CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Just a week before the Christmas, Modern Country Crafts at The Forum, Norwich, on Fri 16 & Sat 17 Dec is perfect for anyone who has left present buying until the last minute (no judgement!). Pop along for some gift inspo from local craft traders and artists – and panic not. For even more festive magic, it’s opposite the Tunnel of Light (above) – all 57,000 LEDs!

Over at The Goat Shed in Honingham throughout Dec, there’s a whole barn dedicated to Christmas, filled with chalet-style stalls selling all manner of locally produced food and gifts. Plus the Kitchen restaurant for hot drinks and food – mmmm, those cheese and charcuterie sharing boards!

STAGE & SCREEN

If you’ve never seen the Christmas Spectacular at Thursford near Fakenham before, there’s never been a better time to book. This year marks the show’s 45th anniversary, so expect it to be even more glitzy and glam than usual (which is pretty impressive, considering it’s one of the biggest variety shows in Europe, with a whopping 130-strong cast). Bag your seats until 23 Dec – tickets start at £41.

What screams ‘Christmas’ more than fire-breathing, death-defying stunts and synchronised swimmers? That’s the general vibe of the Christmas Spectacular in Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome Circus, running until 8 Jan. A one-of-a-kind Norfolk tradition, the stunts (and costumes) get more impressive every year. Tickets start at £14.

Forget the West End – instead, head to the Cromer Pier Christmas Show (until 30 Dec) for an all-singing, all-dancing family night out. As well as festive tunes (anyone else find it physically impossible not to sing along to It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?), expect magic, comedy and some seriously swish costumes.

If It’s A Wonderful Life is an essential part of your Christmas countdown, there are screenings at Norwich’s Cinema City on various dates in Dec and Great Yarmouth’s St George’s Theatre on 16 Dec.

LIGHT TRAILS

Snap up one of the last few tickets for Luminate Sandringham which is running until 18 Dec. Wander through a mile of lights at the historic country park at the Sandringham Estate, before warming up by toasting marshmallows over the firepit or sipping a mulled wine – aka, the perfect way to start the festivities in earnest. Tickets start at £11.50 per child, £16.50 per adult (16+), under 2s go free.

Looks like Santa’s Magical Journey is fully booked, but there are spaces for Enchanted Journey of Light at Thursford until 29 Dec. Walk through the indoor Fantasyland with its giant teddy bears, penguins and polar bears, and outdoors to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, with glowing animals and landscapes galore. Tickets start at £20 per person.

Swap fairy lights for candlelight at Holkham Hall this December, with nighttime tours of the incredible Christmas decorations in the Hall – just a few tickets left. Choose from self-led or guided tours of the state rooms, all lit up by hundreds of candles – seriously magical stuff. Available until 29 Dec, adult tickets cost £28, children £14. Under 5s go free.

MUSIC

Jazzing up Jingle Bells, the Jonathan Wyatt Big Band’s annual Swing into Christmas is back at The Forum, Norwich, on 18 Dec. Groove along to a mix of holiday classics and big band covers of modern Christmas favourites.

No need to hold out for Carols From King’s on TV when you can experience the atmosphere live in Norfolk. From carols in the Cloister to Midnight Mass, there’s plenty of opportunity to take part in Norwich Cathedral’s much loved and historic part of the county’s Christmas celebrations. A particular highlight, join Norwich Cathedral Choir (above) on 16 Dec at 7.30pm for a feast of festive music, with carols for choir and audience, not forgetting the 12 Days of Christmas sing-along!

Keeping the singing endorphins flowing, why not join your voice with the 100-strong choir at Norwich Philharmonic’s festive special on 20 Dec at St Andrew’s Hall Norwich? Tickets to this show sell like hot mince pies (which, incidentally, they’ll be serving in the Cloisters), so pick them up ASAP. Please note, this show is not suitable for under 6s.

If it’s festive harmonies that jingle your bells, you need to snap up tickets for G4 Christmas (above) at St Andrew’s Hall Norwich on 21 Dec. For mega-fans, there are also meet and greet tickets available.

FOR KIDS

Meet Father Christmas AND help endangered wildlife all in one swoop when you visit the Grotto at Africa Alive Zoological Reserve in Kessingland. Open until 24 Dec, the Grotto includes two activity rooms, the chance to meet the man with the bag (and leave with a gift, naturally) and all-day entry to the zoo. Want to more quality time with Santa? You can book Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with him too! Tickets start at £16.95.

