Christmas Events in Norfolk 2024

Christmas Events in Norfolk are pretty much back to normal, thank goodness!

All of the favourites are here to make your Christmas Holiday one to remember, and if there are any of these you haven’t visited before, make sure to add them to your list.

Best Christmas Events in Norfolk To Visit

Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light

Location : Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR31 0AS

When twilight falls the magic begins!

Your journey will progress into the Santa’s Magical Journey Building . You will travel past the penguins and polar bears to the giant-sized teddy bears!

Get ready to see how the elves have loaded Santa’s sleigh, then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory using the wondrous wrapping machine!

Throughout your journey you’ll meet lots of fantasy land characters including the snowman family, make sure you watch out for their snowballs!

Your journey continues as you venture outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, bigger and better for 2023 and with lots of new creatures for you to marvel at: a beautiful, breath-taking festival of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole. Watch out for the naughty mushroom gnomes! AND Santa is back!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Thursford Christmas Spectacular

Location : Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR31 0AS

The Christmas Spectacular is an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety.

It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year round favourites.

With a cast of 130 this is the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Santa’s Magical Journey

Location : Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR31 0AS

Remember the excitement of your first visit to see Father Christmas? Give your children, grandchildren or your class a day they’ll never forget! Come and visit Father Christmas in the magical setting of Thursford. It will be a treat to cherish for everyone who wants to experience this magical fantasy journey.

Your journey takes you from penguins and polar bears to giant sized teddy bears ready to load Santa’s sleigh and then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory with the wonderful wrapping machine. You’ll meet lots of fantasy characters including the snowman’s family but watch out for the snowballs!

Your journey continues as you venture outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, with lots of creatures to marvel at- a beautiful, breath-taking festival of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole. Watch out for the naughty mushroom gnomes!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

The Santa Experience Wroxham Barns

Christmas Events in Norfolk Wroxham Barns

Norfolk’s sell-out Christmas experience is back, and this year it’s the LARGEST all-inclusive event we have EVER HOSTED!

Have you been before? Well, you can expect some HUGE additions and elements for a fantastic family experience like no other! We’ve listened to feedback from our avid supporters and team, and have a whole enhanced all singing, all dancing event!

What’s included?

The Christmas Experience offers 6 activities for you to enjoy throughout the day. This includes 4 ‘free-flowing’ elements and activities, which means you can enjoy these activities at your leisure throughout the day. Additionally, there are 2 ‘timed’ elements, where you will visit Mrs Claus and help her cook up a storm in her kitchen and, of course, a timed group experience to meet Father Christmas.

Firstly, children will check in at passport control before immersing themselves in heaps of fun. Up next, head to the BRAND NEW Father Christmas’s mail room and help him sort through the mail. Then, it’s time to head to the North Pole HQ to make reindeer food and much more. Brush up on your skills and become a fully fledged elf in our BRAND NEW ‘Snow-Olympics’ activity. Lastly head to the present workshop and learn how the elves make and repair gifts. Make sure you pay attention, as it will then be your turn to create your own craft to take home.

Now for the only 2 time-slotted elements of The Christmas Experience. Up first we have the BRAND NEW Mrs Claus’ kitchen. Watch Mrs Claus create a variety of festive bakes, before the children decorate their own gingerbread people.

Finish your magical day with a trip to Father Christmas’ front room. Watch him appear from the fireplace, listen and take part in his immersive story, before meeting Father Christmas in person where you will receive a golden coin to spend in our HUGE toyshop.

This year we’ve really UPPED the event and added lots more theming, including snow and more trees, so you and your children will really be immersed in a magical world for the duration of your visit!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Santa River Cruise at Wroxham

Christmas Events in Norfolk River Cruise to see Santa

Santa Claus is returning to the Broads to make this Christmas extra special!

Join us for a festive cruise to remember.

Whilst he’s been away, we’ve had a visit from his elves, who’ve been busy building a brand new Santa’s grotto aboard the Queen of the Broads – but it’s magic! So you can only see it at Christmas!

Santa Cruises leave from our boatyard in Wroxham.

Santa’s Elves will have a gift bag for all children aboard over 3 years old, including a juice box, activity book & crayons, and a festive treat. Plus, all children will be able to visit Santa in his new grotto and receive a present from Santa himself!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Santa Specials North Norfolk Railway

Christmas Events in Norfolk Santa on North Norfolk railway

Enjoy a magical Christmas journey aboard a traditional steam-hauled train!

