A Complete Guide To The Christmas Events In Norfolk 2023
If you’re looking to kick start your festive season with some festive days out in Norfolk, you’ve come to the right place!
There are lots of Christmas events in Norfolk this year – from festive Christmas markets to Santa’s Grottos and fabulous Christmas light trails.
If you are in Norfolk during the festive season and looking for things to do at Christmas in Norfolk, you won’t be disappointed.
I’m always looking for Christmas events near me to try something different each year – at least while we still have two small believers!
If you’re researching Christmas activities in Norfolk a little early this year, how about checking out our post on places to go pumpkin picking in Norfolk or Halloween events taking place in Norfolk too!
So – what’s going on at Christmas in Norfolk this year?
**Not all of the Christmas events in Norfolk 2023 dates have been released yet so keep checking back for updates. This post contains affiliate links. If you book something using one, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you**
These are the Christmas events in Norfolk happening in 2023
Santa’s Grottos in Norfolk
Looking for places to see Father Christmas in Norfolk? The great news is that there are lots of Santa’s Grottos and places to see Father Christmas.
Looking for a Santa’s Grotto further afield? We have a great post on 100+ Places to See Santa in the UK.
But here’s where to see Santa in Norfolk this Christmas:
Wroxham Barns
The Christmas Experience – this looks like such a fun day out with kids in Norfolk this Christmas.
Address: Wroxham Barns, Tunstead Road, Hoveton Norfolk, NR12 8QU.
Dates: Every weekend in December and 19th – 24th December 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £15.50, child (2+) from £18.95 and child under 2 from £12.50.
Mid Norfolk Railway
One of the best children’s Christmas events in Norfolk. If you miss out on tickets for the Polar Express train ride in Norfolk, see here for details on all of the Polar Express train rides in the UK.
Address: The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF.
Dates: 12th November to 23rd December 2022.
Tickets: Standard tickets from £27.50.
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
Address: Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 5JE.
Dates: 26th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: From £19.90 per child over 92cm and from £9.95 per child under 92cm (and adults).
Holkham Hall
Father Christmas in Residence – TBC whether there will be a Santa’s Grotto.
Address: Holkham Hall, Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB.
Dates: Select dates in December.
Tickets: TBC.
Norwich Aviation Museum
Address: City of Norwich Aviation Museum, Old Norwich Road, Horsham St. Faith, Norwich, Norfolk, NR10 3JF.
Dates: 11th December 2022 between 10 am and 4 pm.
Tickets: £3.00 in addition to the usual entrance fee. Tickets on the gate only.
Bressingham
Address: Bressingham Steam & Gardens, Low Road, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2AA.
Dates: 27th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £13.50, Child (3-15) – £16.50, Under 3 requiring a present – £8.50. Tickets are £1.00 more on the day.
Bure Valley Railway
Address: Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6BW.
Dates: 3rd to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: £19.00 per person.
We also have a more comprehensive post on the Santa train rides in the UK if you are venturing further afield this Christmas.
North Norfolk Railway
Address: North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham Station, Station Approach, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA.
Dates: 26th November to 23rd December 2022.
Tickets: From £22.00 per person. Under 1 – £10.00.
Broads Tours
Address: Broads Tours. The Bridge, Wroxham, Norfolk, NR12 8RX.
Dates: Select dates from 3rd to 22nd December 2022.
Tickets: From £22.00 per person.
Dobbies Garden Centre
Address: Dobbies, Campbells Meadow, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4WQ.
Dates: 24th November to 24th December 2022..
Tickets: £8.00 per child.
Barnham Broom
Address: Barnham Broom, Honingham Road, Barnham Broom, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 4DD.
Dates: 11th and 18th December 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £26.95 for 3 courses. Children under 11 – £15.95 (includes gift).
English Heritage
There are lots of English Heritage properties in Norfolk and each one usually has some lovely Christmassy things to do in Norfolk. Keep an eye out for updates on their website.
