by Katie Thompson
At Christmas, we light up. See our famous and award-winning Norwich Lanes fitted with stars and sketches on windows, find beautiful festive displays, and historic landmarks, all while under the guise of sparkling Christmas lights overhead. There’s something for everyone- here are our top recommendations on how to spend a festive few days here in Norwich.
Whether you’re looking to get some all-important Christmas shopping done, see some gorgeous sights, or even a mix of both, a city break in Norwich is the perfect choice this Christmas.
Travelling here to the City of Stories is nice and straightforward too. Get the train to Norwich from London, Essex, Cambridge, and Suffolk with Greater Anglia. The station is just a 15-minute walk from the action of the city centre! From further afield, trains run from Liverpool Lime Street with stops via Sheffield, Nottingham and more with East Midlands Railway.
As Christmas is a busy time, we recommend booking in advance, whether that’s for festive stays, a Christmas meal or activities for all the family!
Norwich at Christmas is a city waiting to be explored.
If you want to make sure no stone is left unturned, then head first to Upper St Giles, one of our favourite hidden gems. It’s home to an array of delis, cafes (you’re never far from a sweet treat in Norwich!) and galleries. And during the festive season, their traditional shopfronts glow with glittering lights.
From here, walk to Guildhall Hill to experience the aroma of Christmas when the street vendor selling roasted nuts arrives- the sweet nutty scent is one of our favourite flavours of the season. Opposite- make sure to nip into Labour in Vain Yard to stop off at Moosey Art. This very cool gallery (with sister galleries in Hoxton and Islington) is your point of call to buy original art from up-and-coming artists at reasonable prices– they have a host of exhibitions too. Follow this by heading past our striking flintknapped 15th century Guildhall and across the marketplace (more on that in a bit).
Find yourself at our beautiful Art Nouveau Royal Arcade on Gentleman’s Walk to feel really Christmassy. It’s magically festive with Christmas music, lined with miniature trees, twinkling lights and garlands decked with baubles, and home to a myriad of independents which you can mooch around- after a coffee, of course! Step into Yalm, a food hall full of worldwide cuisine (make a note for later!), sip on a freshly roasted coffee and savour a buttery pastry- it’s the perfect fuel for the day ahead.
The Royal Arcade really does have everything! From delicately crafted bespoke jewellery at Sonkai to dopamine-inducing homeware in the newly opened Lazy Lobster or handmade terrariums at B’Leaf.
Speaking of fierce independents, the Norwich Lanes is our go-to destination for unique stores and thoughtful gifts. Golden Christmas lights are draped overhead to illuminate your way into the heart of Norwich’s local businesses. And you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here you’ll find longstanding men and womenswear alongside vintage fashion, lifestyle and design, stationery and secondhand bookshops.
Make sure you explore all the nooks and crannies- we wouldn’t want you to miss anywhere! Tucked away on Bridewell Alley is Atwin– a carefully curated womenswear and lifestyle store, ideal for those of us looking to shop a little more consciously and support local makers at the same time. Look out for their seasonal window art, cosy accessories and handmade decorations.
Just up the cobbled hill of Bedford Street, you’ll find London Street’s Bowhill and Elliott, the destination if you’re looking for something traditionally different. Their velvet slippers (handmade in the workshop in this very shop, by the way) will add a hint of luxury to your everyday (and an excellent final flourish to your Christmas Day outfit).
Staying in the area, pop over to Swan Lane to take a look at Dipples – a 5th generation family jeweller with gorgeous pieces, diamonds and watches. We think their dazzling jewellery and dapper timepieces make for an extra special surprise under the tree!
Now, time for lunch! Just a few minutes’ walk away, try Saporita for traditional Italian street food like pizza, focaccias, panino and panzerotti, it’s a no-brainer. This warm and welcoming family-run business brings the fresh taste of the Mediterranean right here to the streets of Norwich.
But if you’re looking for something a little different, then we recommend The Waffle House. This family business has been a mainstay in our fine city for over 45 years and, you guessed it, waffles are their speciality. Whether it’s sweet or savoury (our choice has to be their sage & onion infused waffle or Christmas Yule waffle), The Waffle House is even a favourite of Hugh Jackman (yes, really)!
In the afternoon, it’s time to take things a bit slower: let yourself get swept up in the festivities. And who doesn’t love the merry atmosphere of a department store at Christmas? (We’re already anticipating the opening bars of those classic Christmas hits.) Well, it’s just as well that we’ve got an award-winning independent one right here in Norwich!
Jarrolds is a destination in itself, especially at Christmas. You’ll find your eye is drawn to their stunning Christmas lights- spot the guiding star!- and wonderful window displays. Jarrolds’ 5 floors are the perfect place to treat your loved ones (or yourself!) to a little something. Displays are piled high with fashion, beauty, books, furniture and children’s toys at every corner, it’s a real Santa’s grotto.
But you must end your visit with a trip downstairs to their Food Hall. Here, shelves are lined with quality local produce, from chocolates to preserves, tea and coffee to wines and spirits like the award-winning English Distillery (made locally just outside Norwich). Handpick the delights that catch your eye for your own bespoke hamper. Fancy a sit down? Then order a cheese and charcuterie platter in the Wine Bar with a glass of something lovely.
