Norwich Christmas Market 2024 at Winter Wonderland

Norwich Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland combines festive stalls with ice skating, Santa’s Grotto, rides, and entertainment. The city also holds several smaller markets in the centre.

This guide covers key details for your visit, including 2024 dates, opening times and how to get tickets.

Norwich Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Winter Wonderland dates: 22nd November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in June. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Information from the organiser is available here, along with a huge list of smaller events.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Winter Wonderland Location: Norfolk Showground.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 4pm to 9pm.
Friday: 4pm to 10pm.
Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
Sunday: 11am to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: 12pm to 9pm.
30th December to 5th January: 11am to 9pm.

Travel and Accommodation

Public transport: Konectbus Service Number 4 and First Eastern Counties Excel Buses.
Parking: Limited free parking is available at the showgrounds.
Where to stay: The Maids Head Hotel is one of the most popular in Norwich.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Tickets are available online or at the event. One purchase allows multiple entries throughout the season. Book online.
Payment: Contactless is preferred.
Santa: Santa’s Grotto and Santa’s Wonderland rides are available for children.
Ice skating: Tickets are available online and include skate hire.
Real Christmas Tree Maze: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible person who is 16 years or older.
Rides: Classic fairground rides and roller coasters.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Norfolk cheese, locally brewed ales, regional baked goods, luxury hot chocolate.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes, but not all rides are accessible.
Pet-friendly: No. Assistance dogs only.

Convenient Hotels

If you’re visiting the city, it’s worthwhile staying at the Maids Head Hotel as it’s good value and not far from attractions like Norwich Castle.

Assembly House is another good option, particularly if you want to be near The Forum.

Read our UK Christmas Markets List for other festive destinations this winter.

Event Location

Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.

What to Expect

Norwich blends modern celebrations with traditional festivities. The city buzzes with shoppers, and carol performances echo from Norwich Cathedral.

Winter Wonderland at the Norfolk Showground is a highlight of the season. The market here is known for its wide selection of locally produced goods and handmade crafts.

The ice rink adds a fun, active element to the event, and Santa’s Grotto offers a special experience for children.

Food Specialties

• Norfolk Cheese: Sample local favourites like Binham Blue, a creamy, full-flavoured cheese, and Norfolk Dapple, a tangy, mature option, both from Norfolk’s rich dairy farms.
• Hot Drinks: Enjoy rich, high-quality hot chocolate, specialty coffee and, of course, mulled wine.
• Roasted Chestnuts: A classic warm and nutty snack, perfect for winter.
• Bratwurst: Grilled German-style sausages served in a bun.
• Beer and Spirits: Find a range of cocktails and spirits. The Wild Boar Bavarian bar has some local draft beers.
• Cranberry and Brie Tartlets: Vegetarian-friendly pastries with creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Norfolk Lavender: Fragrant gifts like essential oils, sachets, and edible treats, made from Norfolk’s famous lavender.
• Local Craft Beers and Ales: Gift sets and individual bottles from Norwich’s renowned breweries.
• Handcrafted Jewellery: Unique pieces created by local artisans, ranging from traditional to modern designs.
• Decorations: Traditional ornaments and festive wreaths.
• Books by Local Authors: Support Norwich authors and the UNESCO City of Literature.
• Fine Arts: Art prints by local artists featuring landscapes and abstract designs.
• Local Cheeses: Norfolk cheeses are available for purchase in gift boxes.
• Children’s Toys: Traditional wooden and hand-knitted toys.
• Vintage Collectables: A range of antique and vintage items.

Sustainability Tips

• Reduce Food Waste: Try to only purchase food you know you can eat and take home leftovers to have later or dispose of for composting.
• Ethical Shopping: Make a conscious choice to buy from local artists and producers, which helps support the local economy and the arts.
• Sustainable Diets: Choose lower-impact vegetarian and plant-based options at the market stalls.
• Transport: Norwich doesn’t have the best public transport system, but buses cover most areas. Beryl Bikes is the local bike and scooter sharing scheme. Central Norwich is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking a viable option for many.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.