North Norfolk Christmas with kids: 8 magical things to do this festive season

September 29, 2026 | Christmas | 7 minute read

It’s the most wonderful time of year, and that’s especially true when you have young children. Whether it’s the wonder in their eyes or the excitement and giddiness they feel, it really is special spending time with them during the festive season (and all year, of course!). If you’re looking for festive family days out and things to do in North Norfolk, then take a read of these magical things to do with your children to celebrate Christmas 2026.

Festive Family Day

Holkham is known across Norfolk and the country for the truly decadent Holkham Hall by Candlelight. The event returns in 2026 with state rooms adorned with decorations, art installations, and truly spectacular delights.

Tours of the hall become even more special for little ones on our festive family days, taking place on 19th and 20th December. This weekend is a fantastic opportunity for you to bring your children to explore the hall in its festive finery, because there are some very special additions on these dates… That’s right: Father and Mother Christmas and their team of jingly elves will also be joining the festive fun.

There will be music and magic in the Marble Hall before you take your tour of the state rooms. Children can bring their letters to Father Christmas, and Holkham’s friendly team will be on hand to discuss the installations and decorations within each room. We hope this is a wonderful way for both children and adults to start the festive week and enjoy the very best of Holkham Hall this winter.

Christmas Market

Holkham Christmas Market

The ever-popular Christmas market at Holkham returns this December, from the 11th to the 13th of December. The market sees over 60 of the region’s best local producers and artists bringing their wares to the Lady Elizabeth Wing and our chalets outside too.

If your children enjoy shopping or browsing, then this is going to be a wonderful way for you all to get into the festive spirit. There will be live music accompanying your shopping, and, of course, plenty of food pop-ups with delicious bites to fuel your way around the Christmas market.

This is a really lovely way for the family to enjoy a festive day out while ticking off some of the remaining Christmas shopping you need to do. Entry is free (just pay for parking).

Canine Carols

For a truly hilarious day, bring your family, including your furry friend, to Canine Carols. If your children love dogs, then they will absolutely adore this fun-filled festive morning.

On the 21st of December, Reverend Sharon Plant will lead a carol service outdoors dedicated to Christmas, but also to our canine companions, and, of course, they’ll be singing and howling to enjoy too. As well as this, there’s a dog show, a group dog walk, and plenty of fun for pooches, children, and adults alike.

Audience with Father Christmas

One of the most magical things you can do with young children during the festive period is, of course, an opportunity to meet the man himself. We’re very lucky at Holkham because the real Father Christmas comes to see us every December, bringing Mother Christmas with him as well.

An audience with Father Christmas is a day to remember and a day that your children will look forward to year after year. They’ll meet Father Christmas’s elves in the Marble Hall, explore some of the state rooms with you, have a sit-down with Father and Mother Christmas, talk to the children, and give them a small early Christmas present too.

Our Audience with Father Christmas event often gets booked up very quickly, so act fast!

Winter walks

A lovely low-cost activity to do with your family is enjoying a crisp winter walk on the beach. If you’re heading to North Norfolk this season, remember: beaches aren’t just for the summer. In the colder months, you might even have the beach to yourselves! Enjoy the vast open skies, the sounds of the pink-footed geese flying overhead, and spend some quality time chatting and laughing with your lottle ones as you enjoy views of the beautiful Norfolk coast.

You can, why not, take a walk from Holkham Gap, (park at Lady Anne’s Drive), all the way to Wells Beach Cafe and back, or vice versa? Obviously, pop in to Wells Beach Cafe or The Lookout during your walk and….

…enjoy a scrumptious seasonal drink

If your little one has a sweet tooth, then tie your visit to Holkham or North Norfolk in with a trip to Wells Beach Cafe. Here you’ll find decadent hot chocolates with all the trimmings alongside other seasonal goodies for your little ones to tuck into and enjoy. Whipped cream Santa beard, anyone?!

Carols in the Courtyard

On Thursday 3rd December 2026 from 5-6pm, enjoy a free Christmas gathering in our courtyard. There, we’ll all be joined by YourChoir for a festive singalong. Mulled wine will be available and our gift shop will be open late for browsing. Come along for an early advent evening certain to get you all feeling festive, and we’re raising money for a good cause too.

Wells Christmastide

One of the highlights of the Wells-next-the-Sea calendar, Christmastide will take place on 12th December 2026 (so can be enjoyed after a day at our Christmas Market!). Watch Father Christmas arrive into Wells by boat, enjoy street entertainers and live music, then watch the Christmas light switch on and a fireworks display!

Other popular festive events in North Norfolk

• Thursford Christmas Spectacular
• The North Norfolk Pole at Pensthorpe
• Norfolk Lights Express with North Norfolk Railway
• Cromer Pier Christmas Show

As you can see, the North Norfolk coast and beaches aren’t just for summer holidays. There’s plenty to do here during the festive season, and heading to the coast is a wonderful way to beat the crowds of the bigger towns and cities like Norwich and King’s Lynn in the run up to Christmas!

Whether you’re shopping for pressies, looking for special events and memorable experiences, or simply want to enjoy a lovely day out as a family, heading up to Holkham and the wider North Norfolk coast is definitely a good idea.

We hope we’ll see you and your family this festive season!