Christmas Days Out 2026
If you're looking for something festive beyond shopping and pantomime, Norfolk and North Suffolk have plenty of Christmas experiences to choose from.
Steam trains covered in lights, trips to the North Pole, decorated stately homes and huge winter attractions are all returning for 2026.
Winter Wonderland Norwich
Winter Wonderland Norwich returns to Norfolk Showground from 20 November until 3 January 2027.
Entry and parking are free, although visitors need to reserve admission and individual attractions are charged separately.
Highlights include an almost 1,000-square-metre real ice rink, fairground rides, the Giant Observation Wheel, Santa's Enchanted Grotto and Christmas food and shopping.
New for 2026 is Journey to the North Pole Illuminated, while a 60-metre Sky Swing also joins the attractions.
Norfolk Lights Express
The North Norfolk Railway's spectacular illuminated train returns from 14 November until 3 January.
A steam-hauled train covered in thousands of lights travels between Sheringham and Holt after dark, while changing colours illuminate the surrounding countryside to music and narration.
For 2026 the experience has an Around the World theme.
Advance booking is essential.
Santa Specials – North Norfolk Railway
Families looking to meet Father Christmas can choose the railway's separate Santa Specials between 21 November and 23 December.
The steam journey runs from Sheringham to Holt before stopping at Weybourne on the return journey, where families enter a Christmas Kingdom and children meet Father Christmas and receive a wrapped present.
The complete experience lasts around one hour and 45 minutes.
The Polar Express – Dereham
The Polar Express Train Ride returns to the Mid-Norfolk Railway for selected dates during November and December.
Inspired by the Christmas film, the immersive experience uses characters and music from the story, with hot chocolate and treats served during the journey.
Families are even encouraged to arrive wearing their pyjamas.
Holkham by Candlelight
Holkham Hall opens its doors for one of North Norfolk's most impressive Christmas experiences from 29 November.
The state rooms are transformed with elaborate festive installations and decorations for self-guided candlelight visits on selected dates throughout December.
There are also Festive Family Days on 19–20 December and special visits from Father and Mother Christmas later in the month.
Bure Valley Railway Festive Express
The Bure Valley Railway at Aylsham runs its Festive Express on 5–6, 12–13 and 19–24 December.
Tickets include a steam train journey, Santa's Grotto, a personalised present for every child and festive treats.
Separate Noël Night Trains also run on selected December evenings.
Wroxham Barns Christmas Experience
Wroxham Barns brings back its full Christmas Experience on 5–6, 12–13 and 19–22 December.
The event includes private Santa visits, festive entertainment, activity stations, animal encounters and Christmas characters throughout the Adventure Farm.
Christmas at Bressingham
Bressingham Steam Museum near Diss combines Father Christmas with steam trains and its traditional Victorian Gallopers.
Christmas events run on selected dates including 6, 12–13 and 19–24 December, with a dedicated SEN day on 5 December and Toddler Morning on 18 December.
Coastal Christmas – Lowestoft
Lowestoft's Denes Oval hosts Coastal Christmas on Sunday 6 December from 9.30am until 3pm.
Plans include a Santa Dash supporting Lowestoft Foodbank, Santa's Grotto, festive stalls and entertainment, with further details still to be announced.
There are many more Christmas trails, Santa visits and festive attractions still to be announced, so we'll continue expanding this guide as December approaches.
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Christmas Days Out 2026Santa trains, spectacular lights and festive family attractions make up some of Norfolk and North Suffolk's biggest Christmas days out.
