What’s On in November

20 October 2023

What’s On in November 

It’s almost November, which can only mean one thing – it’s very nearly Christmas! As soon as the month starts, expect to see shops fronts adorned from top to bottom in festive decorations (though, some already are!), delightful Christmas events and markets starting, and the best bit – the annual Christmas lights switch-on. How exciting. 

So, you can probably already tell that November in the City of Stories is going to be a pretty non-stop, all-singing, all-dancing time! It’s going to be such a fun month. Whether you’re looking to go completely festive with your month, or if you’re looking for events away from the festivities for now, we’ve got you covered. Read on for what’s on this November!  

And if you want to find out even more happening throughout November, check out our ‘What’s On’ page, that way you don’t miss a single thing and can plan your month well in advance! 

Norwich  

Fantastic shows at Norwich Theatre Royal 

November is full of treats at the Norwich Theatre Royal. The month starts with Quiz, a theatre production retelling the thrilling story from 2001, when the million-pound jackpot was won on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”, and saw a huge scandal ensue. Today’s production will ask the most important question of all – guilty or not guilty? It’s a brilliant show. Tickets start at £28.50 with a captioned and signed performance on Thursday, November 2 at 2:30pm. 

Not long after, the incredible Broadway production ‘The King and I’ comes to the City of Stories (Tuesday, November 14 – Saturday, November 18). This award-winning production follows its sold-out season at The London Palladium. It’s the perfect opportunity to ‘not have to travel too far’ and see one of the best musicals going, with some of the best songs from a live orchestra to pair! Tickets are available between £10£67. 

Then, last but certainly not least, comes ‘Northern Ballet’s Beauty and the Beast’ (Tuesday, November 21 – Saturday, November 25). Again, with live music from the Northern Ballet Sinfonia. This classic tale with beautiful sets and jewel-coloured costumes will whisk you away to a very happy place, whatever your age! Ticket prices are between £10 and £49 with family tickets available (buy one full priced ticket and get one under 18s for 50%, bands A-B).  

Norwich Theatre Royal Auditorium

Norwich Theatre Royal Auditorium

Norwich Works: The Industrial Photography of Walter and Rita Nurnberg – Norwich Castle 

This November sees a truly fascinating exhibition, Norwich Works, open at Norwich Castle Between 1948 and 1961, husband and wife Walter and Rita Nurnberg photographed three Norwich factories (a shoemaker, a woodworking and wire netting works, and a sweet factory) to record the life post-war. It captures the industry and their labours striving to rebuild after the Second World War. 

On display will be over 130 photographic prints, producing an extraordinary visualisation that combines modern influence with the glamour of cinema’s golden age. You have to see them for yourself. This exhibition is open from now until Sunday, April 14, 2024. Admission is included with the general admission price (£7.40 per adult, £6.30 per child aged 4-18, £7 per concession). 

Organ Re-born Concerts – Norwich Cathedral 

A decade in the making, the Norwich Cathedral Organ has finally been restored and put back in its rightful place, so it’s only right to have a few concerts to celebrate! This special series of events are open to all, with three performances taking place on Saturday, November 11 (7pm), Thursday, November 16 (7pm), and Saturday, November 25 (7pm), plus a Festal Evensong service on Sunday, November 26 during which the Bishop of Norwich, the Right Revd Graham Usher, will bless the newly rebuilt organ. 

It’s going to be an extremely exciting week around the Cathedral, so you really don’t want to miss it! More details and booking for these concerts are available on the Norwich Cathedral website. 

Jarrolds Food Hall Late Night Opening

No month would be complete without some delicious food, especially after some hard work doing the Christmas shopping! Showcasing an eclectic range of food and drink from the local area and beyond, the Jarrolds Food Hall is packed with an array of tasty favourites exceptional feasts. Basically, it’s the perfect place to stop for a good meal!

And from now until Saturday, December 23, you can enjoy these delights for even longer as the Jarrolds Food Hall and Wine Bars will stay open until 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 7pm on Saturdays! So, whether you’re looking for that post-work pick-me-up, or a treat for yourself after a day out, Jarrolds’ doors are open to welcome you!

The Christmas Events! 

