Every year, I look forward to the decorations and special events during the Christmas season. Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor holiday events, have a tight budget (some events are free), or need to please a wide range of ages, there are some festive options in Norfolk.
It’s probably not too early to start thinking about what you would like to do during Christmas in Norfolk. These events are popular and many sell out in advance.
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Christmas in Norfolk
Christmas is a special time of year in Norfolk. The celebrations start in November.
While there isn’t a big Christmas market like in other cities around the UK, the shops are buzzing with activity and there are plenty of places to see Father Christmas. The sparkling decorations add a bit of magic to the air – check out these Christmas Light Switch Ons. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see the Tunnel of Light in Norwich anymore.
Unfortunately, the weather may not always cooperate during this time of year. For outdoor Christmas events, you should be prepared for low temperatures and rain. There may be some snow, but usually not enough to last long. It gets dark early, which works well if you want the little ones to see the lights.
If you don’t want to worry about the weather a Christmas show might be your best option. There are several pantos and other Christmas theatre shows in Norfolk.
Note: I will add details as events for the 2024 Christmas season are confirmed.
Luminate Sandringham
2024 Dates: 21 November – 24 December
It’s fitting that the place where the Royal Family usually spends Christmas has a wonderful light trail. The 1-mile long trail through Sandringham Country Park has special effects, music, and interactive installations in addition to the lights.
While Luminate Sandringham happens during the holiday season, it is not Christmas-themed. It is more of an enchanted forest experience with roasted marshmallows.
Read our Sandringham Luminate review. You can see a short video of our visit to Luminate in 2021 here.
Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance here.
Blickling Estate Garden of Lights
2024 Dates: 30 November – 15 December
Blickling Hall, the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, does an excellent job with their holiday decorations. When you visit, you can walk around the gardens and see the lights in the parterre, on the trees and the House. Grab a cup of mulled wine or other Christmas treats to enjoy as you explore the grounds.
If you want to go to the Garden of Lights at Blickling, be sure to book early, this is one of the most popular Christmas events in Norfolk. Keep in mind, the Hall will not be open during these evenings.
Admission costs are £16 adult, £10 children 5-17, and free under 5s, You can save a bit by getting one of their family tickets. Unfortunately there is no discount for National Trust members in 2024. Tickets must be booked in advance, even if you are a National Trust member. Get more details here.
During the day, 30 November – 5 January 2025 the Hall will be open so that you can see it decorated for the holidays. During this time, you just pay the regular admission price and National Trust members are free.
**You will also want to plan a trip to Blickling in the spring as it is one of the best places to see bluebells in Norfolk.
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
2024 Dates: 8 November – 23 December
Thursford is a small village in North Norfolk that is home to the Thursford Collection, one of the world’s most important steam and fairground museums. It also hosts popular summer and winter shows that attract visitors from around the UK.
To date, Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular has entertained over 5.8 million making it the largest Christmas show in the country. Many of its 120 cast members have performed in London’s West End.
The three-hour show combines non-stop singing, dancing, music, and humour. Expect to hear popular chart toppers along with traditional Christmas carols. The finale even includes white doves flying across the auditorium.
Book tickets in advance here.
Read our review of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular to learn more.
Norwich Theatre Royal Panto
2024 Dates: 7 December – 5 January 2024
A ticket to Norwich Theatre’s 2024 pantomime is the perfect wish come true. Joe Tracini returns for his fifth year, joined by Lisa Maxwell as the Evil Aunt. Tarik Frimpong stars as Aladdin, with Meesha Turner as Jazz, and Owen Evans takes on the role of the Dame.
This family-friendly show is packed with laughs, colourful costumes, and festive fun as Aladdin embarks on a magical journey. Expect plenty of audience interaction, singing, and a sparkling performance for all ages. It’s one of the best things to do in Norwich during Christmas.
Purchase tickets here. Read more about it in our Aladdin review.
Cromer End of Pier Christmas Show
2024 Dates: 16 November – 29 December
The historic Cromer Pier is home to the Pavilion Theatre. While it hosts fantastic entertainment, like the famous Seaside Special, all year long, during the holiday season they have a special Christmas-themed show. Olly Day is back as host, so expect a high-energy variety show with singing, dancing, comedy, and more.
