If you’re looking to kick off the festive season and get into the Christmas spirit, there is nothing quite like going to a Christmas event. Whether it’s a craft fair, a workshop, a grotto, or a candlelit walk, attending an event can really help to create the kind of excitement and anticipation that makes Christmas special. Also, there’s a high likelihood that you will come across a mince pie.
Be sure to check out our Christmas Day Restaurants in Suffolk guide and our guide to what’s on in Suffolk. For New Years Eve events in Suffolk click here.
Here is our rundown of festive events going on in Suffolk to help you get in the mood for Christmas 2018.
Christmas Fairs
Christmas Craft Fair
Ipswich
Running from Monday 17th – Sunday 23rd December 2018
Mon – Wed: 9am – 6pm
Thurs: 9am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Presented by Eden Crafts, the Christmas Craft Fair will take place in heated, floored marquees, so there is no need to worry about the weather.
Browse home made gifts, crafts, decorations food, and more!
The Cornhill (outside Ipswich Town Hall)
Ipswich, Suffolk.
Workshops
Santa’s Magical Grotto and Elf Workshop
Beccles
Running on: 20th, 22nd and 23rd December 2018
1 Hour Slots
Make this Christmas one to remember and come and join the festive fun at the Elf workshops, where the children can write their letter to Santa and deliver it to the head elf!
Get a glitter tattoo and balloon model, have fun and play games with the cheeky elves.
And of course not forgetting an extra special visit to Santa himself, where the children will receive a special gift.
There will be Christmas Stalls for you to browse, and hot chocolate to drink while your children enjoy the magic at the Elf Workshop.
Please contact Maria on 07516030947 to book your child’s place.
Woodfarm Barn
Locks Lane
Benacre
Beccles, Suffolk
NR34 7BL
Cultural & Evening Events
Spectacular Christmas Show 2018
Stowmarket
Thurs 20th December – Mon 31st December 2018
A 90-minute Spectacular Christmas Show at Stonham Barns, including dancing, singing, magic illusions, and speciality acts.
Adults £10
Children £12
Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £40
Child tickets include a goody bag from the cast at the end of the show.
Stonham Barns
Pettaugh Road
Stonham Aspal
IP14 6AT
Celebration Christmas Gastronomic Dinner
Bury St Edmunds
Fri 21st December 2018
Champagne reception with canapes, followed by a special festive five course Gastronomic Dinner at the Maison Bleue Restaurant.
The menu has been designed by chef patron Pascal Canevet, and will be paired with wines from the renowned cellar.
£95 per person.
Maison Bleue
31 Churchgate Street
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 1RG
The Orwell Hotel Disco Night
Felixstowe
Sat 22nd December 2018
The Orwell Hotel will be holding a Disco Night on Sat 22nd December, consisting of a three course meal with an in-house disco.
£38 per person.
Hamilton Road
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 7DX
Christmas Eve and Supper & Festive Carols
Saxmundham
Mon 24th December 2018
Two course Supper and Festive Carols at The Bell at Sax.
Mulled wine on arrival at 7pm.
£22.95 per person, full payment required on booking.
The Bell at Sax
31 High Street
Saxmundham
Suffolk
IP17 1AF
Cabaret Evening with Iestyn Edwards
Southwold
Fri 28th December 2018
Visit The Anchor on the 28th for entertainment from the fabulous Iestyn Edwards (Madame Galina, Prima Ballerina). Laugh out loud and enjoy an evening of cabaret.
The event will take place inside a heated marquee at the side of the restaurant.
The Anchor
Main Street
Walberswick, Southwold
Suffolk
IP18 6UA
Children’s Events
Christmas Special at Easton Farm Park
Woodbridge
Mon 17th December – Mon 24th December 2018
11:00 – 16:00
The Christmas Special experience at Easton Farm Park lasts for around 2.5 hours, and includes:
- Elf Workshop
- Meet Father Christmas
- Meet the Animal
- Christmas Party Food for Children
- Mug of Tea or Coffee & Sausage Roll or Slice of Cake for Adults.
Children: £12
Adults: £8
Maximum two adults per child entry.
Book in advance as there are limited spaces and time slots:
[email protected]
0172 874 6475
Easton Farm Park
Easton
Woodbridge
Suffolk
IP13 0EQ
Children’s Christmas Crafts
Bury St Edmunds
Running on: 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd December 2018
10:30 – 16:00
Get crafting in the West Wing Gallery at Ickworth House.
Last entry to the indoor activities is 15:30.
Child Ticket: £2.
Ickworth House
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP29 5QE
Family Christmas Sparkle
Bury St Edmunds
Fri 21st – Sun 23rd December 2018
10:00 – 15:30
Traditional family Christmas activities at Ickworth House in Bury St Edmunds, including craft activities and making decorations. There will be stories and gifts from Father Christmas next to the Christmas tree, and children can decorate biscuits whilst adults warm up with a cup of mulled wine. This event will be popular so we recommend booking in advance!
Ickworth House
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP29 5QE
Steam with Santa 2018
Halstead
Running on selected dates between: Fri 21st – Sun 23rd December 2018.
10:30 – 16:30
Steam with Santa consists of a gentle journey on a heated steam train along one mile of train line on the Colne Valley Railway, whilst Santa hands out gifts to every child on board.
Adults: £12
Children age 3 and up: £12
Baby (0-2 years): £5
Colne Valley Railway
Yeldham Road
Halstead, Suffolk
CO9 3DZ
For ideas about where to go for New Year’s Eve, read our guide on New Year’s Eve 2018 Celebrations in Suffolk.
More Suffolk Guides