This year, sit back and relax as your train steams non-stop from Sheringham up the whole length of the line to Holt, before travelling back to Weybourne where you will make your way through an enchanted Christmas Tree Kingdom before meeting Santa and receiving a special gift. Get into the festive spirit and make merry with complimentary onboard refreshments served to your table, activity packs for each child and a team of elves to help keep you entertained!

Your journey will break at Holt as the engine switches ends, giving you the option to hop off and take photographs with the historic locomotive or to visit the onboard bar.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Norfolk Lights Express

The Norfolk Lights Express is an immersive, wintertime experience that is fun for the whole family! Arrive after dark at Sheringham Station and you’ll be greeted by the magical site of a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.

The Old Luggage buffet will be open for you to purchase hot soup, hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, delicious homemade cakes and savoury refreshments. A licensed bar will also be on board each train and can be visited before departure and during the intermission.

Since its debut in 2019, The Norfolk Lights Express has become firmly established as a favourite seasonal treat. As your train steams from Sheringham to Holt and back, you will literally see the countryside adjoining the track in a whole new light as the onboard lights shine on to the scenery in a series of changing colours.

During the 5½ mile journey to Holt you’ll pass around 10 colourful lit-up dioramas on the lineside or dramatically set in the woods adjoining the track. These create an intriguing story which is brought to life by the on-board narration and music.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Bure Valley Railway Festive Express

Christmas Events in Norfolk Bure Valley railway Santa Experience

Hop on board one of our Festive Express steam trains this December. Enjoy a 1 hour experience from our Aylsham Station including festive treats, a 30 minute steam train ride and a guest appearance from Santa.

Each child will receive a personalised present from Santa himself.

Itinerary
Arrive at Aylsham Station 20-30 minutes before your train departs to collect your boarding pass and festive refreshments to enjoy on your journey. You will have your own heated private compartment for your party.

Once everyone has boarded, the train will depart our brightly decorated station to Brampton. Wave to your Steam engine from your carriage as it turns around before returning.

As you make your way back to Aylsham Station Santa will be waiting to greet you on his sleigh. Depart your train and visit Santa and his elves in his grotto.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure Dippy’s Christmas Celebration

Father Christmas has teamed up with Dippy to spread some Christmas sparkle to the Park. Join us in Dippy’s Theatre for a Christmas movie and Dippy and Friends Christmas Show, all of our usual attractions and a visit to our festive present room.

Jingle all the Day – Available on selected dates in November and December. Visit Father Christmas and his elves at the North Pole and step inside the Christmas Cottage.

Choose your favourite toy from under the tree and then delve into a delicious hot chocolate, before finishing with a photograph beside the big man himself!

Sparkle in the Dark – Available on selected evening dates in November and December when the rest of the Park has closed.

Purchase separate to a Park ticket. Start your journey at the festive forest. Head towards the North Pole to meet Mother Christmas at her Gingerbread kitchen, then travel through the magical lights towards Christmas Cottage.

Inside, the elves will be busy working, but don’t forget to collect your sweet treat. You’ll then pay Father Christmas a visit to collect your golden ticket, which can be swapped for a toy of your choice within the toy shop. Finish with a delicious hot chocolate for the whole family.

At the end of the evening, enjoy a short Christmas movie in Dippy’s Theatre and some delicious food and drink from street vendors

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Luminate Sandringham

Nestled deep within Sandringham Estate, awaits a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses.

As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the Country Park at Sandringham, the much loved rural retreat of Her Majesty.

Immerse yourself in our mesmerising mile long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.

A Timeless experience to be enjoyed by all, young and old alike.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Norfolk Christmas Markets

Winter Wonderland Norfolk

The enormous undercover real Ice Rink can be enjoyed daily and will be our biggest ever. You will find some of the UK’s biggest and most spectacular thrill rides, Roller Coasters and Family Fairground favourites.

Santa’s Grotto, Game Stalls, Christmas Markets Stalls, lots of delicious food, festive eats and treats, and licensed bars with an abundance of beers, spirits and mulled wine.

Open from 17 November 2023 – 3 January 2024

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Christmas at Holkham

Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Holkham from the end of November with a Candlelight Tour of the Hall and Christmas Fair.

The annual Christmas market will be taking place on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of December 2023 where you can look around some of the wonderful stalls showcasing lots of festive treats and unique gift ideas. A perfect festive day out. 

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Dalegate Christmas Market 

You can attend this market throughout November and December and enjoy lots of stalls for gifts and food, as well as feel all festive.

