What’s On at Christmas in Norwich – Events and Attractions – If you love Christmas, you might find yourself on a city break in Norwich, the City of Stories: shopping in independent stores; dining in friendly one-off eateries; soaking up Christmas music as you pass a busker; taking a walking tour of the city’s historic pubs; sipping warming gluhwein at Sir Toby’s on Norwich Market; riding in a vintage drophead 1950’s Bentley or following a new sensory experience trail of Wandering Words.
“Norwich is a city at Christmas that offers you a bit of everything” said Norwich City Host Supervisor Richard Mitchell. “It’s a city to wander down ancient, cobbled streets with burgeoning festive windows, through winding pedestrian walkways festooned with twinkling Christmas lights or around the centuries old Anglican Cathedral where if you time it right the building echoes with carols during choir practice. There’s also some exciting new things to do this year too.”
In 2012 Norwich became the first city in England to be awarded UNESCO City of Literature status, therefore celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022. On a first time visit to Norwich there’s no better way of experiencing the city than by following Wandering Words – a specially commissioned trail from the National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Exploring Norwich through your eyes and your ears, listen on your phone (via a QR code at each trail location) to immersive audio recordings of poems and soundscapes. Five writers who have a connection with Norwich have responded creatively to celebrate the 10th anniversary. This is experiencing history in a totally new way.
Start your break as you mean to go on by eating and drinking, it’s Christmas! Enjoy all manner of festive foodie events in an Igloo presented by The Assembly House. Try a Beforenoon Tea (yes, such a thing does exist), a Nutcracker Festive Christmas Afternoon Tea or Après-Ski menu with each igloo situated in the garden. Book a Shop & Stay break for £350 for two people which includes parking, breakfast and afternoon tea.
For the first time this Christmas take a Christmas ‘Spirit’ tour with Cheryl Cade (1 – 7 December, 4 hours), winner of Best Food & Drink Tour East Anglia 22 (SME). With Christmas jumpers optional, enjoy a warming nip of something gorgeous alongside some indulgent treats which have been specifically selected by Cheryl, a beer sommelier, and Great Taste Judge. Listen to seasonal stories of Christmas past and traditions with the tour taking you from the heart of Norwich Market to historic Tombland.
Another ‘new’ launching in Norwich this Christmas is Yalm, an old Norfolk word meaning ‘to eat hungrily’. Yalm – in the art nouveau Royal Arcade – is an exciting new food experience. A two-storey food arcade showcasing a mix of Norfolk’s finest talent, kitchens and bars under one roof. With a keen eye on quality, the aim is to create an exciting, modern food experience offering all-day dining and drinking –the perfect spot to come and yalm with friends in one of the city’s most spectacular surroundings.
The Royal Arcade, The Norwich Lanes, The Cathedral Quarter, Elm Hill and Magdalen Street are all locations where you’ll find the lion’s share of independent shops in Norwich. Boutiques, antiques, second-hand books, collectable teddy bears, galleries, lifestyle, jewellery, beauty, local crafts and vintage. As well as Jarrold. Norwich’s only award-winning independent department store over five floors including wine bar, deli and seafood restaurant. Castle Quarter and Chantry Place are the malls to visit for all your high street favourites.
The Tunnel of Light (17 November – 5 January, free) with its mesmerising 57,000 LEDs returns to Hay Hill as does festive projections onto the 70ft walls of Norwich’s medieval castle (17 November – 5 January). Quite a sight in Norwich after dark. Whilst the city’s millennium building The Forum glows with warm golden lights and its large Christmas tree.
The Forum plays congenial host to many a festive market including Norwich’s largest, Festive Fair at The Forum (24 – 27 November, free). Here soak up seasonal swing with Norfolk tenor Benjamin Lake, while sensational soprano Catherine Joule will be singing Christmas carols and more. Shoppers will love the East Anglian stalls galore selling everything from jewellery, pottery, textiles, woodcraft, glassware, art, preserves, calendars, cards, prints, Christmas decorations, chocolates, candles and clothes.
