Hemel's Santa's Sleigh returns with new lights

Hemel Rotary's much-loved Santa's Sleigh will return to the streets of Hemel Hempstead, Abbots Langley and Kings Langley this Christmas, bringing festive cheer while raising vital funds for local charities and community organisations.

Ahead of this year's season, the Sleigh's original lighting has been replaced with modern, energy-efficient LED technology. Early next year, the 17-year-old Sleigh will also be transferred onto a new braked chassis. Both improvements have been made possible through the support of a grant from Dacorum Borough Council.

The 2026 season begins on 21 November, when Santa arrives to switch on the Nash Mills Christmas Lights.  From then until 23 December, the Sleigh will be out almost every day, visiting communities across the area through street collections and static events.

This year's routes will cover more than 110 kilometres and almost 400 roads across Hemel Hempstead and the Langleys.  Every collection is supported by volunteers from local charities and community groups, with all participating organisations sharing equally in the funds raised.

Residents can find route details, dates and approximate timings at www.hemelsantasleigh.co.uk, where the popular Street Finder allows households to check whether their road is included in this year's schedule.  On collection days, the Sleigh can also be tracked live at christmas.trackit247.com.

In addition to its street tours, Santa will appear at a number of static events, including Marlowes, Apsley Mills Retail Park, Sainsbury's Woodhall Farm, Tesco Extra and Cineworld at Jarman Park.

Since its launch in 2016, Hemel's Santa's Sleigh has raised more than £170,000, helping support over 50 local charities and community organisations each year.  Funds have benefited a wide range of causes, from youth groups and community projects to initiatives supporting vulnerable residents across Dacorum.

People wishing to support the appeal do not need to wait for Santa's arrival.  Donations can be made now via justgivingsanta.hemelrotary.com, and local businesses are invited to enquire about sponsorship opportunities.

For further information, sponsorship opportunities or volunteering enquiries, contact Tony Burford on 01442 264407 or 07785 258870.