by Katie Thompson
In November, it’s time to embrace the festivities! Or not. The choice is yours. Norwich is a city of two halves this month, but one thing’s for certain: there’s plenty to keep you entertained!
For starters, it’s the return of Norwich Film Festival and Arts Fair East- a great chance to discover creatives from across East Anglia and beyond. Or in Norfolk, immerse yourself in the great outdoors with a one-of-a-kind goose flight safari!
Ready for the C-word? It’s officially Christmas in the City of Stories thanks to the ever-popular lights switch-on, Festive Fair and all-new Crown Trail. Further afield, we’re enjoying incredible performances at Thursford and Cromer Pier!
This is our round-up of what’s on in November!
Discover locally-made films at Norwich Film Festival, like Day Release by the Sainsbury Centre
Showcasing the best in local, national and international filmmaking talent, Norwich Film Festival (3 – 16 November, citywide, ticketed) is a champion of independent films and exciting new works.
From features to shorts, why not try a genre that’s new to you? With the film festival’s themed mixes, you can discover selections of sci-fi, horror, LGBTQ+, comedy and more, (including the Sainsbury Centre’s Day Release), not to mention engaging Q&As with stunt coordinators and special effects artists, and films like Thelma & Louise, The Phantom of the Opera (1925) and High Wire.
Explore the works of Art Fair East at The Assembly House
This November, Art Fair East returns to The Assembly House, showcasing a whole host of national and international artists, galleries and dealers (7 – 9 November, from 10.30am, £5). If you’re an art lover, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Whether you admire delicate ceramics or have a penchant for surrealist oil paintings, ethereal watercolours or photorealistic drawings, this art fair is made to inspire and perhaps tempt you to buy (find affordable art and investment pieces), supporting artists along the way.
Enjoy the wonderful sights of a Goose Flight Safari at Holkham
Here in Norfolk, it’s hard not to be in awe of the nature that surrounds us. With Holkham’s Goose Flight Safari, you can immerse yourself in the county’s incredible wildlife.
Between 10 – 14 & 24 – 28 November, you’ll have the chance to experience a dawn and dusk goose flight safari on the Estate’s National Nature Reserve with one of Holkham’s knowledgeable nature wardens. Just before sunrise and sunset, head down to marvel at this magnificent sight, where the warden will answer questions (including the best bird watching spots). The rest of the day is yours- to explore the grounds, for a walk on the beach or just to relax at The Victoria- where dinner, bed and breakfast is included in your stay (from £565 single occupancy for 2 nights).
The countdown is on until Norwich’s Festive Lights Switch On!
The countdown to Christmas officially begins with Norwich’s Festive Lights Switch On (20 November, FREE)!
Across the city centre, embrace seasonal cheer as a dazzling display of lights illuminates our cobbled streets. In previous years, there have been funfair rides, brass bands and more- so excitement is already building!
What’s more, the Royal Arcade will be open for their popular late night shopping event, where you can browse the likes of Lazy Lobster, Macarons & More and Yalm (with their mulled wine) for longer!
How many crowns will you find in the Christmas Crown Trail?
It’s a big year for Norwich- not only are we celebrating the reopening of Norwich Castle Keep, but it’s also VisitNorwich’s 20th anniversary! So, what better way to honour these milestones than with a family-friendly festive treasure hunt?
Inspired by Henry I’s Christmas at the Castle in 1121, the Christmas Crown Trail (20 November – 5 January, FREE) will guide visitors, families and locals alike to the city’s most creative window displays, searching out crowns and clues beneath glittering lights, for the chance to win some incredible prizes. This is Christmas for the curious- all you need to do is pick up a map!
One of the city’s most popular Christmas markets in back and bigger than ever!
One of Norwich’s most popular Christmas markets is back! Promising to be bigger and better than ever, not to mention packed full of Christmas cheer, Festive Fair at the Forum has something for everyone (27 – 30 November, various times, FREE).
Whether you’re ready to tackle that to do list or want to treat yourself, there’ll be stalls brimming with handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, textiles, preserves, cakes, calendars, cards, decorations and so much more!
Plus, you can expect live music, dance and Norfolk’s Pavilion Brass Quintet, alongside a selection of seasonal treats (including for furry friends) and adorable Mini Donks!
Is it really Christmas until Thursford starts?
There’s nowhere quite like Thursford at Christmastime. It’s an incredible day out for all ages, so much so, visitors come from across the world to see it! Our top tip? Book in advance!
Be wowed by the award-winning Christmas Spectacular (8 November – 23 December, 2pm & 7pm, from £44), a festive extravaganza of singing, dancing and variety acts! With 120 performers across a 130ft stage, this is one of the biggest Christmas variety show in Europe!
While you’re here, be transported into a fantasy world with the Enchanted Journey of Light (various dates between 3 – 24 December, from £18). Beneath illuminated night skie and burning sunsets, travel through this amazing outdoor light installation- where luminous animal sculptures, underwater worlds and creatures of the North Pole await you.
For a truly family day out, there’s nothing like the spirit of Santa’s Magical Journey (various dates between 22 November –23 December, children from £24, adults from £17, includes child’s gift and entry to Enchanted Journey of Light). Travel past penguins and polar bears, elves, snowmen and giant teddies before meeting Santa himself in his gorgeous grotto (where you’ll receive a special gift)!
Cromer Pier Christmas Show is a dazzling spectacle!
One of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is with an all-singing, all-dancing show! Luckily for us, November welcomes the return of the Cromer Pier Christmas Show (15 November – 28 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, adults from £25, children from £22.50)!
With West End values that are now synonymous with Cromer Pier’s incredible performances (the only full season end-of-the-pier show in the world), you can expect jaw-dropping effects, dazzling costumes, laughs by the bucket load, powerhouse vocals and spellbinding speciality and dance acts!
