Keech Hospice unveils festive line-up
From the iconic Santa Run to tree recycling and Light Up A Life — it’s going to be a very Keech Christmas!
Keech Hospice is wrapping families in care this Christmas with a programme of magical events for all ages.
From hundreds of Santas dashing along Bedford’s Embankment to the twinkle of remembrance lights at the hospice, every event is an opportunity to celebrate the season and help raise vital funds for patients and families.
Here’s what coming up at Keech this Christmas:
FEATURED EVENT
Santa Run
Sunday 14 December 2025, 11am | The Embankment, Bedford | £10 adults, £5 children, £30 family (2 adults + 3 children)
Keech’s famous Santa Run is the ultimate feel-good festive 5k. Run, walk or jog along Bedford’s beautiful Embankment in your Santa suit (included in your entry) or wear your favourite Christmas jumper, fairy wings or elf costume. With festive warm-ups, sweet treats, medals, mince pies and even magic snow, it’s a spectacle not to be missed. Dogs are welcome too!
Christmas Tree Recycling
Registration opens 1 November | Collections 7–15 January 2026
When it’s time to take the decorations down, let Keech take care of your tree. For a suggested donation of £15, volunteers will collect and recycle Christmas trees across postcodes in Luton (7–9 January) and Bedford (12–14 January), with proceeds helping to fund Keech’s vital care. Book your collection online.
Keech Christmas Market
Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November, 10am–4pm | Barnfield College, Luton
Celebrate local independent businesses and community spirit at Keech’s ever-popular Christmas Market. With handmade crafts, cakes and artisan gifts, it’s the perfect cosy event to kick off the festivities. Enjoy refreshments while picking up that perfect present or a treat for yourself.
Smiley Sam and Bob Sleigh hit the road!
Smiley Sam 1–24 December (various locations) | Luton
Bob Sleigh 1–12 December (various locations) | Bedford
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Bedford’s Bob Sleigh and Luton’s Smiley Sam! Adorned with sparkling lights and ridden by Santa himself, the sleighs will once again be bringing festive fun to local families. Listen out for the music, come outside to wave, and don’t forget to donate to Keech’s volunteer elves who help keep this much-loved tradition alive.
The Big Give – Double Your Donation
2–9 December
For one week only, every donation made to Keech through The Big Give will be doubled, meaning your support goes twice as far in helping wrap families in care this Christmas and beyond.
Light up a Life
Sunday 7 December, 4pm | Keech Hospice
A heart-warming annual outdoor service to remember and celebrate loved ones during the festive season. This simple, non-faith service includes music, readings and reflection before the lights of remembrance are switched on in the hospice gardens. Each light shines brightly in tribute to a special life. Visitors can also enjoy mince pies and hot drinks after the service.
Due to limited parking at the hospice, a free bus service will run from Barnfield College, to Keech from 2.30 – 3.30pm. Blue badge holders are able to park at the hospice with prior arrangement.
Wrap a family in care
Keech Hospice provides specialist care for adults in Bedfordshire and children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes with life-limiting illnesses. Only 30% of this vital care is government-funded with the rest coming from fundraising and the generosity of the community.
In one family’s words: “Keech feels like a warm hug. It’s the relief of knowing your loved one is safe.”
This Christmas, from a meeting with Santa to recycling your tree, every moment is an opportunity to wrap a family in care.
For more information and to book events visit Keech Hospice What's On