It’s family-friendly too. Read our review of the 2021 Cromer Pier Christmas Show to learn more. Get more information on the times of the shows and buy tickets here.
*If you are in Cromer to see the Christmas show, be sure to also check out our recommendations for things to do in Cromer.
BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas
2024 Dates: Select dates from 30 November – 23 December
This Christmas, BeWILDerwood is transforming into a winter wonderland! Wander through the Sparkly Light Trail, where you’ll encounter quirky snowmen and playful Christmas crackers. Then, enjoy the BeWILDermas Pantomime, a 10-minute adventure to save Christmas… or at least have a good laugh!
Get more information and purchase tickets in advance here.
Christmas Spectacular Circus and Water Show
2024 Dates: most days 7 December – 5 January 2025
The Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth was named one of the seven wonders of the British seaside by Historic England. (1) Built in 1903 by the legendary circus showman George Gilbert, it is the only surviving total circus building in Britain and just one of three circuses in the world to have a water feature.
During the Christmas season, the circus is full of festive spirit. It has become one of the biggest Christmas productions in Europe. This year, Jack Jay and Ben Langley are back again with an incredible international circus cast.
It’s a family-friendly indoor show. Given the size of the small arena, there are no bad seats.
Buy tickets in advance here. You can get discounted tickets through Groupon here.
Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show
2024 Dates: 8 – 10 November
Head to the Norfolk Showground to do your Christmas shopping at a festive event that all the family can enjoy. Browse over 250 stalls and sample food and drinks inside the Main Exhibition Hall at the home of the Royal Norfolk Show.
You can save money by purchasing tickets in advance here.
*If you need still need to shop for Christmas presents, check out our Norfolk gift suggestions.
Winter Wonderland at Norfolk Showground
2024 Dates: 22 November – 5 January 2025
This winter extravaganza features an ice skating rink and much more. You can enjoy a whole host of rides, a visit with Father Christmas, Christmas tree maze, festive food and drinks, and Christmas market stalls.
Get more information and book here.
Fairhaven Water Garden Light Trail
2024 Dates: 30 November – 22 December, Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.
It’s lovely to walk around Fairhaven Water Gardens any time of year. Around Christmas they have light displays that make it festive and fun for both kids and adults. It’s much more affordable than other larger trails, but you will need to book in advance as it is popular.
Get tickets here.
North Norfolk Railway Christmas Lights Express
2024 Dates: Most days 15 November – 4 January 2025
The North Norfolk Railway runs a heritage trainline from Sheringham to Holt via Weybourne. During the holiday season, they offer a special evening train ride called the Christmas Lights Express. It’s a fun holiday event for the whole family!
The buffet at Sheringham will be open so you can purchase hot and cold refreshments for the ride including alcohol, soft drinks, cakes and savoury snacks. The 5.25 mile-long route passes by beautifully lit festive displays and the train itself is covered in lights. There is also a soundtrack tailored for the experience. Once the train arrives in Holt, it will turn around and take you back to Sheringham.
You have the option to buy individual tickets or a private compartment for up to six people. Check the schedule and get tickets here. This will sell out. Read our review of the Norfolk Lights Express here.
Holkham by Candlelight
2024 Dates: Select days 30 November – 20 December
See Holkham Hall, home to the Earl of Leicester, all decorated for Christmas. You can tour the hall by candlelight to see the magnificent state rooms at their festive best. Lady Leicester and Christmas-connoisseur Catherine Zoll, has been working the entire year to get it all ready.
On certain days, they offer guided Holkham By Candlelight Tours that last around 45 minutes, while you can do a self-guided tour at your own pace on other days. It’s recommended for ages 10 and over. You can also enjoy a glass of bubbly and mince pie in the Courtyard Café and check out the gift shop.
Read our review of 2021 Holkham By Candlelight to learn more.
Get tickets for the guided tours here or book the self-guided tour here.
Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light
2024 Dates: Select evenings 29 November – 24 December
The Christmas Spectacular is not the only special event happening in Thursford during the holidays. There is also a light trail called the Enchanted Journey of Light.
