Christmas Shopping Day at Snape Maltings

When: Thursday 21 November 2024

Enjoy a special Christmas Shopping Day at Snape Maltings midweek. Browse the shops and galleries, sample festive treats in the Food Hall, enjoy complimentary nibbles from the River View Café, and listen to live music – it’s the perfect opportunity to kick off that all-important Christmas shopping. Late opening until 7.30pm!

Halesworth Christmas Lights Switch On

When: Saturday 23 November 2024

Head to the lovely market town of Halesworth for their big switch on evening! Embrace the spirit of the season by indulging in traditional Christmas fare like mulled wine and mince pies, listening to the joyful carols of local singers, and visiting the Church grotto to see Father Christmas and his reindeer. Bring the whole family along to Halesworth and kick off the festive celebrations.

Aldeburgh Christmas Lights Switch On

When: Saturday 23 November 2024

The annual Aldeburgh Christmas Lights Switch On celebration kicks off with a craft fair at the Jubilee Hall, followed by midday fairground rides and amusements. Embrace the magic of the season by sipping mulled wine, indulging in mince pies, and enjoying live harp music from Zoe Anderton. The festivities will culminate with Christmas carols after the Mayor and Carnival Queen officially switch on the lights. Don’t miss this enchanting event!

Beccles Christmas Lights Switch On

When: Friday 29 November 2024

Don’t miss out on street stalls, live music, kids rides and that all-important lights switch on in Beccles on 29th November. This event takes place from 5.00pm – 8.30pm. If you’re travelling by train to the event, East Suffolk Lines are supporting the event and therefore all children will receive a goody bag!

Blythburgh Christmas Market

When: Saturday 30 November 2024

Make a start on your Christmas shopping and head to Blythburgh for their Christmas market, featuring homemade bakes, mulled wine, gift stalls and crafts. The market will be taking place between 11.00am and 3.30pm.

Reindeer Trail at Dunwich Heath

When: Every weekend from 30 November – 23 December 2024

This December, Santa’s reindeer have arrived for a much-needed break before their big Christmas Eve delivery. Head to Dunwich Heath and pick up a map from the Welcome Centre and follow the trail to try and spot all nine reindeer. Can you find them all? Available from 9.00am – 3.00pm each day, pre-booking not required.

Children’s Wreath Making Drop-in Workshop at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve

When: Every weekend until 22 December 2024

Discover Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve this Christmas, a family-friendly reserve with activities and walking trails to suit all. This December, your little ones can craft a natural willow wreath to decorate your home for Christmas, using willow and foliage from the reserve and local areas. Pre-booking isn’t required, head to the information centre upon arrival. Tickets are £3 per child or £5 for two. This event is suitable for children ages 3 years and over.

Christmas Fused Glass Workshop with All That Shines

When: Saturday 30 November & Saturday 7 December 2024

Hosted at The Old Hospital Hub in Southwold, join Becky and learn the skills of fused glass art. You will learn basic techniques and will then be able to create four fabulous Christmas decorations of your choice. Morning and afternoon sessions are available each day.

Southwold Christmas Lights Switch On

When: Saturday 30 November 2024

Visit the seaside town of Southwold for their annual switch on evening! Stalls will be held along the High Street from 2.00pm on the day, with the big switch on taking place at 5.00pm. Don’t miss Santa’s Grotto at the Adnams Tour Centre afterwards.

Christmas Craft Workshops at Dunwich Heath

When: Sunday 1 & Sunday 8 December 2024

Head to Dunwich Heath this December with the children for a jolly Christmas craft workshop. Make your own version of the wooden reindeer from the festive family trail. This family-friendly workshop will guide you through the process using timber from the estate. This event is suitable for children aged 8 years and over.

Christmas Wreath Making with British Blooms

When: 1, 8 & 15 December 2024

Hosted at The Old Hospital, join British Blooms this December for a wreath making workshop, fully guided by an expert with a range of seasonal foliage to choose from. A demonstration of each stage will be shown as you create your masterpiece. The perfect event for getting into the Christmas spirit. Pre-booking is required, and morning/afternoon time slots are available.

Halesworth Christmas Market

When: Saturday 7 December 2024

Whether you’re just starting your shopping or are about to finish it, be sure to check out the Halesworth Christmas Market this December. There will be a variety of stalls including food stalls and children will be able to post their letters to Father Christmas. This market takes place from 2.00pm – 6.00pm.

Saxmundham Christmas Fayre

When: Saturday 7 December 2024

The annual Saxmundham Christmas Fayre brings the town centre to life with festive cheer and entertainment for all ages. Visitors can enjoy a variety of stage and street performances, from choirs and fire dancers to the Royal British Legion Band. The fayre features over 50 market stalls offering an array of items. Visit Santa’s Grotto, make a Christingle, get your face painted, or take a ride at the mini funfair. This free event promises an evening of fun and celebration for the whole family. This event starts at 3.00pm with lights being switched on at 3.45pm.

Christmas Grotto at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve

When: Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 December 2024

Children can visit Father Christmas in his grotto at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve this December! The children will have the chance to talk to Father Christmas, take pictures and receive a wildlife themed gift. The grotto and the walking route are fully accessible, and pushchairs are welcome. For full details visit the Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve event guide. Pre booking a timed slot is required.

Meet Father Christmas at Dunwich Heath

When: 7, 14 & 22 December 2024

Visit Dunwich Heath and get the chance to meet Father Christmas this December! Each ticket includes the chance to meet Father Christmas and take a special gift home. This event is held in the bookshop and due to the size of the space there is a maximum of two accompanying adults per ticketed child. Please be aware that prams must be left outside. Booking is essential.

