Norwich is going to be buzzing with Christmas atmosphere and so that you don’t miss anything, we are going to let you know about as many events as we can right here and now…
Norwich gets really ‘switched on’ to Christmas next Thursday (18th) with the grand lighting up of the city and the giant Christmas tree outside the Forum (one of the tallest Christmas trees in the UK complete with 12,000 LED lights, as we’ve already mentioned previously!).
The fun kicks off at 6.15pm, with the lights switched on at 7pm by Steve Cram MBE. Fireworks will follow, lighting up the city sky from the rooftops of City Hall and Jarrolds.
The Victorian carousel ‘gallops’ into action in front of The Forum and outside the Assembly House you can enjoy browsing festive stalls and listening to Christmas music.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without pantomime and family Christmas shows. This year you can enjoy Jack and the Beanstalk at Norwich Theatre Royal from the 14 December to 16 January, The wonderful Big Friendly Giant is at the Maddermarket Theatre from 18 December to 3 January and The Frog Princess (18-24 Dec) and Thumbelina (26-31 December) at Norwich Puppet Theatre.
Shopping plays a large part in our lives at this time of year, and what better place to shop than Norwich, consistently voted in the top 10 shopping destinations in the UK.
As well as the shopping malls (The Mall and Chapelfield) and city centre shops, don’t forget to explore Norwich Lanes and some of the Christmas craft markets.
The Mall has a craft market from 4-24 December. There will be a Christmas craft fair in The Forum from 1-12 December. Dragon Hall sees the return of its Medieval Christmas Market on the 4-5 December with stalls, hot food and licensed bar together with entertainment and activities. Norwich Cathedral will have late night shopping in the Cathedral Nave on 9th December 6pm-8pm where you can enjoy mulled wine, mince pie and festive music, shopping and a guided tour of the cathedral (£5pp) and from Friday 10th – Sunday 12th the Cathedral will host an historic Christmas Fayre with past-times-style gifts, story telling, refreshments, and music. (£5pp children under 12 free.)
Finally you might want to indulge in some Christmas carols or festive music and there’s plenty of that on offer too. The Assembly House will host the Albion Band Christmas Show on 13th December 8pm featuring festive songs, carols, music and humour and the Mixed Voice Christmas Show with favourite Christmas songs from traditional carols to modern day classics on Friday 10th and Wednesday 22nd December at 7.30pm
