If you're itching to get into the Christmas spirit, I've got a cracker of a post for you (sorry couldn't resist!) Here's my ultimate Norfolk Christmas guide for 2024, which features everything festive you could possibly need. From Christmas light switch-ons and festive events at stately homes, to the best places to visit Father Christmas and send that letter to the North Pole. A perfect time to round up your family and friends and show them what Norfolk at Christmas is like.

The first snow of 2024 has just fallen and my Christmas tree is already up (it's mid-November yikes) and I've just booked tickets to the Christmas panto (oh yes I have!) It's safe to say I can't wait to spend the rest of the year celebrating Christmas at home after a busy year of travel. If you're thinking of visiting Norfolk at Christmas, or perhaps you live in the area, this guide will have all the information you need to get into the festive spirit.

Norfolk at Christmas – here's what you need to know:

  1. Travelling to Norfolk for Christmas
  2. Best Places to Stay in Norfolk at Christmas
  3. Norfolk's Christmas Lights Switch-ons
  4. Norfolk Christmas Markets
  5. Christmas Events with the National Trust
  6. Norfolk Christmas Events you won't want to miss
  7. Best places to see Father Christmas in Norfolk
  8. Norfolk's Christmas Pantomimes and Shows

Christmas at Holkham Hall, Holkham by candlelight - absolutely lucy in red dress

Travelling to Norfolk for Christmas

If you're travelling to Norfolk for Christmas events, or a short stay over the festive period, it will depend on which area you are visiting whether you need to drive. Some of the stately homes are located deep in Norfolk's countryside and require a car to get to. If you are looking to hire a car to drive to Norfolk, you can save up to 70% off car hire with Discover Cars. If you are visiting one of the main towns or cities within Norfolk, I recommend catching the train to either King's Lynn or Norwich and then you can easily each the nearby villages by bus. If you would like to book trains to Norfolk for Christmas – click to book now.

Check out my article on Why Norfolk holidays should be on your UK bucket list

Best Places to Stay in Norfolk at Christmas

Norfolk has so many wonderful places to stay and enjoy the festive period. I've hand-picked a few suggestions from when I've stayed overnight at these destinations, but you might also want to explore Airbnbs and cabins if you have a larger group.

Christmas at Oxburgh Hall

Norfolk's Christmas Lights Switch-ons

King's Lynn Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Sunday 24th November 2024
  • Time: 5pm
  • Location: Tuesday Market Place

Enjoy Christmas family activities throughout the day including children's lantern making inside The Place in New Conduit Street between midday and 4pm, including a quieter session between 12-1pm for those sensitive to noise. There will be street entertainment around town from 2pm, including the East Angles Brass Band and Glitter Belles. From 2pm, live music starts on the borough council stage in the Tuesday Market Place. Popular upbeat songs will be performed by Soul Sisters, St Martha’s School Choir will perform Christmas Carols, followed by music from headliners Vex. Meet Cinderella, ahead of this year's pantomime at the Corn Exchange. Cinderella will be available for photos from 3:30pm at the venue. From 4.20pm, there will be a lantern parade that finishes in the Tuesday Market Place where the Mayor of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, Cllr Paul Bland, will turn on the Christmas lights with help from Cinderella.

Find out more about King's Lynn Christmas Lights switch-on

Norwich Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Thursday 14th November 2023
  • Time: 5:30pm to 7:05pm
  • Location: Norwich City Hall

Norwich's Christmas lights will be switched on at 7pm from the stage in front of Norwich City Hall by Norfolk comedy legend Owen Evans who you can see at Norwich's Theatre Royal currently appearing in the Christmas pantomime, Aladdin. Entertainment for the lights switch-on will include YouTube sensation Leon Mallett and up-and-coming pop starlet Juliet, with panto fun with Triple Threat Theatre. There will be a Christmas Disco from The Catton Grove Allstars, a festive performance from Framtastics Gymnastics, the traditional ‘ho-ho-ho’ from Father Christmas and blessings for the festive season by the Revd Canon Edward Carter from St Peter Mancroft Church. The fun starts from 4.30pm with entertainment on Gentleman’s Walk with a brass band. Many Norwich Market stalls will stay open until 8pm for delicious food, and to pick up your Christmas gifts, with a funfair from 4.30pm until late. 