Man’s best friend gets a bit of a treat too when The Forum presents Santa’s Grotto for Dogs (10 December, free). With many of us now travelling with our pooches (dog friendly rooms at The Maids Head Hotel), this is a fun and light-hearted seasonal event where you are actively encouraged to match your Christmas outfit with your dog’s Christmas outfit! Don’t miss it!
If you’re a writer, a reader or both then the National Centre for Writing’s City of Literature Publishing Fair (3 December, free) will keep your creative juices flowing and give you the opportunity to pick up some gifts. Help celebrate the vibrant independent publishing culture of the East of England at the event where you can meet publishers, browse and purchase their work, and take part in a series of interactive sessions throughout the day.
In between shopping and sightseeing stop for a fragrant Glühwein at Sir Toby’s Beers, Norwich’s smallest bar. With or without a top up of rum or brandy this is a great place to people watch and slow down to enjoy the ambience of Norwich and its Christmas lights.
And it wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional panto. Every year Norwich Theatre Royal excels itself with a show to end all shows. It’s hilariously funny, wonderfully colourful and bursting with local cliches. As well of course with catchy song, music and dance. See Jack and the Beanstalk (10 December – 7 January) starring Joe Tracini, Amanda Henderson, Linda John-Pierre and everyone’s favourite panto dame Richard Gauntlett.
For suggested itineraries and event details to make the most of a day visit or break in Norwich go to visitnorwich.co.uk
Christmas in Norwich event listings highlights.
Accommodation
The Assembly House Shop and Stay (as seen on Channel 4’s Best of Britain by the Sea)
Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ
From £350 per couple sharing a room
November 16 to Thursday December 22, breakfast & afternoon tea for two
01603 626402
www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk
Twinkling lights, the finest Christmas tree in Norwich, festive flavours and a warm welcome: The Assembly House in the heart of the city is the perfect base for a winter escape. Indulge in the festivities during the most wonderful time of the year without having to lift a finger and tick off your Christmas list by visiting Norwich’s incredible Lanes, packed with independent shops and present ideas for everyone.
Maids Head Vintage Bentleys
WINNER Large Hotel in the East of England at the East of England Tourism Awards 2021-22
The Maids Head Hotel, Tombland, Norwich
https://www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk/maids-head-hotel-norwich-acquires-rare-1950-bentley-mark-6/
The site of The Maids Head Hotel has been a place of hospitality since the middle of the 1090s when the early Norman Bishops of Norwich established a guest house. The hotel claims to be the oldest in Britain. Its guests over the centuries have included The Black Prince (eldest son of King Edward III), Catherine of Aragon, Queen Elizabeth I and Admiral Lord Nelson. The Maids Head is located in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, one of the most historic areas of the city with views from some rooms overlooking Norwich Cathedral.
The Maids Head proudly boasts a drophead 1950’s and a 1963 S3 Bentley. These two stunning cars are available to take guests on complementary tours to see the Christmas lights which festoon Norwich over the festive period. The cars are also available to collect and drop off guests attending festive celebrations at the Hotel. Price on application.
Dog friendly rooms available.
NORWICH UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
Wandering Words – a UNESCO City of Literature 10th anniversary literary trail
Plantation Garden, London Street, St Martin at Palace Plain, Tombland and St Julian’s Church
Self-guided, FREE, immersive audio recordings of a poem & soundscapes
Pick up a map at The Book Hive, DNA Books and Waterstones Norwich
https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/wandering-words/#:~:text=This%20literary%20walk%20has%20been,an%20event%20in%20its%20history
Wandering Words is as much about your sensory experience as it is about exploring Norwich on foot. Pick up a map, scan the QR code for each of the five locations and listen. Each location offers its own immersive audio recording of a poem, as well as sounds of the people and settings that inspired each writer’s work. All you need is a mobile phone.
