Christmas in Norwich Highlights
Christmas in Norwich Highlights
by Katie Thompson
Come for the season; stay for the spirit. Norwich is full of festive cheer come Christmastime!
From artisan Christmas markets to harmonious performances and stores fronting magical windows full of charm. We’ve got cheery social spaces, seasonal food and drink offerings and workshops aplenty.
Norwich at Christmas is all about traditional with a twist. There are so many ways to savour the festive season with our Christmas in Norwich highlights!
Image: Nick Warner
Christmas Markets
Norwich has over 20 individual artisanal markets this Christmas! Credit: Clutter City
//City of Literature Christmas Market at Dragon Hall | Saturday 21 November
Find the perfect literary gift from publishers and makers across the region in England’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
//Festive Fair at The Forum | 26 – 29 November
With stalls indoors and outdoors, East Anglian-made products, live entertainment, a brass band and tasty treats, Festive Fair is one of Norwich’s most popular markets for a reason!
//Clutter City Winter Market at Norwich Arts Centre | Sunday 6 December
Under twinkly lights to the tune of Christmas classics, peruse a lovely array of talented makers and creatives from Norwich and Norfolk.
//Christkindl Market at Chapelfield Gardens | 11 – 20 December NEW!
Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, browse a range of independent makers in chalet-like stalls with entertainment on the bandstand and fuelled by festive food (mulled wine included).
For a full round-up, check out The Best Christmas Markets in Norwich!
Christmas Shopping
Our beautiful shopping areas are adorned with festive displays and home to both independents and high street names. Credit: VisitNorwich
//Jarrolds & the Norwich Lanes
Home to our flagship independent department store Jarrolds and a fantastic array of unique indies, the Norwich Lanes has plenty to choose from, including fashion, lifestyle, books, food and more! Our favourites include Atwin, Bowhill & Elliott and Sostrene Grene.
Whether you’re shopping for lifestyle lovers, plant enthusiasts or beauty buffs, the Royal Arcade boasts an attractive selection of local independents. Tick off your list here with personal and thoughtful gifts.
//Shopping Centres and Department Stores
For high street labels and well-known names, head straight to Chantry Place, perfect for fashion, tech and homeware, while Castle Quarter is ideal for experiential gifts. And Norwich is home to local flagships like John Lewis, too.
Check out Christmas Shopping in Norwich for all the details! And keep up-to-date with late night festive shopping with our Christmas FAQs, this year, the dates to note include 19 November and 10 & 17 December.
Christmas Food & Drink
Fish and chips meets Christmas roast? Only at Grosvenor Fish Bar! Credit: Grosvenor Fish Bar
//Sir Toby’s Beers and Bier Draak
People watch with a warming Glühwein on Norwich Market at Sir Toby’s Beers (slug of brandy optional) or indulge in an Irish coffee at continental beer bar Bier Draak.
A roast dinner with all the trimmings in a giant Yorkshire pud? Yes, please! At Redwell Brewery, tuck in and wash it down with a locally brewed craft beer in their working taproom.
This is Christmas dinner with a twist. Think chippy tea meets festive roast: turkey sausage with chips (of course), battered stuffing balls, gravy and cranberry sauce!
Christmas is all about indulging, so treat yourself to a creamy artisanal gelato with seasonal flavours like panettone, Christmas pudding and mince pie.
How about a twist on the traditional? In this buzzing neighbourhood pub, tuck into moreish seasonal specials, such as gingerbread tiramisu, quince frangipane tart and a festive take on their popular grazing boards, complete with baked camembert, red onion chutney and pigs in blankets.
Savour Norwich’s best Christmas food and drink with our blog! Our top picks include The Last, Gonzo’s, Yalm and Jarrolds.
Christmas Workshops
Norwich always has a wonderful selection of festive workshops to try. Credit: VisitNorwich
//Wreath Making | November & December
Across Norwich and Norfolk, you’ll be spoilt for choice with wreath making workshops. From the Maids Head to The Cathedral of St John the Baptist to Norwich Puppet Theatre, there’s an option for every budget.
//Christmas Cards in Calligraphy at The Julian Shrine | 1- 3 December
Add a personal touch to gifts and cards with this festive calligraphy workshop. Create original Christmas card designs or small gifts with lettering and illumination.
//Festive Cake Decorating at Yalm | Thursday 17 December
Decorate your own festive cakes using creative techniques and expert guidance. Get creative, slow down and enjoy the process. Why not make an evening of it with and order from Yalm’s multicultural kitchens?
Take a look at our What’s On page for even more festive workshops!
Christmas Performances
Norwich Cathedral’s programme of Christmas caroling events is always magical. Credit: Bill Smith/ Norwich Cathedral
//Carols in the Cloister at Norwich Cathedral | Saturday 12 December
Listen to your favourite Christmas carols in Norwich Cathedral’s magical 900-year-old cloister, freshly made cinnamon bun and steaming electric-roasted coffee in hand. Festive attire encouraged!
//The All New Adventures of Peter Pan at Norwich Theatre Royal | 5 December – 3 January
Second to the right and straight on to Norwich Theatre Royal! This year’s panto is an epic quest of magic, mayhem and mischief. Oh, and faith, trust and pixie dust!
//The Box of Delights at the Maddermarket Theatre | 18 December – 3 January
When the Box of Delights falls into the hands of young orphan Kay, can he use its special powers, outwit dark forces and protect Christmas as they know it? This is a Christmas production for all the family.
In Norwich, Christmas shows are for everyone. Check out our accessible performances here.
Christmas Events
Everyone will enjoy a ride on the traditional Victorian gallopers! Credit: The Forum
//Festive Love Letters Trail | 19 November – 10 January
Discover the city’s best festive displays and discover new reasons to fall in love with Norwich. Explore cobbled corners, cosy cafes and twinkling windows seeking out 30 hidden ‘love letters’ clues to be in with the chance of winning an incredible prize!
//Festive Lights Switch-On | Thursday 19 November
Norwich will be illuminated with festive cheer in one of the city’s most joyful celebrations. Think live performance, interactive entertainment and late-night food and drink on Norwich Market. Plus, the inaugural Winter Sessions on Gentleman’s Walk.
//Father Christmas | November – December
Step into Father Christmas’ workshop at locations across Norwich and Norfolk throughout the festive period. From Jarrolds to the Museum of Norwich– we’re sure you’ll be on the nice list this year!
//Santa Paddle at The Lions’ Den River | Sunday 6 December
We love seeing Norwich from a new perspective. So, don your best Santa outfit or festive fancy dress for a memorable winter paddle along the Wensum. Merry Christmas!
//Christmas Carousel and Big Wheel at The Forum | 19 December – 3 January
Celebrate the season with a ride on a traditional Victorian gallopers (which has appeared in films Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Half a Sixpence and Who Framed Roger Rabbit), before experiencing the best view of Norwich (and all its lights!) from the heights of the Big Wheel!
Discover our Christmas in Norwich page for more memorable winter experiences.
