Enjoy a festive day out to get you into the Christmas spirit. Visit stately homes for wintry garden walks, spectacular decorations, and cafes offering warm drinks and seasonal treats. Or visit one of our regional museums and heritage sites and be transported into Christmases of yesteryear!
Norfolk
Holkham Hall by Candlelight
Holkham Hall by Candlelight
Friday 28 November – Tuesday 30 December
Experience the festive magic of Holkham’s beautifully adorned state rooms, where shimmering decorations and candlelight create a truly enchanting atmosphere. You can choose a guided tour to learn more about the history of the rooms, or explore at your leisure with a self-led option.
Garden of Lights at Blickling Estate
Saturday 6 – Sunday 21 December
As darkness falls, the gardens of Blickling Estate burst into vibrant life with dazzling displays of lights and sounds. Explore the magical illuminations set against the backdrop of the beautiful historic hall, whilst you warm your hands with mulled drinks.
Oxburgh Estate © James Dobson
Christmas at Oxburgh Estate
Saturday 22 November – Sunday 4 January
Step into the magic of Christmas at Oxburgh Estate, where The Hall will be beautifully dressed for the season. Or wrap up for a bracing walk and enjoy the 215 acres of historic parkland, home to plenty of wildlife including bats, barn owls, otters and butterflies.
Christmas 1945 at Gressenhall Museum
Monday 22 December
Jump back in time to 1945 – war is over, and the local community is determined that there will be a Christmas celebration! Get hands-on with some making do and mending, crafting and creating, and explore the stories of local characters researched as part of the ‘WWII in the Workhouse’ project for the 80th anniversary year of VE and VJ Day. Costumed characters will lead activities and festivities as part of this memorable moment in history.
Felbrigg Hall © National Trust Images Rob Coleman
Christmas at Felbrigg Hall
Friday 21 November – Monday 15 December
Experience Felbrigg Hall delightfully decked out this Christmas. The downstairs of the hall will be beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and greenery from the estate. Festive treats and hot chocolates from the Squire’s Pantry are available, and if you want to venture outside, the estate is open daily from dawn until dusk.
Suffolk
Helmingham Hall
Illuminated Garden Trail at Helmingham Hall
Friday 14 November – Friday 19 December
Explore the historic gardens adorned with stunning light, color, and sound installations, as you stroll over the drawbridge, through illuminated paths, and by cosy fire pits—perfect for toasting marshmallows—while savoring festive street food, shopping for unique gifts at the Stable Shops, and enjoying a complimentary mulled wine!
1930s Christmas at Ickworth Estate
Monday 17 – Sunday 30 November
A nostalgic 1930s themed Christmas in the Servants’ Quarters will immerse you in Ickworth’s history below stairs and bring past traditions to life. Whilst you’re there you can also explore a family-friendly snow leopard trail that will guide you throughout the house and the beautiful Italianate Garden.
Yule at Sutton Hoo © Darren Olley
Yule at Sutton Hoo
From Saturday 22 November
Travel back in time over 1,400 years and experience a traditional Anglo-Saxon Yule, discovering how our Christmas traditions of the present have been inspired by the past. The High Hall will be decorated for a magnificent Yule feast, and you can take part in a special Yule-themed trail.
If you are staying in Norfolk or Suffolk over the winter, get recommendations on where to eat, drink and stay on the Visit East of England website.
