thursday 10 December, 7pm, St Mary’s Church, Woburn, MK17 9PG
New for 2026, Keech is bringing its first-ever Carol Concert to the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Woburn. It’s a chance to come together with family and friends, enjoy some traditional Christmas music and celebrate the festive season, while supporting Keech’s work caring for local families. No singing experience necessary!
Tickets are £15 for adults and £10 for children.
Book your place here
Light Up a Life
Sunday 6 December, 4pm, Keech Hospice Great Bramingham Lane, Luton, LU3 3NT
Christmas can be a particularly poignant time for anyone who has lost someone they love. Keech’s annual Light Up a Life event provides an opportunity to pause, remember and celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us. The simple, non-faith service includes music, readings and reflection before the lights of remembrance are switched on in the
hospice gardens.
Due to limited parking at the hospice, a free Arriva bus service will run from Barnfield College, Barnfield Avenue, Luton LU2 7BF to the hospice from 2.30-3.30pm. Blue Badge holders are able to park directly at the hospice.
The event is free to attend.
RSVP your space here
Santa Run Bedford
Sunday 13 December, The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 3PA
Hundreds of Santas will once again take over Bedford’s Embankment for Keech’s feel-good festive 5k.
Whether running, walking or jogging, participants can take on the route at their own pace – and dogs and running buggies are welcome too. Santa suits are provided for adults, with Christmas headbands for children, and everyone can celebrate their achievement with a medal and mince pie at the finish.
The event starts at 11am, with registration opening at 9.30am. Entry is £10 for adults, £5 for children and £30 for a family ticket (two adults and three children).
Sign up here
NEW: Keech Tractor Run
Saturday 19 December, 4.30-7.30pm, Starting in Maulden, MK45 2BJ
A brand-new addition to Keech’s Christmas calendar, the hospice’s first-ever Tractor Run will bring a convoy of festively decorated tractors to the roads around the local community. It promises to be a spectacular sight for families and Christmas fans, with the illuminated tractors helping to spread some festive cheer while raising funds for Keech.
People of all ages are encouraged to come out and watch the tractors light up the roads, wave them on and show their support for Keech.
Route: Maulden, Clophill, Silsoe, Flitton, Pulloxhill, Greenfield, Westoning, Flitwick, Ampthill.
Find out more here
Smiley Sam and Santa Bobsleigh
Dates throughout December, various locations in Luton, Bedford and surrounding areas
It wouldn’t be Christmas in Luton and Bedford without Smiley Sam and Santa Bobsleigh.
The much-loved festive sleighs will be hitting the road in December, bringing lights, music and plenty of Christmas cheer to local communities. Keep an eye out for the sleighs as they make their way around the area and give Keech’s volunteer elves a wave as they collect donations to support the hospice. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even get a glimpse of Santa himself!
Want to get involved? Volunteer here
Christmas Tree Recycling
Collection Dates:
7-8 January (LU1-7, AL1, AL3, AL5 postcodes)
11-12 January (MK40-45, SG1, SG4-7, SG15-18 postcodes)
Once Christmas is over, Keech will be back to collect and recycle real Christmas trees across local communities. It’s a simple and sustainable way to dispose of your tree while supporting Keech’s care with volunteers collecting trees from homes across Luton, Bedfordshire and selected areas of Hertfordshire.
This service is available in return for a minimum donation of £20.
Register your tree hereWrap a family in care this Christmas
Every event, donation and act of support helps Keech Hospice provide specialist care for adults in Bedfordshire and children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes who are living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as supporting their families.
This Christmas, whether you’re running dressed as Santa, picking up a handmade gift at the Christmas Market, joining Keech’s first Carol Concert or Tractor Run, remembering someone special at Light Up a Life or recycling your tree with Keech, there are lots of ways to help make a difference.