Christmas lights in Norfolk
There are a couple of exciting Christmas light trails in Norfolk this year. You can also wander around some of the towns and villages in Norfolk and check out their light displays.
If you happen to be heading into London, here is where you can find the Christmas light displays in London.
We love a Christmas light trail. There are loads happening all over the country (see more Christmas light trails here).
If you are thinking of heading further afield, we can highly recommend the Blenheim Palace Christmas lights.
See here for a more complete guide to the best Norfolk Christmas light displays.
Thursford
Address: Thursford Collection, Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0AS.
Dates: 19th November to 28th December 2022.
Tickets: £20.00 per person, Under 2 – FREE.
Holkham Hall
Address: Holkham Hall, Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB
Dates: Select dates in December from 4th to 29th December 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £28.00, Child – £14.00.
Sandringham
Address: Sandringham Estate, Sandringham, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE35 6EN.
Dates: 11th November to 18th December 2022.
Tickets: (Mon – Wed) Adult – £16.50, Child (3-15) – £11.50, Under 2 – FREE. (Thurs – Sun) Adult – £18.50, Child (3-15) – £13.50, Under 2 – FREE.
Blickling Hall
Address: Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NF.
Dates: 28th November to 18th December 2022.
Tickets: £14.00 per adult. Child (5-17) – £10.00. Under 5 – FREE.
Norwich Tunnel of Light
Address: Hay Hill (next to Saint Peter Mancroft).
Dates: 17th November to 5th January 2023.
Tickets: Free.
Also – don’t miss the Norwich Castle light projections, Fakenham Christmas light switch on and the Norwich Christmas light switch-on.
Blickling Hall at Christmas – Photo Credit National Trust
Christmas markets in Norfolk
We love a Christmas market. We usually try to go to one of the European Christmas markets each year but there are also some fantastic Christmas markets in the UK.
They are a great place to pick up some handmade Christmas gifts.
We usually grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine, select a decoration for the Christmas tree and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Here are the Norfolk Christmas markets worth a visit this year:
Norfolk Festive Gift Show
Address: Norfolk Showground, Norwich, Norfolk, NR5 0TT.
Dates: 11th to 13th November 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £7.00 (online) / £10.00 (on the door). Child (1-16) – £5.00 (online) / £5.50 (on the door).
Hockwold Hall
Address: Hockwold Hall, Hockwold Cum Wilton, Brandon, Norfolk, IP26 4HZ.
Dates: 4th December 2022 (10 am – 3 pm).
Tickets: £4.00 per person in advance (under 9 yrs – FREE). £5.00 on the day.
Holkham Hall
Address: Holkham Hall, Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB
Dates: 10th & 11th December 2022.
Tickets: Free.
Sandringham
Address: Sandringham Estate, Sandringham, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE35 6EN.
Dates: 18th to 20th November 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £10.00, Child (5-15) – £4.00.
Norfolk Artisan Fair
Address: The Racecourse, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 7NY.
Dates: 19th & 20th November 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £4.50, Child (Under 16) – FREE.
Delegate Christmas Market
Address: Main Road, Burnham Deepdale, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 8FB.
Dates: 4th to 22nd December 2022.
Tickets: Free.
If you are visiting north Norfolk, don’t forget to check out the beautiful beaches on the Norfolk coast for a bracing winter walk!
Pensthorpe Natural Park
Address: Pensthorpe Natural Park, Pensthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0LN
Dates: 27th November 2022.
Tickets: FREE.
We also have a more complete guide to the Christmas markets in Norfolk.
If you like Christmas markets, you might like to read about the best Christmas markets in London or the best Christmas markets in the UK or even the best Christmas markets in Europe!
Pantomimes in Norfolk
One of our favourite things to do at Christmas in London with kids is to visit one of the big Christmas Pantomimes and we’ve also visited a fair few local pantomimes too.
