by Katie Thompson
Come December, the festive season is well and truly upon us! We’re stuffed full, but never stuffy, with long-held traditions and a sprinkle of now. So, what better way to spread some Christmas cheer, than getting involved with all the seasonal events that Norwich and Norfolk have to offer?
It’s not Christmas without a panto or visit to Santa, after all. There’s something for history buffs and furry friends, too. And when you need a break from all the festivities, we’ve got stand-up True Stories Live and a murder mystery that’ll take you into the New Year.
It’s time to mark your calendars and start planning! Deck the halls your way. Here’s what’s on in December!
And if that’s not enough, then check out our City of Stories blog for even more Yuletide fun- whether you’re looking for:
Family Things to Do | Christmassy Nights Out | Festive Things to Do | Accessible Performances
What quirky traditions will you uncover on The Shoebox Experiences’ Christmas tour?
In a city with 1000 years of history, it’s no surprise that we’ve celebrated Christmas in myriad different ways over that time!
With The Shoebox Experiences’ Chronicles of Christmas Tour, an engaging and knowledgeable tour guide will lead you through Norwich’s sparkling streets, discovering quirky traditions from the Roman era to present day. On this 90-minute voyage of discovery, you’ll encounter some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the beautiful Royal Arcade. And it’s ideal for friends, family and colleagues to get to know our city a little better and share some magic together.
Embrace the Christmas festivities at Strangers’ Hall this December. Visit Father Christmas in his workshop to let him know what you’d like for Christmas, before exploring the traditionally decorated house, hunting down Christmas Mice before the cat does! This is an experience for everyone, prioritising sensory elements and accessibility for everyone. And whilst you’re here, take part in a ‘crafternoon’ where you can make your very own mouse, decorations using the Bayeux Tapestry stitch and beautiful copper garlands.
With this tour, you’ll get to taste a range of warming winter spirits, all the while learning about their history
A warming winter walking tour under Norwich’s twinkling Christmas lights? Sign us up!
Led by knowledgeable World Spirits Judge and Cheese Sommelier Cheryl Cade, this Winter Spirits tour will take you across the city, stopping at local food and drink spots where you’ll taste a range of spirits in a variety of warming ways, each one carefully paired with a seasonal nibble. And you’ll learn about the history of these spirits and our fine city along the way. Think local gin, rum and more from Norwich Market to our Royal Arcade and popular Belgian beer bar Bier Draak!
With a stellar cast and all time classic tale, Norwich Theatre’s panto promises to be a good ‘un this December!
Pumpkins at the ready, glass slippers on- you shall go to the ball! This year, Norwich Theatre Royal’s ever-popular pantomime is all-time classic Cinderella! (Oh, yes, it is!)
And this time Cinders and her best friend Buttons are headed to the beach! From the confines of her seaside hotel and wicked sisters, will Cinderella’s dreams ever come true?
With a stellar cast that includes soap stars Georgia May Foote and Danny Hatchard, West End performers Hannah Jane Fox and Jeevan Braich and, of course, Norfolk legends Kenny Moore, Owen Evans and Joe Trancini, this is a panto with more cheer than your heart’s desire!
Calling all Norwich City fans! This December, why not take a 90-minute tour of Carrow Road, but with a festive twist? On a wintry Sunday, go behind-the-scenes at the Canaries’ home, uncovering exclusive areas like the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, press conference room, trophy cabinet, directors box and more. There really is so much to see!
What’s more, this Christmas special means you’ll be treated to a hot drink, mince pie and an all-important Norwich City Christmas hat to wear for many seasons to come (football, festive or otherwise). And if you can’t fit a tour in this December, a ticket to Norwich City’s upcoming tours would make a wonderful Christmas present!
Discover Norwich’s most spooky tales, followed by a festive drink and a mince pie!
If you like your festive season with a side of spookiness, make sure to check out Norwich Ghost Walks’ Christmas Special Guided Walks! Join their spine-tingling storytellers as you uncover eerie and gruesome local tales packed with plenty of gallows humour!
