North Norfolk is home to many magical Christmas events, Santa's grottos and festive cheer this winter. There’s plenty on for all the family. See our event round up below.
Santa's Grottos and Events
The North Norfolk Pole Experience at Pensthorpe. Step into the magic this Christmas at Pensthorpe’s North Norfolk Pole Experience – a 5-star family favourite and festive highlight of the season. On selected dates from 29 November to 23 December 2025, you can enjoy a 90-minute interactive adventure packed with Santa, elves, surprises, and seasonal sparkle. This 1.5-hour festive adventure with Santa and his elves, takes you on a magical journey and includes everything you need, including Christmas crafts, for the perfect family experience. New for 2025, take part in the festive Elf Academy. A spectacular elf village awaits with an interactive show, and of course a graduation ceremony! Enjoy professional actors performing a brand new seasonal spectacular, don’t forget your cameras! Then visit the toy shop with your gold coin from Santa and collect a high-quality gift, which will be the right age for your child. Find out more and book.
BeWILDerwood - A Starry Night. Celebrate the festive season at 'BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas – A Starry Night of Sparkly Lights & Panto Magic'! Wander beneath twinkling stars and through a mesmerising sparkly light trail and enjoy a mini pantomime bursting with festive cheer, suitable for all ages. (Approx. 20 minutes). Meet your favourite BeWILDerwood characters and see if you can spot Father Christmas along the way. Dates and timeslots: 29-30 November | 6-7 December | 13-14 December | 19-23 December 2025. Find out more here.
Christmas at Holkham Hall. Between 28 November and 30 December 2025, you can see Holkham Hall by Candlelight. Be amazed as you explore the sparkling state rooms in on a self-led or guided tour this Christmastime. Bringing little ones? The first ever family day might be exactly what your looking for. Enjoy a relaxed self-led tour of the state rooms but keep your eyes peeled, you might spot some very special guests…Learn more about the Self-led Tours | Learn more about the Guided Tours | Learn more about the Family Day. Find out more here.
Carols in the Courtyard, 11 December 2025 is a festive opportunity to bring your friends and family for a cheerful Christmas sing-along in the courtyard – all in support of Break Charity. Find out more.
Santa River Cruise with Broads Tours. Set sail with Broads Tours on the Santa River Cruise on selected dates between from 29 November and 23 December 2025. Santa’s Elves will have a gift bag for all children aboard over 3 years old and a festive treat. Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto and receive a present from Santa himself! Adults will receive a glass of mulled wine and a festive treat. Listen to festive music as you cruise down to Wroxham Broad. The Santa Cruises leave from Wroxham and trips are 1½ hours at 11am and 2pm. Tickets are £25 per person. Find out more.
Santa's Magical Journey at Thursford (includes the Enchanted Journey of Light). Visit Father Christmas in the magical setting of Thursford. Your journey takes you from penguins and polar bears to giant sized teddy bears ready to load Santa’s sleigh and then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory with the wonderful wrapping machine. You’ll meet lots of fantasy characters including the snowman’s family but watch out for the snowballs! Your journey continues as you venture outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza. On selected dates from 22 November to 23 December 2025. Find out more and book.
Christmas at Felbrigg Hall. Experience Felbrigg Hall delightfully decked out this Christmas. This year, the downstairs of the hall will be beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and greenery from the estate. Walk through a series of opulent yet homely showrooms and find them full of added sparkle. Existing features, from gleaming copper, crimson silk-lined walls and ornate plasterwork, will be complimented by joyful decorations to get you in the mood for the festive season.
Families can enjoy craft activities while themed treats and hot chocolates from the Squire’s Pantry tea-room are available to top-off the experience. Those hunting for stocking fillers and gifts will find the shop and second-hand bookshop chock-full of options. On selected dates from 21 November to 15 December 2025. For ticket prices and information visit here.
Carols in the Courtyard. Carols in the Courtyard is a Felbrigg Christmas tradition. Join in with the singing accompanied by the Cromer and Sheringham Brass Band. There's no need to book but, due to the popularity of this event and capacity of the car park, early arrival is advised. on 21 December 2025 at 2.30pm. Find out more.
The Christmas Experience at Wroxham Barns. Step into a world of festive magic where laughter, wonder and togetherness fill the air. Imagine the delight on little faces during a private meeting with Santa, the laughter, the wide-eyed wonder, and the joy of sharing special family moments. With festive mischief and surprises scattered throughout the day, it’s more than a visit – it’s a Christmas adventure your family will treasure forever. Taking place on 6th - 7th Dec 2025, 13th - 14th Dec 2025 and 20th - 23rd Dec 2025. Find out more and book.
