From Christmas markets to festive shows, there is lots to look forward to in Norfolk in December 2023.
1. Cromer Pier Christmas Show, Cromer
Where: Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier, NR27 9HE
When: Until December 30
Price: From £15, cromerpier.co.uk/01263 512495
Norfolk entertainer Olly Day returns for his 14th year as the host and you can expect West End production value, including an eight-metre video wall delivering sensational special effects.
The two-hour variety show features thrilling speciality acts, such as Amethyst Magic, powerhouse vocals and spellbinding dance routines.
READ MORE: Review: The Cromer Pier Christmas Show at the Pavilion Theatre
2. Christmas Visits at Bressingham, Bressingham
Where: Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens, Low Road, Bressingham, IP22 2AA
When: Weekends until December 17, daily from December 21-24
Price: Entry only (any age): £12.50, child (aged 3-12) with present: £15.22, ages 1-2 with present: £9.54, under 1 with present: £6.13, under 1 no present: free, carer: £7, (prices more with a donation), bressingham.co.uk
Under twinkling fairy lights, ride on a steam train on the Fen Railway, take a spin on the Gallopers and visit Father Christmas, which includes a present for children aged up to 12 years old.
In the Exhibition Hall, vehicles will be decorated especially for the season and wander around a Christmassy Walmington-on-Sea to see the Dad’s Army display.
READ MORE: 5 illuminated events running in Norfolk over Christmas 2023
3. Christmas Circus and Water Spectacular, Great Yarmouth
Where: Hippodrome Circus, St George's Road, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2EU
When: Until January 7
Price: Adults: £22-£29, concessions (60+): £20-£28, children (under 14s): £14-£18, hippodromecircus.co.uk/01493 738877
Local comedy favourites Jack Jay and Ben Langley (Britain's Got Talent) star in this festive extravaganza, which will feature more than 60 international circus acts.
The show will include the Wheel of Death, hoop acrobatics, pole diving, mind-blowing magic, aerial artistry and much more.
4. Sleeping Beauty - The Fairy's Tale, Norwich
Where: Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL
When: Until January 7
Price: From £25.50, norwichtheatre.org/01603 630000
Rise and shine as Sleeping Beauty - The Fairy's Tale is this year's Theatre Royal panto with a twist, featuring an all-star cast including Coronation Street's Beverley Callard as the villain.
Can dreams really come true? Will the fairy save the day? Is the Prince the only way?
Join the Queen and Fairy as they embark on a journey to save the panto princess.
READ MORE: 7 of the best pantomimes in Norfolk to watch in 2023
5. Norfolk Lights Express, Sheringham
Where: North Norfolk Railway PLC, Station Approach, Sheringham, NR26 8RA
When: Until January 1 2024, 5pm/7.30pm
Price: £22.50-£30 depending on travel date, nnrailway.co.uk
Arrive at Sheringham Station as it gets dark to ride a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.
As you go on a festive journey to Holt and back, you will see around 10 colourful lit-up dioramas out the window and there will be onboard narration and music too.
READ MORE: 7 of the best Norfolk Christmas markets to visit in 2023
6. Eastern Daily Press Carols for Christmas Service, Norwich
Where: St Peter Mancroft Church, Hay Hill, Norwich, NR2 1QQ
When: December 18, 6pm-7.30pm (arrive at 5.30pm)
Price: £7, newsquest.wufoo.com/forms/carol-service-booking-form-2023
Get into the festive spirit and help raise money for The Nancy Oldfield Trust, which provides accessible boating and accommodation on the Norfolk Broads.
The carols service will be supported by the St Peter Mancroft Choir and the Phoenix Male Voice Choir.
READ MORE: Bounce into Christmas returning to Sprowston for 2023
7. Bounce into Christmas, Sprowston
Where: The Space, Roundtree Way, Sprowston, NR7 8SQ
When: December 21-23
Price: Adults (14+): £6.99, children (3-13): £24.20, under 3s: £18.15, under 1s: free, events.mhtickets.com/browse (recommended for ages 11 and under with accompanying adults, but ages up to 13 welcome to bounce)
The perfect festive day out for families, with bookable three-hour slots which includes unlimited bouncing on up to ten inflatables.
A trip to Santa's Grotto is included in the price and there will also be Christmas-themed activities, a soft play area for under 3s and autism-friendly quieter sessions.
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