Suffolk is a magical place to celebrate the festive season, offering a variety of Christmas events to delight all ages.
From bustling Christmas markets filled with handmade gifts, local produce, and festive treats to enchanting light displays and Santa’s grottos, Suffolk comes alive with holiday spirit.
Families can enjoy Christmas fairs, cozy winter walks, and even historic sites decorated for the season.
Towns like Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich host annual Christmas markets, showcasing unique local crafts and seasonal food.
Many historic estates and gardens, like Ickworth House, also host Christmas events, complete with caroling, holiday crafts, and festive dining experiences.
For children, special events like storytelling sessions, winter wonderland experiences are spread across the county.
Whether you’re seeking a traditional holiday atmosphere or modern festive entertainment, Suffolk has something to make the season bright for everyone.
Suffolk Christmas Events To Visit
Santa’s Workshop at Kersey Mill
Location : Kersey Mill, Kersey, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 6DP
Your journey begins with an introduction to your chaperone elf who will lead you on your enchanted journey through the magical gardens into Santa’s Workshop .
Here you will meet the most important man himself, Santa & his wonderful team of elves , Mrs Claus, the Christmas Fairy , the sweetie elves, along with other special surprise characters .
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Magical Christmas at Jimmy’s Farm
Location : Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2AR
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK – We may be unsure of snow this Winter, but one thing’s for sure: you’ll have a magical time at Jimmys Farm this December!
Stomp around the Wildlife Park on the special Christmas trail, spot a polar bear, feed the camels and so much more.
Join them to celebrate the most magical time of the year.
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall
Location : Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9BA
Step into a Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall!
This December, experience the enchanting magic of a Victorian Christmas at Kentwell Hall’s Dickensian Christmas event!
Join them on the weekends of 7th-8th and 14th-15th December for an unforgettable journey back to 19th-century England, where festive charm, carols and seasonal treats await.
Immerse yourself in beautifully decorated rooms, meet costumed characters, and savour the nostalgic warmth of a Christmas inspired by Charles Dickens himself.
Don’t miss the chance to meet Father Christmas as he spreads holiday cheer for all ages!
This heartwarming event is perfect for families and Christmas-lovers alike, combining history, joy, and the spirit of the season
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Christmas at Ickworth Estate
Location : The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5QE
Celebrate Christmas with a twist this year at Ickworth. Be transported across the continent on a Grand Tour to enjoy different winter traditions and cultural highlights.
There are lots of great events taking place at Ickworth this festive season.
Christmas on the Continent – From Saturday 30th November – Sunday 5th January
Family-friendly winter trail – From Saturday 30th November – Sunday 5th January
Children’s Santa Show – 6th – 8th December and 13th – 15th December
Crafts in the Gallery – From 19th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
Late night shopping – 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15 December from 4pm – 7.30pm.
March Hare Collective craft fair – 23rd and 24th November
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Father Christmas on the Farm
Location : Easton, Farm Park, Pound Corner, Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ
Christmas Festive Fun includes:
Meet Father Christmas – Meet the big man himself and choose your gift. You are also able to book your time slot with Father Christmas so you can plan your day.
Christmas Show – Get the family in the Christmas spirit with the extra special Christmas Show.
Mother Christmas’ Kitchen – Join them in the kitchen and make some tasty Christmas treats.
Christmas Crafts – Join in with extra free craft activities around the farm
Taking place 30th Nov, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December 2024
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Santa Specials Mid Suffolk Light Railway
Location : Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket IP14 5PW
For a magical Christmas treat for children up to 10 years old, a trip on a Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Santa Special is not to be missed.
Steam trains run from Brockford Station to ‘North Pole Halt’, for an individual visit to Santa at his Christmas Guards Van and each child receives a present.
The Stations, Brockford and ‘North Pole Halt’ will all be decorated in full ‘Christmassy’ style.
On the return from their Santa visit passengers will find Christmas crafts, hot drinks and snacks will be available to buy and for the grown-ups, a complimentary cup of festive mulled wine.
The trip to see Santa will last approximately 35 minutes.
