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?
Table of Contents
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.
- When? 15th-17th November 2024
- Times: 10 am – 5 pm daily
- Address: Sandringham Estate, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE35 6EN
- Distance from Congham Hall: 4.7 miles (10min drive)
- Tickets and more info: www.livingheritagecountryshows.com/sandringham-christmas/
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 Norfolk’s finest local produce and activities and crafts for the whole family to enjoy, you’re guaranteed a heart-warming day full of fun and festivities.
- When? Saturday 23rd November 2024
- Times: 11 am – 4 pm
- Address: Wymondham Abbey, Church Street, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0PH
- Distance from Congham Hall: 36 miles (55 min drive)
- Free entry. For more info: www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk/2024/10/14/christmas-fair-2024/
4. Creake Abbey’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.
- When? Saturday 25th November 2024
- Times: 10 am – 3 pm
- Address: North Creake, Fakenham, NR21 9LF
- Distance from Congham Hall: 17 miles (30 min drive)
- Free entry. For more info: www.creakeabbey.co.uk/events/christmas-gift-fair-saturday-25th-november23
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 café 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)
- £3 entry. For more info and tickets: www.pensthorpe.com/events/christmas-market
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
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 – 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. Norfolk’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 can’t wait to offer you our famously warm Congham Hall welcome!