This literary walk has been created to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Norwich becoming England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Each poem has been commissioned by the National Centre for Writing with writers who have a connection to Norwich. Each was asked to respond creatively to a particular place in Norwich or to an event in its history. These works represent the breadth of new writing happening in, around and inspired by the city.
City of Literature Publishing Fair
National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall
Saturday 3 December, 10am – 4pm
Free, no booking required
https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/
Drop in and celebrate the vibrant independent publishing culture of the East of England at the Christmas edition of the City of Literature Publishing Fair. Meet the publishers, browse and purchase their work, and take part in a series of interactive sessions throughout the day. The perfect weekend event for writers, readers, editors and creators of all kinds.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Norwich Vegan’s Christmas Market
The Forum, Norwich
20th November
10am – 4pm, FREE
https://theforumnorwich.co.uk/whats-on
This is a wonderful festive event to get all your vegan shopping completed, whilst supporting local businesses too. The Forum looks spectacular at Christmas and with the Tunnel of Light just off the Forum’s amphitheatre the atmosphere is great too.
Festive Fair at The Forum
The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1BH
Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th November 2022, FREE
www.theforumnorwich.co.uk
Enjoy a glass of local beer or cup of warming mulled wine while listening to Christmas carols from Norfolk’s own Pavilion Brass Quintet who will be playing festive tunes outside The Forum each day. Well-known Norfolk tenor Benjamin Lake will also be singing seasonal swing during the event, while sensational soprano Catherine Joule will be. Plus, there’ll be all sorts of food and drink stands outside on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from hot waffles and gourmet doughnuts to delicious Norfolk Rum. There’ll even be festive treats for your dogs!
What’s more, on the Sunday visitors to the Festive Fair will once again have the chance to see some adorable miniature donkeys from Mini Donks whose animals help people with well-being.
The Festive Fair at The Forum is always a popular event, attracting thousands of visitors, and traders and locals alike are pleased to see it back in action again this year. Open from 11am to 7pm on the Thursday, from 10am to 6pm on the Friday and Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on the Sunday, everyone is welcome and entry is free.
Inside there will be East Anglian stalls galore selling everything from jewellery, pottery, textiles, woodcraft, glassware, art, preserves, calendars, cards, prints, Christmas decorations, chocolates, candles, clothes and more.
Handmade Christmas Market
Blackfriars’ Hall, Norwich
10 December
www.visitnorwich.co.uk
Soak up the atmosphere of a Christmas market bursting with handmade goodies, gifts and treats all under the roof of one of Norwich’s most ancient buildings. The magnificent flint buildings of St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’, known as The Halls, are the most complete medieval friary complex to survive in England dating back to 1307.
FESTIVE EXPERIENCES
The Nutcracker Festive Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Assembly House
Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ
November 1 to January 8
£27.95 per person in the restaurant or £16.95 per child in the restaurant
01603 626402
www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk
Join Clara and her handsome Nutcracker Prince as they journey into the enchanting Land of Sweets where the candy canes dance and the Sugar Plum Fairy weaves her delicious spell…Head of Pastry Mark Mitson has created a fairy tale afternoon tea with extra sparkle for Christmas. The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed in the restaurant, as a Cakeaway takeaway, in private igloos and as part of a private dining package. Indulge in a slice of the finest British tradition and enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Assembly House this Christmas!
Igloos at The Assembly House including Fondue in an Igloo
Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ
November 1 to January 8
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea £40.00 per person or £24.00 per child (igloo dining)
01603 626402
www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk
The Assembly Houses’ trip of sparkling igloos return to the front lawn in November with a chance to enjoy Festive Beforenoon Tea, Christmas Afternoon Tea or an Après-Ski menu and the House will again boast Norwich’s biggest Christmas tree.
This year we welcome a new fairy-tale theme for Christmas Afternoon Tea as The Nutcracker arrives: a magical tea inspired by the enchanting story of the little girl who wakes at might night on Christmas Eve and enjoys a magical adventure in the faraway Land of Sweets.
