From now until 31st December, Norfolk is absolutely buzzing with festive things to see and do. Whether you’re planning family days out, date nights or something a bit magical between Christmas and New Year, here are some brilliant ideas to make the most of the season.

First stop has to be Winter Wonderland Norwich at the Norfolk Showground. Running daily (except Christmas Day) until 4th January 2026, it’s East Anglia’s big Christmas destination, with a huge real ice rink, funfair rides, a giant observation wheel, Santa’s grotto and the Mistletoe Lane Christmas Market for food and gifts.
Winter Wonderland Norwich. It’s perfect if you want that full “big city Christmas” feel without leaving the county.

If you prefer something a little more atmospheric, head to the Luminate Winter Light Trail at Sandringham. The Royal Parkland is transformed into a mile-long after-dark walk of twinkling lights, soundscapes and dreamy installations, running nightly until 24th December 2025. Expect fire pits, marshmallow toasting and plenty of mulled wine – wrap up warm, wander slowly and soak it all in.

Families with younger children shouldn’t miss The North Norfolk Pole Experience at Pensthorpe. This 90-minute adventure runs through to 23rd December 2025 and includes meeting Santa and his elves, festive crafts and a woodland-themed journey full of surprises. It’s very much about storytelling and interaction, so it feels more like stepping into a Christmas film than just joining a queue for a grotto.

For big-show sparkle, book an evening at the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, which runs on selected dates until just before Christmas (listings show performances through mid-to-late December 2025). With a huge cast of singers, dancers and musicians, it’s a full-on festive variety show – think West End energy in the middle of the Norfolk countryside.

Stately homes in Norfolk really lean into Christmas too. Holkham Hall’s “Christmas at Holkham” season runs from 28th November until the end of December, with candlelit tours of the spectacularly decorated state rooms, special guided evenings on 4th, 11th and 15th December, plus a new Family Day on 20th December. It’s all roaring fires, themed rooms and carols in the courtyard – a gorgeous way to slow down and really feel Christmassy.

Over at Blickling Estate, the National Trust’s “A Mouse’s Christmas at Blickling Hall” runs from 6th December 2025 to early January 2026, with beautifully decorated rooms and a family trail of mischievous mice. In the evenings, the Garden of Lights trail (6th–21st December) turns the grounds into a glowing wonderland of colour, reflections and seasonal treats.

And of course, you’ve always got the simple joys: wandering under the Norwich city centre Christmas lights, admiring the Tunnel of Light, and combining it with late-night shopping and a cosy pub or café stop.

However you like to do December – high-octane rides, gentle light trails, or historic houses by candlelight – there’s still plenty of time between now and New Year to make Norfolk feel properly magical.