Find out more about Norwich Christmas Lights switch-on

Great Yarmouth Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Friday 22nd November 2024
  • Time: 7pm
  • Location: Market Car Park, Market Place, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 1NX

Don't miss a festive firework display at the Great Yarmouth Christmas Lights and Fireworks event on Friday 22nd November. Festive family fun includes choirs, dance groups and live music ahead of the switch-on by her worship the Mayor of Great Yarmouth at 7pm, followed by a rooftop firework display. Parking in town centre council car parks will be free after 4pm.

Find out more about Great Yarmouth Christmas Lights switch-on

Thetford Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: 29th November 2024
  • Time: 5.30pm
  • Location: Thetford Town Centre & Riverside

Kick off the festive celebrations at Thetford's Festive Continental Market for delicious Christmas food and gifts across Thetford Town Centre. Before heading to Thetford riverside on Friday 29th November with the traditional Christmas Lights Switch On – Santa will arrive on the riverside at 5:30pm and lights switch on will be at 6:30pm.

Find out more about Great Yarmouth Christmas Lights switch-on

Sheringham Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Sunday 1st December 2024
  • Location: Sheringham Town Clock

Don't miss Sheringham's Christmas Lights switch-on from 5pm on December 1st. Head to the Town Clock, on the junction of Station Road and High Street, for the countdown. The town's shops and food establishments will join the festive cheer with extended opening times to match the light witch on, visit them for festive offers and refreshments.

Find out more about Sheringham Christmas Lights switch-on

Diss Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Saturday 7th December 2024
  • Time: 1.30pm – 6.30pm
  • Location: Diss Market Place

Join us as we count down to Christmas, with an afternoon of festive entertainment including live music and performances, food and drink stalls, Santa’s grotto, parade, Larry Gray’s mini funfair, more charity stalls in St Mary’s Church and of course, the big switch-on in the Market Place at 6pm! ​​​​​

Find out more about Diss Christmas Lights switch-on

Attleborough Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Sunday 24th November 2024
  • Time: 1pm-6pm
  • Location: Queens Square

Attleborough welcomes locals and visitors to their famous Christmas light Carnival and light switch-on, where you can expect lots of stalls, fairground rides and food. Enjoy the carnival from 1-6pm, with the light switch-on at 4.15pm.

Find out more about Attleborough Christmas Lights switch-on

Gorleston Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Sunday 17th November 2024
  • Time: 12:00 – 18:30
  • Location: Gorleston High Street

Head to Gorleston High Street for the town's annual Christmas light switch-on! With entertainment from 12pm, complete the elf trail to discover the hidden Christmas item. All entries receive a sweet treat and are put into a free prize draw! Watch a spectacular firework display from the roof of the Palace Cinema at 6pm.

Find out more about Gorleston Christmas Lights switch-on

Aylsham Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Friday 29th November 2024
  • Time: 5-9pm (Lights switch on at 6pm)
  • Location: Town Hall and Market Place

Get in the festive spirit with live music from Alex Asher and a range of stalls across Aylsham Town Hall and Market Place including lots of food & drink vendors. There will be performances by Vocalights Choir and you can visit Santa's Grotto from 6.15pm in the Green Room (access via The Loke). Local businesses will also be opening late.

Find out more about Aylsham Christmas Lights switch-on

Beccles Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Friday 29th November 2024
  • Time: 5-9pm
  • Location: Beccles Town Centre

This annual event is back and full of festive cheer with food & gifting stalls, live performances, kids rides and much more. Those travelling by train with East Suffolk lines will also receive a goody bag for children.

