What's On in North Norfolk This Christmas 2026

Christmas comes early in North Norfolk. These are the events worth putting in the diary, from Sandringham to Blickling and all along the coast in between. I've checked every date against the organiser's own website or this month's KL Magazine. Times can change, so follow the links before you set off.

Sandringham Winter Safari Tour

See the Royal Estate from a Land Rover, with an expert guide taking you beyond the usual visitor routes through farmland and woodland. Tours leave at 11am on Wednesdays, on 4, 18 and 25 November and 2, 9 and 16 December. Places are limited, so book early. Sandringham what's on

Christmas shopping in beach huts, Burnham Deepdale

Dalegate Market fills the beach huts behind The Nest Cafe with local producers and makers. Pop up weekends run Friday to Sunday on 6 to 8, 13 to 15 and 20 to 22 November, then again on 18 to 20 December, usually from 10am to 4pm. Entry and parking are free. Dalegate Market Christmas pop ups

Book signings and Meet the Makers at Holkham

Saturday 7 November is a double bill in the Holkham Gift Shop. Andy Bloomfield signs his new book Wetland Wings, and Lady Glenconner signs Trunks and Tiaras. The Meet the Makers weekends follow, with Archangel Distilleries on Sunday 8 November and the English Whisky Company on Saturday 14 November. Artist Lucy Loveheart signs her latest work on Saturday 21 November, then Black Shuck are in on Sunday 22 November. Holkham what's on

Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food and Gift Fair

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November. More than 100 makers, artists and designers fill the estate, with cookery demonstrations in the Country Kitchen and the Heritage Jazz Band playing. From Saturday 21 November to Christmas Eve the estate lights up after dark for the Luminate Winter Light Trail, with a vintage funfair and mulled wine along the way. Sandringham what's on

Norfolk Lights Express, Sheringham

A steam train covered in thousands of lights runs the 11 mile return trip from Sheringham to Holt after dark. This year's theme is Around the World, with displays for eight celebrations from the Dutch Tulip Festival to Diwali and Christmas. The journey takes about an hour and 45 minutes, with a stop at Holt for photos or a drink from the bar on board. It runs on selected dates from 14 November to 3 January 2027. Norfolk Lights Express dates

Blickling Estate

Twelve super sized Shaun the Sheep sculptures, each designed by an artist, are hidden around the garden from 14 November to 17 January. A baa-rilliant one for the kids. Inside the Hall, A Woolly Winter Adventure fills the rooms with knitted decorations from 28 November to 4 January. Entry is free for National Trust members. Blickling events

Free Wellbeing Walks, Holkham and Wells

A free group walk on the third Tuesday of each month, on Holkham Beach, Wells Beach or in Holkham Park. That makes the next two Tuesday 17 November and Tuesday 15 December. No need to book. Wellbeing Walks

Fakenham Christmas Tree Festival

Thursday 26 November to Thursday 3 December at Fakenham Parish Church. Dozens of local charities decorate a tree each and fill the church with them. Open 10am to 8pm, or 12pm to 8pm on Sunday, and entry is free. KL Magazine what's on

Thursford Christmas Spectacular

Three hours of singing, dancing, music and comedy just outside Fakenham. Shows run from November until just before Christmas. Thursford

Holkham by Candlelight

The state rooms at Holkham Hall, decorated for Christmas and seen by candlelight. Self led visits start on Sunday 29 November with dates through to 23 December. There's one guided tour, on Monday 14 December. Adults are £36, children aged 2 to 16 are £18 and under 2s go free. Holkham by Candlelight

Pensthorpe Christmas Market and the North Norfolk Pole

Pensthorpe near Fakenham holds its Christmas Market on Sunday 29 November, with over 80 stalls and dogs welcome. The North Norfolk Pole opens on Saturday 5 December and runs until 23 December, with Santa and teddy bear making for the little ones. Pensthorpe

Carols in the Courtyard, Holkham

Thursday 3 December. A carol sing along with YourChoir, raising money for charity. The café and gift shop stay open late, which is very handy for mince pies. Christmas at Holkham

Festive menu at The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe

The White Horse starts its festive menu on Friday 4 December. Lunch with a view of the marshes before a winter walk sounds about right to me. White Horse festive menu

Holkham Christmas Food, Drink and Gift Market

Friday 11 to Sunday 13 December in the Lady Elizabeth Wing and Courtyard. More than 60 local and regional producers, with street food to keep you going. Entry is free and parking is £12.50. Christmas at Holkham

Wells Christmastide Festival

Wells goes all out. Saturday 12 December is the big night, with street entertainers, a procession, the Christmas lights switched on and Father Christmas arriving by boat on the Quay. Fireworks over the marshes finish it off. Sunday 13 December brings craft stalls and more visits from Father Christmas. The Christmas tree festival in the Congregational Hall runs from Friday to Sunday. Wells Christmastide Festival

Canine Carols and Father Christmas, Holkham

Monday 21 December is one for the dogs. Reverend Sharon Plant leads Canine Carols, followed by a dog show and a group walk around the lake. Father Christmas and Mother Christmas are at Holkham Hall on 21 and 22 December too, for An Audience with Father Christmas. Holkham what's on

Take the coast home with you

Want this coast on your wall all year? My North Norfolk 2027 calendar has twelve of my oil paintings, from the Stiffkey marshes to the Norfolk Dippers at Wells. It's £20 with free UK delivery, and it fits in a stocking far better than a painting does.