by Katie Thompson
Come December, the festive season is well and truly upon us! And what better way to spread some Christmas cheer, than getting involved with all the seasonal events that Norwich and Norfolk have to offer?
It’s not Christmas without a panto or visit to Santa, after all. There’s something for history buffs and furry friends, too. And when you need a break from all the festivities, real life stories and a murder mystery will take you into the new year.
It’s time to mark your calendars and start planning! Here’s what’s on in December!
And if that’s not enough, then check out our City of Stories blog for even more Yuletide fun- whether you’re looking for:
Family Things to Do | Christmassy Nights Out | Festive Things to Do | Accessible Performances
What quirky traditions will you uncover on The Shoebox Experiences’ Christmas tour?
In a city with 1000 years of history, it’s no surprise that we’ve celebrated Christmas in myriad different ways over that time!
With The Shoebox Experiences’ Chronicles of Christmas Tour (22 November – 23 December, various times, adults £16.50, children £8.50), an engaging and knowledgeable tour guide will lead you through Norwich’s sparkling streets, discovering quirky traditions from the Roman era to present day. On this 90-minute voyage of discovery, you’ll encounter some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the beautiful Royal Arcade. And it’s ideal for friends, family and colleagues to get to know our city a little better and share some magic together.
With a stellar cast and all time classic tale, Norwich Theatre’s panto promises to be a good ‘un this December!
Pumpkins at the ready, glass slippers on- you shall go to the ball! This year, Norwich Theatre Royal’s ever-popular pantomime is all-time classic Cinderella (6 December – 4 January, from £10, access performances throughout)! (Oh, yes, it is!)
And this time Cinders and her best friend Buttons are headed to the beach! From the confines of her seaside hotel and wicked sisters, will Cinderella’s dreams ever come true?
With a stellar cast that includes soap stars Georgia May Foote and Danny Hatchard, West End performers Hannah Jane Fox and Jeevan Braich and, of course, Norfolk legends Kenny Moore, Owen Evans and Joe Trancini, this is a panto with more cheer than your heart’s desire!
Christmas is a time for all the family!
Christmas is all about spending time with family- and we mean all the family, furry friends included!
At Santa’s Grotto for Dogs (Sunday 14 December, 11am – 3pm, FREE), you can share the magic of Christmas with your four-legged friends, all in support of the RSPCA. Located outside The Forum, there will be treats and goodies for both dogs and their owners, with festive costumes encouraged for everyone. Plus, you can commemorate the day with a ‘pawtrait’ with special guest Santa Paws!
Elsewhere, The Forum is full of festive cheer, thanks to a series of family film screenings (20, 21 & 23 December), the return of the traditional Victorian Gallopers and a 50ft high big wheel offering brilliant city views (both 20 December – 4 January, £3.50)!
Cosy up with a festive feline workshop at The Cat House
That goes for festive felines too! At The Cat House, you can enjoy a ‘meowy’ Christmas with a whole host of fun workshops and gentle events fit for the season.
With Clay Cat Baubles and Christmas Crochet Cats, Linocut Christmas Cat Cards, Santa-Cat Sock Plushies and more, you can let your creativity run wild! Or for something a little more relaxed, there’s a Gin, Quiz & Cats evening hosted by local expert Cheryl Cade and sell-out Cats by Candlelight evenings. This is a feast for the senses, where you can escape the hustle and bustle in a twinkling cat-filled environment, fuelled by mulled wine and tasty treats!
Listen to real people’s moving and unpredictable stories at Norwich Arts Centre
Christmas is a time for sharing stories and making memories. That’s where True Stories Live comes in (Sunday 21 December, 7.30pm, pay what you can £4.50 – £12.50).
At Norwich Arts Centre, this lively, moving and unpredictable event invites real people to tell stories about their lives in front of a warm and supportive audience. In December, the theme is ‘celebrate’- open for any speaker to interpret as they wish. With community and empathy at its heart, this event promises to be a truly heartwarming and uplifting evening.
Meet Father Christmas in his brand-new Penguin Grotto at Banham Zoo
This year, Father Christmas has swapped snow for safari as he heads to Banham Zoo’s Penguin Cove (various dates between 6 – 23 December, 10am – 4pm, adults £15, children £18, includes zoo admission and a gift from Penguin Grotto)!
Visit Santa in his enchanting grotto to capture treasured photos and magical memories- as well as a hand-picked present! Afterwards, explore the sparkling sights, encounter amazing animals, and hop aboard the glowing Christmas Train Ride, before taking a seat at Banham’s festive stage show- brimming with music, laughter and pantomime-inspired antics. This is a fully festive family day out!
Will you solve Barnham broom’s NYE murder mystery?
The Spy Who Loved Tee, Diamond Are Fore-ever, Golf-finger… It’s up to you to solve the Bond-themed murder mystery at Barnham Broom this New Year’s Eve (Wednesday 31 December, 6pm – 2am, £99)!
Master criminals are turning up dead on greens with golden tees in their eyes. When MI6 has just received one marked ‘007’, M gathers the remaining villains at Barnham Broom to discover the truth…
But the night doesn’t end there! Enjoy a delicious four-course dinner (dishes include Parma ham-wrapped monkfish, game terrine and an assiette of mini desserts), before dancing the night away as you welcome in 2026!