Find out more about Beccles Christmas Lights switch-on

Cromer Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Saturday 7th December 2024
  • Time: 10am-5pm
  • Location: Cromer Town Centre (various venues)

Spend a festive day in Cromer to get into the Christmas spirit, start at the Parish Hall where there will be lots of stalls and vendors from 10am to 5pm. From 11am, Santa tours the town before settling in the Community Centre where you will find Santa's Grotto from 12pm-3.30pm. Visit the Church where there will be live entertainment from 1.30pm to 5pm, including a school choir performance from 2.30pm. There will also be a Children’s Poster Competition Presentation inside the Church
at 2.55pm, and other presentations from 4pm. Santa and the Mayor will lead a torchlight procession from North Lodge Park rom 4.20pm before Christmas Carols in the Churchyard, finishing with the Cromer Christmas Light Switch On at 5pm.

Find out more about Cromer Christmas Lights switch-on

North Walsham Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Saturday 30th November 2024
  • Time: 6pm
  • Location: North Walsham Town Centre

Find out more about North Walsham Christmas Lights switch-on

Chantry Place Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: 2nd November 2024
  • Location: Chantry Place

Don't miss Chantry Place's spectacular Christmas lights featuring Santa’s sleigh and an 8m Christmas tree inside. There's also a new Christmas present photo opportunity on Chantry Square.

Find out more about Chantry Place Christmas Lights switch-on

Holt Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Friday 15th November – 5th January 2025
  • Location: Holt High Street

Sadly this year's Holt Christmas Light switch-on has been cancelled, but you can still enjoy the sparkling lights this festive season. Visit Holt to enjoy them from Friday 15th November until 5th January.

Find out more about Holt Christmas Lights switch-on

Finnbar’s Force Christmas Lights switch-on

  • Date: Saturday 30th November 2024
  • Time: 5pm
  • Location: Park Green, Hethersett
Enjoy a festive mince pie, mulled wine, and a visit from Santa to set the village sparkling! Arrival is from 5pm, and the lights will be switched on at 6pm.
 

Norfolk Christmas Markets

Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show

  • Date: Friday 8th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th November 2024
  • Location: Norfolk Showground
  • Price: Adults £8 (£9.50 OTD), over 60s £7.50, and children (5-15) £4.50

There's 300 stands full of festive spirit, with everything from chocolate and children’s gifts to jewellery and gin. Sip on a mulled wine and get all your Christmas shopping done!

The Norfolk Artisan Fair at Christmas

  • Date: Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 November
  • Time: 9.30am-4pm
  • Location: Fakenham Racecourse
  • Price: £5 adults (£6 OTD), under 16s free

Over 100 indoor and outdoor stalls to browse and mince pies to munch while you soak up the festive feels at this artisan fair.

Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair

  • Date: Sat 16 – Sun 17 Nov
  • Location: Sandringham
  • Price: Adults, £12, over 65s £11, and children (5-15) £5

A right Royal start to Christmas! Festive fun with everything from an opera-singing Santa to an elf on a bubble bike – enjoy live music, global street food, and kids entertainment.

Norwich Vegans Christmas Market

  • Date: Sun 24 November
  • Time: 10am to 4pm
  • Location: The Forum, Norwich
  • Price: Free entry

Support Norwich's independent traders while supporting the animals and the planet. Running for eight years, the festive fair will have lots of delicious, festive, plant-based food, drinks and gifts.

Wells Christmas Tide Festival

  • Date: Fri 29 & Sat 30 Nov 2024

Take Christmas to the next level at Wells Christmas Tide Festival where you can see Santa arriving at Wells Quay by boat! Expect carol singing, mulled wine, Christmas lights switch on and fireworks over the marshes.

Creake Abbey’s Christmas Gift Fair

  • Date: Saturday November 23
  • Location: Creake Abbey

Over 60 local creatives selling everything from artisan jewellery, to pottery and natural skin and hair products. A perfect place to pick up your Christmas gifts.

