As the holiday season kicks into full gear, bringing festive celebrations and merry-making, there's no better place to spend this special time of year than in Norfolk. With its stunning coastal views, historical attractions, and abundance of outdoor activities, Norfolk boasts a fantastic array of events to choose from as you celebrate Christmas this year.
From Winter Wonderland Festivals to candlelit church services, here is your complete guide to Norfolk's most spectacular Christmas events!
Christmas Events in Norfolk Happening in 2023
If you're looking for a festive way to spend the holiday season, look no further than Norfolk! Many unique events and activities occur throughout December that will entertain the whole family.
Winter Wonderland Festival
This annual event takes place in Norwich Castle over two weekends in December. Enjoy ice skating at the castle rink, ride on the Ferris wheel and carousel, seasonal food stalls, and more. The Winter Wonderland Festival is perfect for all ages!
Norfolk Christmas Market
The Norfolk Christmas Market takes place in the heart of Norwich city center over 4 days in December. This festive event features a traditional market with seasonal treats, gifts, decorations, and more. Stalls line the streets with festive cheer!
Candlelit Church Services
Take a step back at one of Norfolk's candlelit church services. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as you admire the decorated churches and sing carols alongside your friends and family. Several churches across the county offer these beautiful services throughout December.
Vintage Christmas Fair
Head to the Vintage Christmas Fair in Norwich for a unique celebration of all things vintage! Enjoy live music, browse various vintage-themed stalls, and indulge in delicious food. This event is sure to get you feeling festive.
Christmas Light Switch On Events
Several towns across Norfolk are hosting their Christmas Light Switch On events. Enjoy festive entertainment, fun activities, and the official Christmas Light switch-on!
Where To See Santa in Norfolk this Christmas
Wroxham Barns
Wroxham Barns is the perfect place to visit Santa this Christmas! With its magical grotto, fun activities, and festive food stalls, you can experience Christmas's joy in one place. Get a unique photo with Santa while solving festive puzzles and making traditional crafts.
Remember to pick up a special gift for your little ones from the Christmas shop. Wroxham Barns is the perfect spot for a magical family day out this holiday season.
Mid Norfolk Railway
The Mid Norfolk Railway is the perfect destination for an adventure this Christmas! Ride a vintage steam engine and take in all of the sights that Norfolk has to offer. The railway offers special festive events, including Santa Specials, where you can meet Father Christmas himself! Children can enjoy story-telling with Mr. Claus and receive special gifts on board.
Enjoy traditional carols around a campfire while sipping hot chocolate and munching on roasted marshmallows. This is one experience you won't want to miss this Christmas!
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
To see Santa in a truly unique way, visit Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure this December. Kids can explore the park while searching for Santa's missing reindeer and join him on an exciting adventure. Enjoy festive activities like decorating Christmas cookies and making crafts before finally meeting Father Christmas himself to receive a special gift!
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure is the perfect place to bring your family this Christmas and get in the holiday spirit.
Holkham Hall
Holkham Hall is a stunning 18th-century country house located in Norfolk. This beautiful estate offers visitors a unique look into the past and is home to many special events throughout the year, including its renowned Christmas event.
Holkham Hall transforms into a magical winter wonderland in December with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and a huge illuminated Christmas tree. Visitors can explore the estate and enjoy performances from local choirs, story-telling with Mrs. Claus, and fun activities such as carol singing and craft making.
Norwich Aviation Museum
If you're looking for a unique Christmas experience this year, the Norwich Aviation Museum is the perfect destination. This museum showcases some of the most impressive aircraft from WWI and WWII, giving visitors an insight into past aviation history.
During December, step back in time at their special festive event with carol singing and traditional storytelling. Enjoy hot chocolate and mince pies as you explore the museum and indulge in seasonal cheer. The Norwich Aviation Museum is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit this holiday season!
Bressingham
Bressingham is a stunning destination in Norfolk for celebrating Christmas this year. It boasts several unique events and activities throughout December, such as the Winter Wonderland Festival, candlelit church services, and Vintage Christmas Fair.
Experience the magic of Christmas with festive entertainment, seasonal food stalls, and amazing decorations. Make your way to Bressingham this holiday season for a memorable Christmas experience.
