By Katie Thompson
It’s never too early to start planning for Christmas! Check out our festive blogs later in the year for the most up-to-date information.
Christmas is a time when clusters of stalls brimming with unique gifts and bedecked in twinkling lights begin popping up across the county. Think indulgent mugs of hot chocolate piled high with marshmallows or a warming glass of mulled wine as you spread festive cheer with friends and family.
Of course, what would a Christmas market be without a little shopping? It’s the perfect place to purchase a little something for your nearest and dearest!
As is the norm in Norwich, we like to do traditional a little differently. Here, we prefer to host an offering of smaller, more intimate artisan Christmas markets (and if you like a theme, you’ve come to the right place!). From mid-November until the thrill of Christmas Eve’s arrival, you’ll discover something pretty much every weekend (and some weekdays).
But there is method in our madness- visiting just one market is certainly not enough! There’s sure to be a market to suit you and you’ll get the chance to explore a variety of venues across Norwich. Mix this with the opportunity to book a delicious lunch out or a great breakfast to build-up energy ahead of ‘the shop’ and, well, what are you waiting for?
For us here at VisitNorwich, a Christmas market is as exciting as dusting off your Christmas jumper or hearing the opening bars of that first Christmas song.
This is our list of the best Christmas markets in Norwich, where you’ll not only have lots of festive fun, but you’re sure to find gifts for even the most difficult of friends and family to buy for.
Why not make a weekend of it? Check out city centre rooms at The Assembly House and The Maids Head Hotel
Discover local makers from across East Anglia at Norwich’s Christmas markets
Our Favourite Christmas Markets to Look Out For
The Assembly House Christmas Fair
November, FREE entry
Start the festive season right at this magical Christmas market. Spread throughout the grand Georgian architecture of The Assembly House, including the Music Room, Hobart Room and Noverre Ballroom, shop original, beautifully crafted and high-quality products from local designers and makers.
Whilst you’re here: Why not treat yourself to a festive 2-night weekend winter escape and book time away with The Assembly House’s Shop and Stay offer? In 2024, prices start from £395 for two nights and include bed and breakfast and afternoon tea for two, parking, and a bottle of fizz!
The Feed Makers’ Market, Waterloo Park
November, FREE entry
Want to say you’ve been to Norwich’s newest Christmas market? Browse a range of handmade crafts- including ceramics and jewellery- from Norwich creatives to local students at The Feed in Waterloo Park. Bonus: it’s fully accessible and dog-friendly!
Whilst you’re here: Take a stroll around the beautiful Grade II listed Waterloo Park before heading back into the city centre via Norwich’s Creative Quarter. It’s the perfect excuse for a riverside pitstop at The Ribs of Beef pub.
UNIK Design Christmas Market, The Forum
November, FREE entry
This Christmas market is ideal for picking up unique gifts and supporting local artists. It’s a great selection of local and handmade crafts straight from the designers, including artisanal products like ceramics, accessories and prints! Get to know the makers behind these beautiful creations!
Whilst you’re here: Book an activity at Castle Quarter and enjoy indoor golf or an escape room challenge or bowling and more. Spend quality time with friends and family before the big day!
Norwich Vegans Christmas Market, The Forum
November, FREE entry
This is the perfect place to purchase a gift for the friend that’s eco-conscious. Come along and shop whilst supporting local businesses, animals, people and the planet at a Christmas Market with a cause. Enjoy tasty food, and some fantastic shopping from clothes to candles.
Whilst you’re here: Add a little Christmas spice to your visit. Why not book a table at Namaste Village? Discover traditional meat-free Indian dishes that are full of flavour.
Why not treat yourself to a Christmas wreath on Norwich market?
Indie Pop-Up Christmas Market, John Lewis & Partners Norwich
November & December, FREE entry
Meet the makers and discover some lovely small brands at John Lewis Norwich’s Indie Pop-Up Christmas Market- perfect for unique presents for friends, family or yourself! From new Norwich names to local Norfolk crafts and beyond, here you’re sure to find something special, whether it’s a handcrafted gift, handwoven cashmere scarf or bespoke permanent jewellery!
Whilst you’re here: Enjoy the twinkling Christmas lights and head down Westlegate towards the bustling city centre to experience Norwich’s festive cheer!
Festive Fair at The Forum
Across four days in late November, FREE entry
Packed full of Christmas cheer, the Festive Fair is one of Norwich’s busiest and most popular Christmas Markets for a reason! Hosted at The Forum, Norwich’s spectacular Millennium building, you will find stalls indoors and out offering delicious local food and drink (including treats for your furry friends!), quality East Anglian-made products, live entertainment including a jovial brass band and possibly a guest appearance from some very cute mini-donks!
