by Katie Thompson
We bet you’d agree that the build-up to Christmas is just as exciting as the big day itself. And when there’s so many fun and festive things to do in Norwich and Norfolk, we can see why!
Christmastime is the perfect season to spend with friends and family, whether it’s on a great night out or at a performance everyone can enjoy. This is especially true with children (as well as the big kids!). From merry music to festive films and sparkling lights, there’s plenty to get everyone in the Christmas spirit, from the start of the season through to the school holidays. And if you want to visit Father Christmas, we’ve got you covered.
One thing’s for certain- it’s best to book in advance! Read on for our round-up of the best things to do with your family in the City of Stories this Christmas.
Whether it’s Aladdin, Cinderella or Fantastic Mr Fox- there’s plenty of pantos in Norwich to keep you entertained!
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a panto or two, right? And if you’re like us, you’ll have been anticipating each show since last year! So, it’s just as well that Norwich has a number of pantomimes fit for all ages throughout November and December. Some are the tales you know and love, while others are reimagined for a new and exciting take on your favourite stories.
But one thing we can all agree on, there will be loads of laughs, plenty of cheers, and a few boos and hisses thrown in for good measure! You’ll definitely leave with a smile on your face!
What would you do with three wishes? At Norwich Theatre Royal (Saturday 7 December – Sunday 5 December, tickets from £10), you’ll find out Aladdin’s wishes as he seeks his fortune, finds true love and battles baddies. Of course, it’s not going to be that straight forward- this is panto, after all! With a stellar cast that includes Norwich names, soap stars and West End actors, you’ll love this genie-us production.
Just a short carriage ride away, you can enjoy The Garage’s reimagined Cinderella Rocks! (Sunday 8 December – Sunday 29 December, tickets £16.50). Join Cinderella as she dreams of becoming a rock star and headlining the royal ball, much to the dismay of her evil stepsisters! This all-female production is a demonstration of girl power, full of great songs and talented actors, and you’re cordially invited!
And for something a little less traditional, there’s Fantastic Mr Fox at the Maddermarket Theatre (Friday 20 December – Monday 30 December, tickets £18.90). This Roald Dahl adventure follows a family of foxes as they join together to protect their underground community. It’s a heartwarming panto that uses music, movement and puppetry for an entrancing festive performance.
Hop on board Bure Valley Railway’s Festive Express!
Throughout December, you can hop on board the Festive Express from Bure Valley Railway’s Aylsham station for a fantastically festive train journey to see Father Christmas (£24 per person). You could say it’s like Norfolk’s very own Polar Express!
Across nine December dates (1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th), you can enjoy this 30-minute seasonal steam train journey. There will be festive treats, bright decorations and even your own heated compartment- ideal for a family trip!
Then it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Santa will be waiting to greet you on his sleigh back at Aylsham station, where you can meet him and his hardworking elves in his grotto. And each child will personally receive a gift from Father Christmas. This will be a trip to remember for many Christmases to come!
What better way to celebrate the season’s best songs than an Xmas Pop Party performance?
We think that one of the best things about ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, has got to be the Christmas music. Whether it’s a classic carol, your favourite crooner or a jolly pop song, it’s easy to get into the festive spirit with the right tune.
That’s why the Xmas Pop Party (Friday 6 December – Sunday 8 December, tickets £16) at the Maddermarket Theatre is the perfect excuse to don some sequins and dust off your dancing shoes. You’ll experience 90 minutes of energetic entertainment and a set list that includes the likes of Mariah, Wham, Bing and Bublé. There’s a live band, singing, dancing, circus and comedy from a cast of talented performers! This really is a festive family show for all ages.
At Strangers’ Hall, learn about Christmas traditions and meet Father 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).
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden plays host to an outdoor festive cinema this Christmas
We’re sure you’d agree that the best Christmas films are the classics, especially when they’re a favourite of both parents and children. And The Grinch is undeniably one of these films. Full of comedy and seasonal cheer, it’s a feel-good tale about the true meaning of Christmas.
And to make it even more Christmassy, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden are showing a screening of The Grinch in their festive outdoor cinema (Tuesday 10 December, adults £6 & children £4)! Here, you can snuggle up in the heated marquee in the heart of the Broads for a traditionally different cinema experience.
There are festive events for every member of the family at Roarr!
If you’re planning to pay a visit to Roarr! this Christmas, there’s a variety of festive events for every member of the family (including your furry friends!).
In the build-up to the big day, Roarr’s resident friendly dinosaur, Dippy, will be spreading Christmas cheer as part of Dippy’s Christmas Celebration (Saturday 30 November – Tuesday 24 December, £15.95 per person). Once inside, you can wander the candy cane trail, glide on an ice-skating rink and enjoy everything else the park has to offer!
Then after the sun has set, you can visit the Sparkle Twilight Festive Fair (selected dates between Friday 29 November – Monday 23 December). This year, this free-to-enter Christmas market has doubled in size! You’ll discover seasonal stalls, delicious food and drink, and live entertainment. And you can immerse yourself in a magical grotto where Mrs Claus, Father Christmas and his elves wait with treats and presents!
Man’s best friend isn’t forgotten either. At Bark in the Dark (Sunday 8 December & Sunday 15 December, £19.95 per ticket), your pooch can enjoy their own grotto experience. They’ll get to meet Father Christmas, take a festive ‘pawtrait’, and chew on tasty treats!
Spot the smiling snowmen on BeWILDerwood’s Sparkly Light Trail
BeWILDerwood always promises a whimsical experience, and at Christmas, it’s no different.
Follow The Sparkly Light Trail, spotting smiling snowmen and colourful candy canes- look out for the giant Christmas pudding! Then you can pay a visit to Father Christmas himself (where children will receive a tasty treat!) before enjoying a special seasonal pantomime!
And if you’re out and about in Norfolk this Christmas, schedule in a stop at Pensthorpe. At their North Norfolk Pole experience (selected dates between Saturday 30 November – Monday 23 December, adults from £14.95 & children from £17.95), you can meet Father Christmas, take part in crafts with Mrs Claus, and join activities like reindeer food making!
If that wasn’t enough, there’s so much more festive fun to discover on our City of Stories blog! If you’re feeling peckish, what about a festive afternoon tea? Or if you’re searching for the perfect stocking filler, why not visit one of our many Christmas markets before a spot of Christmas shopping?