More chances to meet Santa here.

A panto with puppets! The fairy-godmother-of-all fairy tales, Cinderella, will be brought to life with marionettes, mischief and music at Norwich Puppet Theatre from 17 Dec – 31 Dec, including a Christmas Eve performance. Expect classic pantomime humour, silly songs and plenty of camp!

See the rest of our top panto picks here.

Ramping up the Christmas excitement to new levels, Xmas Pop Party at The Halls Norwich, from 22 – 24 Dec, includes a chance to visit Santa and receive a gift in his North Pole Grotto after the show. This unashamedly festive new concert from Joe Ringer Events features live music (think Mariah Carey, Wham, Bing and Buble), singing, dancing, circus and panto.

After a brrr-iliant indoor activity for a rainy day? Mini Captain Scotts will love the Polar Explore! event at Great Yarmouth’s Time & Tide Museum from 17 Dec – 3 Jan. Dance with the northern lights, craft polar skis, discover an explorer’s camp and help a penguin back to the pole.

ART

You’ve got a little longer to see this one, but it’s not to be missed. The Slaves of Fashion (above) at Norwich Castle Museum until 22 Jan features the striking work of internationally acclaimed artists The Singh Twins, who received an MBE from the Queen for their pioneering work in contemporary art. The bright, highly detailed, large-scale artworks explore the history of Indian textiles, Empire, enslavement and luxury consumerism, and the relevance of these issues in the world today.

DECK THE HALLS

As you’d expect, Norfolk’s most spectacular properties are all dolled up for Christmas. No scraggy tinsel and dried-up wreaths here.

Flinging open its doors for the festive season, Felbrigg Hall delivers all the sights, smells and sounds of traditional Georgian family Christmas. See the grand festive feast in the dining room, the drawing room set up with traditional games and drinks, then take a peek in the servant corridor. Don’t miss carolling in the courtyard on 18 Dec from 2.30pm with Cromer and Sheringham Brass Band. The ground floor is open 12-3pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, up to 19 Dec.

Over at Blickling Hall (above) they’re celebrating 1930s style until 18 Dec, 11am-2pm. Not only can you take a tour around the Christmas decs, there’s also shopping and festive food. No need to book for Christmas in the Hall, however tickets for the illuminated trail are all sold out.

With the roof restoration project complete, Oxburgh Hall (above) is set to razzle dazzle until 18 Dec with twinkling lights and traditional decs throughout the ground floor rooms. At weekends there’s Christmas story telling with the Big Man himself in the Potting Shed (with a small gift to take home; booking essential) and seasonal music from choirs and brass bands in the courtyard.

Pulling out all the stops, Holkham Hall has candlelit tours of the state rooms, a Christmas tree shop and an audience with the main man. But something’s missing? Oh, yes! A Canine Carol Service on 20 Dec. Who says your four-legged friends can’t join in the festive fun? This short outdoor service includes carols, readings, poetry and prayer – perfect for combining with a bracing dog walk around Holkham’s grounds.

A less full-on festive option in a National Trust setting, head to the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition at Sheringham Park until 18 Dec. Take a stroll through the tranquil Bower Garden where over 40 images from all over the world are presented on outdoor panels, including the winning entry, Magdalena Wasiczek’s magical photo The Stardust.

OUT & ABOUT

Get your (ice) skates on to book tickets for the Winter Wonderland at the Norfolk Showground until 3 Jan. The undercover real ice rink is the big draw, but there is also a giant funfair with roller coasters, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas market stalls, licensed bars and food. Ice skating tickets are predicted to sell out fast!

There’s so much festive feasting to be done at The Assembly House Igloos this year, we’re going to have to book in repeat visits (and wear an elasticated waistband). There’s the breakfast option of a Beforenoon Tea with winter flavours, an an après-ski-inspired fondue menu, or the new Nutcracker Afternoon Tea. Igloos are available for private hire until 8 Jan and get booked up very quickly, so speed is of the essence here!

More festive afternoon teas here.

Family days are go this season at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure in Lenwade. Sparkle in the Dark takes place after park close and includes twinkling lights, visits with both Mother Christmas and Father Christmas, and a Christmas movie in Dippy’s Theatre. Jingle all the Day is now sold out.