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Dippy's Christmas Celebration at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure. From 6 to 23 December 2025, the award-winning Norfolk attraction will once again be transformed for Dippy’s Christmas Celebration – a festive day out packed with activities and entertainment for the whole family. Take a Candy Cane Trail, see the Dippy and Friends Christmas Show, see Dippy Live: Christmas Performance as well as the usual ROARR-some attractions. Stop by the magical Park Christmas Letterbox and post your very own personalised letter to Father Christmas. Find out more here.
Christmas at Blickling Hall. Step into a festive Christmas at Blickling Estate. See inside the decorated House and visit in the evening to see the magical Garden of Lights at one of Norfolk's most special places. All events information can be found here.
A Mouse’s Christmas at Blickling Hall from Saturday 29 November 2025 until Sunday 4 January 2026 (closed 24 and 25 December). Wander through beautifully decorated rooms filled with traditional Christmas sparkle, and enjoy a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere. This year, the decorations have a delightful twist: mice! These charming little characters are busy decking the halls, hanging garlands and preparing for the big day.
Blickling's Garden of Lights. As darkness falls, the gardens of Blickling Estate come alive with light and wonder. See the landscape transformed with bold, playful displays of colour and sound. Explore creative illuminations and interactive moments set against the backdrop of the beautiful historic hall. Warm your hands with mulled drinks, savour seasonal bites, and indulge in sweet treats. Share the magic with family and friends and start your festive season with sparkle and joy at Blickling's biggest fundraising event of the year. Running from 6 to 23 December 2025.
Christmas at Wolterton. The Hall at Wolterton will be decorated for Christmas, the fires will be lit and you can look forward to a warm welcome from the team. With a full week of Christmas events from Saturday the 29th November through to Friday 5th December 2025, there is something for everyone. Wolterton is preparing to sparkle with a wonderful selection of stalls selling all manner of fabulous goodies… and staff will be on hand to show visitors around and will be happy to explain the restoration to date and plans for the future.
With over 30 stall holders exhibiting at this year’s Christmas Shopping Event – Wolterton is the place to come for all those special gifts for loved ones and a little treat for yourself. There will be everything from arts, crafts and food stalls. A smattering of antiques and collectables, ideas for your garden and health aware options too. You will have a chance to wander around the state rooms, and refreshments will be available.
Christmas Shopping Event: 29 November from 10am to 4pm. With over 40 stall holders exhibiting at this year’s Christmas Shopping Event – Wolterton is the place to come for all those special gifts for loved ones and a little treat for yourself. Find out more here.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop: 1 December from 10am to 2pm. Celebrate the season in style and create a truly abundant Christmas wreath to adorn your door and welcome your guests this festive season. Find out more here.
Celebrate Christmas with Wolterton and the Norfolk Churches Trust: As part of our Christmas season, Wolterton is collaborating with the Norfolk Churches Trust for a truly special evening of music, canapes and bubbles to welcome the Christmas season in style. Wolterton will be decorated for Christmas and the fires will be lit. Taking place on 2 December 2025. Find out more here.
Christmas Canapé-Making Demonstration with Loïc Malfait: 4 December 2025. Add a touch of culinary sparkle to your festive celebrations with an exclusive canapé-making demonstration led by chef Loïc Malfait. In the historic surroundings of Wolterton, you’ll discover how to create a selection of exquisite savoury bites designed to impress and delight your guests this Christmas. Find out more here.
World Class Musicians: 5 December 2025. Join Wolterton for the finale of the Christmas week for what will be an enchanted evening of music. This is a unique opportunity to listen to some of the world’s finest musicians and enjoy a very special 3 course dinner in the splendour of Wolterton’s state rooms. Find out more here.
Wells Christmas Tide Festival. Taking place from 22 November 2025, Wells Christmas Tide Festival sees Santa Claus arrive in Norfolk from the North Pole by boat. There will also be street entertainers, craft stalls, the switching on of the lights, a procession and the spectacular fireworks over the marshes. Meet Father Christmas in the Maltings on Saturday evening and during the day on Sunday. The Christmas tree festival in the Congregational Hall will be open from Friday – Sunday also. Find out more and book tickets here.
Fabulous festive shows and pantos:
Cromer Pier Christmas Show (15 November to 28 December 2025).
The highly acclaimed Cromer Pier Christmas Show will warm your hearts and get you well and truly in the Christmas spirit. This year’s line-up features host Olly Day, the much-loved master of ceremonies who brings his signature wit and warmth to the stage. Joining him is ventriloquist and comedian Trish Dunn, sure to have audiences in stitches, and magician Danny Lee Grew, ready to amaze with his incredible illusions. Adding even more sparkle are powerhouse vocalists Caris Kerr and Robbie Waugh, supported by the sensational Cromer Pier Christmas Show ensemble. Find out more and book.