Local businesses come together to give you a chance to shop for more unique items and support the local community. A great place to start or finish your Christmas shopping while enjoying a few festive treats. 

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Norwich Global Christmas Market/Festive Fair at the Forum

Taking place over Thursday 30th November, Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd December this market takes over the indoor market in Norwich, and on Saturday, the final day, it also takes over the outdoor market space as well. Plenty of stalls, food and festive fun to enjoy. 

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre

The Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre is a free entry 3-day festive craft, gifts and food market held annually in the historic Great Yarmouth Minster of St. Nicholas Church, Church Plain, Great Yarmouth.

This year the Fayre will be open from 10am until 8pm on Friday 24th November for the Christmas Lights switch-on, then from 10am – 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday with over thirty specialist handcraft, food and gift stalls.

Coinciding with Christmas Fayre in the Minster is the Christmas Market being held on the Brewery Plain car park in a giant marquee accommodating a further selection of festive food and gift stalls.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Theatre Shows and Panto in Norfolk

A Christmas Cracker at Maddermarket Theatre

Location : St John’s Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR

An afternoon of Christmas Words and Music. Come and listen to some of the best loved and well known Christmas songs together with some popular carols.

Also in the programme will be Christmas readings and poems; some amusing, others more thoughtful.

Do come and join us in the theatre’s coffee bar for a hot drink and a mince pie, and a chance to sing along with some festive favourites.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Cinderella at Fisher Theatre

Location : 10 Broad Street, Bungay NR35 1EE

You shall go to the ball this Christmas as REDuck ProDUCKtions return with the most enchanting pantomime of all, Cinderella.

Cinders’ unhappy life changes forever when a magical visit from her Fairy Godmother puts her on the path from rags to riches.

Help Cinders and her comical best friend Buttons outwit her ridiculous stepsisters, overthrow her wicked stepmother, and get her a spot at the Prince’s ball.

But hurry, the clock is ticking so book your tickets now!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Cinderella at Sheringham Little Theatre

Location : 2 Station Road, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RE

Polish off your pumpkin, dust off your gowns, and join Prince Charming as he hosts the biggest Christmas party of the year in search of his one true love.

Will he succeed before the clock strikes twelve? Will the hilarious Ugly Sisters, Beeston and Bump steal his heart?

Will Cinderella’s evil Step Mother, the Baroness of Blakeney lock her away? Or will the Fairy Godmother and Buttons ensure we all live happily ever after?

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Cromer Pier Christmas Show

Christmas begins when The Cromer Pier Christmas Show opens!

The Cromer Pier Christmas Show will warm your hearts and get you well and truly in the Christmas spirit with a heap of festive fun.

Expect all the usual West End production values including our jaw-dropping 8-meter video wall delivering sensational special effects to a whole new level, alongside our much loved traditional scene sets and dazzling bespoke costumes.

Everything is top secret just now but what you can be sure of is laughs by the bucket load, thrilling speciality acts, powerhouse vocals, and spellbinding dance routines, delivered in our special trademark way, worthy of the only full season end of pier show in the world!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Dick Whittington at Gorleston Pavilion

Location : Pier Gardens, Gorleston, Norfolk NR31 6PP

This Christmas bring the whole family along to enjoy our traditional family pantomime Dick Whittington.

This brand new show from an all-new creative team takes you on a magical journey through the streets of London with Dick, his cat Tommy and our cheeky panto dame Sarah the Cook.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Dick Whittington at Kings Lynn Corn Exchange

Location : Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JW

From the bustling streets of London to an epic voyage across the seven seas, Dick Whittington and his Cat.

Along with a whole host of fabulous characters, are inviting you to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Goldilocks and The The Three Bears at Angles Theatre

Location : 5 Alexandra Road, Wisbech PE13 1HQ

Roll up! Roll up! The Circus is in town. Enjoy the latest adventure from the award-winning RATz Theatre Company, Fenland’s home for traditional family pantomime!

Dame Gertie Dollop runs the show with her son, Silly Billy but they have fallen on hard times. Particularly with the dastardly Ringmaster Heinkel, owner of the rival circus, up to his old tricks.

Dame Gertie needs a miracle after their honeypot of pennies is accidentally stolen by three porridge hungry, talking bears.

Could they be the new star attraction Gertie has been searching for?

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Grimm Tales at Westacre Theatre

Location : River Road, West Acre, Norfolk PE32 1UA

Rediscover the magic and wonder of the original Grimm Tales, retold by master-storyteller Philip Pullman in this wonderful and magical production suitable for children aged 6 to 106.

