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The Best Christmas Events In Suffolk Happening In 2025

If you’re looking to kick start the festive season in Suffolk, you’re in the right place! There are loads of Christmas events in Suffolk this year – from Santa’s Grottos to Christmas markets and festive pantomimes.

There are lots of fabulous things to do in Suffolk during the summer months too but if you are in Suffolk during the festive season and looking for things to do at Christmas in Suffolk, you won’t be disappointed.

I’m always looking for Christmas events near me so that we try something new each year – while we have two small believers at least!

Before we start with Suffolk – why not see what’s going on in neighbouring Norfolk this Christmas or the Christmas events in Essex?

Looking for accommodation in Suffolk?

We have listed some fabulous holiday accommodation on the Suffolk Coast. We also have some slightly unusual accommodation options in Suffolk.

So – what’s going on at Christmas in Suffolk this year?

**Not all of the Christmas events in Suffolk 2025 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**

Santa carrying presents at Christmas events in Suffolk

These are the Christmas events in Suffolk happening in 2025

Santa’s Grottos in Suffolk

Looking for places to see Father Christmas in Suffolk? 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 Suffolk this Christmas:

Mid Suffolk Light Railway

MSLR Santa Specials – one of the many Santa train rides across the UK this year. If you like the idea of a meeting Santa on a train, you might also like to check out one of the Polar Express Train Rides in the UK.

Address: Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5PW.
Dates: Select dates through December.
Tickets: Bookings open mid October.

Kentwell Hall

Kentwell at Christmas

Address: Kentwell Hall, High Street, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9BA.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: Adults – £32.50, Children (4-9) – £22.50, (1.5 – 3) – £11.50. Under 2 – FREE.

Glemham Hall

Meet Father Christmas

Address: Glemham Hall, Little Glemham, Suffolk, IP13 0BT.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: TBC.

Kersey Mill

Santa’s Workshop

Address: Kersey Mill, Hadleigh Road, Kersey, Suffolk, IP7 6DP.
Dates: End of November to 22nd December.
Tickets: From £40.00 per person.

East Anglian Transport Museum

Ride the Lights

Address: East Anglia Transport Museum, Chapel Road, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 8BL.
Dates: Select dates in December 2025.
Tickets: Entry – £9.00 for adults and £6.00 for children (5 – 15).

National Trust Dunwich Heath

Father Christmas at Dunwich Heath

Address: Dunwich Heath and Beach, Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Rd, Dunwich, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 3DJ.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: TBC.

See also – things to do in Dunwich and Dunwich Walks.

National Trust Ickworth

Father Christmas at Ickworth (Santa Show).

Address: Ickworth, The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE.
Dates: Weekends in December.
Tickets: Adults – £8. Children – £12.00.

Dobbies Garden Centre

Santa’s Grotto

Address: Dobbies, Grundisburgh Road, Woodbridge , Suffolk, IP13 6HX.
Dates: TBC
Tickets: £7.00 per child booked in advance or £8.00 on the day (includes present).

Notcutts Garden Centre

Santa’s Grotto

Address: Notcutts, Ipswich Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4AF.
Dates: Santa won’t be visiting this year but there are still lots of festive treats and Christmas displays to enjoy.
Tickets: TBC.

Easton Farm Park

Christmas Experience

Address: Easton Farm Park, Pound Corner, Easton, Suffolk, IP13 0EQ.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: £18.95 per child over 1, £10.95 per adult, £9.95 for participating babies. Babes in arms – free.

See why visiting Easton Farm Park is one of our recommended things to do in Suffolk with kids. They also have some fun things going on at Halloween.

Africa Alive!

Christmas at Africa Alive!

Address: Africa Alive!, Whites Lane, Kessingland, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 7TF.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: 2 person ticket – £25.00. Family ticket – £45.00.

Jimmy’s Farm

Jimmy’s Farm Christmas Grotto and Breakfast with Santa

Address: Jimmy’s Farm, Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2AR.
Dates: 2025 dates TBC.
Tickets: Christmas Grotto – £10.00 per child. Adults – free. Does not include entry to the Park. Breakfast with Santa – Child – £25.00 and Adult – £30.00.

Suffolk Punch Trust

Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Farmyard at the Suffolk Punch Trust

Address: Sink Farm, St Davids Lane, Hollesley, Woodbridge IP12 3JR.
Dates: Early December.
Tickets: £10.00 per child.

Snape Maltings

Co-op Juniors Christmas Spectacular (TBC)

Snowman with live orchestra

Father Christmas sails into Snape Quay

Address: Snape Maltings, Snape, Suffolk, IP17 2SP.
Dates: See links above for details of what’s on.
Tickets: See links above for individual event details.

Ufford Park

Lunch with Santa

Address: Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW.
Dates: Early December.

Framlingham Castle

Christmas at Framlingham Castle (and see here for info on visiting Framlingham Castle).

Address: Framlingham Castle, Church Street, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9BP.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: Members – Free. Adult – £12.50, Child (5-17) – £7.50.

If you like visiting English Heritage properties, we would recommend getting an English Heritage membership. Just a couple of visits to English Heritage properties will cover the cost of the pass and will get you into many of the special events for free.

Christmas lights in Suffolk

There are a couple of exciting Christmas light trails happening in Suffolk this year. You can also wander around some of the towns and villages in Suffolk 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.

Illuminted Garden Trail at Helmingham Hall Gardens

Illuminated Light Trail at Helmingham Hall

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. They are fabulous and we’re sure the Helmingham Hall lights will be just as special.

Address: Helmingham Hall, Helmingham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EF
Dates: Mid November to mid December.
Tickets: Adults – £20.00, Child (5-15) – £10.00. Under 5 – FREE. Family – £50.00.