Christmas Lights In Norfolk
Thursford
Thursford is an amazing destination for viewing the Christmas lights this year. This village is home to a spectacular display of light and sound, with its main feature being a 22-meter-high tree with thousands of twinkling lights! Visitors can enjoy festive music, fairground rides, and delicious treats while admiring the dazzling display.
Holkham Hall
Holkham Hall is a stunning 18th-century country house located in Norfolk. During the festive season, this estate transforms into a mesmerizing winter wonderland with its spectacular illuminated Christmas tree and array of twinkling lights.
Enjoy traditional carols around a campfire while sipping hot chocolate and munching on roasted marshmallows. This is the perfect place to take in the Christmas spirit this year!
Sandringham
Sandringham is a beautiful estate located in Norfolk, and every year, it hosts one of the country's most spectacular Christmas light displays. Admire vibrant illuminations of colored lights along its pathways while listening to festive music from local choirs.
Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and indulge in seasonal treats as you take in the breathtaking views at this truly magical location.
Blickling Hall
Blickling Hall is one of Norfolk's most beloved estates, and it's the perfect spot to admire Christmas lights this December. Stroll through its magnificent grounds and admire the stunning displays of festive lights.
Enjoy a hot cup of mulled wine and indulge in the seasonal atmosphere while you explore the estate's meadows and gardens.
Norwich Tunnel Of Light
Experience truly breathtaking views this Christmas with Norwich's Tunnel of Light. This amazing tunnel is adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights, creating an unforgettable spectacle that will take your breath away. Walk through the tunnel and take in its beauty as you admire the spectacular lighting display. Norwich Tunnel of Light is one experience you won't miss this holiday season!
Pantomimes in Norfolk
Nothing says Christmas in Norfolk quite like a festive pantomime. From family-friendly adventures to traditional tales, there are plenty of pantomimes to choose from this December.
Norwich Theatre Royal
The Norwich Theatre Royal is the perfect destination for an unforgettable Christmas experience. This year, the theatre will host its "Cinderella" production, where you can enjoy an amazing performance featuring stunning costumes, spectacular sets, and mesmerizing songs. Enjoy a night of festive fun with your family as you experience this classic pantomime.
Norwich Playhouse
The Norwich Playhouse hosts "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" this December for an unforgettable Christmas experience. With stunning costumes, lively music, and plenty of jokes and surprises, this is the perfect family outing this holiday season. This classic pantomime promises to be a special event everyone can enjoy!
St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth
St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth will host its "Peter Pan" production this year, guaranteeing a night of festive fun and excitement. Enjoy classic songs, spectacular sets, and laughs as you enjoy this timeless story.
Bring your family to St George's Theatre for an amazing performance that will leave you feeling truly festive!
Norwich Puppet Theatre
The Norwich Puppet Theatre is the perfect place to experience a unique pantomime this December. Enjoy their "Jack and the Beanstalk" performance, brought to life with stunning puppetry, amazing sets, and festive cheer.
This is the perfect outing for children and adults - bring your family to enjoy a truly unforgettable festive experience!
FAQs
Where is Father Christmas in Norfolk?
Father Christmas will be making appearances at several locations in Norfolk this year. He can be found at the Norwich Aviation Museum, Sandringham Estate, Thursford, and Bressingham. Check out each location's website for more details on when Father Christmas will appear!
Are there any outdoor events happening in Norfolk this December?
Yes! There are plenty of outdoor events happening in Norfolk this December. Enjoy carol singing and traditional storytelling at the Norwich Aviation Museum, explore the festive lights on display at Thursford and Holkham Hall, or stroll through the Norwich Tunnel of Light.
Where can I find a pantomime for my family this Christmas?
Norfolk boasts several amazing pantomimes to choose from this December. From Norwich Theatre Royal's production of "Cinderella" to the Norwich Playhouse's performance of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Conclusion
With its stunning coastal views, historical attractions, and abundant outdoor activities, Norfolk is the perfect destination for celebrating Christmas this year. From spectacular Christmas lights to incredible pantomimes, there are plenty of festive events to enjoy this December. Norfolk has something for everyone, no matter what experience you seek! So explore Norfolk's festive events and make this holiday season special.
