Get into the festive spirit with seasonal performances ranging from holiday classics to enchanting music, from festive folklore to theatre, comedy and magical dance. With performances by international artists and local talent, we’re sure you’ll find something to make you feel merry.
Suffolk
Dance
The Magic Flute at DanceEast, Ipswich
The Magic Flute by Protein Dance
Friday 12 – Sunday 14 December at DanceEast, Ipswich
Experience joy and wonder with this new dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s opera. A tale of love and friendship shining through darkness, The Magic Flute is brought to life with a playful mix of dancing, storytelling, singing and stunning visuals.
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A Christmas Carol by Ballet Theatre UK
Sunday 9 – Tuesday 11 November at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Step into the heart of a traditional Victorian Christmas, where Charles Dickens’ timeless tale comes to life through the medium of dance. With a beautiful score of festive carols, breathtaking costumes, and stunning choreography, this heartwarming production is the perfect treat for the whole family.
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Theatre
A Christmas Carol at the New Wolsey, Ipswich
There Will Be Tinsel by John Osborne
Various dates from 27 November
For the last 25 years, writer and theatre maker John Osborne has been collecting the Christmas edition of the Radio Times. Join him for this night of Christmas poems, tinsel and a story commemorating the moments we spend circling the shows we want to watch during the festive season.
Venues in the east include The Seagull Theatre in Lowestoft, New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, Southwold Arts Centre and The Fisher Theatre in Bungay.
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Treasure Island
From 27 November at Eastern Angles, Ipswich
Ditch the Christmas schmaltz and jump onboard for the ultimate adventure. Inspired by the lost town of Dunwich, this timeless coming-of-age story is full of pirates, lost maps, mutiny and heroism. Expect innovative staging, music, puppetry, an amazing cast – and a little festive trimming.
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A Christmas Carol by Franklin and Greatorex
Sunday 14th December at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
In this innovative production of the well-loved classic, one man brings to life this most infamous festive ghostly tale of damnation and redemption, performing as the infamous miser, four ghosts and more than 20 other characters. Can the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future redeem the miserable Scrooge in just one night?
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Music
Handel’s Messiah at Snape Maltings
Handel’s Messiah
Saturday 29th November at Snape Maltings
No Christmas would be complete without a performance of Handel’s Messiah, a profoundly joyful moment in the festive season, with its lively choruses, dramatic solos and uplifting melodies. Aldeburgh Music Club – created in 1952 by Benjamin Britten – brings this much-loved work back to Snape Maltings this Christmas.
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Grimethorpe Colliery Band: Christmas Concert
Saturday 6th December at Snape Maltings
Once described as “the finest jewel in the world of brass bands” this multi-award winning ensemble brings presents an enchanting evening of seasonal music interspersed with some brass band classics.
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Norfolk
Festive Folklore
A Winter Union at Norwich Theatre Playhouse
A Winter Union
Monday 1st December at Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Five leading lights of the British roots scene join forces to create a festive folk band like no other. Expect soaring harmonies and exquisite musicianship, with their repertoire of brand new, specially written songs, fresh arrangements of traditional carols both well-loved and little-known, and seasonal classics.
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The Lost Folk with Lally MacBeth
Thursday 4 December at National Centre for Writing at Dragon Hall
An evening of captivating storytelling and music celebrating British folklore and Lally MacBeth’s debut book, The Lost Folk. Exploring the rich tapestry of customs, places, objects, and people that shape Britain’s folk heritage. With accompanying music from local folk singer songwriter Georgia Shackleton, Lally will breathe new life into the stories that bind communities together, reminding us that folk belongs to everyone. Set in the beautifully historic Dragon Hall, tickets include a welcome mulled drink to help bring in the season.
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The Albion Christmas Band
Thursday 18 December at Sheringham Little Theatre
Many folk fans say that their Christmas doesn’t start until they have seen The Albion Christmas Band! Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band) Simon Care (Edward II) and the Ashley Hutchings MBE, this show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain. A seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings, it really is the perfect way to start your folk festivities.
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Comedy
The Twelve Beans of Christmas at Norwich Theatre Stage Two
Adam Riches as Sean Bean in “THE TWELVE BEANS OF CHRISTMAS”
Saturday 13th December at Norwich Theatre Stage Two
Nothing yells Yule louder than Sean Bean in full-on medieval mode, challenging you all to a sackful of seasonal games, hellbent on getting you all giddy. Join Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Adam Riches as he hits the road once more with his (k)night of chaotic buffoonery, a Christmas present you’ll never forget.
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Music
GreenMatthew’s Gaudete! at Octagon Chapel, Norwich
GreenMatthew’s Gaudete!
Thursday 18 December at Octagon Chapel
Perfectly evoking the spirit of Christmas past, GreenMatthew’s repertoire spans 600 years from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, Gaudete! brings the festive season to life in a riot of sound and colour.
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ReWork Christmas
Saturday 20 December at Norwich Arts Centre
ReWork features the best local artists, and showcases fresh talent, reworking songs by iconic artists – and for this festive edition, the greatest Christmas songs of all time. The mood is right, the spirit’s up, we’re here tonight, and that’s enough, simply having a wonderful ReWork Christmastime! Hear some new and surprising interpretations of all your yuletide favourites.
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Christmas Spectaculars!
Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Norfolk
Christmas Spectacular Circus & Water Show
Saturday 6 December – Thursday 4 January at The Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth
If you’re looking for a truly extraordinary festive performance, you can’t get much more Christmassy than this annual Spectacular. With an incredible international circus cast, set in the magnificent Hippodrome (with a pool hidden beneath the stage) this magical performance has become a Christmas tradition for audiences in Norfolk and beyond!
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Thursford Christmas Spectacular
Saturday 8 November – Tuesday 23 December at the Thursford Collection
A truly magical feast for all the senses, the Thursford Christmas Spectacular is an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and speciality acts. If you’re looking to ramp up the Christmas vibes, you can also enjoy the Enchanted Journey of Light, a trail of Christmas and winter scenes and beautifully illuminated Lanterns.
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