That magical time of year is just around the corner and to help you get into the festive spirit, here are some of our favourite Christmas events in Norwich and Norfolk this year.
There are Christmas markets. There are places to see Father Christmas. There are glittering Christmas light trails and more.
If you are in Norfolk during the festive season and looking for things to do at Christmas in Norwich, you won’t be disappointed.
Christmas Festive Fair – The Forum Norwich 23rd November until 26th November
Enjoy a glass of local beer or cup of warming mulled wine while listening to Christmas carols from Norfolk’s own Pavilion Brass Quintet who will be playing festive tunes outside The Forum each day. Well-known Norfolk tenor Benjamin Lake will also be singing seasonal swing during the event, while sensational soprano Catherine Joule will be. Plus, there’ll be all sorts of food and drink stands outside on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from hot waffles and gourmet doughnuts to delicious Norfolk Rum. There’ll even be festive treats for your dogs!
What’s more, on the Sunday visitors to the Festive Fair will once again have the chance to see some adorable miniature donkeys from Mini Donks whose animals help people with well-being.
The Festive Fair at The Forum is always a popular event, attracting thousands of visitors, and traders and locals alike are pleased to see it back in action again this year. Open from 11am to 7pm on the Thursday, from 10am to 6pm on the Friday and Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on the Sunday, everyone is welcome and entry is free.
Inside there will be East Anglian stalls galore selling everything from jewellery, pottery, textiles, woodcraft, glassware, art, preserves, calendars, cards, prints, Christmas decorations, chocolates, candles, clothes and more.
Noel Night Train - Bure Valley Railway – 1st December
Kick-off the festive season and join us for an evening of Christmas spirit.
Enjoy Aylsham Station all lit up and decorated, whilst listening to Aylsham Brass Band playing festive favourites, before boarding our special evening train for a 60 minute journey by steam through Norfolk’s night sky.
Included in the price of your ticket is not only your train travel, but a hot drink and mince pie or shortbread biscuit from our Whistlestop Café, which can be enjoyed on the train and a special 10% discount on any purchases from our shop during the evening (excludes model railway items)
Mid Norfolk Railway - Polar Express
One of the best children’s Christmas events in Norfolk, The Polar Express Train Ride is returning to the Mid-Norfolk Railway again in 2023.
The Polar Express being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season!
Address: The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF.
Dates: 11th November to 22nd December 2022.
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure - Dippy’s Christmas Celebration - 25th November – 24th December
Father Christmas has teamed up with Dippy to spread some Christmas sparkle to the Park this year. Join in the fun at Dippy’s Theatre for a Christmas movie and Dippy and Friends Christmas Show, as well as all the usual attractions and a visit to the amazing festive present room!
Address: Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 5JE.
Dates: 25th November to 24th December 2023
Norwich Aviation Museum - Father Christmas Lands
The City of Norwich Aviation Museum plans to host Santa Claus in their ‘Nimrod Grotto’ between 11am and 6pm allowing young children the chance to tell Santa there Christmas wishes whilst receiving a small Christmas gift.
The museum’s very own Vulcan Bomber will be also open for guided tours along with its Hawker Hunter cockpit for flight simulator sessions and a Jaguar cockpit section for the aspiring Jet Fighter Pilot or budding enthusiast!
After exploring the Museum; why not pop into the Friendship Tea Room which will be serving light refreshments throughout the day and also have a go on the Christmas Tombola, suitable for all ages!
All money raised will go towards the Museum’s development fund, which supports the maintenance of exhibits and allows the museum to develop future projects such as making the site more accessible plus a much-needed hanger to house some of our prized aircraft.
Address: City of Norwich Aviation Museum, Old Norwich Road, Horsham St. Faith, Norwich, Norfolk, NR10 3JF.
Dates: 10th December 2022 between 11 am and 6pm.
Bressingham - Christmas at Bressingham
Christmas is always a magical time at Bressingham and is a very special experience for all the Christmas is always a magical time at Bressingham and is a very special experience for all the family. Under twinkling fairy lights, your Christmas visit to Bressingham includes a ride on a Steam Train on the Fen Railway for everyone both young and old, a festive spin on the Gallopers and a visit to Father Christmas, including a present, for children up to the age of 12 years.
Book your tickets now, wrap up warm and come and make some wonderful Christmas memories at Bressingham this year.
Father Christmas, Mrs Christmas and elves will be at Bressingham on selected dates from the 2nd December.
Address: Bressingham Steam & Gardens, Low Road, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2AA.
Dates: from 2nd December 2023
Thursford - Santa's magical journey / Enchanted journey of light
The fading light of the Winter’s sun, starts the magic of Thursford. Your journey will progress into the Fantasyland Building, as you travel past the penguins and polar bears to the giant-sized teddy bears! Get ready to see how the elves have loaded Santa’s sleigh, then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory using the wondrous wrapping machine!
Throughout your journey you’ll meet lots of fantasy land characters including the snowman family, make sure you watch out for 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!
Wroxham Barns The Christmas experience
Every weekend in December- and 25th November-24th December
Norfolk’s sell-out Christmas experience is back, and this year it’s the largest all-inclusive event the barns have ever hosted! There are some new additions and elements for a fantastic family experience like no other this year in this all singing, all dancing event!
Blicking Wild Winter- Saturday 2 – 23 December, 10am–3pm
This coming Christmas we invite you to spend the day exploring the house decked up for a traditional Victorian Christmas with a wild, magical twist! Visit again in the evening for our fundraising Wild Nature After Dark event and take in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this magical season.
About Us:
Orchidale Children's Nursery is based in a fantastic converted bungalow building in Taverham, 15 minutes from Norwich with childcare places for 2 months-5 year olds. We can offer your child fabulous fun filled days of activities to help children learn and make lots of new friends. We have a fabulous outdoor space with so many area's of learning. Including a separate 0-2's garden, forest school space, large lawn for the children to run around on and so much more! Please come and see us, our beautiful learning area's and our magical garden. If you are searching for a Day Nursery in Norwich, Norfolk then we are the Children's Nursery that goes the extra mile for you and your children.
Visit the Orchidale Nursery website at: www.orchidale.co.uk
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