by Katie Thompson
A festive day in the City of Stories is all about decking the halls, your way.
At Christmas, Norwich lights up. Our Norwich Lanes front magical windows full of charm, while our medieval marvels offer a sense of tradition. Stuffed full but never stuffy, indulge in heavenly food and drink after a reinvigorating winter walk discovering our natural side.
Whether you’re a Christmas lover or prefer to wait to get those decorations out, one thing’s for certain, a festive day in our fine city will be full of seasonal cheer.
So, it’s time to treat yourself. This is our guide to a Christmas day in Norwich!
//Norwich Festive Lights Switch On | Thursday 20 November
//Royal Arcade Late Night Shopping Event | Thursday 20 November
//Festive Fair at The Forum | 27 – 30 November
//Tree of Remembrance at Norwich Cathedral | 5 December – 4 January
//Clutter City Winter Market at Norwich Arts Centre | Saturday 6 December
//Calligraphy Workshop at Yalm | Saturday 6 December
//Christmas Carousel and Big Wheel at The Forum | 20 December – 4 January
At Christmas, Norwich Cathedral hosts a wonderful programme of traditional and harmonious events
//Eat & Drink: Refectory Cafe at Norwich Cathedral; The Lions’ Den.
//See & Do: Riverside walk; Elm Hill; The South Asia Collection.
//Shop: Norwich Lanes; Country & Eastern; Christmas markets.
Start your day in Norwich as you mean to go on- with a delicious pastry in Norwich Cathedral’s Refectory Cafe. (We suggest a flaky cinnamon swirl.) Sip on a warming electric-roasted espresso as you marvel at the impressive 900-year-old architecture around you- this beautiful Romanesque building boasts the second-tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in the country!
Head outside, wrapped up warm, into the crisp winter air of Norwich Cathedral Close, where charming flint cottages sparkle with frost. It’s like a scene from a Christmas card. From here, make your way towards our riverside walk, leaves crunching underfoot, and pass local landmarks like Pull’s Ferry and St James’ Mill, which is clad in wine-coloured ivy in winter.
In winter, Norwich’s riverside walk is a peaceful and refreshing part of the city
As the rustle of willow trees surrounds you, stop by The Lions’ Den near Bishop’s Bridge for an alfresco riverside refreshment- this is the season of indulgence, after all. Beneath cosy canopies decked with fairy lights, you can relax under fluffy blankets with a velvety coffee or hot chocolate as the Wensum ripples by.
Keep strolling until you reach Fye Bridge and wander up Elm Hill. Norwich’s most complete medieval street is straight from a fairytale, lined with higgledy piggledy beamed houses and glowing shop windows- we love The Bear Shop. (You might even notice it from recent festive film Jingle Jangle!)
At Christmas, the Lanes’ indies glow
Heading towards the city centre, you’ll discover our cobbled Norwich Lanes, lights twinkling above you. Independents line these meandering streets, inviting you in with richly decorated Christmas displays and doorways framed with bauble-adorned garlands. There are unique bookshops and curated lifestyle stores, antique shops full of treasures and mouthwatering eateries. (Our favourites include Atwin, Bowhill & Elliott and Dipples.) It’ll be hard not to treat your loved ones (and yourself) to a special gift or two!
The South Asia Collection is home to beautiful crafts and their Country & Eastern shop
We always recommend making time for The South Asia Collection, just a short walk away on Bethel Street. It’s one of Norwich’s most beautiful hidden gems. Housed in a former Victorian skating rink- just look up at the incredible wooden ceiling, the museum showcases and preserves traditional South Asian crafts, from block printing to woodwork, ironwork and more. And while you’re here, you can take home your own piece from their Country and Eastern museum shop. We love the jewel-toned soft furnishings and elegant jewellery.
And if you’ve got any last-minute gifts to buy or are feeling particularly frivolous, check out The Forum’s packed calendar of artisan Christmas markets!
At Christmastime, Jarrolds is a go-to for dazzling lights, delicious food and drink and gift giving!
//Eat & Drink: Jarrolds Cheese & Charcuterie Wine Bar; Sir Toby’s Beers; The Last.
//See & Do: Christmas lights.
//Shop: Jarrolds.
Feeling peckish? Embrace seasonal tradition and opt for a light lunch at Jarrolds’ Cheese & Charcuterie Wine Bar. (You won’t regret it, we promise!) Set in the department store’s buzzing food hall, take your time grazing one of their moreish sharing platters. With a selection of local meats and cheese fresh from the deli, garnished with sweet chutneys, peppery salad and tangy sundried tomatoes, this is a real treat. Especially when paired with a glass of Norfolk wine. Cheers!
And once you’ve finished off every crumb, it would be rude not to have a look around, right? Pick up a basket (go on, you know you want to) and peruse the shelves brimming with Norfolk-made produce. Whether you’ve a sweet tooth or penchant for savoury, there are preserves, chocolates, spirits, pastries and more to tempt you!
Suspended in the night sky above, the Canopy of Light is a brilliant display of colour
By now, the sun will be setting and the sky ombre at sunset, making the perfect backdrop for Norwich’s sparkling Christmas lights (even if it’s cloudy). Begin at Jarrolds’ main entrance, always an illuminating centrepiece, and amble through the city centre, admiring glittering displays and colourful reflections on the pavements at your feet.
Whilst many a street shines, there are some spots that can’t be missed! Make sure to check out our beautiful Art Nouveau arcade (this year lined with golden angels), the shimmering rooftops of Norwich Market and interior at The Forum. Not to mention John Lewis’s silver facade, the giant presents at Chantry Place, The Assembly House’s igloos and the Canopy of Light on Hay Hill, where thousands of bright lights are suspended overhead.
A stylish and delicious meal at The Last is a real festive indulgence
Then it’s time for a warming Glühwein at Sir Toby’s Beers (with or without that extra slug of brandy)! From their bar on Norwich Market, people watch as visitors and locals alike bustle along Christmas shopping or head to festive parties, feeling merry in the company of friends and family.
End your day with a feast- dinner at The Last. This stylish brasserie is perfect for a festive meal out. It’s all about premium local ingredients and delicious flavours. The menu du jour offers 2- or 3-courses with dishes like cauliflower velouté and citrus-soaked maritozzo, while their carefully crafted Christmas menu boasts the likes of fillet of Norfolk beef and chestnut and pear Bûche de Noël!
There’s no doubt you’ll be full of great food, Christmas cheer and heartwarming memories after a Christmassy day in the City of Stories.
