There are so many ways to make your Norfolk Christmas extra-special. The most popular events get booked up quickly, so don’t delay!
Festive trains and boats events in Norfolk
Mid Norfolk Railway
The Polar Express is back for Christmas, re-creating the beloved 2004 film of the same name. This year the railway will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film.
November 9 to December 23, Mid Norfolk Railway, Dereham
North Norfolk Railway
The railway’s Norfolk Lights Express is returning, with lights on the outside of each carriage shining onto the scenery in changing colours. Santa Special trains will also operate.
Norfolk Lights Express, November 15 to January 4, Santa Specials, November 23 to December 15 at weekends and daily December 21 to 23, North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham
Christmas at Bressingham
Bressingham Steam Museum is opening for special festive events, which start with a visit to Santa’s grotto in a booked slot. Visitors can then take a Christmas train ride and enjoy other special events.
November 24 to December 24, Bressingham Steam Museum, near Diss
Broads Tours Santa Cruises
These festive cruises will leave from the Broads Tours boatyard in Wroxham. Santa’s elves will have gift bags for children, who can also visit Santa in his. Trips are 90 minutes.
November 30 and December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23, Broads Tours, Wroxham
Bure Valley Railway
Children can board one of the Festive Express steam trains in December. The hour-long experience starting from Aylsham Station includes festive treats, a 30-minute steam train ride and a visit to Santa in his grotto.
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 and 21-24, Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham
Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station
A special Santa Train will be taking passengers on a festive journey, with a chance to do Christmas crafts and meet Santa and his elves.
December 14, 15, 21 and 22, Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station, Reepham
Barton House Railway
Santa Special trains will be running on this miniature ride-on railway, which is based in a garden alongside the River Bure in Wroxham.
December 15, Barton House Railway, Wroxham
Christmas events in Norfolk
Elveden Christmas trees
Elveden Courtyard near Thetford has an extensive selection of 4ft to 8ft real Christmas trees which can be bought direct from the farm. It offers three varieties, Norway spruce, Nordmann fir and Fraser fir, all cut fresh.
Erpingham House Farm
You can pick your own Christmas tree here in the run-up to Christmas, from a selection of Nordmann and Norway trees. The farm’s first weekend for buying trees this year will be from November 23-24.
Once again this year, there will be sparkling igloos on the lawn at the Assembly House in Norwich. You can book Christmas Afternoon Tea with a fairytale theme, or ‘Beforenoon Tea’ or an Alpine Lodge-style Après-Ski menu. There are also several special events at The Assembly House including a dinner with the theme of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.
Igloos available from November 14 to January 2, Assembly House, Norwich
BeWILDerwood Christmas
The family adventure park is offering a whole range of activities in the run-up to Christmas, including a mini pantomime, sparkly light trail and meet and greet with Father Christmas.
November 30-December 1, December 7-8 and 14-15, then daily from December 19-23, BeWILDerwood, Hoveton
Christmas at Norwich Cathedral
A whole series of services and events are planned. The traditional Candlelit Advent Procession on December 1 will herald the season, followed by the Cathedral Choir’s annual performance of The Messiah by Candlelight on December 7, Carols in the Cloister on December 14 and a series of Christmas processions with carols over Christmas week.
Various dates in December, Norwich Cathedral
Winter Wonderland is back for its second year at the Norfolk Showground. It will have a lot of fairground attractions and rides, with a real ice rink, Santa’s Grotto and, new for 2023, a real Christmas tree maze. A fireworks display is also planned for Saturday, November 18.
November 15 to January 3, Norfolk Showground, Norwich
Christmas events at ROARR!
The dinosaur-themed park is launching seasonal activities including Dippy and Friends Live Christmas Show, ice skating, a candy cane trail and festive fun with Father Christmas. There will also be special evening openings including ice skating and a Christmas market, and the dog-friendly event Bark in the Dark.
Selected dates from November 30 to December 24; Bark in the Dark, December 8 and 15, ROAR!!, Lenwade