Whilst you’re here: Put your feet up and end the day over a glass of wine and a tempting cheese platter (or patisserie, for those of us with a sweet tooth) in the Deli & Bar at Jarrolds independent department store.
Festive Fairhaven Christmas Market at Fairhaven Gardens
November, FREE entry
For nature-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, what’s better than a Christmas market set in a woodland and water garden? With 40 stalls boasting everything from local crafts to scrumptious treats, this is the festive market for unique gifts to unwrap.
Whilst you’re here: If you’re wrapped up warm, why not enjoy a peaceful boat trip on Fairhaven Gardens’ private broad, with views the river Bure’s wildlife and the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey. And pop into their tearoom afterwards for a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake!
Pensthorpe Christmas Market
December or late November, low cost or FREE for under 16s
Packed full with 80 stalls of local producers, Pensthorpe’s Christmas Market attracts thousands of visitors each year and we can see why. Discover the region’s best food and drink alongside East Anglian artists and makers. It’s great for creative and unique gifts before tucking into a scrumptious treat! And, new for 2024, the market will be dotted with firepits and marshmallow toasting to tempt you while you browse!
Whilst you’re here: Visit Pensthorpe Nature Reserve to explore its wonderfully different habitats, busy with natural life all year round! Before you leave, what about a spot of cake in the café and a nosey around the shop?
Holkham Hall’s Christmas market has over 60 producers of food, drink and gifts!
Fierce Babe Christmas Market, The Assembly House
Usually a Sunday in December, FREE entry
This is the place to find something special and support indie makers at the same time, all in a positive and inclusive space. With the historic Grade-I listed Assembly House as its city centre venue, Fierce Babe Christmas Market’s USP is its 25+ creators who identify as women, trans, or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Whilst you’re here: Make sure to book ahead and settle in for one of The Assembly House’s legendary Festive Afternoon Teas – it’s probably one of the best places in Norwich.
Global Village Christmas Market, The Forum
Across a weekend in December, FREE entry
Feliz Navidad! This is an amazing international Christmas Market for gifts, with groups of traders, illustrators, and makers selling from around the world with a focus on fairly-traded and eco-conscious products. On the Saturday, you can even savour the tastes of global cuisine outside!
Whilst you’re here: Pop across the road to Country & Eastern on Bethel Street selling amazing objet d’art, ceramics, bed linen, textiles, rugs, lamps, jewellery, art and so much more from South East Asia. Oh, and the building is a vast Victorian skating rink – it’s quite an experience!
Clutter City Winter Market, Norwich Arts Centre
December, FREE entry
This is such a great market from Norwich Arts Centre where the focus is firmly on incredibly talented creatives from across Norwich and Norfolk, with over 25 carefully selected stalls featuring local makers, artists, illustrators, and designers!
Not to be missed – their festive treats with a range of locally sourced hot and cold drinks, mulled wine, cakes, and pastries from the Norwich Arts Centre bar.
Whilst you’re here: Grab the opportunity to spend some time on Norwich’s unofficial ‘restaurant street’. Eke out the day by staying for drinks at Makers House followed by a beautiful fine dining tasting menu experience at Benedicts.
City of Literature Publishing Fair, National Centre for Writing
December, FREE drop in
This popular Publishing Fair may not technically count as a Christmas market, but we know it’ll be worth your while, especially for the book-lover in your life! As you know, we’re full of independent spirit here in Norwich, and this fair is no different. Meet publishers and writers from across the East, stock-up on thoughtful gifts for loved ones and know that you’re helping up-and-coming talent- what’s better than the gift of giving, after all?
Whilst you’re here: Explore Dragon Hall, home to the National Centre for Writing, before ambling slowly back to the city centre via The Julian Shrine to Timber Hill and the city centre.
Find gifts for all your friends and family thanks to a variety of markets
St Nicholas Craft Fair, Cathedral of St John the Baptist
December, FREE entry
Set within the stunning architecture of the Narthex at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist you’ll discover an array of Norfolk makers, crafters, artists and designers to browse. Perfect for presents for your loved ones, there will also be a visit from St Nick himself and festive music throughout the day.
Whilst you’re here: After exploring the cathedral, stop by the Garden Cafe for a variety of seasonal treats, including eggnog lattes and gingerbread hot chocolates to compliment your turkey baguette stuffed with all the trimmings!
