What’s On in November

What’s On in November 

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 (not to mention Ocean Film Festival World Tour at UEA). Elsewhere, we’ve got special new exhibitions, rarely seen medieval artefacts and celebrations of nature. 

Come the second half of the month, it’s officially Christmas! From our festive lights switch-on, Festive Fair and Festive Love Letters trail to incredible performances in Norfolk at Thursford and Cromer Pier!  

Here’s what’s on in November.

Image: Thursford

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Non-Festive Events 

Norwich 

Darkest Chapter at the National Centre for Writing
6 & 7 November, 1pm – 8pm, from £9.35  

This November marks the inaugural Darkest Chapter literary festival at the National Centre for Writing! 

As a celebration of all things horror, in a city renowned for its medieval atmosphere and haunted heritage, you can expect breadth and innovation from this dark and uncanny genre. 

The festival kicks off on 6 November with a screening of The Exorcist from Evolution of Horror (5pm, £9.35, Cinema City), following an informal post-film discussion. Then across 7 November, you can expect events such as fiction workshop It’s What’s Inside that Counts (10am – 12.30pm, £45) and talk Ghosts in My House: Hauntings & Queer Desire (1pm – 2pm, £10). Do you dare to get involved?

Bayeux Around Britain at Norwich Castle
12 November – 10 January 2027, 10am – 5pm, included in admission, adults from £15.30, children from £13.05, pre-book online for the best prices, twilight ticket 1 hour before close £2.50 

It’s hard to miss the arrival of the Bayeux Tapestry in the UK. And with so much incredible Norman heritage here in Norwich, it’s only right we celebrate our history too in the upcoming European Year of the Normans. 

Bringing this iconic textile to Norfolk, Bayeux Around Britain: Casting a Masterpiece invites visitors to see rarely displayed hand-painted plaster casts of original details here in Norwich Castle. Featuring Harold Godwinson and William, Duke of Normandy, you can also touch a life-sized 3D replica, see hand-embroidered replicas of the tapestry and take part in activities. 

While you’re here, check out the ‘sequel’ to the Bayeux Tapestry, the Norwich Friends’ Tapestry, depicting the uprisings of Norfolk earls and the impact on Norwich Castle. Elsewhere, explore Treasures of the Norman World: loans from the Wyvern Collection (14 October – 7 September 2027, included in admission). This selection of rare and extraordinary Norman objects come from one of the world’s most important collections of Medieval art and include pieces connected to the Bayeux Tapestry, such as reliquaries and a portable altar.

How Do We Find Love? at the Sainsbury Centre
13 November – 30 May 2027, pay what you can 

How Do We Find Love? That’s the next question in the Sainsbury Centre’s biannual exhibition seasons.  

Exploring the complexities of human relationships, desire and intimacy, you can examine love beyond romantic cliches through painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, moving images and sound.  

The Last Human Kiss (13 November – 11 April 2027) delves into the ways kissing shapes our ideas of love, intimacy, devotions, betrayal and belonging through different adjectives: ‘first’, ‘divine’, ‘social’, ‘romantic’ and ‘trickster’. Then Ecstasy and the Aftermath (13 November – 11 April 2027) reflects on connections of love and whether they truly end, while Love Stories (19 December – 30 May 2027) looks at how love shapes out everyday lives- whether friendships, familial, community or selfhood.

Wild by Design at The Halls
Saturday 21 November, 10am – 4pm, FREE 

As part of Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s centenary celebrations, Wild by Design is a festival celebrating nature and creativity and looking towards the next 100 years. 

Meet artists, designers, conservationists and volunteers as you explore a makers’ market with over 70 interactive stalls (perfect for your outdoors-loving friend for Christmas!). Then take part in fun, family-friendly activities, including pond-dipping and wild crafts, explore an exhibitions from Norwich University of the Arts, watch and join a live collaborative artwork and play wildlife-inspired video games, before learning all about how we can help protect wildlife for future generations! There will even be guided walks and talks to book.

Norfolk 

The Wild Unwind at Fritton Lake
Saturday 21 November, £60 

Embrace autumn with The Wild Unwind day retreat at Fritton Lake this November. 

As you immerse yourself in this wildly beautiful landscape, you can spend the day moving between the lake, the woods and Clubhouse, taking part in restorative yoga, seasonal food workshops and time in the great outdoors.  

Brave a cold plunge in the lake, before recharging in the floating sauna or a swim in the heated outdoor pool. Then find out what to forage for the season and gather around the fire for hot chocolate and marshmallows- a truly cosy way to enjoy this time of year.

Festive Events 

Norwich 

Festive Lights Switch-On
Thursday 19 November, 5.30pm – 9pm, FREE 

It’s that time of year again! And in Norwich, nothing announces the arrival of Christmas like the city’s Festive Lights Switch-On. 

Get together with loved ones, friends and family to spread festive cheer across our soon-to-be twinkling streets. Entertainment starts at 5.30pm- think Dr DJ’s Dad Dancing Dispensary, Not Your Average Choir as well as the annual snowball throw, followed by the switch-on itself at 7pm (by YouTuber and podcaster JaackMaate).  

Then stay for the first-ever Winter Sessions, with live music on Gentleman’s Walk from The Lovin’ Handful until 8.15pm!

Festive Love Letters Trail
19 November – 10 January, FREE 

When better to fill your heart with love than at Christmas? Surround yourself with family and head out on the fun Festive Love Letters Trail!  

Along cobbled streets and twinkling paths, there are 30 hidden ‘love letter’ clues in festive windows across the city centre. Follow the trail found on leaflets in businesses taking part across the city. Your job is to collect the letters, uncover the secret festive message and you’ll be in with the chance to win a prize!  

To submit your answer, you can post your answer in the post box in Chantry Place, email [email protected] or scan the QR code on the leaflet itself. (Entries must be received by 10 January 2027.) 

Presented alongside the Sainsbury Centre’s new exhibition season, ‘How Do We Find Love?’,
the trail invites you to discover love and share your own Norwich love stories.

Festive Fair at the Forum
26 – 29 November, various times, FREE 

One of Norwich’s most popular Christmas markets is back! Packed full of Christmas cheer- not to mention one of the season’s busiest, Festive Fair at the Forum has something for everyone.  

Peruse a wealth of stalls indoors and out! 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 a jovial brass band for all your favourite tunes, alongside a selection of seasonal treats (including for furry friends) and adorable Mini Donks (28 & 29 November)!

Norfolk 

Christmas at Thursford
10 November – 23 December 

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 (10 November – 23 December, 2pm & 7pm, from £42), a festive extravaganza of singing, dancing, humour and variety! This festive celebration is an eclectic mix of seasonal and year-round favourites- and with a 130-strong cast, 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 2 – 24 December, from £18). Beneath illuminated night skies and burning sunsets, travel through this amazing outdoor light installation- where luminous larger than life 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 21 November –23 December, children from £25, adults from £18, 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)!

The Cromer Pier Christmas Show
14 November – 28 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, adults from £28, children from £22 

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 highly acclaimed Cromer Pier Christmas Show. 

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! Be enthralled by the eight-metre video wall, captivating traditional scenes and the wit and warmth of 17-times presenter Olly Day.