Elianne Reed
07 June 2023
In need of a seasonal break? Well, with Christmas well and truly on the way, where better to spend the most wonderful time of the year than Norfolk? With its beautiful towns and villages all decked out in full seasonal glory, carol singers on the corners of cobbled streets and sparkling festive fairs all around, there is no more wonderful place to spend this time of year.
Pick up gifts to pop under the Christmas tree or find something special for yourself at one of these fantastic Norfolk Christmas markets. With great food and entertainment, you'll have a wonderful time at any one of these great events.
Read through our list of ten of the most popular and Christmassy attractions held during 2023 festive season or begin browsing our cottages for holiday inspiration.
Christmas Market at King's Lynn
Come and browse the plethora of stalls in this magical Christmas Market at King's Lynn. Grab a hot drink and make your way around the stalls, selling everything from festive food to unique craft gifts, just perfect for those Christmas presents that you find difficult to buy. Wend your way around the vendors and listen to the host of street entertainment as you decide which gifts to purchase; just don't have too much mulled wine or you will find yourself buying far more than you intended!
Where: Town Centre, King's Lynn
When: 11th - 12th December 2023
Cromer Pier Christmas Show
One of the must-see family Christmas shows in Norfolk, the amazing dance routines and sparkly costumes at the Cromer Pier Christmas Show will get you fully in the festive mood. Get ready for the party season with all-round entertainer Olly Day and hand magic and comedy star Mark James. Joined by classical soprano Fiona Jessica Wilson and the Cromer Christmas Dancers, this is traditional Christmas fun with a truly modern twist. All eyes will be on the sky on New Year's Day too, where the annual firework display provides whizzes, bangs and pops.
Where: Cromer Pier, Cromer
When: 25th November - 30th December 2023
The Santa Experience at Wroxham Barns
If Lapland isn't on your to-do list this year, you're in luck! Santa has taken a quick break out of his busy schedule at the North Pole to meet the children of Norfolk with The Santa Experience at Wroxham Barns. Little ones will enjoy a magical experience as they play games and chat to Santa and his elves; you can also learn the 'Elfabet' at the Elf College. If you are quick, you can pen a hasty Christmas list and slip it into one of the elves' pockets before they head back up north.
Where: Wroxham Barns, Hoveton, Norwich
When: 25th November 2023 - 24th December 2023
Festive Food Fair at Holkham Hall
Following the success of their inaugural Festive Food Fair, the Lady Elizabeth Wing of this glorious sand-coloured hall hosts a delicious collection of food and drink, all from Norfolk's best local and regional producers. Head to the cookery theatre, hosted by Charlie Hodson of Charlie's Norfolk Food Heroes, which features demos from local chefs who will showcase the best fresh produce of the area. Browse the little stalls and chalets where you can pick up great Christmas gifts for foodies, and relax in the bar when it all gets too much. The hall also hosts candlelight tours as well as Diva Opera - Home for Christmas at the beginning of December. For an extra-special treat, explore the Deer Park where children can look out for a home-grown Rudolph and his friends.
Where: Holkham Hall, Holkham
When: 9th - 10th December 2023
Hippodrome Christmas Spectacular Circus and Water Show
Bring all the family to a fascinating Christmas Spectacular Circus and Water Show at the Edwardian Hippodrome during your Norfolk Christmas break. This brand-new multi-coloured Christmas show is definitely the new pantomime - with glitzy circus artists from all over the world, synchronised swimmers, dancers and so much more, you won't be able to take your eyes off the action for a moment. Watch the Wheel of Death, aerialists and giant fountains alongside outstanding special effects at what has been described as 'Las Vegas comes to Norfolk'!
Where: Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth
When: 9th December 2023 - 7th January 2024
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
This amazing Thursford Christmas Spectacular in Fakenham has attracted over 5.4 million visitors from across the globe since it started over 40 years ago. The largest Christmas show in the country, it is set in the enchanting surroundings of traditional fairground carousels and magical mechanical organs - almost like a nod to Christmas past! West End performers give an amazing performance of singing, dancing and humour in a 3-hour show - an eclectic mix of seasonal and year-round favourites.
Where: Thursford Collection, Thursford, Fakenham
When: 8th November - 23rd December 2023
Need somewhere to stay? Have a browse through our selection of cottages in Fakenham to find your very own cosy cottage.
Christmas Celebration at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
Celebrate the most magical time of the year at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure Park: Santa will greet you in his grotto with Dippy and the Christmas Elves taking you on a magical adventure across the park. Each weekend has a seasonal surprise, right up until Christmas Eve and little ones can take part in Christmas crafts in the Secret Animal Garden, taking home their very own wooden decoration. Even better, you will experience a wonderful white Christmas as snow is guaranteed to fall from the Dinomite Indoor Play Area. If you love festive music, Saturday throughout December will see local theatre groups singing their hearts out to the best Christmas carols and inside, Dippy will be moving and shaking to Christmas songs at Dippy's Disco Dancing.
Where: Lenwade, Norwich
When: 25th November 2023 - 24th December 2023
Deepdale Christmas Shopping
If you are planning a winter trip to Norfolk, make a trip to the brilliant annual Deepdale Christmas Shopping that takes place. Pop-up shops bursting with beautiful gifts, decorations and tasty local produce compete for your pennies - you'll find it hard to choose just one! Local artisans and producers will tempt you with festive wreaths, children's toys, biscuits, chutneys and lots more. Refuel with some sloe gin or Christmas punch and try some of their amazing crepes.
Where: Burnham Deepdale
When: 4th November - 18th December 2023
Enjoy an extra-special Christmas in Norfolk
If we have tempted you to Norfolk with these wonderfully Christmassy events, why not have a peek at our collection of cottages in Norfolk? From welcoming properties for all the family including the dog, to romantic retreats for escapes by the sea, we will have something to get you in the festive mood. From Christmas short breaks to the longer holidays, Norfolk is the place for a Christmas to remember.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.