History & Hostelries tour
Across Norwich pubs
Tickets from £25 with drinks from featured pubs included
https://beyonk.com/uk/371baldu/history-hostelries-walking-tour-of-norwich?portal=true
This tour is for anyone who likes to take their time, soaking up history and beer. Read on. This is a relaxed, sociable walking tour which explores 2000 years of Norwich history and (uniquely) includes drinks in a few notable City hostelries. You’ll encounter magnificent Norman structures, preserved Tudor streets, plague pits and more. Hear about surprising Norwich innovations, famous businesses and celebrated local characters. There’s even a ghost or two!
And you’ll visit some iconic pubs, integral to the Norwich story (therefore educational) to experience a little of CAMRA’s “City of Ale”. This tour takes around 4 hours as it progresses at the group’s pace.
The Christmas ‘Spirit’ tour
Cheryl Cade Food & Drink Tours
Norwich
1 – 7 December 2022
£39.99 per person which includes 4 drinks (local, alcoholic & festive themed) & 3 Festive nibbles
https://cherylcade.com/
Get yourself in the Yule tide mood with this Christmas Spirit Tour! Christmas jumpers are optional.
Running only over the first 7 days of December this is a must do experience for anyone who likes a little nip of something warming alongside some indulgent treats. These have been specifically selected by Sommelier & Great Taste Judge Cheryl Cade.
Cheryl will also share with you seasonal stories of Christmas past & traditions. The tour takes you from the heart of Norwich Market to the historic Tombland.
Numbers on these exclusive tours are very limited to only 8 people per tour
Santa’s Grotto for Dogs
The Forum, Norwich
10 December, 10am – 3pm, Free
www.theforumnorwich.co.uk
If you love your dog, you’ll love this! Bring your beloved pooch to Santa’s Grotto for Dogs at The Forum. Pose with the famous ‘Santa Woof Woof’ and create some special Christmas ‘pawtraits’. Festive fancy dress for you and your dog is encouraged. Enjoy this ‘barking’ moment in your holiday calendar and show your support for Santa’s little helpers, from the RSPCA and the Pets as Therapy charities.
Gin Academy at Gyre & Gimble
6 The Royal Arcade, Norwich NR2 1NQ
Price: £85 for two hours
https://gyreandgimble.co.uk/product/gin-making-experience/?date=2022-06-23&time=1900
How about spending a couple of hours sipping G&Ts whilst crafting your own recipe gin from wonderful botanicals? Sounds good, yes, and makes a great Christmas present? From their home in Norwich’s Art Nouveau Royal Arcade immerse yourself in the world of gin and get creative. Everyone goes home with a full-sized 70cl bottle of their bespoke gin (and you name it), and leaves behind a copy of their recipe for the Gyre & Gimble archive. This is so you can come back and recreate or order more supplies!
Jack and the Beanstalk
Theatre Royal Norwich
10 December – 7 January
https://norwichtheatre.org/
Jack and the Beanstalk tells the story of hero Jack, who swaps his family’s cow for a bag of magic beans. By climbing the beanstalk of the beans he planted, he finds himself on a GIANT adventure. The show will be jam-packed full of slapstick comedy, laugh-out-loud gags, outrageous costumes, dazzling song and dance numbers and plenty of chances to cheer, boo and hiss. This will be a lively show that is full of beans! This is a Norwich institution for all ages to enjoy.
Cast: Joe Tracini in the title role of Jack with Norwich’s favourite panto dame Richard Gauntlett. Amanda Henderson as Pat the Cow. Linda John-Pierre as Fairy Fullobeans.
Glühwein at Sir Toby’s Beers
Stalls 182-183, Norwich Market
https://sirtobysbeers.co.uk/
Selling craft beers from across the UK as well as local Norfolk ales, cider, wine and spirits. Take a moment to stop from Christmas shopping and have a drink at Norwich’s smallest bar. It’s become a tradition in Norwich to enjoy Glühwein at Sir Toby’s Beers with the option of a drop of rum or brandy!