In these wonderful and colourful stories, you’ll meet the familiar characters – Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel – and some unexpected ones too.

Betransported into a magical world where not everything is quite what it seems. How might a mouse, a bird and a sausage get on? Who are the Musicians of Bremen? And just how can a hedgehog outrun a hare?

A enchanting and thrilling family entertainment perfect for Christmas.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Hippodrome Christmas Spectacular

One of Europe’s largest festive productions, this awe-inspiring show will whisk you away on a magical circus experience.

Norfolk family favourite Ben Langley will be returning, alongside host Jack Jay they will be bringing the Christmas cheer by the bucket load (literally).

The show will feature a cast of world class circus acts alongside dancers and swimmers. All staged in the stunningly decorated Hippodrome auditorium.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Jack and The Beanstalk at Norwich Puppet Theatre

Location : St James, Whitefriars, Norwich NR3 1TN

If you are looking for a festive treat this Christmas come to Norwich Puppet Theatre to see a magical puppet pantomime version of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jack and the Beanstalk features beautiful multimedia miniature sets, glittering costumes and some of the best puppetry in the UK.

The laugh-out -loud comedy is suitable for the entire family, so come cheer Jack and his faithful cow, Pat.

Just what is at the top of the beanstalk? – a magical pantomime, that’s what!

Be dazzled, delighted, and entertained by this unique and magical puppet pantomime for ages 4 to 104!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Jack and The Beanstalk at Princess Theatre

Location : 13 The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 5AH

Fee Fi Fo Fum, a Giant has been spotted in Hunstanton!

The Princess Theatre invites you to join them this Christmas for the 2023 Pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk.

Come and watch this exciting adventure unravel, as Jack embarks on a journey through land and sky. Accompanied by fun audience participation, spectacular costumes, and lots of laughs, this Panto can’t be missed!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Robin Hood at St Georges Theatre

Location : King Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2PG

Join the heroic outlaw, the arrow-shooting hero Robin Hood, as he strives to win the hand of the beautiful Maid Marion. Will Robin and his trusty Merry Crew outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and Guy of Gorleston?

Robin Hood features all the ingredients of a perfect pantomime: a fabulous cast, laugh out loud comedy, fantastic dancers, popular songs, bundles of audience participation, special effects, and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Sleeping Beauty at Norwich Theatre

Location : Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL

Oh, you think you know the story of Sleeping Beauty? Well, think again!

It’s our Princess’ 18th birthday and her mother, the Queen, is throwing her a royal celebration. But it’s not long before the Evil Fairy ruins the party with a curse to send the Princess into an eternal sleep.

There’s only one thing that can save her… and she’d probably like it to be a smooch from the handsome Prince that she longs to meet.

With the Princess asleep it’s down to the Queen and the Good Fairy to find a suitable Prince and discover the real meaning of true love.

Let’s hope they don’t encounter any mild inconveniences along the way.. and that they definitely don’t burst into spontaneous songs of West End musical quality!

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

The Snowsmith at Stage Two

Location : 17 Chapel Field E, Norwich NR2 1SF

What can unite the grumpy town of Thawmor this winter? Legends tell of soft white snow that blankets the ground, and inventor Eira is determined to bring it back.

So grab your goggles and join her madcap adventure as she battles a fearsome whale, explores an abandoned mine, and meets herds of goats whilst finding unlikely friends in the strangest of places.

Get lost in a world of breath-taking puppetry, live songs and folk music, all led by captivating storytellers. Discover this original winter tale that will enthrall the whole family, and answer the question: will it snow this winter?

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Maddermarket Theatre

Location : St John’s Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR

After a cyclone lifts up her house and drops it on an evil witch in a faraway land, young Dorothy becomes an unlikely hero to the Munchkin people.

In her epic quest to return home, she must confront strange magic and terrifying illusions that will test her resolve and force her companions to confront their greatest fears.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

Xmas POP Party at Maddermarket Theatre

Location : St John’s Alley, Norwich, NR2 1DR

‘Tis the season to be jolly, so kick off your Christmas the right way and join us this December for the Ultimate Festive Family Party Show!

Xmas Pop Party is The UK’s newest and most exciting Christmas music extravaganza, celebrating ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ with Live Music, Singing, Dancing, Circus and Christmas Comedy – perfect for little and big kids alike.

Opening Dates/Times/Prices : For further information CLICK HERE

 
 

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