Take a trip to The Forum in Norwich this December for festive fairs galore, a traditional Christmas carousel and the one and only Santa’s Grotto for Dogs.
It is the perfect place to get in the festive spirit, with lots of free events for everyone to enjoy and more than a kilometre of golden fairy lights.
Visitors to The Forum, which is fully accessible, can shop local with markets and fairs taking place every weekend between now and Christmas.
READ MORE: 7 of the best Christmas markets to visit in the Norwich area in 2023
Support small businesses, independent crafters and makers and there is also the chance to listen to live music, tuck into street food and much more.
These are the major December 2023 events happening at The Forum in Norwich:
1. Cards for Good Causes
When: Until December 20, Monday-Saturday: 10am-4pm, Sundays: 11am-4pm
A pop-up shop selling all the Christmas essentials and raising money for charity too.
2. Global Village Christmas Market
When: November 30-December 2, 10am-5pm
Traders, illustrators and makers will be selling beautiful gifts from around the world, with a focus on fairly-traded and eco-conscious products. Plus live music, delicious food and mulled wine on Saturday.
3. The Forum’s Christmas Tree Switch-On
When: December 1, 10.30am-11.30am
Join the celebrations and admire the beautiful tree donated and decorated by Taverham Nursery.
There will also be a special preview performance by the stars of A Pinocchio Adventure from The Garage and music from Norwich Community Choir.
This year’s traditional tree will raise money for mental health charity The Black Dog Music Project.
4. Carols with the King
When: December 3, 6.30pm-10.30pm
This spectacular show pays tribute to Elvis, with performances from Elvis and the Blue Sueders, Olly Day and Dale Bullimore, with funds raised going to YMCA Norfolk and other local charities.
Tickets cost from £10-£22.50, email cwtk@email.com to book.
READ MORE: Boyband member and soap stars heading to Norwich in hit play
5. Unik Design Christmas Designers & Makers Market
When: December 7-9, 9.30am-5.30pm
A great selection of local, handmade crafts for sale straight from the designers.
6. Santa’s Grotto for Dogs
When: December 10, 11am-3pm
Why not bring your beloved pet pooch to meet Santa Woof Woof in his special Lapland grotto? Pose for a family ‘pawtrait’ and help raise money for the RSPCA.
Enjoy this silly festive Forum tradition, this year with live music, and canine costumes are encouraged.
7. Jabbawocky Crafts Fair
When: December 9, 10 and 16, 9am-6pm
Browse exquisite handmade jewellery, photographic prints and calendars and more at this popular Christmas market.
READ MORE: Jabbawocky Crafts Village Christmas market at new locations
8. Norfolk Creations Christmas Arts and Craft Market
When: December 11-20, 10am-5pm (until 7pm December 13, until 6.30pm December 14 and until 6pm December 16)
A Christmas market showcasing quality arts and crafts from Norfolk-based creatives.
READ MORE: 5 magical illuminated events running in Norfolk this Christmas
9. Norfolk Craft Christmas Fayres
When: December 15-16, 10am-6pm
Expect some of the best East Anglian makers all under one roof - formerly Modern Country Crafts.
10. Christmas Carousel
When: December 16-January 1, weekdays:11am-7pm, weekends: 11am-8pm
The traditional merry-go-round is back, with rides costing just £3 per person.
This stunning Victorian carousel featured in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and it is the perfect piece of festive nostalgia.
For more information about the events taking place at The Forum, visit theforumnorwich.co.uk
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