Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the festive spirit of Lowestoft with our comprehensive holiday guide. Whether you're a long-time resident or a new visitor, our guide highlights the best of Lowestoft's holiday season.
Popular events this time of year include the enchanting Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event, where the historic streets come alive with twinkling lights and joyful music. Another highlight is the Illuminated Garden Trail at Helmingham Hall Gardens, a magical experience featuring stunning light displays among beautiful landscaped gardens. And the Lavenham Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a charming array of local crafts and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Local crafts and community engagement at a historic town centre event.
The Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event features a festive atmosphere with stalls selling handmade crafts and an opportunity to chat with members of the Bury St Edmunds Men's Shed. The event takes place in the historic Cornhill area, adding to the local charm.
Where: Bury St Edmunds | More Info: Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event
Thousands of lights illuminate the historic gardens.
The Illuminated Garden Trail at Helmingham Hall Gardens features a stunning display of thousands of lights transforming the gardens into a vibrant and colorful spectacle. The trail winds through the grounds, including the park, church, and various gardens, providing a beautiful backdrop of light and colour.
Where: Helmingham | More Info: Illuminated Garden Trail at Helmingham Hall Gardens
A kilometre-long trail of millions of lights with new displays each year.
Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light is a festive event featuring a 1-kilometer trail of millions of lights, including new displays for 2024. The journey progresses through Fantasyland, where you'll see polar bears, giant teddy bears, and busy elves loading Santa's sleigh. Outside, a Lantern Light Extravaganza showcases luminous sculptures in a fantasy underwater world and the North Pole.
Where: Thursford | More Info: Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light
Combines craft market with award-winning farmers market.
The Lavenham Two Day Christmas Craft Market features top-quality handmade items, delicious food, and a bustling atmosphere. On Saturday, the Village Hall will be filled with gorgeous stalls selling handmade gifts, while the Pop Cafe serves brunch and light lunches. On Sunday, the market runs in conjunction with the award-winning Lavenham Farmers Market, offering a variety of local produce and hot treats.
Where: Lavenham | More Info: Lavenham Christmas Market
Heated shopping marquees and live entertainment.
The Suffolk County Christmas Fair at Hintlesham Hall in Ipswich offers over 120 stalls featuring handcrafted items, unique gifts, artisan food, and festive decorations. Enjoy live entertainment, LED performers, stilt walkers, and festive tipples while celebrating the season with family and friends.
Where: Ipswich | More Info: Ipswich Christmas Markets
Unique gifts from local artisans and producers.
Join us at Seckford Hall Christmas Fayre, where local artisans, authors, crafters, and producers showcase unique personal items that tell a story. Enjoy free entrance, mince pies, and mulled wine, and treat yourself to a delicious Sunday Roast at our 1530 Restaurant.
Where: Woodbridge | More Info: Seckford Hall Christmas Fayre
Local crafts and festive food in a lively town center setting.
The Lowestoft Christmas Market and Light Switch-On is a vibrant event featuring local crafts, festive food, and live entertainment. Enjoy mulled wine and browse stalls filled with unique gifts and seasonal treats while the town center is illuminated with festive lights.
Where: Lowestoft | More Info: Lowestoft Christmas Market and Light Switch-On
Family-friendly pantomime with special performances and perks.
Aladdin, a classic pantomime at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, features Abanazer International, where Aladdin and his friends try to defeat the hotelier from hell. The show includes Family Saver Performances and a Gala Performance with special perks.
Where: Bury St Edmunds | More Info: Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds - Aladdin
Family-friendly pantomime with a talented cast and great songs.
Join Ipswich Regent Theatre for a family-friendly production of Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring a talented cast, great songs, and amazing dance routines. The story follows poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott as they are tricked into selling their beloved cow Daisy for a useless bag of beans. Laugh at Silly Simon, boo the wicked Fleshcreep, and cheer on Jack as he climbs the Beanstalk to rescue his sweetheart Jill from the Giants' castle in the clouds.
Where: Ipswich | More Info: Ipswich Regent Theatre - Jack and the Beanstalk
Family-friendly pantomime with audience participation.
Join us for a classic tale of love and transformation as Beauty and the Beast comes to life on stage. With spectacular scenery, fabulous costumes, and slapstick humour, this pantomime is perfect for the whole family. Meet our handsome Count, cursed to spend his life as a frightening beast, and discover how he can escape his fate by learning to fall in love.
Where: Lowestoft | More Info: Marina Theatre in Lowestoft - Beauty and the Beast
Holiday celebration with festive activities and crafts.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at BeWILDerwood with festive activities, crafts, and special events.
Where: Hoveton | More Info: Bewilderwood Presents Christmas
Heartwarming holiday show with festive music and dance.
A Sparkle for Christmas at Gorleston Pavilion is a feel-good celebration of Christmas, featuring singing and dancing to all your favourite classics. It's a joyful event that may even include a visit from the big man himself.
Where: Gorleston | More Info: A Sparkle For Christmas at Gorleston Pavilion
Classic pantomime with fairy godmother and Ugly Sisters.
Join us for Cinderella, a traditional family pantomime where Cinderella finds love with the help of her fairy godmother. This classic tale features all the beloved characters, including Buttons and the Ugly Sisters, in a delightful and entertaining show.
Where: Gorleston | More Info: Cinderella at Gorleston Pavilion
Largest Christmas show in Europe with over 2000 costumes and a cast of 130 performers.
Thursford Christmas Spectacular is a grand Christmas show featuring 130 professional singers, dancers, and musicians in a 3-hour performance. The show includes a blend of comedy, magic, solo singers, and full four-part choral numbers, set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels.
Where: Thursford | More Info: Thursford Christmas Spectacular
Historic estate with festive decorations and activities.
Celebrate the holiday season at Ickworth House with its beautifully decorated Italianate gardens and historic Rotunda, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop for festive activities.
Where: Bury St Edmunds | More Info: Christmas at Ickworth House
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet with gifts for all children.
Join Seckford Hall for a delightful Santa Sunday, featuring a two-course festive lunch, special guest Santa, and entertainment for children, including face painting, a magician, arts and crafts, and dancing.
Where: Woodbridge | More Info: Seckford Hall Santa Sunday
Private meetings with Santa in his grotto for family groups of up to 14 people.
At Wroxham Barns, The Christmas Experience offers a day filled with themed activities, including a private meeting with Santa, festive activity stations, and access to Junior Farm and the Fun Park. Decorate gingerbread with Mrs. Claus, create magical reindeer food, and write letters to Santa at the North Pole Post Office. This event is designed for families to spend the day creating special memories together.
Where: Wroxham | More Info: The Christmas Experience Wroxham Barns
Santa visits each child in his grotto during the cruise.
Join Santa Claus on a festive river cruise at Wroxham Broad. Children over 3 years old receive a gift bag with a juice box, activity book, crayons, and a festive treat. All children can visit Santa in his grotto and receive a present from Santa himself. Adults enjoy mulled wine and festive treats while enjoying festive music and activities aboard.
Where: Wroxham | More Info: Santa River Cruise at Wroxham