There are six days of Santa Specials planned this year – 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December 2024
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Ride The Lights
Location : East Anglia Transport Museum, Chapel Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 8BL
Get into the festive spirit with Ride the Lights weekends.
They’re open until later this year, allowing more time to soak in the atmosphere and the magic of the Christmas lights.
As always, the café will be serving hot food and drinks throughout each day.
Taking place on the weekends of 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th and 21st & 22nd December from 3:00pm – 7:00pm.
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Christmas at Landguard Fort
Location : View Point Rd, Felixstowe IP11 3TW
This December, Landguard Fort will be transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland, offering a festive experience like no other.
On the weekends of December 7th-8th and 14th-15th, families are invited to step into a world of holiday enchantment.
Explore the festive themed rooms and displays on the special trail, then visit Santa Claus in his magical grotto.
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Christchurch Mansion Christmas Tree Festival
Location : Soane St, Ipswich IP4 2BE
From Tuesday 26th November to Sunday 5th January, get in the festive spirit as Christchurch Mansion is filled with beautifully decorated trees!
Celebrate some of the wonderful Communities in Ipswich—each community group has worked together to create decorations for the Christmas Trees.
This event is suitable for all ages. The trees will be located on both the ground floor and the first floor, which requires access via stairs.
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Christchurch Mansion Woolly’s Christmas Trail
Location : Soane St, Ipswich IP4 2BE
Get ready for Woolly’s Christmas Trail! Accompany the fluffy companion, Woolly, on a quest to discover all the hidden treasures around the Mansion.
Spot every item, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful surprise at the finish!
The Christmas Trail promises a festive journey perfect for participants aged three and up.
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Orwell Lady Christmas Family River Trip
Location : Orwell Quay Wet Dock, Ipswich IP3 0FS
Join them for a fun festive trip along the river with Christmas music, decorations and a gift for every child! Wrap up warm, hot drinks can be purchased on board!
1hr trip leaving at 10.30am on 15th December 2024
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Yule at Sutton Hoo
Location : Tranmer House, Woodbridge IP12 3DJ
Immerse yourself in the High Hall exhibition and find out how the people buried at Sutton Hoo’s Royal Burial Ground might have celebrated this time of year.
Discover how the objects link with Yule traditions, explore the Yule feasting table and share your own traditions on the Yule tree.
Pick up a free family trail to enjoy along the way.
Various dates between 30th November to 5th January 2025
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail
Location : Helmingham Estate, Stowmarket IP14 6EF
Experience the magic of winter at Helmingham Hall’s Illuminated Garden Trail from 15th November to 18th December.
The gardens will be transformed into a stunning world of light, colour, and sound, featuring new displays for 2024.
Enjoy festive treats, cross the historic drawbridge, and toast marshmallows around fire pits. Browse the Stables Shops for unique gifts, and warm up with a complimentary mulled wine.
All well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Please clean up after them.
The trail runs from Friday 15th November – Wednesday 18th December 2024
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Christmas at Lavenham Guildhall
Location : Market Place, Market Ln, Lavenham, Sudbury CO10 9QZ
Christmas is a special time in Lavenham. The market square comes alive with twinkling lights and a spectacular tree.
The Guildhall hosts a festive family trail, the museum is adorned with decorations and there are seasonal treats to enjoy in the tea-room.
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Christmas at Dunwich Heath
Location : Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Rd, Dunwich, Saxmundham IP17 3DJ
There are some great family-friendly events this Christmas, taking place at Dunwich Heath.
Meet Father Christmas – Meet Father Christmas in the cosy second-hand bookshop and receive your own special gift to take home
Christmas craft workshops – Make your own version of the wooden reindeer from the festive family trail in this hands-on workshop.
Reindeer trail – Santa’s reindeer have come to Dunwich for a bit of downtime – but can you find them all? Collect a special trail map from visitor welcome and follow it around the heath to see how many you can find.
Festive folk tunes – Join them in their cosy tea-room with your cup of tea and scone, and listen to the resident band, The Belle Heathers, perform festive folk tunes in the tea-room
Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE
Looking for Christmas events in a nearby county, check out Christmas Events in Norfolk and Christmas Events in Essex