Christmas in Norwich 2023

Christmas break for 2023 has come to an end, stay tuned to see what's on for Christmas 2024.

 

Hearing sleigh bells and chirpy carolers? Let them beckon you into the fun festivities this Christmas in Norwich! With so many exciting Xmas events here, don’t risk being a scrooge and missing out on all the delights this spectacular city has to offer. From Norwich Christmas markets to an iconic pantomime, we’ve got a list of what not to miss in Norwich this holiday season.

And what better way to enjoy the Christmassy spoils of the city than being able to meander around the magical cobblestone streets on foot? Experience Norwich as intended, with a gingerbread latte in hand and no traffic stress weighing on your shoulders. By using Park & Ride this Christmas, you can experience Norwich worry-free, without scanning for parking spots for hours!

Read on to see the Christmas events Norwich is putting on that you can easily access via Konectbus & Norwich Park and Ride.

Click here to view our Christmas and New Year schedules.

Norwich Christmas Lights 

Norwich Christmas Light 

It’s what everyone is waiting for when it comes to Christmas - the community countdown and “oohs” and “aahs” of wonder when the city is illuminated with a warming glow. With a guest appearance and live entertainment, the Norwich Christmas Lights is a quintessential family activity!

You can enjoy them until January 5th, across the city including the two focal points below. 

Chronicles of Christmas Waking Tour ( From 24th November) 

Join this cracker of a tour as it leads you through the illuminated streets of Norwich this Christmas and discover how people celebrated Christmas during the years, from the Romans to the present day. Organised by the Shoebox Experiences, the tour covers 1.30 mile and is accessible for all. 

Santa’s Grotto in Norwich

Visit Santa's Grotto at Jarrold (1st - 24th December)

For a luxurious department store grotto, head over to Jarrold with your little ones to see Santa and his elves! With a mailbox to send off your children’s wish lists and a special take-home pressie, make this the best ever Christmas for your kids, just ensure you don’t miss out by booking a spot!

Santa’s Grotto and Toy Workshop (1st - 23rd December - Norwich Puppet Theatre)

For little ‘uns aged 2+, the Puppet Theatre is offering up a Santa’s Grotto to remember, with the interactive workshop a great way to keep your kids entertained while teaching them about the magic of Christmas!

 

Christmas for Kids in Norwich

A Pinocchio Adventure  (Dec 14th - Dec 24th at The Garage)

Got young children aged 5-10? This laughter filled performance will keep your children entertained with a timeless tale which continues the story after the famous film. 

Sleeping Beauty  (Dec 9th - Jan 7th - Theatre Royal)

A favourite fairy tale panto for decades, the Theatre Royal in Norwich will delight with the beloved tale of Sleeping Beauty. Including a talented junior cast from local schools, this year’s Christmas panto will be a good one. For slapstick, laughs, and plenty of choruses of “oh no he didn’t!”, add this pantomime to your agenda.

Norwich's Theatre Royal, home of Sleeping Beauty Panto this year // Photo Credit: Theatre Royal

My First: Into The Snow Globe (Dec 15th - Dec 31st The Garage)

A sensory-saturated show for children aged 0-5, this interactive show is a must if you’re searching for things to do this Christmas for kids in Norwich. Dancing, singing, and playing are part of the fun, as this story whisks your little ones away into a wintery adventure.

Take Park & Ride to the Panto this festive season, park for free and don't worry about finding a parking spot. Book your ticket today. 

Snowman Trail (13th November - 24th December Castle Quarter)

For a chance to win £100 for your favourite Castle Quarter shop, this fun task can turn a day of shopping into an exciting adventure for your little ones. Hunt for the wintery characters and de-scramble the clues to be in for the chance of winning!

 

Christmas at Norwich Forum

The Norwich Forum has an amazing selection of Christmas events through December including Cards for Good Causes and various Christmas Markets featuring local independent artisan crafters from across Norwich and Norfolk.

