Ho Ho Ho! Christmas is just a month away, and the festive spirit is in the air!
Whether you’re looking to get into the holiday mood or create some magical memories, we’ve put together a jolly list of 10 fantastic Christmas activities to enjoy in Norwich and Norfolk. From fun for all ages to options that suit every budget, here are our top festive picks to make your season bright!
Christmas Tree Trail – Castle Quarter, Norwich. 18th November – 24th December. Pick up a map, and set off on a festive adventure to discover the enchanting trees. When you’ve completed the trail, drop your map into their special postbox for a chance to win £250 to spend at your favourite Castle Quarter destination!
Garden of Lights at Blickling Hall. 30th November – 15th December. Enter the spectacular front drive of Blickling Estate for an evening of colourful displays and illuminations, taking you on a journey through the seasons on a new accessible level route. Booking required.
Chronicles of Christmas Tour by The Shoebox Experiences. 23rd November – 23rd December. This festive walking tour leads you through the scenic and sparkly illuminated streets of Norwich to discover how we celebrated throughout the ages, from the Romans to the present day. Booking required.
Fairhaven Woodland Light Walk. 30th November to 22nd December. Enjoy a walk through woodland Christmas Lights trails, taking in the king and queen oak trees and marvelling at all the light up deer families through the gardens. From colourful twinkles to white fairy lights, follow up your walk with a hot chocolate and marshmallow by the fire.
Wells Christmas Tide Festival. 29th November – 1st December. On Saturday 30th November, the town and harbours Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.45-5pm, by David Whiteley from ITV Anglia, then followed by a lantern parade at 5.15pm down Staithe Street towards the quayside to greet Santa coming in from the North Pole by boat.
Santa will arrive at the Quayside at approximately 5.45pm, accompanied by a flotilla of illuminated boats. Followed by a firework Spectacular, over the marshes, filling the town with a riot of colour and bangs. Santa’s grotto will be open at the Maltings at approximately 6.15pm. Please book your tickets at the Maltings.
Festive Fair at The Forum. 28th November – 1st December. An event packed with Christmas cheer. Stalls, festive food, music and performance, and our personal favourites – miniature donkeys!
Enjoy a Winter Walk. Norfolk is perfect for walking at all times of the year. Wrap up warm and enjoy a bracing stroll along the coast, or witness the changing seasons in one of our parks. We have a selection of walks we’ve tried on our website – just search ‘walks’.
Christmas Carols at The Unthank Arms. 3rd December, 7pm. The most festive way to kick off the season if you’re near the Golden Triangle in Norwich. Lovely, lively fun. No tickets or bookings required for the singing but it gets busy and if you wish to eat, you’ll need to book a table.
Christmas at Oxburgh Estate. 30th November – 5th January. Oxburgh Estate (National Trust) is the perfect place for a traditional experience this festive season. Their ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ family trail, beautiful traditional decorations, storytelling with Father Christmas and wreath making workshops mean there is something for everyone. Booking required for some events.
New Year’s Eve Shanty Pirate Style Party at The Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe. Tuesday 31st December 2024. See out the year in shanty style with lots of jolly fun. Best dressed pirate wins a bottle of Rum! No tickets or bookings required for the party but if you wish to eat, you’ll need to book a table.
