Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-polar-express-train-ride-dereham-sat-9-nov-mon-23-de-c"><a href="https://www.midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Polar Express Train Ride</a>, Dereham, <strong>Sat 9 Nov</strong>&nbsp;– <strong>Mon 23 De</strong>c</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/The-Polar-Express-MNR.jpg" alt="The Polar Express MNR" class="wp-image-43243" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/The-Polar-Express-MNR.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/The-Polar-Express-MNR-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/The-Polar-Express-MNR-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/The-Polar-Express-MNR-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/The-Polar-Express-MNR-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/10/The-Polar-Express-MNR-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fans of classic Christmas film&nbsp;<em>The Polar Express</em>&nbsp;will be delighted to hear that it’s coming back to&nbsp;<strong>Mid Norfolk Railway</strong>&nbsp;this holiday season – from&nbsp;<strong>Sat 9 Nov</strong>&nbsp;–&nbsp;<strong>Mon 23 Dec</strong>, to be precise. Book your tickets early for <a href="https://www.midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Polar Express Train Ride</a>&nbsp;to travel from Dereham Station to the North Pole, all while you sip hot-hot chocolate, nibble cookies and listen to the tale of the Polar Express being told by characters from the story. You&#8217;ll even meet Santa himself. Tickets start at £33.95 per child and per adult.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norfolk-lights-express-sheringham-from-fri-15-nov-sat-4-jan-2025"><a href="https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/norfolk-lights-express/">Norfolk Lights Express</a>, Sheringham, from Fri 15 Nov &#8211; Sat 4 Jan 2025</h2>



<p>It’s back! North Norfolk Railway’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/norfolk-lights-express/">Norfolk Lights Express</a>&nbsp;is steaming into&nbsp;<strong>Sheringham Station</strong>&nbsp;to take you on a round trip to Holt after dark, complete with thousands of fairylights and outdoor illuminations. There’s even an on-board bar with warming food, drinks and – yes – fizz. Ride from&nbsp;<strong>Fri 15 Nov &#8211; Sat 4 Jan</strong>, tickets start at £23 per person, with under 3s travelling free. If you want to meet Father Christmas on your journey, you should book the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/santa-specials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Special Steam Trains</a>, running from&nbsp;<strong>Sat</strong> <strong>23 Nov – Mon 23 Dec</strong>. Tickets start at £26 including mince pies and mulled cider for adults and gingerbread hot chocolate and festive activity packs for children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-wonderland-norfolk-showground-fri-22-nov-sun-5-jan"><a href="https://winterwonderlandnorwich.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Wonderland</a>, Norfolk Showground, <strong>Fri 22 Nov</strong>&nbsp;–&nbsp;<strong>Sun 5 Jan</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/151.jpg-copy.jpg" alt="santa and kids at Winter Wonderland" class="wp-image-59459" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/151.jpg-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/151.jpg-copy-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/151.jpg-copy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/151.jpg-copy-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/151.jpg-copy-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The&nbsp;<strong>Norfolk Showground</strong>&nbsp;will be transformed into a&nbsp;<a href="https://winterwonderlandnorwich.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Wonderland</a>&nbsp;from <strong>Fri 22 Nov</strong> until the New Year. Here you’ll find the UK’s biggest canopied al fresco ice rink, along with fairground rides, a Christmas tree maze and Grinch’s House to boot! On select dates, there&#8217;s also an immersive <a href="https://winterwonderlandnorwich.com/santas-grotto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Enchanted Grotto Experience</a> &#8211; a journey through the Elf Headquarters for a sing-a-long and a story, through the pretty tree-lined path to see Santa where a professional photographer is on hand to capture the magic. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxburgh-estate-nr-swaffham-select-dates-from-sat-23-nov"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/oxburgh-estate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxburgh Estate</a>, nr Swaffham, select dates from Sat 23 Nov</h2>



<p>Get everyone wrapped up and head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/oxburgh-estate/events/aa7f41da-c997-4aab-a602-fcb03e379c52">Oxburgh Hall</a>&nbsp;to explore its beautiful grounds before piling into the second-hand bookshop to join Father Christmas as he tells a yuletide story and gives kiddos a small gift. Catch him every weekend from <strong>Sat 23 &amp; Sun 24 Nov</strong> until <strong>Sun 22 Dec.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-s-magical-journey-thursford-sat-23-nov-mon-23-dec"><a href="https://www.thursford.com/santas-magical-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Magical Journey</a>, Thursford, Sat 23 Nov &#8211; Mon 23 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/6-smaller.jpg" alt="Santas Magical Journey at Thursford" class="wp-image-59404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/6-smaller.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/6-smaller-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/6-smaller-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Explore the indoor fantasyland of <a href="https://www.thursford.com/santas-magical-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Magical Journey</a> at Thursford from <strong>Sat 23 Nov &#8211; Mon 23 Dec</strong>, with its giant teddy bears, penguins and polar bears, including a chance to meet The Big Guy and his elves, take a photo and get a free gift. Then head outdoors to the Lantern Light Extravaganza (included in your ticket and best experienced at dusk), with glowing animals and lit-up landscapes galore. Tickets start at £23.50 per child, £16 per adult.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-at-bressingham-nr-diss-sun-24-nov-tue-24-dec"><a href="https://bressingham.co.uk/events/2024/christmas-at-bressingham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas at Bressingham</a>, nr Diss, Sun 24 Nov-Tue 24 Dec</h2>



