Festive Fun: What’s on in Norfolk this December

The Christmas season is in full swing, and the countdown to the big day is on!

Whilst the Norwich Science Festival team looks ahead to February half term, we can't forget that we’re spoiled for choice with fantastic events across the county this December to get you in the festive spirit!

If you haven’t been able to snag a ticket for the big sell-out events, don’t worry - there’s still plenty of festive fun to be had across Norwich and Norfolk this December. 

A twist on traditional 

For many, it’s not Christmas without a trip to the pantomime. This year, Norwich Puppet Theatre are putting their own twist on a classic fairy tale, with a spectacular puppet pantomime of Sleeping Beauty. Expect a fast-paced adventure with traditional marionette puppets, beautiful visuals and hilarious jokes for the whole family. 

Sat 14 – Tue 31 Dec | Tickets from £12, under 2s go free. 

Enjoy a carol singalong in the stunning surrounds of Norwich Cathedral! Carols in the Cloister is free to join and starts at 4pm, with Christmas crafts for the whole family in the Bowerbank Room from 2.30pm. The Bread Source Refectory Café will be open too, serving up festive goodies like mince pies, mulled wine, and spiced apple juice. 

Sun 14 Dec | Free admission. 

Turn back the clock and experience a Victorian Family Christmas at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse. For one day only, you can enjoy festive tunes with SqueezEast Concertinas, meet costume characters from the site’s historic past and even have a Victorian-style family portrait taken with vintage camera equipment. Rumour has it, Father Christmas will be popping by too... 

Sun 15 Dec | Tickets £10, under 4s go free. 

Join The Shoebox Experiences team and step back in time with the Chronicles of Christmas walking tour. This festive gem takes you through the historic streets of Norwich, where you’ll uncover the fascinating stories of Christmas celebrations through the ages, from Roman times to the present day.  

Until Mon 23 Dec | Tickets from £8, under 4s go free.  

STEM–Inspired Events 

A cracking crew of University of East Anglia academics will be unwrapping the science behind your favourite festive films in their brilliant Christmas Lectures for Children. Perfect for kids aged 7-11, this fun event offers a unique spin on Christmas cinema classics as they explore the question: ho ho how do they do it? 

Sat 14 Dec | Free admission.  

Can't make Saturday? Revisit UEA’s previous Christmas Lecture events on their YouTube channel. Click the link below to download activity packs, watch videos, and dive into some festive fun!  

UEA Christmas Lecture Recordings and Activities  

Take a look back at 2024 with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Photography Exhibition. A celebration of our local wildlife, this fantastic exhibition at the NWT Cley Marshes Visitor Centre features this year’s competition winning images, along with a selection of their favourite shortlisted entries. 

Tue 31 Dec – Sun 12 Jan | Free admission.  

Celebrate the Season at The Forum 

It’s back! Santa’s Grotto for Dogs is returning to The Forum for another year. Bring your four-legged friends to share the Christmas magic and pose for a family paw-trait with Santa Paws, all while helping raise funds for the local RSPCA Norwich. 

Sun 15 Dec | Donations encouraged.  

Get into the festive spirit with classic Christmas films at The Forum's family-friendly film screenings. Bring the whole family to enjoy beloved favourites including Arthur Christmas, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and The Muppet Christmas Carol. The best part? Kids can join in the festive fun for FREE! 

Fri 20, Mon 23 and Tue 24 Dec | Tickets £3, kids go free.  

And finally, why not celebrate the season and even ring in the New Year with a ride on a traditional Victorian carousel? Built in 1893, and making an appearance in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Half a Sixpence and Who framed Roger Rabbit, this beautiful carousel is one of the oldest still operating in the UK. 

Fri 20 Dec – Wed 1 Jan (closed on Christmas Day) | £3 per person.