Pensthorpe Christmas Market

  • Date: Sunday 24th November 2024
  • Location: Pensthorpe
  • Price: £3

Pick up some unique local gifts, listen to live music and enjoy plenty of festive treats. Held in the courtyard hub, this popular outdoor pop-up market promises stalls from the region’s top food and drink suppliers, artists and craft makers.

Christmas Events with the National Trust

Christmas at Blickling Hall

The magnificent National Trust estate will be welcoming visitors through the Christmas period for a festive visit they won't forget. This breathtaking Jacobean mansion is surrounded by beautiful parkland and is a firm favourite within Norfolk. This year's festive celebrations take visitors back in time to enjoy a 1930's Christmas before venturing outside to experience the twinkling Garden of Lights. 

Journey Through the Stars

  • Dates: Saturday 30 November until Sunday 5 January
  • Time: 11am – 2.30pm
  • Booking: No need to book

Inspired by the conservation of a wonderful Star Atlas from the stunning Long Gallery, this winter Blickling presents you with the stars! Explore star-filled rooms, wonder at the skies above as you explore the story of this special book. With light installations, family fun and games and a chance to help decorate the hall, this is an opportunity to see the Star Atlas by Andreas Cellarius, a masterpiece of Dutch mapmaking, and wonder at the creativity it has inspired. Enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping in the shop or pop into the second-hand bookshop in the Farmyard to browse a selection of specialist books. Tuck into delicious seasonal food and warming drinks in the Stables and Muddy Boots cafés.

Garden of Lights at Blickling

  • Date: 28 November to 18 December
  • Time: 4pm – 8pm
  • Booking: Pre-booking essential

Spend a evening at Blickling Hall enjoying their magical garden of lights. Soak up the festive atmosphere as you begin your visit at the twinkling walled garden. The Parterre and Orangery gardens are ablaze with colour and light, a feast for the senses at the Temple where you'll find festive food treats, or enjoy pizza and cocktails.

Tickets and more information about Christmas at Blickling Hall

Christmas at Felbrigg Hall

  • Date: 22nd November to 16th December
  • Time: 11 – 3pm
  • Booking: No booking required

Explore this elegant 17th century house during the festive season for a traditional family Christmas full of surprises and delights. Delve into the beautiful building's historical past starting with the opulently decorated Christmas tree in the morning room, before moving on to the festive fest in the dining room and traditional games and drinks in the drawing room. Keep an eye out for the Christmas trail, and even have a peek into how the servants would have celebrated in the servant's corridor.

Families can enjoy Wild Wood Hall: The search for Red, a new indoor trail around the ground floor of the 17th century house with imaginative decorations, animal illustrations and soundscapes recorded on the estate. There will be craft activities and a quiet break-out space will be available for those with additional sensory needs.

Tickets and more information about Christmas at Felbrigg Hall

Christmas at Oxburgh Hall

  • Date: Thursday to Sunday from now – closed 19-28 December
  • Time: 11am to 2.30pm
  • Some pre-booking required

Kick off the festive season at Oxburgh Hall where they're celebrating 'The Hidden Twelve Days of Christmas' with a series of events to delight families and visitors. Enjoy the house's traditional decorations, storytelling with Father Christmas, and delicious festive treats. Oxburgh Hall has Christmas all wrapped up with Christmas stories read by Santa in the cosy Potting Shed second-hand bookshop at weekends in December. Spreading festive cheer, choirs and brass bands will be playing seasonal music in Oxburgh’s courtyard at weekends in December. Join them on Thursdays and Fridays for guided tours of the house where you can explore the North Bedroom and also see the Marian Hangings which are now back on display at Oxburgh Hall for the first time since the roof restoration project began in 2016. The ground floor rooms, North Bedroom and Marian Hangings room, will be open at weekends.