Hunstanton Princess Theatre (6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026). This year's panto is Aladdin. Hop aboard the magic carpet and join us at the Princess Theatre for our spectacular Christmas Pantomime – Aladdin. Packed with dazzling dance routines, brilliant special effects, toe-tapping musical numbers, plenty of audience participation, and laughter for the whole family, it’s the festive treat you won’t want to miss! Find out more and book.
Thursford Christmas Spectacular (suitable for 8+ years). The ultimate Christmas experience at Thursford returns for its 48th production. Fresh off the back of winning Best Christmas Experience for the second consecutive year at the Group Leisure and Travel Awards, the Christmas Spectacular promises to be the most magical year yet. The show has been entertaining millions of audiences for 48 years, with its West End quality production filled with nonstop singing, dancing, music, comedy, and much more. The three-hour show continuously receives 5-star reviews. The show runs from 8th November to 23rd December 2025, with matinee and evening performances. Find out more and book here.
A Victorian Christmas at Sheringham Little Theatre on 30 November 2025. Head to the Sheringham Little Theatre to welcome in the festive season with a Victorian Christmas. Step back in time as you enter The Hub – adorned with twinkling lights and traditional decorations – where you will be served treats for all ages with hot chocolates, mulled wine, mince pies and more from 10am. Pay a visit to Santa's Grotto from 10am when at the start of his busiest season, Father Christmas will be stopping by to hand out free presents and festive cheer. Join in with A Christmas Carol with Christmas Carols from 7pm. Excerpts from Dickens’ seasonal fable will be interspersed with joyful carols. Enjoy one of the best-loved Christmas tales and a good singalong – guaranteed to get you into the spirit of Christmas. Find out more and book.
Light shows and experiences:
Thursford's Enchanted Journey of Light. The fading light of the Winter’s sun, starts the magic of Thursford. Your journey will progress into the Fantasy Land Building, as you travel past the penguins and polar bears to the giant-sized teddy bears! Get ready to pass the busy elves as they load Santa’s sleigh using the wondrous wrapping machine and keep a look out for the snowman family and their snowballs! Your journey continues as you venture outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, with lots of creatures to marvel at – a beautiful, breath-taking festival of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole. Watch out for the naughty mushroom gnomes! Tickets for the Adventure Play Fair may be purchased on the day of your visit, subject to availability. Find out more and book.
Luminate Light Trail at Sandringham. Luminate returns to The Sandringham Estate this winter, transforming the Royal Parkland into an enchanting after-dark wonderland. Follow a mile-long trail through the Parkland, lit by thousands of twinkling lights, all set to music, or take a ride on the vintage funfair, toast marshmallows and sip hot mulled wine under the stars. Running 12 November to 24 December 2025. Find out more and book.
Christmas Lights Walk at Fairhaven. Christmas Light Walks will run every Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to 20 December 2025. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a magical woodland filled with twinkling lights and toast marshmallows at the fire pit. Dogs on leads are welcome and the tearoom will also be open. Find out more and book.
Heritage Rail Experiences:
Bure Valley Railway Festive Express. Hop aboard one of the Festive Express steam trains on selected dates from 6 to 24 December 2025. Enjoy a one-hour experience from Aylsham Station including festive treats, a 30-minute steam train ride and a visit to see Santa in his grotto. Each child will receive a personalised present from Santa himself. Find out more and book.
The Norfolk Lights Express with North Norfolk Railway. There is a brand new show for 2025 to celebrate the railway's 50th anniversary. Arrive after dark at Sheringham Station and you’ll be greeted by the magical sight of a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights. As your train steams from Sheringham to Holt and back, you will literally see the countryside in a whole new light as the on-board lights shine on to the scenery in a series of changing colours. During the 5½ mile journey to Holt you’ll pass around 10 colourful light installations on the lineside or dramatically set in the woods adjoining the track, which combine to tell the story of the railway’s 50 years of progress since the line was reopened by pioneering volunteers in 1975. Your journey will break with an intermission at Holt, giving you the option to hop off and take photographs with the train or to visit the onboard bar. The Old Luggage Office buffet at Sheringham will be open for you to purchase hot soup, hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, delicious homemade cakes and savoury refreshments. A licensed bar will also be on board each train and can be visited before departure and during the intermission. Running 14 November 2025 to 3 January 2026. Find out more and book.
