Things to do in Norfolk this November you won't want to miss

Christmas spectaculars, light switch-ons and shopping fairs are taking place across Norfolk this November. <i>(Image: Sonya Duncan)</i>
Christmas spectaculars, light switch-ons and shopping fairs are taking place across Norfolk this November. (Image: Sonya Duncan)
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November signals the start of Norfolk's festive season, with Christmas spectaculars, shopping fairs and major new exhibitions taking place across the county.

Whether you're looking for an early taste of Christmas or one last big day out before winter sets in, Norfolk has no shortage of events this November.

These are seven events worth adding to your diary.

1. Norfolk Artisan Fair at Christmas

Where: The Racecourse, Fakenham, NR21 7NY

When: November 7 to November 8

Price: £5 in advance, £6 on the gate, under-16s free.

Rusty Krab Rum Shop will return to the Norfolk Artisan Fair at Christmas (Image: Norfolk Artisan Fair)

The Norfolk Artisan Christmas Fair, one of the biggest festive fairs in the region, is returning for its "biggest year yet".

Showcasing some of the county's best independent food, drink, arts, crafts and gift businesses with more than 130 stalls booked, the fair offers visitors the chance to support local producers while getting ahead with their Christmas shopping.

Free parking is available and dogs are welcome on the site, although they are not permitted in the indoor exhibition rooms.

2. Thursford Christmas Spectacular

Where: Thursford Collection, Fakenham, NR21 0AS

When: November 10 to December 23

Price: From £42.

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is preparing for its biggest show yet.The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is preparing for its biggest show yet. (Image: FOCALPOINT DIGITAL)

Often described as Britain's biggest Christmas show, the annual spectacle features more than 120 performers, including singers, dancers, musicians and speciality acts.

Set among the famous steam engines and fairground carousels of Thursford, the three-hour production has become one of Norfolk's most famous festive attractions.

The show will welcome comedian and compere Steve Hewlett, a ventriloquist known for his comedic routines, alongside four new speciality acts from world-class performers.

3. Bayeux Around Britain: Casting a Masterpiece

Where: Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Hill, Norwich, NR1 3JU

When: November 12 to January 10

Price: Included with normal admission.

The Stothard Cast (Image: Trustees of the British Museum)

This major exhibition brings rarely displayed hand-painted plaster casts taken from the Bayeux Tapestry to Norwich.

The casts were made in 1816, when artist Charles Alfred Stothard took moulds of the embroidery by applying wax directly to its surface, a method of reproduction that would never be permitted today.

Visitors can get closer to the famous Norman artwork through the historic casts, tactile replicas and interactive displays exploring one of the most important stories in British history.

4. Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show

Where: Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, New Costessey, NR5 0TT

When: November 13 to November 15

Price: Tickets available online in advance. From £6 onwards.

The Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show is returning to the Norfolk Showground. (Image: Aztec Events)

One of the county's biggest Christmas shopping events, the show attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Nearly 300 exhibitors will be offering gift ideas, festive decorations, artisan products, food and drink, alongside live music and seasonal entertainment.

The show has been described as "the perfect place to discover that unique present for loved ones or some new Christmas décor for your home, while enjoying festive food and a mulled wine or two".

5. Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food and Gift Fair

Where: Sandringham Estate, Sandringham, PE35 6AB

When: November 13 to November 15

Price: Adults £14, over-65s £13, children £6.

There will be plenty of stalls to browse for your Christmas shopping.There will be plenty of stalls to browse for your Christmas shopping (Image: Living Heritage)

The royal estate is gearing up to host a huge three-day festive market with more than 250 stalls offering hand-crafted items and gifts from crafting, artists and designers.

Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere in the central Christmas Village, featuring log cabins housing crafts, food, gifts and street entertainers.

Food lovers will be catered for as the halls will be offering regional and national produce, culinary demonstrations and street food.

Younger visitors can look forward to Santa's Magic Show, puppet performances, mischievous elves and a ride on the Christmas Land Train.

6. Norwich Festive Lights Switch-On

Where: Norwich city centre

When: November 19, from 5.30pm

Price: Free.

Christmas lights NorwichThe Christmas Light Switch-On in Norwich will take place on November 19. (Image: Simon Finlay)

Thousands of people are expected to gather in the city centre as Norwich officially welcomes the festive season.

The evening includes live entertainment, seasonal activities, music, family-friendly attractions and the countdown to the city's Christmas lights being illuminated.

It has not been confirmed who will now switch on the lights after YouTuber and podcaster JaackMaate was axed by the city council due to "issues" with his past online content.

7. Christmas at Holkham

Where: Holkham Hall, Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AB

When: From November 29

Price: Ticket prices vary depending on attraction booked.

Christmas at Holkham Hall. (Image: Holkham Hall)

Holkham's festive programme returns with the hall transformed by elaborate decorations, twinkling lights and themed displays.

Visitors can explore the grand state rooms, enjoy seasonal food and browse festive markets, making it one of the county's most atmospheric Christmas destinations.

Holkham by Candlelight, one of the most popular festive events, will begin on November 29 where you can explore the rooms at your own pace or have a guided visit available.

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