What's On in December

25 November 2021

What’s On in December 2021

To find out what’s happening in Norwich this Christmas 2022, read our blog here!

That’s right. December is nearly upon us, and another year has gone by – but that doesn’t mean the fun stops! If anything, December is the best month of the year. Of course, there’s Christmas itself to look forward to, but in the run-up to the holiday there’s festive markets, seasonal theatre, carols, light shows and more. Want to make the most of December in Norwich? Read on for our round-up of what’s on!

Theatre

December means the Christmas theatre season officially kicks off, and there’s plenty of treats to be had.

My First Panto: Cinderella Rocks, The Garage

My First Panto returns with a brand-new show. This telling of Cinderella is the perfect introduction to theatre, aimed at ages 7 and below with singing, dancing and comedy. Socially distanced, relaxed and BSL performances also available. From 26 November – 16 January, £13.50 adults, £8.50 children.

The Garage

The Garage

Robin Good: The Politico-Panto, Norwich Playhouse

The newly created Minister for Greed & Division wants to deport the people of Norfolk to Suffolk and turn the county into a holiday resort for billionaires. But one person is determined to foil these dastardly plans: young queer socialist vegan social media influencer Robin Good. From 8 December – 19 December. Tickets from £14.

Dick Whittington and his Cat, Norwich Theatre Royal

Don’t miss this year’s panto with a host of TV stars, a lockdown Youtube sensation, a former wife of Henry VIII and the UK’s youngest one-man-band musician, joining Norwich’s favourite pantomime dame for this year’s much anticipated production, Dick Whittington and his Cat. From 11 December – 9 January. Tickets from £18.50.

Pinocchio, Norwich Puppet Theatre

Join Pinocchio on a fast-paced adventure of self-discovery, as they try, fail, and try again to find their heart and become a real person. Enjoy puppetry, live music, and object theatre in this brand-new, highly visual, family show created by Norwich Puppet Theatre. From 17 December – 4 January. Tickets £9.

Jack Frost, Norwich Theatre Stage Two

A magical, wintery production brings Jack Frost to life through puppetry, music, and enchanting storytelling. A story about embracing and celebrating difference to warm hearts this winter. From 18 – 23 December. Tickets from £10.

Jack Frost at Norwich Theatre Royal Stage Two

Jack Frost at Norwich Theatre Royal Stage Two

Christmas Carols

What’s better than enjoying some traditional Christmas music in the beautiful surroundings of our two cathedrals?

Carols by Candlelight, Cathedral of St John the Baptist

Join the Cathedral Choir for their concert of Christmas Music, Carols by Candlelight. Hear traditional and secular Christmas music, as well as joining in yourself! Book your tickets online for only £15 per person, which includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. 17 December, 7.30pm.

Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight, Norwich Cathedral

A highlight of the Christmas season, Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir and Norwich Baroque present their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah with a cast of internationally acclaimed soloists. 11 December, 7.30pm. Tickets from £14.

Christmas at Norwich Cathedral

Christmas at Norwich Cathedral

Time to party

Whether you’re looking for activities to enjoy with friends, or some fun to be had with colleagues from the office on a merry night out – there’s plenty of options.

Bowling House

Bowling House is already set up for a great night out with fab food, cocktails, bowling and karaoke on offer. But they’ve also got a variety of events happening over the festive season. Fancy a night of laughs? Check out Hooma Comedy Club (3, 10, 19 December, £7.50). Is live music more your thing? Then pop along to Flat Moon + Wreck (5 December, £5) for some Brit-funk tunes. For something more wacky head over for Xmas Bingo Bango Bongo (7, 8, 15, 16 December, £10). All the fun of prize bingo with a funky soundtrack and some surprises. Or why not keep it classically Christmas with BFR Presents: Muppets Christmas Carol singalong (12 December, £7).

Bowling House Bingo

Bowling House Bingo

Mysabar, Castle Gardens

Cosy up under the lights of Norwich Castle at Mysabar. With a covered tent and heaters, plus hot food served up by fantastic local vendors, you’ll stay nice and warm. And it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some drinks with friends from the 18-tap bar. Until 2 January, free.

Norfolk

Fancy a day trip from Norwich? You’ll be wowed with what’s on offer across Norfolk.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast-moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites. With a cast of 130 this is the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe! 9 November – 23 December, from £38.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2019 Mascarade

Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2019 Mascarade

Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light 2021

Throughout your journey you’ll meet lots of fantasy land characters and discover enchanting light displays. With an outside bar, food, and vintage funfair (funfair rides not included in the price), you’re sure to have a magical day out. 19 November – 23 December, £18 per person.

Holkham Hall

The magic of Christmas can certainly be felt at Holkham Hall this winter. From candlelight tours of the house (from 1 – 29 December, £28) to a canine carol service (12 December, free) – there’s plenty of activities to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the Christmas market (18 – 19 December, £2) with fantastic food, drink and goods from local suppliers. Or for something a little more sophisticated, spend an afternoon with Lady Glenconner, joined by ITV’s David Whiteley (27 December, £45). Plus, they have a Christmas tree shop (daily from 25 November) – so you can leave with a locally-grown tree as well as cherished memories from your visit!

Holkham Hall at Christmas

Holkham Hall at Christmas

Dippy’s Christmas Celebration, Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure

Enjoy a Christmas celebration during the day with Jingle All The Day when the park is open or visit at night for a magic evening at the Sparkle In The Dark event. Journey through the festive wintery route with the elves and meet Father & Mother Christmas. Get your magic passport from the elves, a candy cane, hot chocolate, and the golden ticket to exchange for a gift in Father Christmas’ toy shop. Perfect for families! 26 November – 23 December, tickets from £15.

Christmas Afternoon Tea, The Norfolk Mead

Escape from it all for an afternoon in relaxed luxury at a country house venue. You can take your time in the bar or lounge areas with comfy sofas, candles, and roaring log fires. Everything is homemade on site or sourced locally from the best Norfolk produce and suppliers. 1 – 31 December, £18.50.

Festive Express, Bure Valley Railway

Hop on board a Festive Express steam train this December. Enjoy a 1-hour experience from Aylsham Station including festive treats, a 30-minute steam train ride and a visit to see Santa in his grotto. Each child will receive a personalised present from Santa himself. 4 – 24 December, £15.

Santa Trips at the Bure Valley Railway

Santa Trips at the Bure Valley Railway in North Norfolk

Santa Explorer, Pensthorpe Natural Park

Hop on board the Santa Explorer and journey through the enchanted forest on a quest to find Santa this December. Wrap up warm and see how the parkland has transformed in the glow of thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Once you’ve found Santa, snuggle up in the viewing gallery with a hot chocolate (or glass of mulled wine for the adults!) and nibble on a tasty treat while watching Santa give a very special bird feed talk with the warden. After the talk, make your way into Santa’s Grotto where your family will enjoy a private audience with Santa and your child will receive an early Christmas present. Various dates in December, £9.95 adults, £14.95 children.

Chris Levine at Houghton Hall

Houghton Hall in Norfolk is set to be transformed by a major solo exhibition of contemporary British artist, Chris Levine, 528 Hz Love Frequency. Featuring a series of new holographic artworks, print works and large immersive laser and LED installations, this is not to be missed! 22 October – 23 December 2021, Thursday – Saturday, £18.

Chris Levine at Houghton Hall

Chris Levine at Houghton Hall