Christmas events in North Norfolk

With endless twinkling lights, festive markets, handmade gifts, delicious food venues, mulled cider, windy beach strolls and enchanting Christmas events – North Norfolk is the perfect spot to bring the festive magic to life this winter.

Thursford

It’s famous worldwide and oozing with Christmas charm, Thursford is the ultimate festive family adventure.    

Best experienced from dusk and perfect for all ages, you’ll be transported into a real-life Coca-cola advert on Santa’s Magical Journey.  Marvel at the giant teddies, see the elves busy at work in the toy factory and you’ll meet the Snowman’s family before venturing outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza.  Outside is adorned with glowing sculptures, expect the traditional North Pole characters, and be surprised with a fantasy underwater world and magnificent jewelled jungle animals!  And at the end of it all there’s a magical meet and greet with Santa. Tickets start from £16 and advanced booking is a must.

For anyone above 8, all the bells and whistles of Christmas are collated into an eclectic fast paced Christmas Spectacular of singing, dancing, fun and laughter in abundance.  Take your seat and enjoy the 130-cast show, the largest Christmas of its kind in Europe.  Shows run from 8^th November to 23^rd December 2024 with tickets starting from £43, advanced booking is essential, after all it is famous for a reason.

Luminate

Snuggle into your warmest jacket and muddy boots and head to Sandringham Estate for an enchanting, illuminated trail through the Royal Parkland.  Discover woodland fairies, interactive light shows, sparkling disco balls and light play through the mile long journey and not forgetting a midway stop off for hot chocolate and toast your own marshmallows. Whilst not a traditional Christmas themed event, it’s the perfect atmospheric late afternoon treat to get all ages into the festive mood. Running from 21st November to 24^th December 2024 with tickets from £10 it’s a popular event with both locals and visitors alike, run don’t walk to book your ticket!

Holkham

Like something from a Dickens novel, a guided tour of Holkham Hall is the perfect friends and family festive adventure.  As featured on Channel 4’s ‘Christmas at Holkham’ the magnificent hall becomes a treasure trove of unique and opulent decorations, a feast for all the senses as you tour the different state rooms before heading to the Old Kitchen for mince pies and prosecco.  Twinkling candlelight and atmospheric music complete the sensory treat.  

Running on 29th and 30th November, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th December 2024 with prices from £18 we recommend booking in advance.

Winter Wonderland Norwich

Discover a magical world of festive favourites at The Norfolk Showground, Norwich. Giant ice rink, Christmas tree maze, funfair rides, Santa’s wonderland, traditional festive stalls, a giant observation wheel and oodles of festive food stands, the whole family will be spoilt for choice.

Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, open from 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 excluding Christmas Day.

Burnham Market Annual Light Switch On

A postcard perfect village, straight from ‘The Holiday’, Burnham Market’s annual Christmas light switch on offers a fabulous festive start to the season. Based around the famous village green, enveloped by twinkling festoons, you will find a life-size snow globe, funfair rides, food and drink stalls, Jack Brock the Shetland pony, Santa’s grotto and a programme of yuletide music. This year’s line up includes the locally loved Leon Mallet, a brass band and local carol singers.

Saturday 16th November 2024 1pm – 6pm, light switch on at 5pm.

Wells Christmas Tide Festival

Head to Wells for a chance to spot Santa Claus arriving by sea from the North Pole. Marvel at the annual Christmas light switch on at 4.30pm, the backing track packed with carol singers and choirs, and an array of traditional market stalls before heading to meet Santa and finishing with a spectacular fireworks display across the Quay.

Friday 29th November 2024 in Wells-Next-The-Sea.

Christmas Markets 2024

Nothing feels more Christmassy than heading to a traditional festive fair.  North Norfolk has some of the finest markets filled with local producers and suppliers, crafters, makers, creators, and demonstrators.  Check out our favourite markets below:

Sandringham Christmas Craft and Food Fair

Friday 15^th, Saturday 16^th & Sunday 17^th November 2024 at Sandringham Estate

Creake Abbey Christmas Farmers Market with gifts

Saturday 23rd November 2024 at Creake Abbey

Pensthorpe Christmas Market

Sunday 24^th November 2024 at Pensthorpe

Christmas Food, Drink & Gift Market

Friday 13th – Sunday 15th December 2024 at Holkham

Explore our Barefoot Christmas cottages nestled along the North Norfolk coastline for your perfect home from home with friends and family this winter.

Updated 16/10/24