Things to do at Holkham this Christmas 2024

November 25, 2024 | Christmas | 11 minute read

It’s ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, and one that we always look forward to at Holkham. In the run up to Christmas 2024, we’ve a whole host of festive fun to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for shopping, celebrating, singing or strolling, you’ll find it up here in our part of North Norfolk. Gather your friends or family, wrap up warm, join us for Christmas at Holkham, where our events are brimming with comfort and joy.

Tour Holkham Hall by Candlelight

We don’t just deck the halls with boughs of holly, but all manner of quirky and joyful festive splendour! You may have seen us on Channel 4’s ‘Christmas at Holkham’ in previous years, but why not come and be wowed yourself?

From an influx of robins to a vibrant carnival, a frozen statue gallery with a secret surprise to the exquisitely created gingerbread Holkham Hall, our artists and makers have created some truly show-stopping rooms. Find out more about this year’s Christmas makers here and here. 

Our candlelit tours are always a magical time, especially with a glass of fizz and a mince pie to get you in the festive spirit for all pre-Christmas visitors! 

Holkham Hall by Candlelight can be enjoyed as part of a guided tour on 5th, 12th and 16th December, or on a self-led tour on various dates throughout December.

Christmas shopping in the Gift Shop

The gift shop in the Stables Courtyard is bursting with beautiful Christmas decorations, as inspired by those used in the Hall. So if you’ve been inspired by the adorned state rooms, have a browse in the shop and take some of the Holkham magic home with you.

You’ll also find gifts aplenty, from cheese and chutneys for the foodies to scented candles and skincare for those who enjoy a good pamper. There’s books, gardening goodies, children’s toys and so much more, so it’s the perfect place for a spot of Christmas shopping (or for picking up a treat for yourself!).

Head to the Christmas Market

Speaking of shopping, the Holkham Christmas Market is back, with an extra day added this year!

On 13th-15th December, over 60 local and regional producers will be in the Lady Elizabeth Wing and Courtyard selling artisan food, drink and gifts. North Norfolk and the rest of the county is home to some fantastic creatives, so you’re in for a treat.

Stay for a while – there’ll be live music and plenty of tasty street food to tuck into. Car parking is £10 for the whole day, while entry to the market is free.

Find out more about the Christmas Market here.

Get creative at a festive workshop

Forget carving the turkey, carve out some time for youself instead! Why not take part in one of our creative workshops, each led by a talented local artist or maker?

Whether you’d love to learn to paint or linoprint, or fancy trying out weaving or silversmithing, there’s a number of classes to choose from. Take a look at the range of workshops here. Be quick, as some don’t have many places left!

Pick up your Christmas tree or a festive wreath

From Wednesday 27th November, while stocks last, the Stables Courtyard will be the place to pick up your perfect pine. The Christmas Tree Shop will be locally-grown 6ft and 7ft Nordmann Firs for you to take home and decorate. We’d love to see your photos once they’re up, so remember to tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

And on 1st and 8th December, The Wildwood Florist will be running her Christmas wreath pop-up shop alongside the Christmas trees in the courtyard, so your door can join in with the festive fun.

Sing some Christmas carols

Gather your hats, mittens, friends and family, and join us for a jolly, festive sing-a-long in the Courtyard this Christmastime, helping us fundraise for Norfolk and Waveney Mind. Carols in the Courtyard will be taking place on Thursday 12th December.

We’ll be joined by YourChoir and Reverend Brenda Stewart for Carols in the Courtyard for an evening that’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. The café and gift shop will be open late, too.

…or enjoy Canine Carols instead!

If you’re furry friend is feeling festive, then Canine Carols will be a fun-filled day! Our yearly chorus of woofs, yaps and howls is back – led by Reverend Brenda Stewart. Then, your pup can also enjoy the fun dog show and group dog walk around the lake. 

Join us with for Canine Carols on 21st December.

Take in the views on an electric bike tour

While many of us are cosying up for the winter, perhaps you fancy getting outside? And what better way to explore the picturesque landscape of north Norfolk than on an electric bike with a fascinating tour guide? On this scenic electric bike tour, you’ll have the chance to try out an e-bike, as well as discovering North Norfolk’s quaint villages, traditional cottages, charming churches and seaside towns. And don’t worry – there’ll be time for a refreshment stop too!

The electric bike tours are taking place on 9th, 12th and 19th December.

Enjoy a wintry wander in Holkham Park, Holkham National Nature Reserve or Wells Beach

There’s something lovely about layering up, pulling on your gloves and woolly hat, and setting off for a stroll. Perhaps a beach walk takes your fancy, with many of the colourful beach huts decorated for Christmas. You might even see it covered in snow!

Or head to the Nature Reserve, which plays host to huge numbers of over-wintering birds, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of them flocking in as you walk. Or visit Holkham Park – open daily throughout December except Christmas Day – where you can spot the herd of fallow deer and enjoy the grounds.

Cosy up in one of the cafés

The Courtyard Café, Wells Beach Café and The Lookout are all ideally situated for you to enjoy a hot drink after a blustery walk! Warm up, tuck into delicious food, and sip on a hot drink. You can check the opening times here.

Meet Lady Glenconner and have her book signed

Lady Glenconner’s newest book – Picnic Papers – is out now, and she will be joining us in the Courtyard Gift Shop to sign copies on 5th and 16th December. What a wonderful gift this would be for any Lady Glenconner fan!

If you already have a copy, feel free to bring that along. Alternatively, there’ll be copies of Picnic Papers – and Lady Glenconner’s other books – available in store.

Tuck in to The Victoria’s new menu

From 28th November, The Victoria’s winter menu will be with us, and there’s so much to enjoy. Trust me, I’ve tried it!

The photo above shows a range of the small plates on offer each lunch time – suitable for enjoying one or two to yourself, or for sharing, tapas style! The main courses are equally delicious, and all courses include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options alongside those served with meat and fish. You can see the full lunch menu here. In the evenings, the menu changes each day, with Head Chef Michael Chamberlain and his team creating scrumptious servings using local, seasonal produce.

So if you’re heading to Holkham for one of the events above, or you’re looking forward to a wintry walk on the National Nature Reserve or beach, why not warm up by the fire at The Victoria?

Booking is highly recommended.

Stay with us at Pinewoods or The Victoria

A stay at Holkham or in Wells-next-the-Sea is always a good idea, no matter what time of year. And with all our events going on, you might need more than one day to enjoy it all! There is still some availability in the luxury lodges and caravan holiday homes at Pinewoods Holiday Park in Wells and at The Victoria hotel, though both are fully booked for Christmas Day.

Both Pinewoods and The Victoria have dog-friendly accommodation available if you’re bringing your pup along!

Book your stay at The Vic here, or find out more about Pinewoods here.

So, with so much to enjoy at Holkham this December, why not get into the festive spirit with us? We’d love to welcome you and to be a small part of your 2024 Christmas.