East Anglian Christmas Activity Guide 2025
- Jessica Simms-Baalham
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Christmas in East Anglia has its own charm. From garden illuminations and festive markets to pantomimes and visits from Father Christmas, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season. We’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas events across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, ideal for families, friends or couples. And when the day’s done, our pubs and Big House hotels are ready to welcome you in.
NORFOLK
Father Christmas visits The Coast
Christmas at Bressingham
30th November – 24th December
Step aboard a festive steam train and meet Father and Mother Christmas in their enchanting grotto. Children can enjoy a magical show, festive treats, and a special gift to take home.
Wells Christmas Tide Festival
22nd November
A true North Norfolk tradition: Santa arrives by boat on Wells Quay, lanterns glow through the streets, and fireworks light up the sky. Street entertainment, local food and coastal charm make this a must-visit. And warm up in The Globe afterwards.
Santa's Grotto at The Lifeboat Inn
22nd and 23rd December
Santa is making a special stop this Christmas! The Lifeboat Inn's Sail Bar is transformed into a festive grotto. Children can enjoy a hot chocolate and receive a gift from Santa. Grown-ups can keep warm with mulled wine, mulled cider, and hot chocolates by the fire.
Christmas Fairs and Markets
Christmas Market at Holkham Hall
12th – 14th December
Over 60 local producers fill the Lady Elizabeth Wing and outdoor chalets with artisan gifts, food, drink and festive music - a joyful three-day celebration of craftsmanship.
Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food and Gift Fair
14th – 16th November
More than 250 stalls showcase hand-crafted gifts, festive decorations, and seasonal produce on the Sandringham Estate this November. Complete with live cookery demos in their country kitchen!
Winter Gift Fair, Thornham Village Hall
6th December
A cosy and community-driven fair brimming with homeware, accessories, and Christmas treasures in The Chequers and The Lifeboat's home of Thornham.
Connock X Bricks & Stitches Pop-up
Stop by our friends Connock X Bricks & Stitches Pop Up in Feathers Yard - open 10am until 5pm Monday - Saturday until Christmas. And, while you're around, settle in for a mulled wine at The Feathers.
Festive Experiences and Trails
Holkham Hall by Candlelight – Family Day
20th December
Step inside Holkham Hall for a journey through snowy forests, twinkling state rooms, and candlelit halls. Expect enchanting characters and plenty of magic for all ages - this is a sell out every year!
Wild Goose Chase Safari
Autumn - Spring
A wildlife tour following the winter migration of geese across the Norfolk coast. A peaceful morning for nature lovers, complete with picnic lunch and expert guides.
Stars on the Cliff – Stargazing in Hunstanton
29th November
Wrap up warm and enjoy a free guided stargazing session on the cliffs with the Outsideology team. Telescopes provided - no booking needed.
Cley Marshes Boxing Day Stroll
26th December
Walk off your Christmas lunch with a guided three-mile stroll along the Cley Marshes, spotting winter wildlife and taking in the cool sea air.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Meet Father Christmas
Santa’s Grotto in Huntingdon
Step into Santa’s living room for a one-to-one visit, followed by a Present Room where every child chooses a gift. Expect a magical, interactive experience with photo opportunities and reindeer food-making.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas on Wicken Fen
Christmas Eve
Although Father Christmas will be busy on Christmas Eve, meet one of his elves, follow the Winter Trail, and settle in by the fire for a storytelling session of the classic Christmas poem. Each child takes home their own copy of the book.
Performances and Carols
Bublé Christmas by Candlelight at Ely Cathedral
5th December
An uplifting evening of big-band Christmas hits performed live under candlelight in the stunning cathedral setting.
Sleeping Beauty at Cambridge Arts Theatre
A star-studded pantomime packed with sparkle, laughter and local charm. A perfect family treat in the run-up to Christmas.
Christmas Carols on the River Cam
7th December
A Cambridge classic: carols sung from chauffeured punts, with St John’s Choir floating through the city. Magical, moving and oh-so-festive!
Christmas Fairs and Light Trails
Christmas in Cambridge, Parker’s Piece
13th November – 31st December
A festive wonderland featuring an ice rink, market, big wheel, tree maze and après terrace - all in the heart of Cambridge. So, once you've explored, do a spot of shopping and head back to The Carpenters Arms for dinner.
Cambridge Botanic Lights
28th November – 23rd December
The Botanic Garden transforms into a glowing illuminated trail filled with light installations, soundscapes, and wonder.
Christmas at Wimpole
A million twinkling lights and festive music transform Wimpole Hall National Trust estate into a wonderland this season.
Festive Fiver Raceday, Huntingdon Racecourse
22nd December
An afternoon of racing, festive jumpers and great value tickets - great for a pre-Christmas outing for all the family.
SUFFOLK
Meet Father Christmas
Elveden Grotto
6th –14th December
Step inside Santa’s cosy house and meet his mischievous elves. Children receive a present and the chance for a festive photo to take home.