Santa Specials with North Norfolk Railway. Running from 22 November to 23 December 2025. Enjoy a magical Christmas journey aboard a traditional steam-hauled train! Sit back and relax as your train steams non-stop from Sheringham up the whole length of the line to Holt. Get into the festive spirit and make merry with complimentary onboard refreshments served to your table – mince pies and mulled cider for adults and gingerbread and hot chocolate for every child! There are festive children’s activity packs too, plus entertainers and balloon modellers who will stroll through the train spending time in each carriage for part of the journey. On the return journey, the train will stop at Weybourne Station where you will make your way through an enchanted Christmas Tree Kingdom with a magical seasonal theme, a snowy model railway and Santa’s friendly helpers before you meet Father Christmas himself who will present every child with a special, wrapped gift before you rejoin the train for the short journey back to Sheringham. The whole experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from the time your train departs Sheringham to arriving back at the station. Find out more and book.
Christmas Markets, Fairs and Shopping:
North Norfolk is great for Christmas shopping. There are lots of Christmas markets to shop for that perfect present as well as charming towns offering shopping away from the high street.
Holkham Christmas Market, 12, 13 and 14 December 2025. Perfect for some Christmas shopping, or a treat for yourself, the Holkham Christmas market will see the best local producers showcasing their seasonal food, drink and gifts. This is a free event, although please note a £10 special event parking charge applies. Find out more.
Creake Abbey Christmas Fair (22 November 2025, 10am to 3pm). Each year, Creake Abbey in North Creake runs a Christmas gift fair with over 60 gift and art stands as well as food and drink stands with locally produced wares. Also at Creake Abbey, there is a Christmas Farmers' Market with gifts on 22 food stands as well as gift stands to see you through the Christmas holiday period.
Holt Sunday market. The regular Holt Sunday market turns 'Christmassy' with two Christmas markets on 16 November and 7 December 2025 in the town centre. There will be a wide variety of local food, drink, and craft stalls. The market showcases the very best local independent craftspeople, designers, makers, food producers and street food traders. With over 75 makers each market and a town full of brilliant businesses, market days are the perfect way to explore Holt and many of its vibrant independent shops, cafes and restaurants. There is also late night shopping on Friday 14 November 2025 when the Christmas lights will be switched on at 3:30pm. You can also expect fundraising games, entertainment, and activities around town, along with delicious food stalls in Bakers’ Yard. Find out more here.
Sandringham's Christmas Craft and Food Fair is taking place on 14,15 and 16 November 2025. There will be over 250 stalls offering hand-crafted items and gifts from crafting, artists and designers as well as an array of food and drink from both regional and national producers and retailers. Make a start on your Christmas shopping in the gift marquees and arcades with a wide range of presents and ideas. Find out more here.
Christmas Market at Penshorpe. Get into the festive spirit and find the perfect presents for all your loved ones! Attended by the region’s best food and drink suppliers, artists and craft makers, the Christmas Market provides shoppers with a welcome change of scenery from the high street, with pop-up stalls, all in a relaxed and spacious outdoor environment. Escape the city crowds and discover bespoke creations, creative gift ideas and delicious treats made from boutique producers, many of whom are from the local area. Find out more.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Christmas Market. The market takes place on 29 November 2025 (2pm to 7.30pm) and kicks off the festive season with a special market launching the Christmas Lights Walks! Discover handmade gifts, festive treats, and unique creations from talented local makers — the perfect way to start your Christmas shopping.
Race along to Fakenham Racecourse on 8 and 9 November 2025, for the Norfolk Artisan Fair. The fair will showcase the very best that Norfolk has to offer with a range of food, drink and gifts for Christmas with over 120 stalls. Find out more.
Fakenham Racecourse's winter fixtures take place on Sunday 21 December 2025 and the first race day of the new year is on Friday 2 January 2026. A day’s racing is an exciting day out for people of all ages; Fakenham Racecourse has a friendly, casual atmosphere and it has no formal dress code. It can be a family affair as children aged 17 and under are admitted free (must be accompanied by an adult). Find out more.
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Dalegate Market in Burnham Deepdale, between 7 November and 24 December 2025 is a great place to go Christmas shopping without the city crowds while supporting local businesses. You'll find a wide range of shops selling unique items you can only find in north Norfolk. Perfect for Christmas gift shopping!
Visit north Norfolk's pretty market towns to find a range of shops and galleries. The towns will be decorated for Christmas with pretty lights and so it's a great way to get into the festive spirit. North Norfolk has it all; department stores, gift shops, antique shops, upmarket brands and small individual galleries and boutiques selling the wares of local artisans. Explore the town markets for local produce and unique items and stop off to enjoy some seasonal food.
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