Christmas in North Norfolk 2026
The Crown Cottage Curated Festive Diary
Norfolk really does Christmas beautifully.
From spectacular light trails and wonderfully festive country houses to twinkling market towns, independent Christmas markets and Father Christmas arriving by boat, there's something rather magical about this time of year.
I've gathered together some of my favourite Christmas happenings, both the big festive spectacles and the lovely local celebrations, to help you make the most of your visit.
Whether you're staying at Crown Cottage for a long weekend or enjoying a little December escape, here's what's happening and when.
November — Let the Festivities Begin
10 November – 23 December | Thursford Christmas Spectacular
A Norfolk Christmas institution, with spectacular costumes, music, dancing and festive entertainment.
13–15 November | Festive Holt
A wonderful weekend of celebrations in one of North Norfolk's prettiest market towns. Christmas lights switch-on on Friday 13 November at 5.30pm, late-night shopping, music, arts and a festive Sunday market.
13–15 November | Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair
A fabulous festive shopping experience with independent makers, artisan gifts and seasonal treats.
14 November – 3 January | Norfolk Lights Express
Climb aboard an illuminated heritage train for a magical journey through the winter countryside. Selected dates.
14 November – 28 December | Cromer Pier Christmas Show
A festive variety show full of music, comedy and Christmas sparkle.
20 November – 24 December | Luminate Sandringham
Sandringham's beautiful parkland comes alive after dark with spectacular light installations and a magical illuminated trail. We have two sets of tickets to gift with a stay - enquire to book!
21 November | Burnham Market Christmas Lights Switch-On
One of North Norfolk's loveliest festive village celebrations, with independent shopping, seasonal stalls, music and twinkling lights.
21 November | Creake Abbey Christmas Craft Fair
A lovely opportunity to shop from independent makers and discover beautiful handcrafted gifts.
21 November – 23 December | Santa's Magical Journey, Thursford
An enchanting Christmas adventure for younger visitors.
26, 27 & 29 November | Holkham Wreath-Making Workshops
A lovely opportunity to create something seasonal in the beautiful surroundings of Holkham.
27 November | Sheringham Christmas Lights Switch-On
Festive celebrations and Christmas lights in this lovely seaside town.
28 November | North Walsham Christmas Lights
A traditional town-centre Christmas celebration.
28–29 November | Godwick Christmas Market
A festive market in a beautiful countryside setting.
29 November | Pensthorpe Christmas Craft Fair
A lovely selection of independent makers and artisan gifts.
29 November – 30 December | Holkham by Candlelight
One of Norfolk's most beautiful Christmas experiences, with the magnificent Hall dressed for the season. Selected dates.
December — Christmas in Full Swing
2–24 December | Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light
A magical illuminated experience filled with festive displays and Christmas wonder.
3 December | Carols in the Courtyard, Holkham
A wonderfully traditional evening of Christmas carols.
4–6 December | Norfolk County Christmas Fair, Kimberley Hall
Festive shopping, independent makers and seasonal gifts.
4, 5, 11, 12 & 17–23 December | ROARR! Magical Father Christmas Experience
A fun-filled festive adventure for families, complete with elves, Christmas activities and a visit to Father Christmas.
5 December | Cromer Christmas Lights Switch-On
Festive celebrations in the heart of Cromer.
5–6 December | Wroxham Barns Christmas Makers Market
Independent craftspeople, artisan gifts and festive shopping.
5–6 December | King's Lynn Christmas Merchants Market
Seasonal stalls and festive shopping in the historic town.
6 December | Holt Christmas Market
A wonderful opportunity to shop from local makers and independent businesses.
7 December | Holkham Candle-Making Workshop
Create something special for the festive season.
11–13 December | Holkham Christmas Market
One of my favourite festive shopping experiences, with beautiful gifts, artisan produce and independent makers.
12 December | Wells Christmas Tide Festival (NOW BOOKED)
A truly special North Norfolk Christmas tradition, with festive stalls, music, a lantern parade, Father Christmas arriving by boat and fireworks over the marshes.
14 December | Holkham Calligraphy Workshop (NOW BOOKED)
A lovely creative experience for the festive season.
19–20 December | Holkham Festive Family Days
Seasonal activities and Christmas fun for the whole family.
21–22 December | An Audience with Father Christmas, Holkham
A special festive experience for younger visitors.
A Few More Festive Favourites
ROARR! Grown-up Grotto | 5, 12 & 19 December
A playful Christmas experience especially for adults.
ROARR! Bark in the Dark | 6 & 13 December
A festive experience for dogs and their owners.
Twixmas & New Year (NOW BOOKED)
Those lovely days between Christmas and New Year are a wonderful time to escape to Norfolk.
Enjoy peaceful winter beaches, cosy pubs, beautiful countryside walks and the last of the festive magic.
Holkham by Candlelight continues on selected dates until 30 December, while the Norfolk Lights Express has selected services into early January.
Make a Little Holiday of It
With so much happening throughout November and December, why not make a little holiday of it?
Crown Cottage is a beautiful, peaceful base for exploring North Norfolk's festive celebrations, with a cosy log burner waiting for you at the end of the day.
Event details are subject to change. Please check the organisers' websites for confirmed dates, times and tickets before making plans. insight with disciplined execution to provide measurable gains across operational, financial, and strategic domains.