Tickets and more information about Christmas at Oxburgh Hall

Check out 8 of the best Norfolk stately homes to explore

Norfolk Christmas Events you won't want to miss

Christmas at Holkham Hall

Don't miss the festive season at Holkham Hall, when the beautiful house is decked in its finery for Christmas. As seen on Channel 4’s ‘Christmas at Holkham’, the Hall’s state rooms are decked each year, making them truly magical, and it’s even better in person! Be amazed as you take it all in on this self-led tour this Christmastime. Join a wreath making workshop, shop for a Christmas tree, or pick up gifts or decorations at the Christmas pop-up shop.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular

Extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music humour and variety suitable for ages 8+.  This fast moving celebration of the festive season features an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year round favourites with a cast of 130 performers. 

Winter Wonderland Norwich

East Anglia’s spectacular Christmas destination, Winter Wonderland Norwich, is all set to return and promises to be even BETTER! Immerse yourself in everything festive and join in the fun for what promises to be Norfolks best ever outdoor Christmas event.

Luminate Light Trail at Sandringham

Aspectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. As darkness descends, take an enchanting journey, as you weave a captivating light trail through the Royal Parkland at Sandringham. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising mile long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous interactive light play, all set to music. On the route you will find mulled wine and marshmallows for toasting on fire pits.

 

Best places to see Father Christmas in Norfolk

The North Norfolk Pole Experience at Pensthorpe

Santa Claus and his team are taking residence here for 9 days in December. Kick-start your Christmas celebrations with a little magic and come along to our North Norfolk Pole experience – suitable for all ages! This experience consists of a 1.5 hour experience with Santa, his helpers and Mrs Claus (plus lots of surprises), along with drop in activity stations including reindeer food making. 

Santa River Cruise

  • Date: 30th November - 23rd December
  • Location: Wroxham
  • Company: Broads Tours
  • Price: £24 per person

Set sail with Broads Tours on the Santa River Cruise. Santa’s Elves will have a gift bag for all children aboard over 3 years old and a festive treat. Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto and receive a present from Santa himself! Adults will receive a glass of mulled wine and a festive treat. Listen to festive music as you cruise down to Wroxham Broad. 

Santa Special trains

  • Date: Every weekend between November 23 to December 15 and then daily between December 20 and 23
  • Location: North Norfolk Railway

Enjoy a magical, festive journey along the railway line from Sheringham to Holt while being served complimentary refreshments by elves. On the return journey, the train will stop at Weybourne Station where guests can then explore a Christmas tree forest before entering the grotto, meeting Santa and receiving their gift.

Church Farm

  • Date: November 30 to December 23
  • Location: Lynn Road, Stow Bardolph, PE34 3HT
  • Price: £31 for a child & adult

Visit Church Farm's Santa's grotto before seeing farm animals in traditional nativity scenes, taking photos in Santa's sleigh and browsing a mini festive food market. The farm's animal encounters and play areas will also be open as usual throughout the event.

Norfolk's Christmas Pantomimes & Shows

Norwich Theatre Royal

A Christmas Carol

  • Dates: 19th to 23rd November 2024
  • Ticket prices: £10 - £50
  • Book tickets

One magical night. Three mysterious ghosts.The spirit of the season is overflowing in Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol. As the clock strikes midnight join Ebenezer Scrooge on the journey of a lifetime to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Travel with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future through family firesides, cold winter nights and the promise of a brighter future. A festive feast for the senses, Northern Ballet brings one of the most loved stories of all time to life.

Aladdin – Pantomime

  • Dates: 7th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
  • Tickets: £10-£40
  • Book tickets

A magic lamp and three wishes… What would you wish for? A ticket to Norwich Theatre’s 2024 pantomime, of course! Starring Norwich favourite Joe Tracini, back for his fifth year on our pantomime stage. Joe will be back in the centre of the comedy action and is joined by the wonderfully talented Lisa Maxwell (The Bill, EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Casualty, Loose Women) in the role of our Evil Aunt. West End musical theatre star Tarik Frimpong plays our good guy and title character, Aladdin, with Jazz being played by Meesha Turner (SIX the musical and the West End stage show Stranger Things). And it wouldn’t be panto without a dame! Introducing Owen Evans, best known as one half of the Norfolk favourite comedy duo, the Nimmo Twins!