Santa Specials at Steamworks

When: Saturday 7 & Saturday 14 December 2024

Ride the historic steam train to visit Santa this December at Steamworks in Southwold. Booking is essential and child tickets include a gift. All tickets cover the train ride and seasonal refreshments. The engine shed, model railway display, and shop will be open, with additional seasonal activities available.

Ride the Lights at East Anglia Transport Museum

When: 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 December 2024

Embrace the holiday cheer at the East Anglian Transport Museum’s “Ride the Lights” weekends in December. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Christmas lights. The café will also be serving hot food and drinks throughout the event, which runs from 3:00pm to 7:00pm each day.

Breakfast with Santa at Maeve’s Tearoom

When: Sunday 8 December 2024

Treat the kids to a magical holiday experience at Maeve’s Tearoom’s “Breakfast with Santa” event. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast served by the Christmas elves, then head into the grotto to visit Santa and receive a Christmas gift. Tickets are £18 per child, which includes breakfast and a gift from Santa. Booking is essential, so reserve your spot today!

Breakfast with Father Christmas at Snape Maltings

When: Sunday 8 & Saturday 21 December 2024

Meet Father Christmas at Snape Maltings! There will be a delightful selection of breakfast dishes for all ages. Children will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, share their wishes, and receive a special early Christmas gift. Photo opportunities and a festive craft also included. Tickets are £16.50 per person. Pre-booking and pre-ordering are required.

Christmas Wine Tasting at Adnams, Southwold

When: Friday 13 December 2024

Christmas is just around the corner, so join the team at Adnams for a Christmas wine tasting evening. They’ll guide you through some of their handpicked Christmas wine selections with a few surprises in store. Nibbles will be provided, and tickets are £30 per person. Pre-book in advance.

Christmas Special with Laura Wright at Snape Maltings

When: Saturday 14 December 2024

Celebrate the festive season with a sparkling lineup of Suffolk-based talent, including the soaring vocals of soprano Laura Wright, choral classics performed by the Britten Pears Chamber Choir, and the brilliant brass of The Band of the Royal British Legion, Leiston. Event starts from 7.00pm and lasts for 120 minutes including a 20 minute interval.

Jazz at the Movies Presents: A Swinging Christmas ~ Chris Ingham Quintet featuring Joanna Eden, Southwold Arts Centre

When: Saturday 14 December 2024

Proudly sponsored by Durrants! Celebrate 11 sell-out years at Ronnie Scott’s since 2012 with acclaimed singer Joanna Eden & the fabulous Chris Ingham Quartet. Get ready for a jazzy holiday filled with festive favourites. Event starts at 7.30pm.

Christmas Afternoon Tea at Snape Maltings

When: Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December 2024

Enjoy a selection of afternoon tea favourites with a seasonal twist. Expect to see festive filled sandwiches, sweet treats, cakes and those all important mince pies with brandy cream. A children’s menu is also available, featuring clementine jelly and gingerbread, as well as homemade sausage rolls and strawberry milkshakes. Divine!

Christmas at The Park, Henham

When: Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December 2024

This festive season head over Henham, the home of the Latitude Festival, which plays host to a mega Christmas experience this December! There will be stalls with local crafts, gifts, and specialty foods. Indulge your inner foodie with an array of regional producers and talented chefs showcasing their culinary creations in the food hall. There will be endless entertainment for all ages – from a fun-filled fairground to marshmallow roasting by the firepit. And don’t miss the magical visit to Father Christmas himself, a singalong with Frozen’s Elsa and Anna and a meet and greet with real reindeers! This is a Christmas experience you won’t want to miss.

Christmas Wreath Making Workshops at The Red House

When: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December 2024

Join The Red House’s Garden Manager, David Gibbons, for a festive wreath-making workshop. You’ll create your own wreath inspired by The Red House garden, while enjoying mince pies and hot drinks. After completing your wreath, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the garden. The ticket price includes hot drinks and mince pies.

Festive Wreath Workshops at Southwold Flower Company

When: Saturday 14 & Wednesday 18 December 2024 (other dates already sold out)

Spend a relaxing few hours at the Southwold Flower Company, where you’ll create your own festive door wreath. Select from a wide variety of fresh and dried foliage to design your wreath. An expert instructor will teach you sustainable and traditional methods when creating your showstopper, completely unique to your own styling. Mince pies, mulled wine and hot beverages included!

The Snowman Concert at Snape Maltings

When: Sunday 15 December 2024

Enjoy the magical experience of everyone’s favourite Christmas film, screened live with a choir and orchestra at the beautiful Snape Maltings Concert Hall. This must-see event of the festive season welcomes both adults and children.

Christmas Carols at The Red House, Aldeburgh

When: Tuesday 17 December 2024

Get into the Christmas spirit with loved ones or friends for a free Christmas singalong and delicious festive treats. Join The Red House for their annual Christmas carol singing in The Red House garden – a fun session with mince pies, hot drinks and seasonal festive favourites. Song sheets are provided. Suitable for ages. As the event takes place outdoors it’s advised you wrap up warm! Pre-booking isn’t required, just turn up!

Festive Folk Tunes at Dunwich Heath

When: Saturday 21 December 2024

Listen to Belle Heathers perform seasonally themed folk songs in Dunwich Heath’s cosy tea-room whilst enjoying a hot drink and scone. Starts at 1.00pm and will last for approximately 1.5 hours. Free event, but admission charges apply.