Discover the Magic of Christmas: Norfolk’s Best Christmas Markets for 2024

The festive season is upon us, and Norfolk is brimming with Christmas markets to explore! From handmade crafts to seasonal foods, these markets offer everything you need to get into the holiday spirit and find a festive local gift in Norfolk. To make your trip even more special, we’ve paired each market with a nearby family-friendly dining venue, so you can enjoy a festive meal with the whole family.

1. The Feed Makers’ Christmas Market, Waterloo Park, Norwich, Norfolk

When: 23rd and 24th November 2024 from 10am
Kick off your Christmas shopping at The Feed Makers’ Market in the beautifully landscaped and dog-friendly Waterloo Park. With a wide range of local artisans selling everything from handmade gifts and jewellery to ceramics and pottery, it’s a perfect spot to find unique presents while supporting The Feed, a social enterprise aiding vulnerable people in Norwich. The park’s lovely surroundings make it a relaxing place to stroll as you shop this free to enter event. By shopping here, you’re supporting The Feed, a social enterprise dedicated to helping vulnerable people in Norwich, making your holiday purchases all the more meaningful.

Family Dining Spots:

Waterloo Park Café: Conveniently located within the park itself and run by The Feed, this café is the perfect spot for a family meal or snack. Offering freshly prepared food and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s ideal for a quick bite while you’re enjoying the market. Whether you want a warming cup of hot chocolate or a delicious sandwich, the café’s proximity and casual vibe make it a great choice for families.

Frank’s Bakery & Baps Café, Old Catton: Just a short drive from Waterloo Park, Frank’s Bakery & Baps is a recent startup located in the former Allsorts Hardware shop in The Paddocks, Old Catton. It’s a neon-lit, dog-friendly venue that’s perfect for families seeking a sweet treat. Open every day of the week, it serves a range of freshly baked goods, sandwiches, and light meals. Whether you choose to eat in or take away, it’s a wonderful stop for a family-friendly meal after a day at the market.

2. Blackthorpe Barns, Rougham, Nr Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

When: Various Changing Market Weekends from 16th November with the separate Christmas decoration shop open daily from 9:30am
Although just outside of Norfolk, Blackthorpe Barns in Bury St Edmunds is a top destination for Christmas shoppers. The rustic barn offers a wide variety of British handmade crafts, perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts. With its countryside charm and festive atmosphere, it’s a peaceful spot for a relaxed and inspiring holiday shopping experience. This place is super popular and while it has its own little cafe within the site it gets very busy. So, with this in mind, if you fancy finding a little more room to breathe with your newly purchased truckles of cheese or bespoke art pieces from the barn, check out the ideas below.

Nearby Family Dining Spots:

Roots Café, Rougham Estate: Located on the beautiful Rougham Estate, Roots Café is within the complex on the Rougham Estate but it does not take books from 21st October onwards due to the busy Christmas market weekends. This family-friendly café, accepting of dogs with paws on the floor, offers a selection of wholesome, locally sourced food, making it a perfect stop for families after a day of shopping. With its cosy atmosphere and welcoming vibe, it’s a great place to recharge with some hearty, feel-good dishes.

ICE Restaurant, Rougham: A lively and fun dining spot just a short drive away, ICE Restaurant is known for its delicious burgers and vibrant artwork. The menu features bold and exciting flavours that appeal to both adults and children, and the energetic atmosphere is perfect for families looking to unwind and enjoy a tasty meal after exploring the Christmas market.

3. The Assembly House Christmas Market, Norwich, Norfolk

When: Sunday 17 November 2024, From 11am-4pm
The Assembly House Christmas Market is a one-day event held in one of Norwich’s most iconic venues within the Norwich Lanes. The entire ground floor of the impressive Assembly House is filled with festive stalls selling local crafts, art, and seasonal treats, making it the perfect place to pick up something special. The elegant Georgian setting of The Assembly House adds a touch of grandeur to your shopping experience and gives you the chance to explore the Music Room, Hobart Room and Noverre Ballroom.

Nearby Family Dining Spot:

The Assembly House Restaurant or No33 in The Park: Why leave when you can dine in style right where you are? The Assembly House Restaurant offers a family-friendly menu in a beautiful historic setting. From traditional afternoon tea themed around The Nutcracker to a festive ‘Beforenoon Tea’ served in their unique igloos that adorn the front courtyard, this venue offers a special treat. Kids will love the festive desserts, and the beautiful decorations make it a magical place to dine during the holiday season.

Alternatively, No33 cafe in Chapelfield Gardens is a great place to unwind with a huge menu suitable for all ages and appetites. We highly recommend their Chorizo Hash, a warming dish on a cold winter’s day.

4. Jabberwocky Crafts & Christmas Market, The Forum, Norwich, Norfolk

When: Most Fridays and Saturdays through November 2024
At The Forum, Norwich’s central hub, Jabberwocky Crafts Christmas Market brings together a travelling group of talented crafters and local artisans offering everything from woodwork, textiles and jewellery to ceramics, jams, cakes and spirits. If you’re looking for a personal, handmade touch for your Christmas gifts, this market is a treasure trove of unique items. The lively atmosphere makes it a fun destination for families and shoppers alike.