Just a few tickets left for one of Norfolk’s biggest days out in December – the Christmas Experience at Wroxham Barns, which is packed with more festive activities than you can shake a jingle bell at. You can bake gingerbread men with Mrs Claus, make reindeer food, take part in the brand new Snow-Olympics and make your own crafts in the elves’ present workshop – as well as meeting Father Christmas himself, of course. There’s even unlimited play at the Fun Park and access to the Junior Farm too. Tickets start at £20.95 for adults, £27.95 for children and £16.95 for under 2s. Takes place every weekend in Dec, plus 19-24 Dec.

One for the brave! North Norfolk Beach Runners will be holding the official Boxing Day Dip at Cromer Beach in aid of SarcomaUK charity. Due to the tide being high, the Fun Run on 26 Dec will be at 10.30am and the Dip at 11.30am. The Coastguards, RNLI and St John Ambulance will be on hand to keep a watchful eye on dippers.

Oops… too late for these

Get those jazz hands ready – December is choc full of flappers, crooners and swingers.

First up is Chris Ingham’s Jazz at The Movies group at Wells Maltings on 3 Dec, fronted by acclaimed singer Joanna Eden. Sold out annually at Ronnie Scott’s, their A Swinging Christmas! show features songs made famous by Ella, Eartha, Frank, Doris, Dean and Bing – it’s one for both jazz and movie buffs!

Another fast seller: young and glam 7-piece The Easy Rollers (above) will transport you to the Prohibition Era for a speakeasy jazz night at Norwich Playhouse on 11 Dec featuring roaring hits from the Jazz Age and Swing Era.

Had your fill of Christmas cheer? Get ready to take a trip back to the 1990s instead. Sanskrit-singing, psychedelic rockers Kula Shaker are back with their sixth album, 1st Congregational Church Of Eternal Love and Free Hugs, plus a date at UEA on 7 Dec. Altogether now: “Govinda Jaya Jaya”. Meanwhile, the equally flamboyant TikTok star and Eurovision 2022 runner up Sam Ryder will be performing at The Waterfront on 13 Dec as part of his debut album tour, There’s Nothing But Space, Man! A consummate showman, Ryder counts Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys and Elton John among his fans.

Folk-rock vibes you’re after? Having achieved their second consecutive #1 on the UK official Americana Chart, The Wandering Hearts are bringing their world-renowned three-part harmonies to Norwich Arts Centre, also on 13 Dec.

Norwich Puppet Theatre‘s patron, bestselling children’s author and illustrator James Mayhew, will be painting works of art live on stage in a Brush With Music on 3 Dec. He’ll be capturing the fairy tales, legends and characters described in much-loved classical music performed by world-renowned violinist Alex Redington and concert pianist Siu Chui Li. The art will be auctioned at the end with all proceeds donated to Norwich Puppet Theatre Fundraising Appeal.

Little ones will also love Lamphouse Theatre’s Alice in Winterland – a funny, music-filled adventure down the rabbit hole – coming to West Acre Theatre for one night only on 9 Dec.

Featuring lots of fluffy snow and a warm fuzzy message, the Heart of Winter (above) – at Norwich Theatre Stage Two from 7 – 11 Dec – is a magical musical show suitable for children aged three and up.

If It’s A Wonderful Life is an essential part of your Christmas countdown, various Norfolk venues have got you covered, but none more so than Sheringham Little Theatre on 4 Dec. Before the film rolls, local actor Greg Powles will be setting the scene in character as Jimmy Stewart – talking about the film and its star actor, who was also a heroic wartime American airman based in Norfolk in real life.

Another festive stalwart, Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker (above) will be streamed live from the Royal Opera House to Wells Maltings, Norwich Cinema City and Diss Corn Hall on 8 Dec, and there will be an encore screening at Norwich Cinema City on 12 Dec and Sheringham Little Theatre on 13 Dec, and a production filmed in 2013 at West Acre Theatre on 10 Dec.

Calling all Die Hard fans! London poetry slam champion, Richard Marsh re-tells the Bruce Willis action classic in rhyme in Yippee Ki Yay at Norwich Playhouse on 6 & 7 Dec. While it may seem a bit niche, rave reviews in the national press suggest it’s hilarious – but whether it counts as a Christmas movie is still up for debate!

