Updated for 2023 - 25/10/2023
Christmas events in Norfolk 2023
Winter and Christmas (in particular) are a fantastic time to visit Norfolk; there is an abundance of winter wildlife, some of the best shopping in the UK and a selection of festive shows to get you in the spirit.
With the nights getting darker and the days getting colder, we’re looking ahead to December to see which top tourist sites in Norfolk have festive plans.
Love Norfolk as much as we do? Check out 10 reasons to visit the North Norfolk Coast and 5 places to see a romantic sunset in Norfolk.
This is the first in our series of local guides to December & the Christmas - check out what’s on in Lincolnshire in December, festive events in Essex, Christmas events in Suffolk and things to do in December in East Yorkshire and December events in North Yorkshire!
1. TThe Cromer Pier Christmas Show
The Cromer Pier Christmas Show has fast become one of the most popular Christmas activities for families across Norfolk, and as they say on their website “Christmas begins when The Cromer Pier Christmas Show opens!”. The Cromer Pier Christmas Show runs from 25th November and closes on 30th December.
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.
Visit the the Cromer Pier website for more details on booking your tickets.
2. Christmas Shopping in Norwich
Norwich is one of the most complete medieval cities in the UK, and the historic streets and structures come to life during the Christmas period. With twinkling lights, enlivening restaurants and bars, the festive spirit is high here in Norwich. Head to the city shops on a Thursday evening for late night shopping, where some shops open until 8pm.
The Norwich Lanes are home to over 300 independent shops and eateries, and there is truly something for everyone in this vibrant and cultured part of the city. If you are still in search of the perfect and unique gift for your loved ones, then this is the place to hit the shops.
Norwich favourite department store Jarrold reached it’s 250th in 2020! Founded by John Jarrold in Suffolk in 1770, it moved to Norwich in 1823 and has been a flagship store ever since - find multiple floors of homewares, beauty, clothes and stationary, plus a sports shop featuring Norwich City FC Fan Hub, a Deli and Food Store.
Why not visit one of the many Antique stores in Norwich for a quirkier, secondhand gift for your loved ones? Check out Norwich-favourite Looses Emporium down Magdalen Street, featuring 60+ dealers of antiques and vintage items ranging from clothes, vinyls, books, jewellery, furniture and more.
3. Luminate Sandringham at the Sandringham Estate
Luminate Sandringham follows a mesmerising mile long trail around the historic Royal parkland of the Sandringham Estate featuring ambient music and stunning light displays.
Wrap up warm as the trail takes place outside and after dark, but you can warm up with some toasted marshmallows or a mulled wine offered on site.
Luminate Sandringham runs from 11th November - 24th December every evening, taking 60-90 minutes to follow the trail. You can book your tickets for the Sandringham light trail for an entry slot every 15 minutes, with tickets from £16.50 per adult and £11.50 per child.
4. Check our the winter wildlife in Norfolk
Over the festive season, the Norfolk nature reserves are abundant with wildlife, some of which have travelled thousands of miles to reach the county and settle into their winter residence. Pack your binoculars and keep an eye out for the migrating pink-footed geese, bittern, bearded tits and marsh harriers that will be filling the skies and dotted along the reserves.
The Norfolk seals also offer a spectacle during the festive period, with the seals giving birth to their pups on the shoreline at Horsey - make sure to enjoy the seals from a distance and give them lots of space.
5. Christmas Spectacular at Thursford
Thursford’s famous Christmas Spectacular is back again, after their biggest year yet in 2022. Running twice daily from 8th November - 23rd December, Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular is the largest Christmas show in the country.
Our 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!
Enchanted Journey of Light at Thursford
You could also check out Enchanted Journey of Light, an immersive experience of light and sound, through to Santa’s Magical Journey with fairy tale characters, polar bears, and giant sized teddy bears, continuing to a 4 acre Lantern Light Extravaganza. Running from 19th November until 24th December. Booking is essential, with a maximum of 6 tickets per group.
6. Christmas Spectacular at Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome Circus
One of two permanent circuses still left in operation in England, Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome Circus is bringing back its legendary Christmas Spectacular show from December 9th to January 7th. With hosts Jack Jay and Ben Langley, the show features an incredible cast of circus performers and the world famous Water Spectacular. A Norfolk tradition for many, be sure to book your tickets to the Hippodrome Circus Christmas Spectacular.
7. WINTER WONDERLAND NORWICH
Running from 17th November - 3rd January, Norwich’s Winter Wonderland sets to return to the Norfolk Showground after a successful first year in 2022. With big rides for the thrillseekers, small rides for the kids, visits with Santa, a Christmas market, lots of delicious festive treats from a variety of food stalls and the biggest ice rink outside of London, be sure not to miss Winter Wonderland Norwich.
Whether it’s a family get-together, or an escape to find some peace, why not enjoy your Christmas in one of our holiday homes in Norfolk and enjoy all the festivities the county has on offer?
Any event suggestions we should add? Let us know on Social Media!