The Jabbawocky Crafts Village is a modern craft market that will take up residence at the forum before moving on to shorter stints at other venues across Norfolk like Park Farm.

Nearby Family Dining Spots: 

The Yard Coffee, Red Lion Street: Just a short walk from The Forum, The Yard Coffee is a cosy, family-friendly café known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious coffee. It’s a great spot for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch with the family after exploring the market, offering a range of freshly made sandwiches, pastries, and light bites.

Café Bar Marzano, The Forum: Conveniently located at the front of The Forum complex, Café Bar Marzano is a popular choice for families. With its newly revamped casual dining vibe and a menu that includes hot and cold snacks and sandwiches, it’s the perfect place to take in some decent Norwich food and drink without leaving the festive buzz of The Forum. Kids will love the variety of snacks and treats available and there’s seating in the atrium of The Forum, on the terrace outside, or in the cafe bar itself.

5. Festive Fairhaven Christmas Market, Fairhaven Gardens, Norfolk

When: Saturday 30th November until Sunday 1 December 2024: 11am onwards
Escape the busy city and head out into the countryside for a Festive excursion to the Fairhaven Christmas Market. Set in the idyllic Fairhaven Water Gardens, this market kicks off the venue’s winter festivities with a peaceful retreat offering 40 wonderful stalls and a range of handmade crafts, local produce, and festive refreshments. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts while enjoying an autumnal stroll and cruise on the water. Plus, as a bonus, selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays see the venue’s Christmas lights walk illuminated from 4pm onwards.

Nearby Family Dining Spots: 

The Fur & Feather Inn, Woodbastwick, Norfolk
Whilst the Gardens has its own tea room, they don’t allow dogs within. However, just a short drive from Fairhaven Gardens, The Fur & Feather Inn is a welcoming, family-friendly pub. With its cosy atmosphere and generous portions, it’s the perfect spot for a hearty meal after a day at the market. The children’s menu offers classic comfort food, making it a great choice for families.

Greenhouse Coffee Shop at Moulton Nurseries, Moulton St Mary, Norfolk: A short drive from Fairhaven Gardens, this café is part of Moulton Nurseries and offers a warm, family-friendly environment. With a wide range of homemade cakes, sandwiches, and light meals, it’s the perfect stop for a casual lunch or snack after a stroll through the market. The garden centre setting adds an extra layer of relaxation to your visit and often has its festive events calendar to explore, this year they have 7 themed areas of Christmas cheer to explore.

6. Fierce Babe Christmas Market, The Assembly House, Norwich

When: 27th November 2024, 11am onwards
The Fierce Babe Christmas Market is all about celebrating creators and businesses from women, those who identify as women or non-binary, and the LGBTQ+ community. Held at The Assembly House, this market features a variety of entrepreneurs showcasing their creative talents. With stalls brimming with everything from fashion to home décor, you’ll find a wide selection of unique, handcrafted gifts that support local creatives. The event plans to have over 25 fierce indie makers and is sure to present visitors with some truly unique Christmas treasures.

Nearby Family Dining Spot:  

Café Royal, Norwich Theatre Royal:  Located within the Norwich Theatre Royal, Café Royal is a wonderful spot for a family-friendly meal or a relaxing break. Offering barista-made coffee, delicious scones, and light bites, the café’s warm and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after a day at the market. Open six days a week, with both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great place to enjoy locally sourced food, take a breather from the festive excitement and look at your haul of goodies.

7. Global Village Christmas Market, The Forum, Norwich

When: Thursday 30th November to Saturday 2nd December 2024
The Global Village Christmas Market at The Forum offers an international twist on your holiday shopping. Celebrating Norwich’s age-old acceptance of cultural diversity, this market features handmade gifts and festive foods from around the world. It’s the ideal place to find something unique while enjoying a taste of global Christmas traditions.

Thursday and Friday will see the stalls open inside, but Saturday is the time to visit, if you can, with the aromas of hot food and spiced mulled wine floating through the outdoor market too and festive music on hand to get you in the Christmas spirit. The event is easily accessible with nearby Forum parking and friendly with stalls open 10am until 5pm each day and is the ideal place for fairly-traded and eco-conscious products.

Nearby Family Dining Spot:

Norwich Market: Just a short stroll from The Forum, Norwich Market is an ideal spot to grab a quick and delicious meal with plenty of choices for all tastes from the stalls of the popular independent traders housed within. You can indulge in a classic Norfolk hog roast, served with apple sauce and stuffing, or try something different with a spicy Chilean empanada for a taste of South America. With a vibrant selection of street food stalls, Norwich Market offers an exciting and budget-friendly dining experience to complement your day of festive shopping.

