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🎄 Dazzling Christmas Events Near Norwich & Norfolk

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✨ Introduction

Christmas in Norfolk is always a season of sparkle, laughter, and magical adventures for the whole family. From dazzling light trails and enchanting pantomimes to bustling Christmas fayres and festive train rides, there’s something for everyone within easy reach of Norwich. Whether you’re looking to meet Father Christmas, wander through twinkling markets, or enjoy a day out at one of Norfolk’s beloved attractions, this guide brings together the very best new events for Christmas 2025 — all within 25 miles of Norwich and perfect for young children and families.


🎅 Winter Wonderland Norwich

  • Location: Norfolk Showground, Norwich, NR5 0TT

  • Dates: 1 December 2025 – 1 January 2026

  • Times: Daily, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

  • Description: East Anglia’s largest festive attraction returns with dazzling fairground rides, ice skating beneath twinkling lights, Santa’s Grotto, and a towering Observation Wheel. Perfect for families wanting a full day of festive fun.

  • Website: Winter Wonderland Norwich


🧚‍♀️ Thursford Christmas Spectacular

  • Location: Thursford, NR21 0AS (approx. 25 miles from Norwich)

  • Dates: 1 December – 23 December 2025

  • Times: Various showtimes (afternoon & evening)

  • Description: A world-famous festive show featuring dazzling dancers, singers, comedy, and circus acts. A magical treat for families, combining theatre with Christmas sparkle.

  • Website: Thursford Christmas Spectacular


🚂 Polar Express Train Ride – Mid Norfolk Railway

  • Location: Dereham Station, NR19 1DF

  • Dates: 1 December – 23 December 2025

  • Times: Multiple departures daily

  • Description: Step aboard the Polar Express for a magical train journey inspired by the beloved film. Children meet Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and experience festive storytelling.

  • Website: Mid Norfolk Railway Polar Express


✨ Norfolk Lights Express – North Norfolk Railway

  • Location: Sheringham Station, NR26 8RA

  • Dates: 1 December – 1 January 2026

  • Times: Evening departures

  • Description: A spectacular illuminated train ride where carriages glow with vibrant lights, creating a magical journey through the Norfolk countryside. Includes Santa Specials for children.

  • Website: Norfolk Lights Express


🎁 Holkham Hall Christmas Market

  • Location: Lady Elizabeth Wing, Holkham Hall, Wells, NR23 1AB

  • Dates: 12 – 14 December 2025

  • Times: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Description: Over 60 stalls of festive crafts, gifts, and food, with live music and seasonal cheer. A perfect family day out in a stunning stately home setting.

  • Website: Holkham Hall Christmas Market


🛍️ Black Barn Farm Christmas Fair

  • Location: Black Barn Farm, Norwich outskirts

  • Dates: 6 December 2025

  • Times: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Description: A bustling fair with over 100 local craft, gift, and food stalls. Families can enjoy festive music, street food, and plenty of seasonal shopping.

  • Website: Black Barn Farm Christmas Fair


🎭 Norwich Pantomimes

  • Location: Theatre Royal Norwich, NR2 1RL

  • Dates: 10 December 2025 – 3 January 2026

  • Times: Afternoon & evening performances

  • Description: Christmas isn’t complete without a pantomime! Expect laughter, music, and audience participation in this family tradition.

  • Website: Visit Norwich – Pantomimes


🦖 Dippy’s Christmas Celebration at ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure

  • Location: ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade, Norwich, NR9 5JE

  • Dates: 6 December – 23 December 2025 (weekends & selected dates)

  • Times: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Description: Father Christmas returns to ROARR! with his friend Dippy for a dinosaur-sized festive celebration. Expect twinkling lights, themed decorations, interactive activities, and magical entertainment across the park.

  • Website: Dippy’s Christmas Celebration at ROARR!


✨ Sparkle at ROARR! – Festive Forest Fables

  • Location: ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade, Norwich, NR9 5JE

  • Dates: 6 December – 23 December 2025 (evenings)

  • Times: Evening sessions (check booking for times)

  • Description: A brand-new illuminated woodland trail created with Norwich Theatre, Festive Forest Fables: A Cinderella Illuminated Fairytale. Families wander through glowing forests filled with theatrical surprises, meet characters, and enjoy immersive storytelling.

  • Website: Sparkle at ROARR!


🌟 BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas – A Starry Night of Sparkly Lights & Panto Magic

  • Location: BeWILDerwood Norfolk, Horning Road, Hoveton, NR12 8JW

  • Dates: 29 November – 23 December 2025

  • Times: Afternoon & evening slots (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, with timeslots at 4:00 PM, 4:45 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:15 PM, and 7:00 PM)

  • Description: BeWILDerwood transforms into a festive wonderland with a Sparkly Light Trail through the woods, a mini pantomime starring Jingles the Elf, and appearances from Father Christmas. Each child receives a BeWILDerwood Christmas book to take home.

  • Website: BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas


🎁 Conclusion

With so many magical experiences to choose from, Christmas 2025 in Norfolk promises unforgettable memories for families. Whether you’re stepping aboard the Polar Express, exploring sparkling woodland trails at BeWILDerwood, or enjoying festive fun with Dippy the Dinosaur at ROARR!, each event offers its own unique charm. Add in the joy of local Christmas markets and pantomimes, and you’ll find the season brimming with opportunities to celebrate together.

So wrap up warm, gather your loved ones, and let Norfolk’s festive spirit light up your holidays.


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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