And along the way, you’ll stop at 3 of Norwich’s famous pubs, packed with even more history. At the Adam & Eve, Lollards Pit and Red Lion Bishopsgate, you’ll be greeted with a festive drink to warm you up in the midst of these chilling tales. Think hot mulled wine, half a pint of lager, and spiced tea with rum, accompanied by a mince pie. Sign us up!
Christmas is a time for all the family!
Christmas is all about spending time with family- and we mean all the family, furry friends included!
At Santa’s Grotto for Dogs, you can share the magic of Christmas with your four-legged friends, all in support of the RSPCA. Located outside The Forum, there will be treats and goodies for both dogs and their owners, with festive costumes encouraged for everyone. Plus, you can commemorate the day with a ‘pawtrait’ with special guest Santa Paws!
Elsewhere, The Forum is full of festive cheer, thanks to a series of family film screenings (20, 21 & 23 December), the return of the traditional Victorian Gallopers and a 50ft high big wheel offering brilliant city views (both 20 December – 4 January, £3.50)!
Cosy up with a festive feline workshop at The Cat House
That goes for festive felines too! At The Cat House, you can enjoy a ‘meowy’ Christmas with a whole host of fun workshops and gentle events fit for the season.
With Clay Cat Baubles and Christmas Crochet Cats, Linocut Christmas Cat Cards, Santa-Cat Sock Plushies and more, you can let your creativity run wild! Or for something a little more relaxed, there’s a Gin, Quiz & Cats evening hosted by local expert Cheryl Cade and sell-out Cats by Candlelight evenings. This is a feast for the senses, where you can escape the hustle and bustle in a twinkling cat-filled environment, fuelled by mulled wine and tasty treats!
Listen to real people’s moving and unpredictable stories at Norwich Arts Centre
Christmas is a time for sharing stories and making memories. That’s where True Stories Live comes in.
At Norwich Arts Centre, this lively, moving and unpredictable event invites real people to tell stories about their lives in front of a warm and supportive audience. In December, the theme is ‘celebrate’- open for any speaker to interpret as they wish. With community and empathy at its heart, this event promises to be a truly heartwarming and uplifting evening.
Start Christmas Day with a sauna at The Lions’ Den!
You’ve heard of a Christmas day swim- well, how about a Christmas day sauna? Yes, you heard that right!
This year, on the big day itself, The Lions’ Den will be open at their riverside location tucked away on the banks of the Wensum. Start your morning- before or after presents, that’s up to you- with a 9am paddle, followed by a reinvigorating sauna session (9am – 12pm). Not forgetting that all-important cold plunge! And while you’re here, spend some time under the canopies, tucked under cosy blankets and surrounded by glowing fairy lights, with a non-alcoholic bucks fizz and a mince pie. It is Christmas, after all!
Meet Father Christmas in his brand-new Penguin Grotto at Banham Zoo
This year, Father Christmas has swapped snow for safari as he heads to Banham Zoo’s Penguin Cove!
Visit Santa in his enchanting grotto to capture treasured photos and magical memories- as well as a hand-picked present! Afterwards, explore the sparkling sights, encounter amazing animals, and hop aboard the glowing Christmas Train Ride, before taking a seat at Banham’s festive stage show- brimming with music, laughter and pantomime-inspired antics. This is a fully festive family day out!
Will you solve Barnham broom’s NYE murder mystery?
The Spy Who Loved Tee, Diamond Are Fore-ever, Golf-finger… It’s up to you to solve the Bond-themed murder mystery at Barnham Broom this New Year’s Eve!
Master criminals are turning up dead on greens with golden tees in their eyes. When MI6 has just received one marked ‘007’, M gathers the remaining villains at Barnham Broom to discover the truth…
But the night doesn’t end there! Enjoy a delicious four-course dinner (dishes include Parma ham-wrapped monkfish, game terrine and an assiette of mini desserts), before dancing the night away as you welcome in 2026!
