by Katie Thompson
The City of Stories is full of festive cheer come Christmastime. And there’s so much to get you in the spirit!
From artisan Christmas markets to harmonious performance found festive and folky and stores fronting magical windows full of charm. We’ve got cheery social spaces, seasonal food and drink offerings and workshops aplenty.
Norwich at Christmas is all about traditional with a twist, history with a sprinkle of now. So, deck the halls your way this festive season with our Christmas in Norwich round-up!
Norwich has over 20 individual artisanal markets this Christmas!
//City of Literature Christmas Market at Dragon Hall | Saturday 22 November NEW!
Find the perfect literary gift from publishers and makers across the region in England’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
//Festive Fair at The Forum | 27 – 30 November
With stalls indoors and outdoors, East Anglian-made products, live entertainment, a brass band and tasty treats, Festive Fair is one of Norwich’s most popular markets for a reason!
//Clutter City Winter Market at Norwich Arts Centre | Saturday 6 December
Under twinkly lights to the tune of Christmas classics, peruse a lovely array of makers and creatives from Norwich and Norfolk.
//Norwich Ceramics Market at the Forum | Sunday 7 December NEW!
New for 2025, browse a curated selection of beautiful ceramics as well as functional pottery with added personality, from hand-thrown cups to sculptural pieces.
For a full round-up, check out The Best Christmas Markets in Norwich!
Our beautiful shopping areas are adorned with festive displays and home to both independents and high street names
//Jarrolds & the Norwich Lanes
Home to our flagship independent department store Jarrolds and a fantastic array of unique indies, the Norwich Lanes has plenty to choose from, including fashion, lifestyle, books, food and more!
Whether you’re shopping for lifestyle lovers, plant enthusiasts or beauty buffs, the Royal Arcade boasts an attractive selection of local independents. And for something truly special, there’s Sonkai’s bespoke jewellery.
//Shopping Centres and Department Stores
For high street heroes and well-known names, head straight to Chantry Place, perfect for fashion, tech and homeware, while Castle Quarter is ideal for experiential gifts. And Norwich is home to local flagships like John Lewis, too.
Check out Christmas Shopping in Norwich for all the details!
Fish and chips meets Christmas roast? Only at Grosvenor Fish Bar!
//Sir Toby’s Beers and Bier Draak
People watch with a warming Glühwein on Norwich Market at Sir Toby’s Beers (slug of brandy optional) or indulge in an Irish coffee at continental beer bar Bier Draak.
A roast dinner with all the trimmings in a giant Yorkshire pud? Yes, please! At Redwell Brewery, tuck in and wash it down with a locally brewed craft beer.
This is Christmas dinner with a twist. Think chippy tea meets festive roast: turkey sausage with chips, battered stuffing balls, gravy and cranberry sauce!
Christmas is all about indulging, so treat yourself to a creamy artisanal gelato with seasonal flavours like panettone, Christmas pudding and mince pie.
How about an alfresco wood-fired sauna by the river, followed by coffee & cake? At The Lions’ Den, sip on seasonal specials, velvety drinks, sticky buns and warming toasties.
Savour Norwich’s best Christmas food and drink with our blog! Our top picks include The Last, Gonzo’s, Yalm and Jarrolds.
Norwich always has a wonderful selection of festive workshops to try
//Wreath Making | November & December
Across Norwich and Norfolk, you’ll be spoilt for choice with wreath making workshops. From the Maids Head to The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, there’s an option for every budget.
//Festive Calligraphy at Yalm | Saturday 6 December
Add a personal touch to gifts and cards with this festive calligraphy workshop. Learn modern techniques and take home your final work (and beginners’ kit)!
//Floragami Crafternoon Tea at The Assembly House | Sunday 7 December
Create your own everlasting paper mistletoe, adorned with elegant beads, whilst enjoying a cream tea and glass of mulled wine. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.
Take a look at our What’s On page for even more festive workshops!
Norwich Cathedral’s programme of Christmas caroling events is always magical
//Carols in the Cloister at Norwich Cathedral | Saturday 13 December
Listen to your favourite Christmas carols in Norwich Cathedral’s magical 900-year-old cloister, freshly made cinnamon bun and steaming electric-roasted coffee in hand.
//Cinderella at Norwich Theatre Royal | 6 December – 4 January
Pumpkins at the ready, it’s glass slipper time! Norwich Theatre is putting on a panto to remember. It’s fairytale classic Cinderella, but at the beach!
//True Stories Live: Celebrate at Norwich Arts Centre | Sunday 21 December
This is stand-up but not as you know it. Think lively, moving and unpredictable true stories in front of a live audience, all inspired by the seasonal theme ‘Celebrate’.
In Norwich, Christmas shows are for everyone. Check out our accessible performances here.
Everyone will enjoy a ride on the traditional Victorian gallopers!
//Christmas Crown Trail | 20 November – 5 January
Discover the city’s best festive displays as you search out Christmas crowns and clues with our most creative windows to be in with the chance of winning an incredible prize!
//Festive Lights Switch-On | Thursday 20 November
Norwich will be illuminated with festive cheer in one of the city’s most joyful celebrations. Think live performance, interactive entertainment and late-night food and drink on Norwich Market.
// Father Christmas Family Days at Strangers’ Hall | 29 November – 21 December
Step into Father Christmas’ workshop at Strangers’ Hall and immerse yourself in the traditionally decorated house, before getting hands-on with Christmas crafts.
//Christmas Carousel and Big Wheel at The Forum | 20 December – 4 January
Celebrate the season with a ride on a traditional Victorian gallopers, before experiencing the best view of Norwich (and all its lights!) from the heights of the Big Wheel!
//Christmas Day at The Lions’ Den | Thursday 25 December
Treat yourself to a Christmas day sauna and paddle at The Lions’ Den, followed by alcohol-free bucks fizz and mince pies. Merry Christmas!
Discover our Christmas in Norwich page for more memorable winter experiences.
