Top 10 Christmas Markets in Suffolk & Norfolk 2024
Imagine stepping into a wonderland where the spirit of Christmas comes alive in every corner. As you wander through the enchanting aisles of a bustling Christmas market, a magical scene unfolds before your eyes. From mince pies to mulled wine, twinkly lights to live music, a Christmas market is simply the most enjoyable way to shop for Christmas presents (and treat yourself!).
If you’re not sure which are the top Xmas markets in the area, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 Christmas markets in Norfolk and Suffolk for 2024. They’re listed in date order to help you plan your festive shopping expeditions. We’re hoping to tick off quite a few…
Suffolk County Christmas Fair at Hintlesham Hall
Dates: Friday 22 November – Sunday 24 November 2024
The Suffolk County Christmas Fair is always a spectacular way to start the festive season. The large Christmas market is held at the beautiful Hintlesham Hall, where the elegant architecture and stunning grounds add to the ambience. There’s even live music, performed in the traditional bandstand. With over 130 stalls, this could be your chance to work your way through your Christmas list…
Find out more: Suffolk County Christmas Fair
Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre
Dates: Friday 22 November – Sunday 24 November 2024
This much-loved festive event takes place over three days in the lovely setting of Great Yarmouth Minster of St. Nicholas Church. Catch the Santa Express Festive Road train from the market to the minster, where you can stock up on some unique stocking fillers. There’s a handy list of stallholders on the Christmas Fayre website, so you can plan your shopping in advance.
Find out more: Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre
Lavenham Christmas Craft Market
Dates: Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 November 2024
The pretty medieval village of Lavenham in Suffolk is one of those places that naturally feels festive, and we love the two-day Christmas Craft Market in the Village Hall. Call in on Saturday to enjoy brunch at the Pop Up Cafe, or visit on Sunday when the Craft Market teams up with the local Farmers’ Market to sell delicious local produce.
Find out more: Lavenham Christmas Market
St Edmundsbury’s Christmas Market, Bury St Edmunds
Dates: Thursday 28 November – Saturday 30 November 2024
This has to be one of the most beautiful settings for a Christmas market in Suffolk. St Edmundsbury Cathedral opens its doors to festive shoppers for four days. You can browse over sixty stalls selling locally made goods, all set among the magnificent 16th-century architecture. Music in the background (including carols) adds to the atmosphere.
Find out more: St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market
Festive Fair at The Forum, Norwich
Dates: Thursday 28 November – Sunday 1 December 2024
There are a lot of Christmas markets in Norwich, from the Vegans’ Christmas Market to Jabbawocky Crafts. We had to choose one, so we went for this lively annual event at The Forum, not least because it promises owls and miniature donkeys. There’ll also be stallholders from across East Anglia, live music and performances, and plenty of festive fare to eat and drink.
Find out more: Festive Fair at The Forum
Suffolk Farmers’ Christmas Market, Ipswich
Dates: Saturday 30 November 2024
If your idea of a good Christmas market is to stock up on delicious food for the festive season, this is the one for you. Suffolk Farmers’ Christmas Market is held in late November in Trinity Park. Come here to prepare for your festive entertaining, as well as to find gifts for the foodies in your life.
Find out more: Suffolk Farmers’ Christmas Market
Elveden Christmas Craft Fair
Dates: Saturday 30 November 2024
Start the festivities by visiting the craft fair at Elveden Courtyard near Thetford. There are around 30 stalls set out in this lovely restaurant, as well as local produce in the permanent Farm Shop. Father Christmas is also spending the day at Elveden (please book) and Christmas trees go on sale that day. To add to the excitement of buying your tree, you can have it towed to your car by a pair of gentle Newfoundland dogs.
Find out more: Christmas at Elveden
Artisan Christmas Market, Thetford Forest
Dates: Sunday 1 December 2024
Stay in the area for Sunday’s Christmas Market. This event is held at the Dower House Touring Park in the heart of Thetford Forest. There are stalls selling local crafts and produce – perfect if you’re looking for a unique gift. You’ll also find street food onsite, and visitors can use the touring park’s facilities such as the loos and cafe.
Find out more: Artisan Christmas Market
Halesworth Christmas Market
Dates: Saturday December 7 2024 (2-6 pm)
A small but popular Christmas market in the pretty Suffolk town of Halesworth. There’s a lovely bustling atmosphere and stalls crammed full of locally made crafts and delicious produce. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Christmas pizza… However, if you do miss the Christmas Market, come along to the weekly Halesworth Market on Wednesday mornings.
Find out more: Halesworth Christmas Market
Holkham Hall Christmas Market
Dates: Friday 13 December – Saturday 15 December 2024
For those of us who prefer leaving the shopping until closer to Christmas, this lovely Christmas market in Norfolk is a gift. It’s held in the Lady Elizabeth Wing of the 18th-century manor, with additional wooden chalets bringing a traditional German market feel to the outside space. There’s always excellent food and drink at this market, as well as live music.
Find out more: Holkham Hall Christmas Market
Thinking of spending every Christmas in Norfolk or Suffolk…?
Find out more about living in Suffolk or Norfolk from the team at Hopkins Homes.