The journey takes you into the Fantasyland Building and passed the penguins and polar bears to the giant-sized teddy bears. You can see how the elves have loaded Santa’s sleigh and watch them hard at work in the toy factory using the wondrous wrapping machine.
*Father Christmas is not at this event. If you want to do the Enchanted Journey and see Father Christmas you need to book through the Santa’s Magical Journey Page here.
As you venture outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, there will be lots of new creatures for you to see in your journey from a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole. They will also have an outside bar, food, and a vintage funfair (on some days). Note that the funfair rides are not included in the admission price.
Get tickets here. Read our review of the Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light to learn more.
Polar Express at Mid-Norfolk Railway
When: Select days 9 November – 23 December
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming back to the Mid-Norfolk Railway with all the magic of the 2004 film re-created so you and your family can be feel like you are part this classic children’s tale. You are encouraged to wear your pyjamas for this event.
Your conductor will invite you aboard and before long, scenes from the film will come to life as dancing Chefs and Waiters arrive to serve cookies and hot chocolate. While you are enjoying your treats you will listen to the Polar Express story.
Once you approach the North Pole, look out for Santa’s sleigh, a bag of toys and a giant Christmas tree. When the train stops, Santa will join you on board for the return voyage and present each passenger with their very own “First Gift of Christmas.”
Then, everyone will sing Christmas Carols as the train heads back to Dereham Station. When you get off the train, you can check out the gift shop with exclusive Polar Express Merchandise.
Get more information and book tickets here.
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at the Assembly House
2024 Dates: 9 November – 5 January 2025
This winter, the Assembly House will become the Land of Sweets. You can meet a giant Nutcracker and walk past a Christmas village of igloos as The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea. The menu can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets with prior notice. They also offer a smaller portion for children.
You will need to book in advance. It can be done online here for parties less than 10 in the dining rooms.
Find out about more festive afternoon teas in Norfolk here.
Christmas Experience at Wroxham Barns
2024 Dates: Select days 1 – 23 December
The Christmas Experience at Wroxham Barns, just outside Wroxham, includes admission to the Junior Farm and Fun Park with lots of Christmas activities and a show plus a private meeting with Santa. There is enough to keep families entertained for the whole day.
*Get more ideas for things to do in Norfolk with kids here.
Purchase tickets here.
Bure Valley Railway Festive Express
2024 Dates: Select days 1 – 24 December
Take a one hour festive steam train ride. Grab refreshments and board the train at the Aylsham Station. You will get your own private heated compartment. The train will take you to the Brompton Station, which is decorated for the occasion. It will turn around and take you back to Aylsham where Santa will be waiting in his sleigh. Each child will receive a personalized gift.
This year they are also offering a Noel Night train on two evenings which does not include a visit from Santa.
Advanced booking is essential, get tickets here.
Christmas at Roarr Dinosaur Adventure
2024 Dates: Select days between 29 November and 24 December
Dippy loves to celebrate the holidays with his friends. There are two event options at Roarr Dinosaur Adventure – Dippy’s Christmas Celebration during the day and Sparkle Twilight Festive Fair at night. Both will include lots of Christmas activities and entertainment.
Whichever one you choose, advanced booking is essential, get tickets here.
Father Christmas at Church Farm Stow Bardolph
2024 Dates: Select days 30 November – 23 December
Meet Father Christmas and get entrance to the Farm. You can make it a full day of fun as you can check out the indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, undercover petting pens, our animals in traditional nativity scenes, “snow time,” and more.
There will also be a Christmas gift shop and mini festive market.
You must book a time slot in advance here.
Christmas Day Swim in Hunstanton
2024 Dates: 25 December
Come to Hunstanton in your fancy dress as there are prizes for best solo and group fancy dress. The swim procession will start at 11:00, don’t forget your towels and warm drinks. You will need to arrive early and register if you plan on joining in the dip.
Get more information here.
More Seasonal Events in Norfolk
Be sure to check out our other event listings:
Best Halloween Events in Norfolk
Best Bonfire Night Events in Norfolk
Best New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Events in Norfolk
You might also enjoy our recommendations for things to do in Norfolk in the winter.