Meet Father Christmas at Easton Farm Park
A full festive experience with woodland walks, craft making, animal visits and the main event - a magical meeting with Father Christmas.
Ewa’s Magical Journey at Jimmy’s Farm
Follow Ewa the polar bear through a sparkling trail around the park, meeting her animal friends before a festive show and visit from Santa.
Christmas Fairs and Markets
Presents Galore, Newmarket
28th - 30th November
A three-day Christmas shopping extravaganza at the Rowley Mile Racecourse - 120 boutique stalls, seasonal food and drink, and festive cheer aplenty.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market
27th – 29th November
Over 50 local stallholders, live carols, and festive entertainment in one of Suffolk’s most beautiful settings.
Christmas Shopping Day at Snape Maltings
20th November
Enjoy late-night shopping in the fabulous setting of Snape Maltings. With live music, tastings, and festive nibbles overlooking the river.
East Bergholt Christmas Market
Saturday 6th December
The Red Lion are excited to be joining the East Bergholt Christmas Makers Market & Street Food Festival right in their garden this year! Stop by for a festive afternoon filled with artisan stalls, street food, and live music in the Winter Garden Tipi.
Performances and Events
A Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall
13–14 December
Step back to 1869 for carols, storytelling, and music hall merriment in a living-history Christmas celebration at Kentwell Hall, Long Melford.
Magic of Christmas at Snape Maltings
5th – 14th December
A sparkling show full of music, dancing, and festive storytelling. This will be the first Christmas extravaganza that Snape have hosted, but we're sure it will become tradition for years to come.
Light Up Southwold
29th November
Stalls, live music, Santa’s Grotto, and the grand switch-on of Southwold’s Christmas lights. What more could you want than a blustery walk along the beach huts afterwards?
Christmas Cookie Making
Join The Weeping Willow on the morning of the 22nd, 23rd & 24th of December for a merry morning of holiday baking. Get ready to mix, bake and decorate your very own Christmas cookies! While the little ones create edible masterpieces, grown-ups can enjoy complimentary mince pies.
ESSEX
The Arts
Pop-Up Panto and Santa at Hedingham Castle
22nd – 23rd December
Join Goldilocks and the Three Bears for circus fun, songs and silliness. Then meet Father and Mother Christmas after the show.
Lantern making in Saffron Walden
29th November – 12th December
Get creative in free lantern-making workshops, then take part in the dazzling Lantern Parade through Saffron Walden town centre on 12th December.
Christ’s College Choir at Audley End House
7th – 8th December
Experience a beautiful choral performance in the grandeur of Audley End’s Great Hall.
Trails and Grottos
Enchanted Trail of Light
Fridays and Sundays from 28th November
A mile-long illuminated trail at Colchester Zoo with animal sculptures and a few special North Pole guests.
Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm
Beginning 15th November
This extensive seasonal experience at Marsh Farm offers more than just a grotto: guests can go through “Elf Academy”, meet Father Christmas, enjoy an ice rink and rides - all bundled together for a memorable family visit.
Enlightened – Light Trail at Hylands Estate
28th November - 3rd January
This immersive evening light trail at Hylands Estate features new installations, a bigger route than before, and a truly magical atmosphere under the winter sky.
The Magic Continues across Chestnut
Winter Garden Tipis
Bundle up and enjoy cosy evenings under canvas and fairy lights. We'll have hot water bottles on hand, blankets, flame heaters and themed menus to keep you warm.
The Weeping Willow - 7th November
The Globe Inn - 14th November
The Red Lion - 4th November
The Crown and The Packhorse Inn, Moulton - 24th November
The Ship at Dunwich - 15th December
Murder Mystery Suppers
Settle in for a three-course supper as you immerse yourself in A Game of Murder - a Cluedo-style whodunit.
As the evening unfolds, characters will perform between courses, dropping clues and answering your questions. Why not turn your Christmas party into a Murder Mystery supper? Find out which of our pubs are hosting one here.
Wreath Making & Christmas Calligraphy
Create your own Christmas wreath to adorn your door this December. Our wreath making experiences include all the materials, foliage, flowers and tools that you will need to make your festive wreath.
The Crown, Stoke-by-Nayland - Saturday 29th November
The Maltings - Saturday 29th November
The Globe Inn - Saturday 6th December
The Weeping Willow - Saturday 6th December
The Packhorse Inn - Saturday 13th December
Learn how to use new calligraphy skills to make your own Christmas cards and tags. Our Christmas calligraphy workshops include a calligraphy starter kit that you can take home with you, mulled wine and a festive treat from the kitchen.
The Weeping Willow - Friday 28th November
The Packhorse Inn - Friday 5th December
The Maltings - Saturday 13th December
When you’re ready to warm up, join us for comforting food and Christmas spirit by the glass. To take a look at our festive menus and Christmas stays, click here.