Journal

The Best Christmas Markets Norfolk 2024

As the festive season approaches, our beautiful region transforms into a winter wonderland, with historic market squares and grand estates playing host to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets Norfolk has to offer.

As the festive season approaches, our beautiful region transforms into a winter wonderland, with historic market squares and grand estates playing host to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets Norfolk has to offer. Here at Congham Hall, we’re perfectly positioned to help our guests discover these magical festive events, each offering a unique blend of local craftsmanship, artisanal food, and festive entertainment.

Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, sampling mulled wine beneath twinkling lights, or simply soaking in the yuletide atmosphere, Christmas markets in Norfolk offer something truly special. Here we’ve curated a guide to the most spectacular Christmas markets our county has to offer this winter season- which will be your favourite?

1. Sandringham Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair 

The Sandringham Estate is famed for being the private country retreat of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla so what better way to indulge in some Christmas shopping than treading in the footsteps of the royals? This popular Christmas market offers over 100 stalls offering hand-crafted items and gifts from crafting, artists and designers. With ice sculpting, a singing Santa, fine food offerings and cooking demonstrations a-plenty, this Christmas fair in Norfolk is an extravaganza of all things festive.

AD 4nXcO9AGOc5ZKIF1X ryi8BSNaG9h0YZ3aXDZmwGvySyQ458HmiaxdBl5GgbHsiIp8J6VWH9oqmQD3VVB0W9wZsp1c8MPxCG RBw1QHShWfMu25WW uH0D9UDTM4kWdCiKz7McFXFfg?key=83Qs9u2pWG9uT3dlrjOSyMvw

Source

2. Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre 

With over thirty specialist handcraft, food and gift stalls, the Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre in Norfolk is a popular annual event with free entry. With crafts, gifts and food on offer, this market has everything you need to start your Christmas shopping with festive entertainment as the accompaniment. The big man in red will also be there to meet the little ones and hear what is on their Christmas wish list this year. One not to miss!

  • When? 22nd-24th November 2024
  • Times: 10 am – 8 pm on Friday | 10 am-5 pm on Saturday | 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday
  • Address: Great Yarmouth Minster, Church Plain, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 1NE
  • Distance from Congham Hall: 64 miles (1.5 hr drive)
  • Free entry. For more info: https://gytcp.co.uk/events/great-yarmouth-christmas-fayre-2024/  

3. Wymondham Abbey Christmas Fair 

With a long and illustrious history, Wymondham Abbey is a beautiful location for this one-day Christmas market. If you love mulled wine, crafts and delicious street food, this is the Christmas fair for you! With over fifty stalls selling a bounty of Norfolkโ€™s finest local produce and activities and crafts for the whole family to enjoy, youโ€™re guaranteed a heart-warming day full of fun and festivities. 

4. Creake Abbeyโ€™s Christmas Gift Fair 

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of ancient abbey ruins, Creake Abbey’s Christmas Gift Fair is among Norfolk’s most prestigious festive shopping experiences. This carefully curated market brings together over 60 of the region’s finest artisans and producers under heated marquees in the abbey’s historic grounds. Just a short drive from Congham Hall, visitors can discover an exceptional selection of handcrafted jewellery, bespoke decorations, luxury food items, and artisanal gifts.

AD 4nXc2v66qzGWSJ2xDqorh8aDZp5rkrCinIy6gj1w60CuObPf0iAF ShjHJq5RewJtOI1bIpFZ0pc9OF3Slt K

Source

5. Pensthorpe Christmas Market 

Pensthorpe Natural Park offers an enchanting blend of festive shopping and natural beauty. Set within 700 acres of stunning Norfolk countryside, this special event transforms the nature reserve into a winter shopping village, where carefully selected local artisans showcase their wares. Visitors can browse unique gifts while enjoying the spectacular wildlife and award-winning gardens that make Pensthorpe so special. After shopping, guests can warm up in the courtyard cafรฉ with seasonal treats, making it a perfect day out that combines the joy of Christmas shopping with the tranquillity of nature.

  • When?  Sunday 24th November 2024
  • Times:  10 am – 4 pm
  • Address:  Pensthorpe Rd, Fakenham NR21 0LN
  • Distance from Congham Hall: 19 miles (35mins drive)
  • ยฃ3 entry. For more info and tickets: www.pensthorpe.com/events/christmas-market

Source

6. Christmas Food, Drink & Gift Market at Holkham Hall 

Holkham Hall is one of England’s most elegant examples of Palladian architecture and provides an incomparable backdrop for one of Norfolk’s most prestigious Christmas markets. Set in the estate’s stunning Lady Elizabeth Wing and courtyard, this sumptuous event brings together the finest local producers and artisans in a celebration of festive excellence. Visitors can explore stalls brimming with exceptional Norfolk produce, from artisanal gins and local wines to handcrafted chocolates and seasonal delicacies. The market’s carefully selected vendors offer everything from luxury homeware and bespoke jewellery to traditional decorations and unique gifts. To complete the Christmassy experience, you can extend the fun by booking to visit Holkham Hall by Candlelight on the Saturday and Sunday too. 

  • When?  13-15th December 2024
  • Times:  Friday 12-7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
  • Address: Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB  
  • Distance from Congham Hall: 20 miles (40 min drive)
  • Free entry. For more info and tickets:  www.holkham.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-food-drink-gift-market
AD 4nXeo4yg6WhyWLV3S5grc7DC5as4sgl0c S6aN7 nEfy1tmeztRwy4 GEFpe8d20xYu4mGgniQDZj6w4HhzAqiPFjlt aIxKvBpad KQ6dH41N69D7VdrrIhv2LMHtyR7erVJK2QlXw?key=83Qs9u2pWG9uT3dlrjOSyMvw

Source

Why Christmas Markets Are So Special In Norfolk 

Unlike the larger commercial markets found around the UK, our Norfolk festivities take place in some of Britain’s most breathtaking locations โ€“ from centuries-old abbey ruins to magnificent stately homes and wildlife-rich nature reserves.

Norfolk’s rich agricultural heritage and thriving artisan community mean that visitors can discover truly unique gifts and produce that can’t be found anywhere else. Norfolkโ€™s Christmas markets showcase the very best of local crafters and producers. From small-batch gin distilled with Norfolk lavender and pottery crafted from local clay to preserves made from fruit grown in ancient walled gardens, each item tells a story of our region’s craft traditions and natural bounty.

Enjoy the Christmas Markets and Unwind with a Cosy Stay at Congham Hall

After a day exploring the best Christmas markets in Norfolk, return to the warmth and luxury of Congham Hall, where roaring fires, indulgent spa treatments, and seasonal afternoon teas await. Let our concierge team help plan your perfect Christmas market experience with insider tips and transportation arrangements. We canโ€™t wait to offer you our famously warm Congham Hall welcome!

Discover more

With its bevvy of coastal towns, Norfolkโ€™s coastline provides the perfect spot for visitors looking for an unforgettable exploration of coastal delights.
Nestled in the serene Norfolk countryside, Congham Hall is long renowned for offering the best massage treatments in Norfolk.

Congham Hall, Congham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1AH

Play Video