Just before you head back to your hotel, can we tempt you to a warming gluhwein at Sir Toby’s Beers? This is the perfect people-watching pitstop on the edge of Norwich Market– sit down, relax and embrace the Christmas cheer.
Spot the guiding star in Jarrolds’ glorious Christmas lights
After an action-packed day exploring the city streets, it’s only right to finish your day with mouth-wateringly good food and drink. Head to The Last Wine Bar and Restaurant for happy hour (Weds-Fri) in Norwich’s Creative Quarter and sip on cocktails in an old shoe factory- from fruity flavours to long and citrussy, every one is mixed with premium ingredients. If wine is more to your taste, sample their well-curated list or if you don’t drink alcohol, rest assured, there are delicious choices for you, too.
And to end the day on a high book a table at The Last for dinner or take a seat at Benedicts (3 AA Rosettes). Just a five-minute walk across the river, this award-winning restaurant on St Benedicts Street showcases seasonal flavours and local ingredients in comforting and classic dishes. For a Christmas treat, their festive menu offers an indulgent fine dining experience you’re sure to tell friends and family about!
Indulge in Benedicts’ fine dining festive menu
The Details:
Stay: Maids Head Hotel.
Visit: Moosey Art.
Shop: Atwin; Bowhill & Elliot; Sonkai; Dipples.
Eat & Drink: Benedicts; Saporita; The Waffle House; The Last Wine Bar & Restaurant; Jarrolds Food Hall; Sir Toby’s Beers; Yalm.
We suggest saving day two for your culture fix and Norwich has plenty on offer because this is where old meets now.
A relaxing stroll is the ideal time to enjoy the city’s history. Starting at The Forum, Norwich’s newest and modern city centre building and home to a traditional Victorian carousel at Christmastime (20 December – 1 January), traverse 900 years of history in just a few footsteps. Head towards Castle Meadow, where you might have noticed Norwich Castle overlooking the city- it wouldn’t be a trip here without seeing it!
Crossing the road towards Tombland, you’ll see Norwich Cathedral. Feel free to explore its Harry Potter-esque cloister and fascinating nave. If you’re a bit peckish, this is the perfect time to pop into the Refectory Café where you can munch on a Bread Source gingerbread man or grab one of their popular coffees.
The cathedral is an enchanting place at Christmas. Time it right to enjoy the angelic sound of Carols in the Cloister (free, 14 Dec, 4pm) or other events like the beautiful Tree of Remembrance (6 December – 5 January) and joyful concerts by candlelight.
But if you’re looking for the extraordinary secrets of the City of Stories, then we suggest a walking tour. And this doesn’t mean it can’t be seasonal. Discover quirky traditions with Shoebox Experiences’ Chronicles of Christmas Tour or, if you haven’t had enough of the city’s amazing food and drink offering (and you’re getting the train!), book your place on Cheryl Cade’s Christmas Winter Spirits Tour.
End your journey at the charming, cobbled Elm Hill, Norwich’s most complete medieval street- you might notice it from the Christmas film Jingle Jangle! Its quaint shop fronts and individual stores are like a scene from a Christmas card, ideal for those last-minute gifts before you leave and sprinkled with Christmas magic. Try The Bear Shop, a treasure trove of teddy bears for collectors and children alike, or The Jade Tree for unique crafts, art and ceramics.
We think the best way to prepare for the journey home is a late lunch or a festive afternoon tea and here there are so many to choose from. In the stunning Georgian surrounds (or igloos) of The Assembly House, relish their Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea, back for its third year in a row! You’ll be in awe of the tiers of tasty treats, but don’t worry if you can’t finish them all, you can take them home for later!
Before you leave, pop back to Norwich Market for a lovely handmade wreath or make your way to The Forum for one of their many Christmas markets! Norwich is a city full of Christmas spirit and the perfect place to get your festive fix.
Elm Hill’s charming shopfronts glow at Christmastime!
If you’re staying in the City of Stories for another day (lucky you!), then why not explore a bit further afield?
Step into the Broads at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. This peaceful spot is perfect for nature-lovers- you can see why it’s easy to act natural here. There’s even a daily boat trip on their private broad and on the river Bure- spot wonderful wildlife and the historic ruins of St Benet’s Abbey! And from 30 November – 1 December, Fairhaven’s Christmas Market is the destination for unique gifts.
Or for something a little more Christmassy, enter a magical world and tour Holkham Hall by Candlelight (various dates from 29 November – 30 December, from £32 per adult, 1 hr drive from Norwich). You’ll find this grand Palladian-style house on North Norfolk’s breathtaking coastline. Come the festive season, each of its state rooms are a ‘wow’ moment- beautifully decorated with towering trees, glowing lights and stunning ornaments! Follow this with a visit to their Christmas Market (13 December – 15 December) to discover over 60 producers of food, drink and gifts. What better way to get into the Christmas mood?
The Details:
Shop: The Bear Shop & The Jade Tree on Elm Hill; Norwich’s Christmas markets.
Visit: Norwich Castle; Norwich Cathedral; Strangers’ Hall Christmas celebrations.
Eat & Drink: The Assembly House; Bread Source at the Refectory Cafe.