Banham Zoo’s Christmas Fair
December, included in zoo admission
2024 marked Banham Zoo’s first-ever Christmas fair and the chance to browse plenty of seasonal stalls amongst the animals! From festive food & drink, including gourmet hot chocolates and mulled wine, to handmade crafts, like jewellery, glass gifts and pet accessories, discover local makers’ wares. Plus, if you’re visiting on Sunday, there will be Christmas performances to spread some seasonal cheer.
While you’re here: After exploring Banham’s Christmas market, why not join their Jingle in the Jungle Christmas event? Or, afterwards, pay a visit to The English Distillery nearby and stock up on local spirits for yourself and your loved ones.
Holkham Hall’s Christmas Market
A weekend in December, FREE entry
Now this market may not be in Norwich per se, but you won’t want to miss it- because who doesn’t love a trip to the coast at Christmas? And thanks to its popularity, 2024 saw Holkham Hall’s Christmas Market back for three days instead of two- even more time to experience their festive offering. With over 60 producers of food, drink and gifts to discover, you’re sure to find those stocking fillers, whether you’re shopping solo, with friends or family.
Whilst you’re here: For the ultimate Christmas experience, tour Holkham Hall by Candlelight. Marvel at The Marble Hall, studded with twinkling trees, perfect for a fun-filled festive season.
Local Makers Market, The Forum
December, FREE entry
At this special – for one day only – Christmas market, find the perfect handmade gift from ceramics, prints and jewellery, to homewares and textiles all produced by talented local artisans. If you’re looking for a unique gift (or a present to yourself), this is the place.
And for those of us looking to get organised with their Christmas shopping a little earlier, the Local Makers Market also pops up at the Shoe Factory Social Club in St. Mary’s Works in November or early December.
Whilst you’re here: Explore the narrow lanes and alleys of the Norwich Lanes taking you from Upper St Giles to the tip of London Street. On these historic streets discover a plethora of independent stores, venues, city pubs and eateries to while away the hours very enjoyably. Warm up your winter evening with a trip to Grosvenor Fish Bar– you’ll smell the fish and chips before you see them!
The Festive Fair at The Forum is one of Norwich’s most popular Christmas markets!
Jarrolds Store Folk Christmas Market
November & December, FREE entry during opening hours
This is an exclusive shopping experience within Norwich’s only independent department store featuring some of Norfolk’s finest local artisans and producers. The Store Folk vendor stalls will offer a diverse range of high-quality, locally produced goods where customers will discover unique gifts, artisanal crafts, and gourmet delights—all while supporting local businesses. From handmade accessories to delicious treats, Jarrolds Store Folk Christmas Market has everything to make Christmas special!
Whilst you’re here: Stop by one of Jarrolds’ many stylish restaurants for a well-deserved treat- why not enjoy a seafood sharing board (overlooking the twinkling lights of Norwich Market, might we add) at The Bay Seafood & Wine Bar?
Jabbawocky Crafts, The Forum
Select Fridays and Saturdays across November and December, FREE entry
Explore stalls filled with exquisite handmade jewellery, beautiful photographic prints, calendars and lots of other products. And Jabbawocky Crafts’ mini markets are back in mid-December, too, for those last-minute stocking fillers.
Whilst you’re here: Why not book a matinee performance of the panto at Norwich Theatre Royal? It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump away from The Forum. (Oh, yes it is!)
Norfolk Craft Fairs, The Forum
Select dates across November and December, FREE entry
Formerly known as Modern Country Crafts, this market showcases a wonderful array of local craft traders and artists all under one roof. It’s the very best of East Anglia’s thriving independent craft markets for handmade ornaments, soaps and more.
Whilst you’re here: A visit to Norwich isn’t complete without seeing Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery?
Norwich Market
Gentleman’s Walk, all year round, Monday to Saturday
Not strictly a Christmas Market, rather a market at Christmas! Norwich’s permanent 6-day-a-week undercover market is the largest in the UK and not only a place to shop, eat and drink it’s also a tourist attraction in its own right. Here, you’re walking through 900 years of history! The endless array of locally-made food and drink makes for a thoughtful gift, but don’t forget to stay long enough to try it yourself!
From Bao Buns to steaming Indian curries, Asian noodles and traditional Spanish albondigas smothered in a rich tomato sauce, find delicious homemade artisan food from around the world!
Whilst you’re here: Finish your exploration of the market at Norwich’s smallest bar – Sir Toby’s Beers. This is a great place to people watch and sip an aromatic authentic Glühwein with or without an extra slug of brandy or rum! Follow this with a walk down to Tombland to visit Norwich Cathedral which has a large Christmas programme of activities, services and performances.