One of the largest exhibitions of this kind outside London, Art Fair East (above) at St Andrew’s Hall Norwich presents hundreds of artists both local and international from 2 – 4 Dec. There’ll be a massive range of artwork available to buy, from affordable prints to serious investments, and gallery specialists on hand to advise on your next arty buy.

Fancy an art fix over the Christmas hols? Two exhibitions will be coming to a close in early Jan so catch ‘em while you can! Visions of Ancient Egypt is at the Sainsbury Centre until 1 Jan and The World of Graham Clarke is at the Diss Corn Hall until 7 Jan.

The UEA Live literary festival is coming to a close, with trained actress, bestselling author and great-granddaughter of Sigmund Freud, Esther Freud as the hotly anticipated final date. She’ll discuss her ninth novel, I Couldn’t Love You More, with author Julianne Pachico on 7 Dec at the UEA Lecture Theatre, from 7-9pm.

It’s not all wall-to-wall Christmas events this month: the four-day Cley Calling festival held at breathtaking NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes from 1 – 4 Dec is Standing up for Nature instead, with walks, talks, art, literature, music and nature workshops, including a beach clean and free family fun day. On Fri 2 Dec catch local folk group The Shackleton Trio (above) performing fiery tunes on mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo.

FESTIVALS

The tree-mendious Fakenham Christmas Tree Festival (above) is back for its 22nd year! From 1 – 8 Dec, Fakenham Parish Church will be filled with more than 60 trees, donated by Fakenham Garden Centre and decorated by local and national charities (with collecting buckets at the ready). You can also pick up lovely handmade gifts and things to eat while you’re there.

Great Yarmouth’s yearly Christmas Lantern Parade returns on 10 Dec, with over 200 handmade lanterns expected to light up the marketplace. It kicks off at 4pm and includes carol singing around the Christmas Tree in the Market Place.

Looking for some unique, locally-made art and ceramics for your house or a Christmas pressie? You’ll be in handmade heaven in Norwich on 10 Dec with two local makers markets on the same day. Flit between Clutter City Winter Market at Norwich Arts Centre, 11am to 4pm, and the Christmas Market at the Shoe Factory Social Club, 10am to 5pm, with mulled wine, workshops and DJs.

Historic Minster is the backdrop for Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre set over three days, from 2 – 4 Dec, and featuring more than 30 handcraft, food and gifts stalls. The Christmas lights switch on takes place on the Fri – with entertainment on a stage in south market square, shops open until 8pm and a rooftop fireworks display!

At Hockwold Christmas Fayre on 4 Dec there’ll be over 150 stalls to shop at, live music and mulled wine, plus kids can meet the big man himself and get up close with some real life reindeer.

Wymondham town centre is being transformed in to a ‘Wynter’ wonderland for Wynterfest on 4 Dec. We’re talking stalls of gift inspiration lining the high street, twinkly lights, festive activities, live music and entertainment.

Soak up the wonderful atmosphere at Holkham Hall and shop for that perfect present at the Christmas Food, Drink & Gift Market on 10 & 11 Dec. Within the Lady Elizabeth Wing and courtyard, peruse glistening decorations, scented candles, cards, puddings, chutneys, festive hampers, jewellery, clothing and so much more! There’ll also be live music from Fakenham Town Band and Nelson’s Shantymen and a street food court. Entry free (parking £5).

SOLD OUT: Love a walk around Blickling Estate? Wrap up warm and head out to their Garden of Lights, running until 18 Dec. The walled garden, Parterre and Orangery gardens will be lit up for the festive season, and there will be mulled wine, spiced apple juice, mince pies and gingerbread at the Temple to snack on. If you need something more substantial, fill your boots at the food trucks on the front drive. Adults £14, children £10, under 5s go free.

SOLD OUT: Follow a tunnel of light through the woods at Fairhaven Christmas Lights Walk until 18 Dec and finish up with a warming mince pie and hot choc/ mulled wine served from the tearoom window. Marshmallows on sticks will be ready to be toasted at the fire pit. Tickets start at £2 per child, £4 per adult (16+) and under 4s go free.

Ding Dong! What’s on in Norfolk this December – UPDATED

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