Norwich Puppet Theatre

A Christmas Carol

A Seagull Christmas Carol is an imaginative, playful and faithful adaptation of the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge; a cranky old miser who makes life a misery for everyone he meets, until an evening of ghostly visitations forces a dramatic change in him.

Sleeping Beauty – Pantomime

  • Date: 14th to 31st December 2024
  • Tickets: £12-14
  • Book tickets

Norwich Puppet Theatre’s Puppet Pantomime returns for a thrilling third year in the shape of The Sleeping Beauty. Expect a fast paced adventure with beautiful puppets in spectacular costumes, wonderful and witty new songs, captivating visuals and hilarious jokes for the whole family. If you are looking for a treat this Christmas make sure you don’t miss this dazzling production packed full of wonderful puppetry new surprises and traditional seasonal sparkle!

Cromer Pier Christmas Show

The highly acclaimed Cromer Pier Christmas Show will warm your hearts and get you well and truly in the Christmas spirit. An eclectic blend of the finest variety entertainment on the planet in one enthralling festive theatre show. Expect all the usual West End production values, including our jaw-dropping 8-meter video wall, delivering impressive special effects alongside our unique and traditional scene sets, creating a visual sensation.

The Hippodrome Circus – Christmas Spectacular Circus and Water Show

Festive themed circus show with an international circus cast for a vibrant show you won't forget.

Gorleston Pavilion

Cinderella – Pantomime

Following on from the huge success of 'Dick Whittington - The Traditional Family Pantomime' in 2023, Gorleston Pavilion are hugely excited to announce that their 2024 pantomime will be ... Cinderella! Join in on a magical adventure that follows the classic tale of Cinderella, Buttons, the Good Fairy and of course the Ugly Sisters and their Wicked Stepmother.

Jack & the Beanstalk – Pantomime

Follow the adentures of Jack as he climbs the beanstalk to try and defeat the evil giant that lives in the clouds above. This timeless classic is sure to entertain audiences of all ages with its mixture of magic, colourful characters, crazy comedy, and a healthy dose of audience participation, in the very best pantomime tradition. Those who have seen Triple T pantomimes before will know what to expect, but those who haven’t ……. you’re in for a real treat!!

Maddermarket Theatre

Xmas Pop Party

Xmas Pop Party is BACK at the Maddermarket this December, celebrating 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' with Live Music, Singing, Dancing, Circus and Christmas Comedy - perfect for little and big kids from 1 to 101!  Enjoy a star-studded setlist from Mariah Carey and Wham to Bing and Bublé and sing and dance your hearts out to such classics as “White Christmas” and “Fairytale of New York” as our talented cast of Performers, Characters and Live Band bring your favourite festive hits to life.

Fantastic Mr Fox

Written by Roald Dahl and adapted by David Wood, FANTASTIC MR FOX is the Maddermarket’s family Christmas show for 2024. This adventurous tale follows a family of foxes, as they battle farmers, rats and JCBs to protect their underground community of larger-than-life creatures.  This production promises to be a spectacle, as we use puppetry, movement and music to deliver an evening of storytelling for all the family.

Sheringham Little Theatre

Robin Hood – Pantomime

Join the heroic outlaw, the arrow-shooting hero Robin Hood, as he strives to win the hand of the beautiful Maid Marion. Will Robin and his trusty Merry Crew outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham? Robin Hood features all the ingredients of a perfect pantomime: a fabulous cast, laugh out loud comedy, fantastic dancers, popular songs, bundles of audience participation, special effects, and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.