Pre-Christmas escape: best festive events and cosy get-away in Norfolk

As winter draws in Norfolk is gearing up to the festive season. There’s no better time to plan a little pre-Christmas escape. If you’re looking for a mix of seasonal fun and a restful retreat, then combine some of the best Christmas events with a stay in our beautifully designed and cosy shepherd’s hut. A perfect combination.

Head out for the day, then spend the evening relaxing in The Huddle. with a board game or two. Eat in or treat yourself to dinner in one of the traditional pubs nearby. Or book a take-away to eat whilst star gazing in the vast dark skies above you.

Here are a few ideas of seasonal Norfolk events nearby you might build your pre-Christmas break around. You can be the judge of the best Christmas event!

The Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show (7–9 Nov 2025 at Norfolk Showground) is full of artisan food & drink, gift stalls. Think Christmas on steroids with 300 stands offering everything from chocolate and children’s gifts to jewellery and gin – you could get all your Christmas shopping done in one hit. Adults £8 (£9.50 OTD), over 60s £7.50

The Norfolk Artisan Fair at Christmas at Fakenham Racecourse Sat 8th & Sun 9th November. Race through your gift list at this artisan fair. Over 100 indoor and outdoor stalls to browse and mince pies to munch while you soak up the festive feels. £5 adults (£6 OTD) 9.30am-4pm.

Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food and Gift Fair held on 3 days from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November 2025 at Sandringham House is huge. Shop in comfort for all your Christmas food and gifts. Unusual and handcrafted gifts by talented artisans from across the UK along with a hugely popular Food Hall and festive entertainment.
Tickets: Adults £15, Seniors £14

Norwich Vegans Christmas Market, The Forum, Norwich, Sunday 25th Nov 10am-4pm A festive splurge with a conscience! Support Norfolk’s indies whilst helping animals and the planet. Back for its 10th year, the market will be brimming with plant-based food, drinks and gifts and great vegan vibes! 10am to 4pm. Free entry.

Festive Fair, The Forum Norwich Thursday 27 November – Sunday 30th Nov Enjoy festive music from Norfolk’s Pavilion Brass Quintet whilst indulging in Christmas-style street food and festive drinks. Browse the unique East Anglian gift stalls including jewellery, pottery, plants, textiles, woodcraft, glassware, clothes, Christmas decs and more. Free entry.

Creake Abbey’s Christmas Gift Fair, Creake Abbey, Saturday November 22. A bustling market that is always well worth a visit. The Courtyard will be packed with over 60 local creatives selling all sorts of Christmas wonder.

Pensthorpe Christmas Market, Pensthorpe, Sunday 23rd November 2025 10am-3pm Unique local gifts, live music and enjoy plenty of festive treats. Held in the courtyard hub, this popular outdoor pop-up market promises stalls from the region’s top food and drink suppliers, artists and craft makers. £3.

The Fourum Seasons Sat 13th December 10 am – 4 pm at The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich An enchanting world of food, drink and craft as part of a spectacular event series hosted by Native2Norfolk. A diverse array of artisanal goods and local foods, these fairs celebrate Norfolk’s vibrant community of craftsmen and food producers. Immerse yourself in the authentic flavours and crafts of the region.

Christmas Market – Holkham Hall 12th, 13th & 14th December 10 am – 4 pm Within the Lady Elizabeth Wing and courtyard, shop for that perfect present! Live music from Fakenham Town Band and Nelson’s Shantymen and a street food court. Entry free (parking £10)

Thursford Christmas Spectacular is a festive institution! From November 8th to December 23rd it is known as the largest Christmas show of its kind in Europe. This dazzling extravaganza draws crowds from all over the UK. For 2025 there will be a cast of hundreds with over 130 professional singers, dancers, and musicians bringing the stage to life. Expect a mix of traditional carols, festive favourites, and modern chart-toppers. Also festive shopping opportunities.

Go racing! FAKENHAM National Hunt Races Christmas meeting is on Sunday 21st December . Wrap up warm for this great day out. The nearest ‘jump’ track for over a hundred miles. and a firm favourite with the local crowd. The first race kicks off at 12.15pm with normally 6 races on the card. As well as great horse racing expect to find a whole host of food trucks as well as independent stalls to pick up a last minute gift. Day membership which gives access to the main stands, on course parking, parade ring and winners enclosure can be purchased at the gate.

Light trails through woodlands or parkland are a festive favourite and make for a special evening outing. The Sandringham Estate Luminate show running Thurs 12th Nov to Weds 24th December is going to be bigger and better this year, with new installations.

At Holkham Hall by Candlelight the magnificent state rooms are decked out in all their festive finery. Approx 45 minutes these ours are self-led with guides available. Running on various dates 28th November through to December 30th. Complimentary Prosecco and mince pie Adult £36, Complimentary parking.

Winter Wonderland Norwich (at Norfolk Showground) From 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 may be your choice for a daytime outing with plenty of atmosphere. After ice-skating, a big festive market and some funfair rides a quiet evening may be all you need.

To complement your festive escape itinerary, enjoy the winter weather with a refreshing walk. Get plenty of fresh air by exploring the local area. Take advantage of the mapped trails on offer, direct from your doorstep. For an extra treat choose a route that passes a local tea room for brunch, lunch or just cake!

Finally if you’re looking for a gift idea why not surprise someone with one of our gift vouchers.