Here are the Pantomimes to look out for in Norfolk this Christmas.
Norwich Theatre Royal
Address: Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1RL.
Dates: 10th December to 7th January 2023.
Tickets: From £18.50 per person.
King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
Address: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JW.
Dates:7th to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: From £16.50 to £22.50.
The Maddermarket Theatre
Address: The Maddermarket Theatre, St. John’s Alley, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1DR
Dates: 16th to 30th December 2022.
Tickets: From £8.40 – £16.80.
Gorlestone Pavillion Theatre
Address: Pavillion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston, Norfolk, NR31 6PP.
Dates: 7th to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: From £13.00 per adult and from £9.00 per child.
Pavillion Theatre
The Cromer Pier Christmas Show (more a variety show than a pantomime).
Address: Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 St Helens Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1HE.
Dates: 26th November to 30th December 2022.
Tickets: From £26.00 per adult and from £10.00 per child.
Thursford
Christmas Spectacular (more a variety show than a pantomime aimed at age 8+).
Address: Thursford Collection, Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0AS.
Dates: 8th November to 23rd December 2022.
Tickets: From £40.00 per person.
See also – the Little Princess Theatre in Hunstanton and the Sheringham Little Theatre in Sheringham.
If you happen to be heading into London this Christmas – here are some of the best Christmas shows this year.
- The Snowman – an absolute must-see when in London at Christmas with kids.
- Elf – The Musical.
- Potted Panto – 7 classic pantos in 70 minutes.
- Jack and the Beanstalk – classic pantomime at the London Palladium.
See also our guide to things to do with kids in London at Christmas.
Christmas Afternoon Tea in Norfolk
Having afternoon tea is such a British thing to do – but have you tried a festive afternoon tea?
It’s one of the best Christmassy things to do in Norfolk after a morning of Christmas shopping at the Christmas markets.
The Norfolk Mead (Coltishall) – available throughout December. £17.50 per person.
Lynford Hall Hotel (Mundford) – 6th, 13th, 20th and 26th December 2022. £39.00 for 2 people.
The Assembly House (Norwich) – TBC.
Barnham Broom (Barnham Broom) – 21st November to 23rd December 2022. From £23.95 per person.
You might also like to check out our posts on the best places to have afternoon tea in London and the best afternoon tea in London for kids.
Christmas at hotels in Norfolk
If you feel like getting away for Christmas and having everything taken care of for you, these are the best hotels offering Christmas breaks in Norfolk.
Titchwell Manor
If it’s luxury you’re looking for this Christmas in Norfolk with everything taken care of for you, you can’t beat Titchwell Manor.
It is especially good for families with so many fun activities on offer. Here is their festive brochure for 2022 and you can book your stay here.
Le Strange Arms
Book your Christmas break at Le Strange Arms here. See more info on their Christmas breaks.
Dunstan Hall
Book your stay at Dunstan Hall here and view their Christmas package here.
The National Trust also has a number of cottages in Norfolk if you are looking for a self-catering option. See here for National Trust Christmas breaks in Norfolk.
For more inspiration on where to stay this Christmas, check out our UK Christmas breaks post.
Other things to do in Norfolk at Christmas
Had your fill of Christmas events in Norfolk? How about trying out some of these alternative things to do at Christmas in Norfolk?
Go and pick out your own Christmas tree at Norfolk Christmas Trees in Great Melton or Manor Farm Christmas Trees in Thetford.
See here for more general ideas for things to do at Christmas. If you are feeling like venturing further afield – maybe for a city break – have a look at this post on the best cities to visit at Christmas with kids for inspiration.
And once you’re done with all of the Christmas days out in Norfolk and ready to settle down at home, take a look at these Christmas movies for kids.
We haven’t listed all of the things to do in Norfolk in December so if there’s something you’d like to add, please let us know.
You might also like…
See what’s going on at Christmas in the South East of England this year:
Christmas events in Hertfordshire
