Winter is one of the best times to experience Norwich. The city’s theatres fill with festive productions, independent makers bring their work to Christmas markets, and seasonal attractions offer plenty to do beyond the usual shopping trip.
If you are planning a winter city break, a theatre weekend or a festive escape, Number 82 The Unthank places you close to the action while giving you a peaceful base in Norwich’s Golden Triangle. With stylish, fully equipped apartments, private kitchen facilities and the comfort of a home away from home, it is a practical alternative to a traditional hotel.
Here is our guide to some of the key events taking place in and around Norwich this winter.
30 November 2026 – 4 January 2027: Winter Wonderland at Norfolk Showground
Norfolk Showground’s Winter Wonderland is a major seasonal attraction for families, couples and groups. The programme includes an outdoor ice rink, festive fairground rides, an illuminated trail, seasonal entertainment and a Christmas gift market.
The attraction is designed to be enjoyed at your own pace. You can skate beneath the lights, browse festive stalls along Mistletoe Lane, take a ride on the observation wheel or settle into the Alpine Lodge for a warming drink.
There are also family experiences, including Santa’s Grotto, while selected evenings offer more grown‐up entertainment. It is a good choice if you want to make an afternoon or evening of your festive plans rather than simply visit a market for an hour.
Getting there from Unthank Road: A short taxi journey is the simplest option, taking you towards Norfolk Showground, NR5 0TP. Driving is also straightforward, with parking available at the attraction. Check Winter Wonderland Norwich for current opening times, tickets and individual attraction availability.
5 December 2026 – 3 January 2027: The All New Adventures of Peter Pan
The festive pantomime at Norwich Theatre is always a popular part of the city’s winter calendar. This year, The All New Adventures of Peter Pan brings high‐flying adventure, music, comedy and audience participation to Norwich Theatre Royal.
The production follows Peter Pan and his friends as they face Captain Hook, with Joe Tracini starring as Smee and a cast of familiar television and stage performers. The show is suitable for families and includes a wide range of performances across December and into the New Year.
There are also relaxed, sensory‐adapted, captioned, BSL‐interpreted and audio‐described performances on selected dates, making it easier for more visitors to enjoy the production.
The official Norwich Theatre listing includes the full performance schedule, ticket information and access details. Tickets are listed from £10, although prices vary by performance and seating area.
Getting there from Unthank Road: Norwich Theatre Royal is walkable from Number 82, taking approximately 20 minutes through the city centre. Alternatively, it is a short taxi journey, particularly useful after an evening performance.
6 December 2026: Step Into Christmas with John Osborne
For a more traditional festive evening, Step Into Christmas – A Celebration of Christmas Music by John Osborne is scheduled for 6 December as part of Norwich Theatre’s seasonal programme.
The event is suited to visitors looking for a concert‐style experience, with familiar Christmas music providing an alternative to a pantomime or stage production. It is also a useful date to consider if you are arranging a short winter break before the main Christmas rush.
As venue and performance details can change across the Norwich Theatre programme, check the Norwich Theatre what’s‐on guide before booking.
Getting there from Unthank Road: Depending on the final venue, the event should be reachable on foot or by a short taxi from Number 82. Confirm the theatre location and start time when purchasing tickets.
9–19 December 2026: Moulin Scrooge
For an adults‐only festive night out, Moulin Scrooge offers a very different take on Christmas theatre.
Presented at Norwich Theatre, this 18+ panto combines the world of Moulin Rouge with A Christmas Carol. The story centres on the Moulin Beige, a club facing financial difficulty, with larger‐ than‐life characters, adult humour and a deliberately unconventional seasonal setting.
It is a good choice for couples, friends or colleagues looking for a lively evening rather than a traditional family Christmas show. Performances run from 9 to 19 December, with tickets listed from £20 at the time of writing.
Read the full details and booking information on the Moulin Scrooge page at Norwich Theatre.
Getting there from Unthank Road: Norwich Theatre Playhouse is walkable, although the route is more comfortable by taxi on a cold or wet evening. Allow around 20 minutes on foot, depending on your pace and the final venue arrangements.
