7 major Norfolk festive events happening in December 2023

Olly Day returns as the host for his 14th year Picture: Cromer Pier Christmas Show) (Image: Cromer Pier Christmas Show)

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

Head to Bressingham for a Christmas visit Picture: Bressingham Steam and Gardens Picture: Bressingham Steam and Gardens (Image: Bressingham Steam and Gardens)

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

The Christmas Circus and Water Spectacular opens at the Hippodrome on December 9 (Image: Hippodrome Circus)

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. 

The cast of the Sleeping Beauty panto at Norwich Theatre Royal Picture: Richard Jarmy Photography (Image: Richard Jarmy Photography)

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

The Norfolk Lights Express at Sheringham Station (Image: Archant)

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

St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich Picture: Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2015)

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

There is unlimited access to inflatables at Bounce into Christmas Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Danielle Booden)

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.