Noël, Nativity, Xmas, Yule or simply Christmas… whatever you call it, it’s coming down the line with the speed of a Santa Special steam railway. And we can’t wait, particularly as here in Norfolk there are so many fabulous events and activities to enjoy.
Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Christmas Spectacular Circus and Water Show
The Christmas Spectacular, with Jack Jay and Ben Langley plus an incredible international circus cast, combines the festive spirit with the breath-taking magic of the circus. There’s no Christmas show quite like this one and a completely new alternative to the traditional pantomime.
Runs from December 10 to January 8.
Norwich Theatre Royal – Jack and the Beanstalk
Playing Jack is Joe Tracini, who won the hearts of the Norwich Theatre Royal audiences as Tommy the Cat in last year’s pantomime. Rufus Hound, best known for making people laugh as a stand-up comedian, his stretch on Celebrity Juice and the voice behind Waffle The Wonder Dog, will be taking on the role of King Nigel of Norwich.
They will be joined by Casualty star Amanda Henderson who will be taking on the role of Pat the Cow, and comedian Sally Hodgkiss. Be prepared to boo and hiss Dayle Hudson from EastEnders in his role as Nightshade. Linda John-Pierre from Britain’s Got Talent will bring her amazing vocal talent to the part of Fairy Fullobeans.
For the 22nd year at Norwich Theatre, panto favourite Richard Gauntlett will return as Dame Trott.
Runs from December 10 to January 7.
Cromer Pier Christmas Show
The Christmas variety show will warm your hearts and get you in the mood for the Christmas season with a whole heap of festive fun. It’s fast becoming one of the ‘must see’ family Christmas shows in Norfolk, not only in production values, laugh-out-loud comedy, amazing dance routines and glitzy costumes but also as an exceedingly good value for money experience, strengthening the county’s excellent festive entertainment offering.
Runs from November 26 to December 30.
Holkham Hall By Candlelight
Come December, Holkham will have decked the halls and lit the hundreds of candles in readiness for you to celebrate Christmas and tour the hall by candlelight. This is a truly magical opportunity to relish the magnificent state rooms adorned with opulent Christmas decorations and beautiful flickering candlelight.
December 4-29.
Other December events at Holkham
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular has attracted over 5.4 million visitors to date and is the largest Christmas show of its kind in Europe.
It’s set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 130 professional singers, dancers and musicians – many of whom are West End performers. The three hour performance delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast-moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being performed alongside traditional carols.
The 2022 show will run from 8th November-23rd December.
There’s also the Enchanted Journey of Light and Santa’s Magical Journey to look forward to.
North Norfolk Railway Christmas Lights Express
The Norfolk Lights Express is an immersive, wintertime experience that is fun for the whole family! Arrive after dark at Sheringham Station and you’ll be greeted by the magical site of a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.
The Old Luggage buffet will be open for you to purchase hot soup, hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, delicious homemade cakes and savoury refreshments. A licensed bar will also be on board each train and can be visited before departure and during the intermission.
Since its debut in 2019, The Norfolk Lights Express has become firmly established as a favourite seasonal treat.
Hunstanton Princess Theatre – Cinderella
Cinderella has always dreamed of leaving her dull life as a servant to meet a handsome Prince. After the announcement that Prince Charming is going to hold a royal ball, it seems she may get her wish after all, but with the Ugly Sisters around, who knows what will happen. Maybe with the help of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and a generous helping of fairy dust, and a glass slipper, perhaps Cinderella’s wish could come true and she will live happily ever after?
From December 3 to January 1.
Norwich Puppet Theatre – Cinderella
Experience some pure festive magic with the fairy-godmother-of-all fairy tales. Told with music, mischief and stunning marionette puppetry, Cinderella is a puppet pantomime for ages 4 to 104.
This sparkling multi-media production features a lavish cosplay-style fashion show, some charming mouse narrators and a heart-warming story of strength overcoming adversity.
Cinderella also offers a rare opportunity to experience the art of traditional marionette puppetry, but with a dynamic and vibrant twist.
From December 17 to 31.
Wells Maltings – Hansel & Gretel
This very silly fairytale returns to Wells Maltings after last year’s Covid cancellations. You know the story – two kids, a gingerbread house, a talking tree, a witch that eats people… wait, what?!
This Christmas, join Hansel and Gretel as they journey through the forest on a daredevil adventure that’s a sweet treat for families.
Featuring fun songs and puppetry with a distinctive Norfolk twist on the classic tale, Wells Maltings and fEAST Theatre are proud to present Nick Lane’s funny, festive show for families. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll never look at Gummy Bears the same way again.
From December 16-28.
Winter at Pensthorpe
Get your fresh air fix at Pensthorpe this festive period on the Winter Tree Walk and discover the various native trees in the reserve and enjoy the added bonus of seeing the wonderful wildlife migrating to the area. You can discover the Winter birding too – don’t miss the late afternoon bird feeding. Or why not head to Pensthorpe to take part in these excellent top Winter activities for children.
King’s Lynn Corn Exchange – Snow White
Here’s a truly WICKED panto! Journey to meet Dame Dotty, Herbie Vore the (vegetarian) Huntsman and the magnificent seven on a magical adventure for the whole family.
From December 7-31.
Norwich Maddermarket – Goldilocks
Roll up, roll up, as Norwich’s must-see festive extravaganza returns to the Maddermarket Theatre!
Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from the Evil Ringmaster. They’re busy battling to rescue their big top from ruin with the help of their madcap circus friends. Will they succeed? All seems lost until three brilliant bears join the gang…
Sound Ideas return following their fabulous 2021 season for another Christmas of family fun!
From December 16-30.
The Maddermarket also has Big Dick and His Pussy
Guided by the magical Fairy Blue Balls on an adventure that sends him through the streets of Soho and out across the sea surrounded by sea-men, you won’t want to miss this filthy festive treat that’s just for the adults!
Following four seasons of sell-out adult panto, the team are back to bring a whole new meaning to ‘he’s behind you!’
From December 8 to January 7.
Sheringham Little Theatre – Snow White
The Evil Queen thinks she is the most trending topic on Instagram, but Snow White’s beauty stands in her way. Snow White, along with her hilarious Nurse Jolly Jabs, must escape into Sheringham Woods to get away from the Queen and her bumbling henchman Igor. Snow White will be spectacularly brought to life with an apple full of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning effects. This year Sheringham returns to full scale Family Pantomime with a big ensemble of characters from the people who brought you “The Wizard of Oz” and “Beauty and the Beast” From December 10-31.
There are many other festive events and shows going. Check out the What’s On page on visitnorfolk.co.uk for the latest details.