Alongside the craft fairs there are amazing Christmas activities for all the family, even the furry friends with Santa Woof Woof and his Doggy Grotto, an outdoor Christmas Carousel from December 16th, and various musical events across the festive season. 

Norwich Christmas Markets

Festive Fair ( 23rd - 26th November at The Forum) 

Enjoy a cup of mulled wine, hot waffles and donuts, Christmas carols and street entertainment outside the Forum during the festive market.

Modern Country Crafts Market (4th &   - 18th at The Forum)

Come on down to The Forum for the Modern Country Crafts Gift Fair to bag yourself some gorgeous homemade presents. For local, hand-crafted goods, this fair will be sure to provide plenty of gifting inpspiration!

Jabbawocky Crafts (4th, 17th, 18th November and 9th, 16th December - Outside Spaces at The Forum)

For quirky handmade gifts for the Boho daydreamer in your life, this mini market specialising in stunning jewellery might just have the gift you’ve been looking for! Take your pick of pendants and prints to tick that extra thing off your Xmas gift list.

Book your Park & Ride tickets online and save time. 

 

Norwich Festive Feasts

Nutcracker Afternoon Tea  (The Assembly House)

For a thematic menu, The Assembly House has a Nutcracker themed Christmas Afternoon Tea, with a thoughtfully orchestrated selection of Christmassy bites, which includes dairy-free and vegan options.

The Christmas Igloos at Assembly House // Photo Credit: Visit Norwich

Festive Buffet and Christmas Set Menu (The Lamb Inn)

If you’ve been tasked with organising the work Christmas meal this year or are looking to book for a group of 10+, the Festive Buffet package at the Lamb Inn makes a fun change, with modern twists on conventional Christmas classics. Plenty of vegan-friendly foods too! Or for a more traditional Christmas Meal, The Lamb also provides a set menu with a mouth-watering selection of meat, fish, and vegan courses.

Junkyard Market Winter Village

From Thursday-Sunday every week until the new year, Norwich favourite Junkyard Market have created a winter wonderland with some delicious festive food vendors, creative cocktails, and an atmosphere not to missed! With igloos, trees, and Christmas galore, make sure to get yourself booked in for maximum holiday cheer.

Xmas Afternoon Tea and Seasonal Menu (The Ivy)

For a holiday spin on a British classic, The Ivy Norwich has a range of Christmas afternoon tea options. Chow down on opulent finger food or opt for the set menu for a treat!

Plan your Christmas trip to the city centre on Park & Ride, see all of our Christmas Park & Ride services. 

Christmas Choirs in Norwich

Christmas with the Cathedral Choir (15th December - Norwich Cathedral)

Norwich Cathedral’s yearly Choir event is back, perfect for getting you into the community Christmas spirit. A goosebump-raising experience with beautifully sonorous voices, let the harmonies float you into the holiday mood, courtesy of the talented ensemble, featuring the 12-Days of Christmas sing along!

The BIG C Christmas Choirs (16th December - The Forum)

Local choirs will entertain shoppers outside the Forum this December whilst supporting Norfolk's Cancer Charity , BIG C

Late Night Christmas Shopping in Norwich

For 9-5ers and alike, getting Christmas shopping done can feel a bit of a nightmare. To avoid the hefty weekend day crowds, select shops, including Chantry Place, are keeping their doors open until 8pm on Thursdays throughout November and December, and some retailers will also be open 8pm through December on Fridays and Saturdays.

We've put together a hand guide to Christmas shopping in Norwich to help you plan your trip to the city this Christmas.

 

Use Park & Ride with Konectbus this Christmas in Norwich to make the most of the city’s seasonal events in the build up to the big day! Fuss-free parking and a trip into the heart of the beautiful city for affordable prices are at your fingertips. Download the app to make planning your journey this Christmas even easier. 

Explore the more Norfolk Christmas activities with KonectBus routes to Dereham, Watton, Wymondham and Wroxham