10–20 December 2026: The Snow Queen
Families looking for a shorter festive show can book The Snow Queen, running at Norwich Theatre from 10 to 20 December
This adaptation follows siblings Pip and Pelle as they set out to save their Swedish village of Snödal from a winter that never ends. The story includes magical characters, mischievous elves, Vikings and the Snow Queen herself, with plenty of opportunities for younger visitors to engage with the adventure.
The production runs for approximately one hour without an interval and is recommended for children aged five and over. It is a particularly practical option for families who would prefer a shorter performance during a busy festive weekend.
Visit the official Snow Queen listing for show times, tickets and access information.
Getting there from Unthank Road: The theatre is within walking distance of Number 82, or a short taxi journey if you are travelling with young children or returning after dark.
11–20 December 2026: Christkindl Market at Chapelfield Gardens
Norwich’s Christkindl Market brings a German‐inspired festive atmosphere to Chapelfield Gardens from 11 to 20 December
The market is planned around more than 80 traditional wooden huts, with local makers and small businesses offering jewellery, seasonal décor, candles, homeware and other gifts. There will also be food stalls, mulled wine, craft ales, hot chocolate and winter street food, including vegan and gluten‐free options.
Live performances from local bands, choirs, dance groups and acoustic musicians are scheduled throughout the market period. Entry is free for children, while adult entry charges apply at peak times. Weekday daytime visits are expected to be quieter.
The Christkindl Market listing on Visit Norwich has the latest visitor information and links to the market’s own website.
Getting there from Unthank Road: Chapelfield Gardens is an easy walk from Number 82, taking approximately 15–20 minutes. It is also a short taxi journey, making it simple to return with gifts and market purchases.
November and December: Store Folk Christmas Market at Jarrolds
Jarrolds is a useful stop for thoughtful gifts, local design and independent makers. The Store Folk marketplace brings together Norfolk artisans and small businesses, with seasonal pop‐ups and Christmas shopping opportunities inside the department store.
The exact 2026 market schedule should be checked closer to the time, as dates and participating makers can vary. Visit the Store Folk section at Jarrolds for current information.
Getting there from Unthank Road: Jarrolds on London Street is walkable from Number 82 via the city centre. Allow around 20 minutes, or take a short taxi if you are carrying shopping.
Late November and December: Christmas fairs at The Forum
The Forum is another central location to watch for seasonal fairs, craft markets and local maker events. Its Christmas programme typically includes opportunities to buy handmade gifts, prints, ceramics, jewellery and homeware from independent sellers.
Specific 2026 fair dates may be announced closer to the season, so check The Forum’s what’s‐on listings before planning your visit. These events are often free to enter and work well alongside a visit to the city centre, Norwich Market or Jarrolds.
Getting there from Unthank Road: The Forum is walkable from Number 82 in approximately 20 minutes, or a short taxi journey.
January 2027: Dirty Dancing at Norwich Theatre Royal
The festive season does not end with Christmas. From 12 to 16 January 2027, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage comes to Norwich Theatre Royal.
Based on the much‐loved film, the stage production includes songs such as Hungry Eyes, Do You Love Me? and (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life. It is recommended for audiences aged 14 and over, making it a strong option for a winter weekend away with a partner or friends.
There are scheduled BSL‐interpreted, captioned and audio‐described performances. See the offi‐ cial Dirty Dancing listing for current tickets and performance details.
Getting there from Unthank Road: Norwich Theatre Royal is an easy walk or short taxi journey from Number 82.
Build a winter weekend around a show
A theatre break in Norwich is easy to plan from Number 82 The Unthank. Start with a relaxed breakfast or coffee around Unthank Road, head into the city for shopping and a seasonal market, then return to your apartment to get ready at your own pace.
Your fully equipped kitchen gives you the option of a quiet meal in, while Norwich’s restaurants, independent cafés and bars are close by when you prefer to eat out. After a performance, you can return to a peaceful apartment rather than a busy hotel corridor.
Whether you are booking a family pantomime, an adults‐only theatre evening or a January performance, Number 82 offers luxury accommodation in Norfolk with the space and flexibility of a short stay apartment.
Please check each venue’s official website before travelling, as performance times, ticket availability, market arrangements and event dates may change. When you are ready to plan your Norwich winter escape, book your stay at Number 82 The Unthank