What's On In Suffolk This November & December

It's that time of year again! When all our attention turns to the festive seasons and an array of Christmas markets, festive fairs and exciting events to get you in the yuletide spirit.

Take a look at our top pick what's on in Suffolk this November and December:

November

Christmas Fairs, Markets and Workshops

Woodbridge Festive Shopping Day - Friday 9th November 9.15am-3pm

Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, IP12 4AU

Hosted by Woodbridge Friends of St Elizabeth Hospice. Enjoy a good mixture of crafts and goods including jewellery, baked Christmas goods, Christmas decorations, clothing and more.

 

Blackthorpe Barn Christmas Craft Weekends - 10th - 25th November 10am-5pm

Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham, Bury St Edmunds, IP30 9LZ

Each weekend from 10th November and for five weekends thereafter, visitors can meander through the barn and be delighted by the absolute best of our country’s talented artist and skilled crafts makers as they showcase their individually hand-crafted items. Adults £3 entry, OAP's £2 entry, children/students FREE.

 

Christmas Jazz Breakfast - Saturday 17th November 9.30am-11am

Jimmy's Farm, Pannington Hall Ln, Ipswich IP9 2AP

Come and enjoy a leisurely weekend breakfast with the soothing sound of live Christmas Jazz in the background. Booking essential call 01473 604206 or email bookings@jimmysfarm.com.

 

Craft Fair at Christmas with the March Hare Collective - Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th November 10.30am - 4pm

Ickworth House, Horringer, Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5QE 

The March Hare Collective is a vibrant group of talented artists and craftspeople who come together from all over East Anglia. Every item is beautifully handmade with skill and care.

 

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre - 22nd - 25th November

Eat, drink and shop at the ever popular Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre. A wonderful way to get in the festive spirit with fireworks on the opening night, free entertainment and over 300 stalls to choose from. Opening times: Thursday 22nd 12pm - 8pm, Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th 9am - 8pm, Sunday 25th 10am - 5pm

 

Orford Festive Maker's Market - Sunday 25th November 10am - 4pm

Orford Town Hall, IP12 2NZ

Browse a delightful range of festive crafts and gifts including prints, jewellery, stationery, textiles, candles and much more. Gluhwein and Pump Street Hot Chocolate available all day!

 

Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival - 25th November - 5th Jan 2019

The 14th Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival will be held in 2018 and it gets better and better each year. Spread over 3 very different venues in the town centre it is one of the largest in the country and offers a variety of themes and styles with something to suit all tastes and ages. Locations: St Peter & St Mary's Church IP14 1ES, Museum of East Anglian Life IP14 1DL, Stowmarket Library IP14 1ES.

 

Wreath Making Workshop - Thursday 29th November 10am

Jimmy's Farm, Pannington Hall Ln, Ipswich IP9 2AP

Enjoy a floral Christmassy treat with multi award winning local florist, Amy Curtis. In the morning, you will create a luxury Christmas wreath with mixed seasonal foliage from the farm, ribbons and sundries. The workshop will be followed by a delicious lunch of Jimmy’s classic Essex sausage and mash (or vegetarian/vegan option) and a hot drink. Morning workshops £65 per person. To book please call on 01473 604206 or email tilly@jimmysfarm.com.

 

Making Magical Memories Christmas Festival - Thursday 29th & Friday 30th November

Visit Newmarket this festive season and you’ll be able to buy some unique gifts for family and friends! This year, there will be a variety of quality food, drink and craft traders. The market will include some fun FREE Christmas cookery demonstrations such as the Christmas BBQ zone to get you prepared for the big day – as well as FREE children’s Christmas cooking and cookie decorating classes. Opening times: 29th November – 12 pm to 8 pm, 30th November – 9 am to 8 pm.

 

Clare Christmas Fair - Friday 30th November 5pm - 8pm

The fabulous Clare Christmas Fair will take place this year in St Peter and St Paul’s Church and the Old School Community Centre. With around 60 exhibitors selling festive food, drinks and a great selection of gifts this is the Christmas event in Clare and not to be missed! Entry is free and lots of the entertainment is also free on both days. Refreshments will be available in both venues.

 

Christmas Light Switch Ons

Get that festive feeling with the following Christmas light switch ons:

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Switch On - Thursday 15th November 3pm

Newmarket Christmas Lights Switch On - Friday 16th November 4pm (with X Factor Winner Ben Haenow)

Sudbury Christmas Fair and Lights Switch On - Friday November 23rd 6.30pm

Beccles Christmas Lights Switch On - Friday 30th November 5.30pm

 

December

Christmas Fairs, Markets and Workshops

Clare Christmas Fair - Saturday 1st December 10am - 7pm

The Clare Christmas Fair continues on Saturday 1st December from 10am - 7pm. With around 60 exhibitors selling festive food, drinks and a great selection of gifts this is the Christmas event in Clare and not to be missed! Entry is free and lots of the entertainment is also free on both days. Refreshments will be available in both venues.