<p>All aboard! Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bressingham.co.uk/events/2024/christmas-at-bressingham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bressingham</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong>Sun 24 Nov &#8211; Tue 24 Dec</strong>&nbsp;for fairy lit steam train rides on the Fen Railway, visits to Father Christmas, and an Exhibition Hall that’s all dressed up for the festive season. Tickets start at £16.75 for 3 to 12-year-olds (which includes a present).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sparkle-at-roarr-select-dates-from-fri-29-nov-mon-23-dec"><a href="https://roarr.co.uk/sparkle-roarr/?utm_source=Website&amp;utm_medium=Upcoming+Event&amp;utm_campaign=Sparkle+Marketing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sparkle at Roarr!</a>, select dates from Fri 29 Nov – Mon 23 Dec</h2>



<p>One of Norfolk’s biggest festive days out this year has to be at <strong>Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure</strong>&nbsp;in Lenwade, which is packed with more festive activities than you can shake a jingle bell at. The&nbsp;<a href="https://tickets.roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk/#category_17" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sparkle Grotto Experience</a> (on selected dates from <strong>Fri 29</strong> <strong>Nov</strong> <strong>&#8211; Mon 23 Dec</strong>) gives littlies the chance to sip hot chocolate with Father and Mother Christmas, a spot of festive entertainment and a pressie. Up the festive pizzazz with a spin round the ice rink and a mooch around the Christmas market. If you want your fur baby to meet the big man too, head to <a href="https://tickets.roarr.co.uk/#event_31" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sparkle Bark in the Dark</a>, which&nbsp;takes place after hours on <strong>Sun 8 &amp; Sun 15 Dec</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmastide-festival-wells-next-the-sea-sat-30-nov-sun-1-dec"><a href="https://wellschristmastidefestival.co.uk/">ChristmasTide Festival</a>, Wells-next-the-Sea, Sat 30 Nov-Sun 1 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/father-christmas-santa3.jpg" alt="Father Christmas in Norfolk" class="wp-image-45104" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/father-christmas-santa3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/father-christmas-santa3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/father-christmas-santa3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/father-christmas-santa3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Watch Santa Claus cruise into Norfolk from the North Pole by sea when he sails into&nbsp;<strong>Wells</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Quay</strong>&nbsp;for the&nbsp;<a href="https://wellschristmastidefestival.co.uk/">ChristmasTide Festival</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<strong>Sat 30 Nov,</strong>&nbsp;in what must be one of Norfolk’s sweetest festive traditions (there’s a fireworks display after he arrives). Once he’s on dry land, he’ll settle in at the grotto at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wellsmaltings.org.uk/events/santas-grotto-experience/">Wells Maltings</a>&nbsp;until&nbsp;<strong>Sun 1 Dec</strong>, meeting youngsters, sharing a few stories and handing out gifts – spaces are limited, so you’ll need to book in advance!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-north-norfolk-pole-experience-pensthorpe-select-dates-from-sat-30-nov"><a href="https://pensthorpe.com/events/the-north-norfolk-pole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The North Norfolk Pole Experience</a>, Pensthorpe, select dates from Sat 30 Nov</h2>



<p>Santa is swooping into <a href="https://pensthorpe.com/events/the-north-norfolk-pole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pensthorpe</a> for nine dates between <strong>Sat 30 Nov &#8211; Mon 23 Dec</strong> to join his feathered friends at the nature reserve, aka the North Norfolk Pole. As well as meeting Santa and his elves, kids big and small can get involved with all sorts of festive crafts (including making reindeer food) and listen to seasonal stories before choosing a Christmas pressie. Tickets this year include access to the reserve as well so you can really make a day of it (£17.95 per child, £14.95 per adult and £8.95 for under 2s).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-father-christmas-experience-cromer-pier-select-dates-from-sat-30-nov"><a href="https://cromer.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873643171/events/128514029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Father Christmas Experience</a>, Cromer Pier, select dates from Sat 30 Nov</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/father-christmas-santafather-chrits.jpg" alt="Santa in grotto" class="wp-image-45105" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/father-christmas-santafather-chrits.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/father-christmas-santafather-chrits-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/father-christmas-santafather-chrits-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/09/father-christmas-santafather-chrits-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s only a few slots left to meet Father Christmas and his elves at&nbsp;<a href="https://cromer.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873634003/events/128453104" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cromer Pier</a>&nbsp;this year. Speaking of elves, one of Santa’s little helpers will drop you a magical email before the meeting so that your little one’s gift can be properly personalised. We know, sweet right? No wonder tickets to this Santa experience disappear faster than mince pies at Muddy HQ. £17.50 per child, adults go free.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-santa-cruise-river-trip-wroxham-sat-30-nov-mon-23-dec"><a href="https://www.broadstours.co.uk/santa-cruise/">Santa Cruise River Trip</a>, Wroxham,&nbsp;<strong>Sat 30 Nov</strong>&nbsp;–&nbsp;<strong>Mon 23 Dec</strong></h2>