Ickworth’s Light Nights

Ickworth’s Light Nights

Address: Ickworth, The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: Adults – £19.00, Child (3 – 15) – £14.00. Under 3 – FREE.

Haughley Park

Spectacle of Light

Address: Haughley Park, Haughley, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 3JY.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: From £17.60 per adult and £8.80 per child (3-15 yrs).

If you are close to the Norfolk border, you might also like to know that there are some fabulous winter light trails in Norfolk.

Helmingham Hall Gardens Illuminated Trail 2022 - one of the best Christmas events in Suffolk 2022.

Christmas markets in Suffolk

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 get a decoration for the Christmas tree, enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Here are the Suffolk Christmas markets worth a visit this year:

Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

This free market takes place in the lovely St Edmundsbury cathedral with lots of Christmas stalls

Address: St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LS.
Dates: End of November.

Ipswich

Christmas Suffolk Farmer’s Market at Trinity Park

The usual farmer’s market with a festive feel.

Address: Trinity Park, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8UH.
Dates: End of November.

Lavenham

Christmas in Lavenham

Address: TBC – Lavenham.
Dates: TBC.

Sudbury

Christmas in Sudbury

Address: Duck in Boots, 19 Gaol Ln, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1JL.
Dates: End of November.

Jimmys Farm

Christmas Fayre

Address: Jimmy’s Farm, Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2AR.
Dates: Mid November.

Clare

Clare Christmas Fair

Address: St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Clare, Suffolk, CO10 8NY.
Dates: End of November.

Stonham Barns

Stonham Barns Christmas Craft Market

Address: Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Suffolk, IP14 6AT.
Dates: End of November.

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!

Christmas decorations on a Christmas market stall

Pantomimes in Suffolk

One of our favourite things to do at Christmas in London with kids is to visit one of the big Christmas Pantomimes.

Over the years, we’ve found that the pantos in smaller towns around the UK are just as good and Suffolk is no exception. Here are the Pantomimes to look out for in Suffolk this Christmas.

Marina Theatre

Sleeping Beauty

Address: Marina Theatre, The Marina, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1HH.
Dates: Mid December to beginning of January.
Tickets: From £10.00 – £18.00.

Ipswich Regent Theatre

Cinderella

Address: Ipswich Regent Theatre, 3 St Helens Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1HE.
Dates: Mid to end of December.
Tickets: From £14.00 per person.

The Spa Pavillion

TBC

Address: The Spa Pavilion, Undercliff Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 2DX.
Dates: 20th December to 1st January 2025.
Tickets: From £14.00 – £16.00 (Under 16) and £20.00- £22.00 per adult.

Theatre Royal

Rapunzel

Address: Theatre Royal, Westgate St, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1QR.
Dates: End of November to mid January.
Tickets: From £10.50 to £32.50 per person.

The New Wolsey Theatre

TBC

Address: The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2AS.
Dates: End of November to mid January.
Tickets: From £12.00 to £38.00 per person.

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.

Cinderella at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds

Cinderella at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds

Christmas Afternoon Tea Suffolk

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 Suffolk after a day of Christmas shopping at the markets.

The Swan at Lavenham (Lavenham) – from mid November. £25.00 per person.

Lynford Hall Hotel (Mundford) – Sundays through December. £39.00 for 2 people.

Ufford Park (Woodbridge) – through December. £20.00 per person.

Bedford Lodge Hotel (Newmarket) – TBC.

Ravenwood Hall (Bury St Edmunds) – Mon – Fri through December between 3 – 5pm. £TBC.

The Swan Southwold (Southwold) – through December. £21.00 per person. See also things to do in Southwold

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.

festive afternoon tea

Christmas at hotels in Suffolk

If you feel like getting away for Christmas and having everything taken care of for you, these are the best hotels to spend Christmas at in Suffolk.

Ickworth

If it’s luxury you’re looking for this Christmas in Suffolk with everything taken care of for you, you can’t beat the Ickworth Hotel. It is especially good for families with so many fun activities on offer. It comes at a price though. Here is their festive brochure.

Ravenwood Hall

2 or 3 night breaks over Christmas at Ravenwood Hall. See what is going on at Ravenwood Hall here.

The Swan at Lavenham

Lavenham is a beautiful place to visit in Suffolk and it is especially cosy at Christmas. Book your stay at the Swan at Lavenham here and view their Christmas package here.

The National Trust also has a number of cottages in Suffolk if you are looking for a self-catering option. See here for National Trust Christmas breaks in Suffolk.

Other things to do in Suffolk at Christmas

Had your fill of Christmas events in Suffolk? How about trying out some of these alternative things to do at Christmas in Suffolk?

For something a little alternative, you can visit the reindeer at Jimmy’s Farm.

How about taking a bracing winter walk along one of the Suffolk beaches?

Go and pick out your own Christmas tree at Church Farm Christmas Barn in Bury St Edmunds or Kiln Farm in Kesgrave.

See here for more general ideas for things to do at Christmas. And once you’re done with all of the Christmas days out in Suffolk and ready to settle down at home, take a look at these Christmas movies for kids.

Not quite Christmas yet? How about checking out these places to go pumpkin picking in Suffolk and these spooky Halloween events in Suffolk?!

We haven’t listed all of the things to do in Suffolk 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 Norfolk

Christmas events in Essex and Christmas markets in Essex

Christmas events in Hertfordshire

Christmas events in Cambridgeshire

Christmas events in Kent

Flashpacking Family.

Hi! We’re Ed, Jacs, Ernie and George. We’re passionate about adventurous family travel, and by sharing our detailed itineraries, travel tips and inspiration, we hope to provide you with the confidence to leap into the world of adventurous travel with kids too.



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