by Katie Thompson
There are so many fun and festive things to do in Norwich and Norfolk this Christmas. So much so, the build-up is sure to be as exciting as the big day itself!
This special season is made for spending quality time with family. From pantomime performances to Christmassy crafts and Yuletide trails, it’ll be hard not to get in the spirit!
One thing’s for certain- it’s best to book in advance. Spreading Christmas cheer from the start of the season to the school holidays, here’s our round-up for the best things to do for families in Norwich this Christmas!
It’s panto season! Oh, yes, it is!
What’s Christmas without a panto? Luckily, Norwich has a whole host to choose from, whether it’s your first-ever show or you love to go year after year. Expect plenty of laughs and cheers (and a few boos and hisses)!
At Norwich Theatre Royal, classic tale Cinderella is heading to the beach (6 December – 4 January, from £10)! With a stellar cast of soap stars, West End performers and Norwich regulars, immerse yourself in this magical tale as Cinderella dreams of life far from her wicked sisters and meeting a handsome prince.
Meanwhile, Norwich Puppet Theatre is bringing Aladdin to life (13 December – 4 January, adults £16, children £14). Join the kind-hearted street mouse as he discovers a magical lamp and unleashes the Genie’s hilarious and unpredictable power! With flying carpets, evil sorcerers and a quest to win Princess Jasmine’s heart, this is a heart-warming family show.
For younger audiences, try The Garage’s My First Panto: Rapunzel (7 – 28 December, £16.50pp). Especially for under 7s, this interactive show is full of special lights, sensory experiences and playful entertainment to get involved with!
And for a less traditional show, how about Treasure Island at the Maddermarket Theatre (19 December – 3 January, adults £18, children £12)? Enjoy this timeless tale and let the adventure begin. Packed with pirates and buried treasure, discover where X marks the spot!
Will you find all of Castle Quarter’s Christmas trees?
Christmas is the season of goodwill, so you can enjoy Castle Quarter’s trails and events knowing you’re supporting the local community. Follow the centre’s beautiful Christmas Tree Trail and pick your favourite. And while you’re at it, can you spot all nine of Santa’s trusty reindeer to win a special prize?
Speaking of reindeer, you’ll also have the chance to meet two in-person and wish them luck for their around-the-world journey on Christmas Eve (Monday 22 December, 12pm – 4pm)!
See if you can find all the Christmas crowns hidden in Norwich’s most festive window displays!
Join this citywide family-friendly festive treasure hunt in honour of Norwich Castle Keep’s reopening! Inspired by Henry I’s Christmas at the Castle in 1121, the Christmas Crown Trail will guide families to the city’s most creative window displays, searching out crowns and clues beneath glittering lights, for the chance to win some incredible prizes. All you need to do is pick up a map! (Or download yours here!)
And in Norwich Castle itself, you can help prepare for King Henry I’s visit with a series of interactive 20-minute performances and festive tasks to get involved with! From cooking to cleaning to setting the table fit for a royal feast.
Father Christmas is ready to greet you at Strangers’ Hall
There’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than a visit to Father Christmas! At Strangers’ Hall, step into his workshop to say hello and let him know what you’d like for Christmas, before exploring the traditionally decorated house and hunting down all the Christmas Mice! While you’re here, get hands on with festive crafts: make your very own mouse and create decorations using the Bayeux Tapestry stitch.
Sing and dance along to the Maddermarket’s Xmas Pop Party!
‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year!’ From classic carols to jolly pop songs, you’ll soon get into the Christmas spirit at the Maddermarket’s Xmas Pop Party. Think live music, singing, dancing, circus and comedy- with a set list that includes the likes of Mariah, Wham!, Bing and Bublé. For ‘kids from one to ninety-two’ (and beyond), it’s sure to be a festive hit!
Redwell Brewery is ready to welcome you to their Christmas Activity Day!
