by Katie Thompson
Well, it looks like the festive season is well and truly upon us! And what better way to spread some Christmas cheer, than getting involved with all the seasonal events that Norwich and Norfolk have to offer? This December, there’s so much to choose from. For starters, it wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one visit to Father Christmas! It’s time to mark your calendars and start planning! Read on for our top recommendations.
And if that’s not enough, then check out our City of Stories blog for even more Yuletide fun- whether you’re looking for:
Things to do with your family | Christmassy nights out | Festive Things to Do | Accessible Performances
There’s loads to do at Strangers’ Hall this Christmas!
At Christmastime, we all love a tradition- whether it’s a family one or one where everyone takes part. So, why not visit Strangers’ Hall this December?
Here, you can experience Christmases past with their seasonal events- from a History of Christmas tour (Sunday 15 December, £10) with the museum’s curator (mince pie and warm punch included) to a captivating Christmas concert by historical musicians Pearl in the Egg (Sunday 22 December, £20). There’s even a ghost story or two thanks to Hallowed Histories (Sunday 8 December & Wednesday 18 December, £15)- a real Victorian tradition– and the chance to embroider your own hoop decoration (Wednesday 4 December, £15).
Norwich Theatre’s Aladdin promises to be full of panto antics!
Christmas isn’t really Christmas without a panto. Oh, no it isn’t! And here in the City of Stories, you can always rely on Norwich Theatre Royal to put on a pantomime brimming with festive cheer. Plus, you’re guaranteed plenty of laughs for the little ones and the big kids!
What would you do with three wishes? This year, Norwich Theatre is taking us on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin (Saturday 7 December – Sunday 5 January). Join a talented cast of familiar faces and West End stars as Aladdin sets out for true love and his fortune- with plenty of panto antics along the way!
Plus, matinee, evening and accessible performances (including BSL, audio-described and captioned) make this a show for all the family. You can book your tickets on Norwich Theatre’s website.
Bring your dog for a paw-fect day at Santa’s Grotto for Dogs at The Forum
For anyone with a furry friend, The Forum has Christmas covered with a day dedicated to every dog-lover. On this one-day-only event (Sunday 15 December), you can bring your beloved pooch to join the festivities at Santa’s Grotto for Dogs!
Come and meet Santa Woof Woof himself before posing for a family ‘pawtrait’! All this supports and raises money for the local RSPCA charity- it’s the season of goodwill, after all. Live music is included, and Christmas costumes for your dog (and yourself!) are encouraged! It’s the paw-fect way for the whole family to celebrate.
Enjoy the recently renovated Hay Hill and admire the Canopy of Light
Sparkling overhead in the centre of Hay Hill is the Canopy of Light, where you can stand beneath and admire it’s eye-catching light sequences. Its constantly changing colours mean it’s never the same, no matter where you’re standing, enticing you to take a selfie or two to capture the memory.
While you’re there, why not relax and take a seat in the recently redeveloped surrounds of Hay Hill? You can take the whole family to enjoy the evening beneath the canopy’s multi-coloured glow, or you can catch up with friends over a steaming coffee or roasted mulled wine.
Featuring everyone’s favourite carols, join a host of choristers on Hay Hill under the Canopy of Light for carol singing! This is the inaugural Lantern Procession where families are encouraged to participate ahead of the annual Crib Service at St Peter Mancroft church.
You can collect a free lantern (to keep afterwards!) for the procession before shepherds, wise men, angels, Mary and Joseph lead into the church as the Christmas Story is narrated. Children are encouraged to come dressed as any of the Christmas Story characters for this traditionally different service.
The Cromer Pier Christmas Show is back for another spellbinding year!
The Cromer Pier Christmas Show is back for another spellbinding year and it’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!
From comedy and music to dance and specialty acts, this amazing variety show has 2 hours packed full of entertainment for all the family. As well as all that, you’ll be enthralled by the jaw-dropping 8-metre video wall and special effects, sensational sets, dazzling costumes and spectacular lighting. This is truly a special day out. And it’s part of the only full season end of pier show in the world!
Step into Fairhaven’s magical Woodland Light Walks
Stepping into the magical Woodland Light Walks at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported to a wonderful Christmassy world. In fact, this very festive destination is only a 20-minute drive from Norwich!
Here, you can follow the glowing trail through Fairhaven’s historic woodland, lit by twinkling fairy lights, sparkling stars and shining woodland animals. This is a lovely evening out with children and affordable, too! We suggest going as it gets dark. And for even more merriment, you can enjoy a steaming hot chocolate or mulled wine accompanied by a mince pie or marshmallow to toast on the fire.
Experience Jingle in the Jungle for the first time this Christmas!
Banham Zoo’s Jingle in the Jungle offers an utterly festive family experience for the first time this Christmas! There might even be a mince pie or two…
Between Saturday 7 December – Saturday 22 December, you can enjoy the Jingle in the Jungle stage show and join Aurora the Snow Leopard as she embarks on a heartwarming journey to discover the true spirit of Christmas. Here, the animal kingdom meets seasonal cheer, so expect plenty of laughter and music along the way. Why not make for a really memorable night and book their first-ever after-hours performance?
And afterwards, it’s time to explore the zoo and meet Father Christmas for a festive photo opportunity!
ZSEA’s Santa Run is fun, festive and supports their animals!
Christmas is a time for giving and we think you’ll agree when we say an event that raises money for animal welfare is well worth every penny. Banham Zoo and Africa Alive’s Santa Run does just that! This 1.5KM festive fancy dress run is fabulously fun and suitable for runners of all ages and abilities. And it’s for a great cause- the care of ZSEA’s zoo animals!
It’s one lap around the zoo (a flat and level surface) with giraffes, meerkats, and more for a view! There’s no time limit and walkers are welcome, too. And at the end of it all, Toby Tiger or Reggie the Lion will cheer you across the finish line before you’ll be awarded with a commemorative medal. You can choose a Santa Run on Sunday 15 December at Banham Zoo or Sunday 22 December at Africa Alive- so you’ve got two chances to take part!
There’s just one thing to note- festive costumes are highly encouraged! (You might even be lucky enough to win a prize for the best Christmas getup!) Numbers are limited, so make sure to register early.
These are just a few of the fantastically festive events you can visit across Norwich and Norfolk this December. So, if you need to refuel, why not indulge in a festive afternoon tea? Or if you’re not quite done with all things Christmas just yet, then be sure to read our blogs on festive things to do, Christmas markets and, of course, Christmas shopping!
