We've found all the best places to go for Christmas gifts, food, and hot chocolate this winter.
With the weather getting decidedly cooler, it's time to start thinking about festive activities to enjoy in November and December. Norfolk will be hosting numerous wonderful events to get you in the Christmas mood, including markets and fairs. These are the perfect places to pick up the right gift for a loved one, find some tasty treats for the dinner table, and drink copious amounts of warm beverages like hot chocolate and mulled wine.
In no particular order, here are 15 amazing markets to visit this winter and get a dose of Christmas magic.
Norfolk Festive Gift Show
When: November 11th - 13th
Where: Norfolk Showground, Norwich, NR5 0TT
One of the biggest Christmas Markets in the county is back with absolutely everything you need to get into the Christmas spirit. There will be more than a hundred stalls selling food, locally made products, and more.
Winter Wonderland Norwich
When: November 18th - January 3rd
Where: Norfolk Showground, Norwich, NR5 0TT
The Festive Gift Show has a new rival, however. Step into a magical experience with fairground rides, ice skating, market stalls, and so much more which is open throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Booking ahead is not compulsory but highly recommended.
Christmas Food, Drink, and Gift Market
When: December 10th - 11th
Where: Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AB
Lady Elizabeth Wing of Holkham Hall will be hosting the best of local producers this December. There will also be tasty takeaways on hand to be enjoyed in the courtyard before another round of shopping.
Annual Christmas Market
When: November 27th
Where: Pensthorpe Natural Park, Fakenham, NR21 0LN
A popular event that makes a change from the high street, this is a relaxed market with plenty of bespoke items on sale. Entry is also free for annual members which is an added bonus.
Festive Merchant's Market
When: December 10th - 11th
Where: King's Lyn, PE30
This next group has yet to confirm much about their event but, if previous years are anything to go off, it will not be one to miss. All updates will be announced on their website.
Jabbawockycrafts Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
When: November 12th, and 19th. December 10th and 17th
Where: Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1TF
One of two Christmas markets to look out for at The Forum this year, they are here to celebrate all things handmade. Choose from a range of exquisite handmade jewellery, beautiful prints, aromatic candles, and much more.
The Norwich Vegans 7th Christmas Market
When: November 20th
Where: Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1TF
As the name suggests, Norwich Vegans are hosting yet another Christmas spectacular with a wide range of stalls containing plenty of tasty food to try as you go. There will also be a tombola with great prizes.
The Norfolk Artisan Fair
When: November 19th -20th
Where: The Racecourse, Fakenham, NR21 7NY
Formally the Christmas Fair at Holt Hall, this next event has new lodgings in Fakenham so they can cram in even more amazing stalls and sights. There will be more than 100 retailers selling everything and anything you could need this festive season.
Farmers' Market - Christmas food and gift event
When: December 17th
Where: Creake Abbey, North Creake, Fakenham, NR21 9LF
The final farmer's market of the year is set to be a special one at Creake Abbey. Stalls laden with all manner of festive treats will welcome you, so why not support the local community in style this winter.
Christmas Gift Fair
When: November 26th
Where: Creake Abbey, North Creake, Fakenham, NR21 9LF
Not just satisfied with one Christmas market, Creake Abbey will be hosting this popular event once more at the end of November. Stalls will be widely spread between outdoors and the barns to help with numbers.
Christmas in the Park
When: November 18th - 20th
Where: Priory Gardens, Gorleston, NR31 6NH
Wrap up warm and enjoy the sights and smells of this amazing market on the east-coast. Gazebos will be housing a delightful selection of local stalls which you can peruse whilst music and other entertainment take place on the main stage.
Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre
When: December 2nd - 4th
Where: Great Yarmouth Minster, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1NE
Another east coast delight, head along and soak up the festive atmosphere. Take the festive road train to Great Yarmouth Christmas Market for even more shopping.
North Norfolk Arts and Crafts: Outdoor Winter Markets
When: November 19th - 20th
Where: Back to the Garden, Letheringsett, Holt, NR25 7JJ
This delightful café and farm shop will be hosting a fantastic winter market with a breath taking number of local artisan creators revealing what they have been working on.
Christmas Food & Craft Market
When: November 27th
Where: Oaklands, Sandy Lane, NR10 3FB
Enjoy an afternoon in the countryside with plenty of festive treats on offer at The Little Norfolk Farm. Keep an eye on their Facebook for more updates on what to expect.
Swaffham Christmas Market
When: December 3rd - 4th
Where: Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7AB
Enjoy a huge number of events and activities over the two days at Swaffham market this December. Live entertainment, an ice rink, Santa's Grotto, a fun fair, and more stalls than you could shake a candy cane at will be on offer. This will coincide with the big Christmas Lights Switch On, taking place on Sunday from 5pm.
For more festive treats: