What’s On in December
What’s On in December
by Katie Thompson
Come for the fairy lights; stay for the festivities! Spread some Christmas cheer and enjoy all the seasonal events sprinkled across Norwich and Norfolk.
Whether you’re visiting Father Christmas, laughing out loud at panto antics or embracing seasonal song with carols, we’ve got plenty to take you through the month and into the school holidays. If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional, check out Norwich Arts Centre. And forget about the post-Christmas slump with a Twixmas quiz!
Now’s the time to start planning. Follow the festive buzz- here’s what’s on in December!
And if that’s not enough, check out our City of Stories blog for even more Yuletide fun:
Family Things to Do | Christmassy Nights Out | Festive Things to Do | Accessible Performances
Image: Luke Witcomb
Norwich
The All-New Adventures of Peter Pan at Norwich Theatre Royal
5 December – 3 January 2027, various times, from £10
You’ll be hooked by this year’s panto at Norwich Theatre Royal! Credit: Norwich Theatre
Is it really Christmas without a pantomime for all the family? Oh, no it isn’t!
And this year, The All-New Adventures of Peter Pan are flying second to the right and straight on into Norwich Theatre Royal. Expect a laugh-out-loud performance packed with magic, mayhem and mischief as Peter and his friends take on the dastardly Captain Hook.
Think high energy, dancing, show-stopping musical numbers and hilarious audience participation. With a cast that includes local favourite Joe Trancini, West End star Karl Queensborough, actors Milo Clarke and Kerry Ingram, and experienced dame Quinn Patrick, you’ll be hooked!
Father Christmas at the Museum of Norwich
Saturdays & Sundays from 5 – 20 December, 10am – 4pm, children £10 (includes admission to the museum for 1 adult)
Meet Father Christmas before following the cheeky elves up to their antics at the Museum of Norwich! Credit: Norfolk Museums Service
Head to the Museum of Norwich this December for a festive adventure to meet the big man himself!
There’s loads to see and do, so make a morning or afternoon of it while you’re here. Start your visit with creative Christmas crafts (ones you’ll want to put p net year!), before making your way to the Victorian Toy Shop, where Father Christmas will be waiting to greet you with a special gift! Explore the rest of the mueum at your own pace, including following the cheeky Elf Trail, where mischievous elves are up to their tricks throughout the galleries.
Christkindl Christmas Market
11 – 20 December, FREE (Monday – Friday, 10am – 3pm), adults £2, children FREE (Monday – Friday, 3pm – 9pm & Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 9pm)
Christkindl is Norwich’s newest Christmas market! Credit: Fine City Events
Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets- wooden chalets, mulled wine and all, Christkindl is Norwich’s newest!
Taking place in Chapelfield Gardens across ten days, you can peruse a wonderful selection of stalls showcasing local artisan crafts, handmade gifts and unique presents. With a moreish choice of seasonal street food (think luxury hot chocolate and German-inspired fare) and live local entertainment lighting up the park’s bandstand, soak up the festivities and celebrate the magic of the season.
Carols in the Cloister at Norwich Cathedral
Saturday 12 December, 4pm, FREE
Carols in the Cloister is a magical event every December. Credit: Bill Smith/ Norwich Cathedral
One of the city’s most popular and heartwarming Christmas events returns to Norwich Cathedral this December. We could only be talking about Carols in the Cloister.
In the heart of this beautiful architecture, up lit as the sun sets, the sky streaked with pink and stars beginning to twinkle, join Norwich Cathedral Choir for a carol singalong. Accompanied by the cheery tones of the Salvation Army’s Norwich Citadel Band, warm up your vocal cords with festive favourites and joyful song.
Don’t forget to don your colourful (and warm) Christmas best!
The Unthanks’ In Winter at EPIC Studios
Monday 14 December, 8pm, £39.50
Feel festive and folky with an alternative Christmas performance from The Unthanks. Credit: Norwich Arts Centre
This Christmas, Norwich Arts Centre is celebrating alternative festivities, with folky performances and music. Taking place at EPIC Studios, The Unthanks’ In Winter is a ‘dreamlike winter fantasia’ which embrace this ritualistic season through eclectic folk blended with unexpected musical genres.
Exploring Christmastime through the music of cultures worldwide, both traditional and contemporary, you can expect effortless renditions of carols reimagined. Think German Christmas song in the style of The Beach Boys, a French-carol-turned-desert-blues, the tune of O Holy Night reimagined as an NHS tribute and even notes of Merry Christmas Charlie Brown.
Box of Delights at the Maddermarket Theatre
18 December – 3 January, 2pm & 7pm, £18.90
For a heartwarming, family shows, the Maddermarket Theatre has Christmas covered! Credit: Maddermarkett Theatre
Mark the Christmas holidays with the Maddermarket Theatre’s festive production, Box of Delights.
This magical show sees the children’s fantasy novel brought to life on stage. When the fantastical Box of Delights falls into the guardianship of young orphan Kay Harker, will he protect Christmas in the snow-dusted streets of Tatchester? With two enchanters also in pursuit, it’s up to Kay to save his friends and outwit the forces of darkness.
Box of Delights promises to be a heartwarming show for all the family, perfect for the festive season.
Christmas Carousel & Big Wheel at The Forum
19 December – 3 January 2027 (excluding Christmas Day), £3.50
Take a ride on The Forum’s traditional gallopers during the school holidays. Credit: Luke Witcomb
What coulld be more festive than a carousel ride? Outside the twinkling Forum, this glowing gallopers returns! As seen in the likes of Half a Sixpence, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, embrace this seasonal tradition. Pick your favourite horse and hop on!
And for incredible views across the glittering lights of Norwich Market, the big wheel is back for its second year. At 50 feet high, you can expect unforgettable vistas as excitement builds for the big day.
Betwixtmas Quiz Night at Yalm
Monday 29 December, 6pm – 10pm, £3
Get your heads together for a Betwixmas quiz at Yalm! Credit: FIXR
Festive fun needn’t end after the big day! Join host Papa Mombassa as he takes over Yalm for this Betwixtmas Quiz Night.
Blow away the cobwebs and get together for a post-Christmas gathering with friends, colleagues and loved ones as you bring your heads together to be in with a chance of winning a fantastic prize! You’ll get exclusive access to the quiz menu from selected kitchens throughout the evening- the perfect brain food to fuel your group!