8. Holkham Hall Christmas Market

When: Friday 13th December until Sunday 15th December 2024

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Holkham Hall, the Christmas Market at the Lady Elizabeth Wing is a must-visit. This year’s market offers over 60 stalls featuring local producers and artisans, selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to locally made spirits, festive foods, and home décor. The outdoor chalets, delicious street food, and live music create a lively, festive atmosphere, and the opportunity to tour Holkham Hall by candlelight makes it a magical family day out. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or enjoying the entertainment, this market is an unmissable experience in Norfolk’s festive calendar.

Nearby Family Dining Spot:

The Victoria Inn, Holkham: Just a short drive from the market (walkable too), The Victoria Inn is an ideal spot for family-friendly dining with a touch of finesse and class. Located at the entrance to the Holkham Estate, this welcoming inn serves hearty, locally sourced meals, perfect for refuelling after a day of festive shopping. With an extensive children’s menu and a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, The Victoria Inn offers the perfect mix of comfort and quality, making it a favourite with visitors to Holkham. They’ll likely have the logs roaring in the fireplace by the time you arrive after your festive day, so why not visit the beach for an autumnal walk too before dining? Booking is advised. 

9. Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show, Norfolk Showground

When: Friday 8th November until Sunday 10th November 2024

Get into the Christmas spirit early at the Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show, one of the region’s biggest festive events. With over 200 exhibitors, this show is brimming with piles of seasonal gifts, delicious food and drink, home décor, and festive crafts. There’s something for everyone, from luxury hampers and handmade jewellery to artisan foods. The show also offers live demonstrations, tastings, and plenty of opportunities to find perfect gifts for loved ones. Held at the spacious Norfolk Showground, it’s an ideal day out for families looking to kick-start their Christmas shopping and enjoy festive treats in a lively atmosphere. Note, that this is a ticketed event.

Nearby Family Dining Spots:

The Goat Shed, Honingham: A short drive west from the Norfolk Showground, The Goat Shed is a wonderful farm-to-table dining spot in Honingham offering seasonal and locally sourced food. Families can enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious meals made with ingredients straight from the farm. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or an afternoon coffee, The Goat Shed provides the perfect stop after a busy day at the festive show. Plus, the farm setting gives it an extra rustic charm. There is plenty of parking and additional foodie gifts on sale here too in their amazing food court.

Urban Jungle Café, Norwich: For a dining experience that feels like an adventure, head to the Urban Jungle Café in Norwich. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, this café offers a vibrant, family-friendly environment and a menu full of fresh, plant-based and globally inspired dishes. It’s a unique spot for a family meal, with plenty of unusual things for kids to explore in their quirky little set-up, making it a fun and refreshing place to unwind after the hustle and bustle of the show.

10. Burnham Market Christmas Lights Switch-On

When: Saturday 16th November
Nothing kicks off the festive season quite like the Burnham Market Christmas Lights Switch-On. This beautiful village is one of the most sought-after in the county in terms of places to live and the village green comes alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and often a visit from Santa himself. Lined with amazing independent galleries, gift shops and eateries, it’s a magical event for families, with plenty of entertainment and holiday cheer. Details are a little thin at the moment, but there’s often an array of popups on the green serving food to add to the cheer.

Why not make an evening of it by dropping into the Hoste for a mulled wine or if you are really organised a meal at one of our most loved foodie haunts, Burnham Market’s Socius? You will need to book – they’re hugely popular, with good reason.

Nearby Family Dining Spot: 

The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market
After the lights switch on, make your way to The Hoste Arms, a cosy inn offering a superb family-friendly dining experience. With a range of classic British dishes and a dedicated children’s menu, this charming pub is the perfect place to warm up after an evening of festive fun.

11. Creake Abbey’s Christmas Gift Fair, Creake Abbey

When: Saturday 23rd November 2024

Creake Abbey’s Christmas Gift Fair offers a fantastic opportunity to browse a wide range of festive gifts, food, and drinks in a stunning historical setting. With over 70 artisans and producers showcasing everything from handmade ceramics to gourmet food items, it’s a haven for those looking to find unique Christmas presents for loved ones (including those floofs and pooches at home). While the fair does have a small admission fee of £2 for adults, parking is free, and children under 16 can attend at no charge. With plenty of gifts for all ages and four-legged friends, plus delicious street food vendors, it’s a festive family outing you won’t want to miss.

Nearby Family Dining Spot: Creake Abbey Café
For a family-friendly meal, look no further than the Creake Abbey Café, located right on site. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients, the café offers a delicious range of sandwiches, paninis, cakes, and hot meals. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for families, and kids will love the selection of homemade treats.

Norfolk’s 2024 Christmas markets offer a perfect blend of festive fun, unique shopping, and family-friendly dining. Whether you’re wandering through rustic barns, exploring iconic venues like The Assembly House, or enjoying a stroll in scenic water gardens, there’s a market for every taste and tradition. With nearby cafés, inns, and restaurants tailored for families, you can easily turn your festive shopping into a memorable day out. 

So, bundle up, gather your loved ones, and get ready to experience the magic of Christmas across Norfolk’s enchanting markets!