 

Chelsworth Christmas Fair - Saturday 1st December 11am - 4pm

Chelsworth Village, IP7

Stalls selling crafts, gifts, foods, second hand books, bric-a-brac etc. Seasonal refreshments. Music from Hadleigh Community Choir. Raffle for luxury Christmas hampers. Plenty of free parking a short walk away. Adults £3, children FREE.

 

Jimmy's Farm Christmas Fair - Satuday 1st & Sunday 2nd December 10am-4pm

Jimmy's Farm, Pannington Hall Ln, Ipswich IP9 2AP

Head down to the farm for some Christmas cheer, Mulled cider, Father Christmas’ Grotto, carousel, donkey rides, live music, over 100 craft and local food stalls, hot food and plenty more!

 

Making Magical Memories Christmas Festival - Satuday 1st & Sunday 2nd December

Newmarket's Making Magical Memories Christmas Festival continues into the first weekend of December. With a variety of quality food, drink and craft traders. The market will include some fun FREE Christmas cookery demonstrations such as the Christmas BBQ zone to get you prepared for the big day – as well as FREE children’s Christmas cooking and cookie decorating classes. Opening times: 1st December – 9am - 6pm, 2nd December – 10 am to 4 pm.

 

Christmas at Helmingham Hall With Illuminated Garden Trail - Saturday 1st - Sunday 9th December 10am-8pm

Helmingham Hall, Helmingham, Stowmarket IP14 6EF

For the first time ever Helmingham Hall Gardens open in the winter for Christmas at Helmingham with Illuminated Garden Trail. The celebrations begin with a two day Christmas Market including many unique stalls, traditional refreshments, festive entertainment, real reindeer, unicorn carriage rides running throughout both days and Father Christmas will be making a special appearance. **Please note tickets for the Illuminated Garden Trail are now SOLD OUT but the Christmas Market is free to attend**

 

Blackthorpe Barn Christmas Craft Weekends - 1st - 16th December 10am - 5pm

Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham, Bury St Edmunds, IP30 9LZ

The Blackthorpe Barn Christmas Craft weekend continue from the first weekend of December until Sunday 16th. Visitors can meander through the barn and be delighted by the absolute best of our country’s talented artist and skilled crafts makers as they showcase their individually hand-crafted items. Adults £3 entry, OAP's £2 entry, children/students FREE.

 

Farmer Christmas - 1st - 23rd December 10am - 4pm

Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, Mill Lane, Baylham, IP6 8LG

Head down to Baylham House Farm where there will be various activities for both children and adults including Christmas Skittles and even making your very own Farmer Christmas beard. Mulled wine and homemade mince pies are also available for the adults during your visit. Reduced entry fee of £3 with under 4's going FREE.

 

Father Christmas Sparkle - 1st - 23rd December

Ickworth House, Horringer, Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5QE

Create some magical memories with our traditional Family Christmas activities. Make Christmas decorations and crafts, sit next to the Christmas tree with stories and gifts from Father Christmas, visit the kitchen so your little ones can decorate their own biscuit and for the Adults - warm up with a cup of Mulled wine and a tasty treat. Booking is essential book online or call 0344 249 1895. 

 

Festive Wreath Making With Afternoon Tea - Wednesday 5th December 10am - 1pm

The Northgate, Northgate St, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1HP

Book your Festive Wreath Making Workshop to create your own wreath using a combination of fresh foliage, dried fruit & berries. Finished off with a luxurious afternoon tea at the fine dining restaurant at The Northgate in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. Booking is essential call 01284 339604 or email info@thenorthgate.com.

 

Wreath Making Workshop - Thursday 6th December 1pm - 4pm

Enjoy a floral Christmassy treat with multi award winning local florist, Amy Curtis. In the morning, you will create a luxury Christmas wreath with mixed seasonal foliage from the farm, ribbons and sundries. At the afternoon workshop, you will be able to make a table centre piece and festive garland. Whilst enjoying a home made mince pie and a hot drink. £55 per person. To book please call on 01473 604206 or email tilly@jimmysfarm.com.

 

Luxury Wreath Making - Saturday 15th December 10am & 12.30pm

Urban Jungle, Beccles, NR34 8TT

Get together with friends, family or colleagues during the festive season and create a completely unique and personalised wreath to add the finishing touch to your home this Christmas. Enjoy a much needed refreshment break midway through with warm spiced cider and cakes. Booking essential, book online or call 01502 559103

 

Dickensian Christmas - 7th & 9th December and 15th & 16th December 11am-4pm

Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9BA

A magical, festive day for the whole family. Kentwell's Dickensian Christmas is a wonderful day out for the whole family, with a huge amount to see and do. Booking essential click here to book online.

 

Supper and Carols By Candlelight - Thursday 20th December 6pm - 11pm

Urban Jungle, Beccles, NR34 8TT

Head to the Jungle for supper, Christmas songs, carols and a few of your year-round favourites too. Get cosy amongst the leaves, with lights, candles and the fires roaring, whilst the Hand in Hand ladies a cappella quartet and friends meander the sofas and seating areas. Reserve your table now by calling 01502 559103, emailing beccles@cafeurbanjungle.co.uk or book online.