<p>Planes, trains, and… boats! Santa departs on his very own personal cruise on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broadstours.co.uk/santa-cruise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.broadstours.co.uk/santa-cruise/">Santa Cruise River Trip</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broadstours.co.uk/">Broads Tours</a>, departing from Wroxham between&nbsp;<strong>Sat</strong> <strong>30 Nov &#8211; Mon 23 Dec</strong>. There are activity books, gifts and snacks on board for all children over 3, and the adults aren’t left out either – you’ll get mulled wine and festive treats too! Tickets cost £24.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-experience-wroxham-barns-sun-1-mon-23-dec"><a href="https://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/christmas-wroxham-barns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas Experience</a>, Wroxham Barns, Sun 1 &#8211; Mon 23 Dec</h2>



<p>At the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk/christmas-wroxham-barns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas Experience at Wroxham Barns</a>, watch Mrs Claus strut her stuff in a special musical show, make reindeer food, decorate gingerbread and send a wishlist to the North Pole before meeting Father Christmas himself. There’s even unlimited play at the Fun Park and access to the Junior Farm included too. Tickets start at £35 per child, £25 per adult, £10 for under 2s. Takes place <strong>every weekend from Sun 1 Dec until Sun 15 Dec</strong>, then <strong>every day from Fri 20 &#8211; Mon 23 Dec</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-festive-express-aylsham-sat-7-tue-24-dec"><a href="https://www.bvrw.co.uk/events/festive-express---3rd-to-24th-december-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Festive Express</a>, Aylsham, Sat 7 &#8211; Tue 24 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="900" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/bure-valley-railway-festive-express.jpg" alt="Bure Valley Railway Festive Express" class="wp-image-48000" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/bure-valley-railway-festive-express.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/bure-valley-railway-festive-express-800x720.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/10/bure-valley-railway-festive-express-768x691.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.bvrw.co.uk/events/festive-express---3rd-to-24th-december-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Festive Express</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong>Bure Valley Railway</strong>&nbsp;is a great way to see a light display and meet Santa – all from the comfort of your own heated steam train compartment! The train runs from Aylsham to Brampton and back in a half-hour journey, and you can snack on festive refreshments before meeting Santa in his grotto on your return. Tickets start at £24 per child and per adult.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norwich-puppet-theatre-select-dates-sat-7-mon-23-dec"><a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/norwichpuppettheatre/1428536?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich Puppet Theatre</a>, select dates Sat 7 &#8211; Mon 23 Dec</h2>



<p>Grab a spot in Santa’s toy workshop at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/norwichpuppettheatre/1428536?">Puppet Theatre</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<strong>Norwich</strong>&nbsp;and let little ones choose their own puppet gift from the magical tree to take home. He’ll be there for a few dates in December but they’re selling out fast so you’ll want to be quick if you’re keen. It’s recommended for over-twos (under-twos can join older siblings for free, but won’t get a gift).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nimrod-grotto-city-of-norwich-aviation-museum-sat-7-amp-sun-8-dec"><a href="https://www.cnam.org.uk/event/father-christmas-lands-at-the-city-of-norwich-aviation-museum-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nimrod Grotto</a>, <strong>City of Norwich Aviation Museum</strong>, Sat 7 &amp; Sun 8 Dec</h2>



<p>Is it a bird? Is it a sleigh? No it’s Santa flying in by plane! The <strong>City of Norwich Aviation Museum</strong> is hosting Santa Claus in the <a href="https://www.cnam.org.uk/event/father-christmas-lands-at-the-city-of-norwich-aviation-museum-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nimrod Grotto</a> between 3pm-6pm on <strong>Sat 7 Dec</strong> and 10am-6pm on <strong>Sun 8 Dec</strong>. Tickets are on the gate only and it&#8217;s recommended to call ahead on the day to check availability.</p>



<p><em><strong>Looking for more festive fun? Check out these <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/things-to-do/christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local seasonal events</a></strong></em>.</p>


Ho Ho Go! Where to meet Santa in Norfolk this Christmas

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