The Christmas Lights Switch On 

The Christmas Lights Switch On is an absolute must if you’re in the area (Thursday, November 16, 5:30pm – 8pm). Traditionally, this FREE family event is the one that gets Norwich off to its sparkling start to Christmas – and this year is going to be better than ever!  

With live song and dance entertainment, the magic of the lights themselves being switched on, a visit from Santa Claus himself, a festive funfair on Gentleman’s Walk, the iconic Norwich Market staying open until 8pm, and many more surprises to be announced, this is one event you cannot miss in the build-up to the festive season. So, come on down and get involved in this local night of magic, there’s no better way to get in the spirit! 

Accessible and quieter viewing areas will also be available and can be booked in advance by emailing [email protected]  

Nutcracker Afternoon Tea and Igloos at The Assembly House 

The start of November means it’s time for the return of The Assembly House’s famous Nutcracker Afternoon Tea and igloos (Wednesday, November 1 – Monday, January 8)! Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they make a Christmas Eve journey to The Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy weaves a delicious spell for a fairtytale tea across four acts. 

For £29.50 per person, and £18 per guest under the age of 12, you can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, tasty savouries, and scones, before moving onto the main attraction – the delicate cakes and pastries! Expect to see Sugar Plum Fairy Gateau Opera, Snowflake Macarons, Clara’s Cupcake, and many more delights!  

And not only that, but you can enjoy this magical afternoon tea (or their festive Beforenoon Tea) inside the warmth and beauty of their igloos outside on the lawn! These private domes seat a maximum of ten people, and come with Bluetooth speakers, fairy lights, and personal service staff! Booking is essential and can be made on The Assembly House website. 

Christmas Markets Aplenty 

Christmas markets are one of the best things about the festive season, right? And here in the City of Stories, we do things differently when it comes to these popular visits. Instead of one huge Christmas market, we instead see a whole host of smaller, more artisanal markets pretty much every week from mid-November until late December. And that means you get to see even more market stalls than you would anywhere else!  

From The Festive Fair at The Forum, Norwich’s biggest and most popular market, to Sparkle at Roarr!, which has an award-winning Grotto Experience, synthetic ice skating rink, and many other delights, there’s something for everyone in Norwich & Norfolk this Christmas. Find out more in our Christmas markets in Norwich & Norfolk blog here! 

Norfolk 

A trio of festive shows and attractions at Thursford 

That’s right, there’s three different festive events on to see us through to Christmas at Thursford this November! And they’re all fantastic days out with the family, whether you choose to do them all in one, or visit at separate times over the course of the festive season! 

The annual Thursford Christmas Spectacular is back to wow audiences with a huge array of singing, dancing, comedy, and plenty of variety acts this year. It’s a massive celebration of everything that makes Christmas so magical. Starting on Wednesday, November 8, this show is a sell-out every year, and for good reason! With a cast of 130, it’s the biggest show of its kind in the whole of Europe! Tickets start at £43 and can be booked on the Thursford website. 

And if you’re looking for a good adventure, Thursford have got just the thing for you too – The Enchanted Journey of Light! On this beautiful walk, you’ll progress through the Fantasyland Building while meeting the characters that live there, like the snowman family, just watch out for their snowballs!  

Venture onwards to the outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, with lots of gorgeous creatures to marvel at, from luminous sculptures to the wilds of the North Pole. There’ll even be an outside bar, food & drink, and a vintage funfair! Available for £22 per person on selected dates from Sunday, November 19 – Saturday, December 23. 

Do you remember the first time you met Father Christmas? Well, with Santa’s Magical Journey, you can give your children or grandchildren that same feeling in a day full of magic. They’ll never forget it. On this adventure, you’ll encounter penguins, polar bears, giant-sized teddy bears, and even busy elves in Santa’s toy factory!  

Santa’s Magical Journey also includes admission into the Enchanted Journey of Light, and is available on selected dates from Sunday, November 19 – Saturday, December 23. Booking is essential and costs £22.50 per child, with each receiving a gift from Santa himself! 

Thursford

And with all that, it’s looking like a terrific month to be in Norwich & Norfolk! Of course, there’s even more going on around the City of Stories, which you can find on our ‘What’s On‘ page. And, if you need somewhere to stay this month, check out our ‘Travel & Stay‘ page for our top recommendations!