Redwell Brewery’s Christmas Activity Day is bursting with exciting things to do! Start your afternoon meeting the Grinch before stepping into Santa’s grotto. Then it’s all about crafting decorations that’ll shine on your tree for many years to come, before decorating (and gobbling up) your own Christmas cookie. Plus, see if you can hunt down the cheeky Elf on a Shelf!
Enjoy Santa’s Tea Party at the Maids Head
As the excitement for the big day builds, enjoy a special Santa’s Tea Party at the Maids Head. Surrounded by festive decorations, try your hand at seasonal cake decorating and dance along to Yuletide entertainment. Plus, there’s a gift from Santa ready for you to nestle under the tree once you get home!
Immerse yourself in the festive brilliance of Thursford
Surely there’s nowhere in Norfolk as festive as Thursford? We suggest going as it begins to get dark to truly experience the magic’s full effect!
For families, Santa’s Magical Journey is a must-do (children from £24 (includes gift), adults from £17)! For children, this is an enchanting experience like no other. And for the bigger kids, it’s full of nostalgia! Follow the path to Father Christmas and cherish every moment as you pass teddies, penguins and polar bears to his grotto!
And outside awaits the Enchanted Journey of Light (from £18pp)! Through this lantern light extravaganza, marvel at larger-than-life creatures and breathtaking luminous sculptures. Think fantasy underwater worlds, creatures of the North Pole and a train with real steam!
And if you book a ticket for Santa’s Magical Journey, the Enchanted Journey of Light is included, so now there’s no excuse not to experience both!
There’s so much at Sparkle at ROARR! From markets to pantomimes, Father Christmas to grottos for dogs!
At ROARR! this Christmas, there really is something for the entire family (that goes for your furry friends too)! Add some Sparkle to the season with ROARR!’s Christmas market, seasonal street food and live performance (FREE).
A festive first, Norwich Theatre and ROARR! have joined forces for Festive Forest Fables- A Cinderella Illuminated Fairytale (28 November – 23 December, adults £19.95, children £16.95). Wander through an illuminated woodland wonderland filled with glittering lights, theatrical elements and magical surprises, meeting characters and discovering larger-than-life props!
At Father Christmas’ Grotto, journey to the North Pole to meet the big man himself (5 – 23 December, £21.95pp). Accompanied by Mother Christmas and his merry elves, you can expect plenty of treats!
And for your pup? Bark in the Dark is back (Sunday 7 December, £19.95pp)! Enter the Dog Grotto for a festive ‘pawtrait’ with Father Christmas, doggy treats, a stocking filled with goodies and more!
Wander through beautiful illuminated woodland at Fairhaven this Christmas
Immerse yourself in a shimmering woodland rustic at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden with their Christmas Lights Walk. See your little ones’ faces light up as your follow the trail through glowing trees, twinkling deer families and colourful illuminations. (Followed by a warming hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, of course!)
Immerse yourself in BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas this winter
Celebrate the festive season at BeWILDerwood under a starry skies and twinkling trees with their whimsical Sparkly Light Trail. See how many smiling snowmen you can spot along the way- keep an eye out for Father Christmas too! Then sit down for a heartwarming mini pantomime packed with festive cheer!
Marvel at the North Norfolk Pole at Pensthorpe
At Pensthorpe, be transported to the magical land of the North Norfolk Pole! Explore the delightful Elf Village, where you can enrol in Elf Academy and enjoy a magical performance, before meeting Santa and his helpers. Along the way, take part in Christmas crafts and make reindeer food ready for their arrival on Christmas Eve. And before you go, remember to visit Santa’s Toy Shop, where you’ll receive a specially chosen gift!
All aboard the Bure Valley Railway’s Festive Express!
All aboard the Festive Express! Chug along our beautiful countryside in Bure Valley Railway’s traditional steam engines, where you can admire the view and munch on festive treats from the warmth of your own private compartment. And when you arrive back at Aylsham, Father Christmas and his elves will be waiting to greet you on his sleigh with a personalised present!
