Twixmas 2024: Things to do between Christmas and New Year

December 18, 2024 | Things to do | 9 minute read

Ah, those between days! If you’re looking for something to do between Christmas and bringing in the new year (or ‘Twixmas’ as we like to call it at Holkham), we’re sharing nine lovely things to do below. Whether you’re looking for a solo day out, planning a day-date with your other half, getting together with friends or getting the family out of the house, take a look at how you can enjoy a day out at Holkham this Twixmas.

A winter walk

It’s a popular ‘Twixmas’ activity, getting outdoors for a winter walk after Christmas, and where better than at Holkham?

Enjoy a stroll along the expansive sand of Holkham Beach, looking out for seals in the water. Or wander within the pine woods, listening for birdlife in the trees and on the nature reserve.

If you prefer parkland, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Holkham Park is open between Boxing Day and the New Year. 

Just a note to say that our car parks can get rather busy this time of year, so we’d advise coming by public transport if you can, or arriving early to avoid queues in the car park.

Opening times for our car parks can be found here.

Warm up in the cafés

If you’re meeting up with friends between Christmas and New Year or want to refuel after a long walk, head to the Courtyard Café (in Holkham Park), Beach Café (in Wells-next-the-Sea) or The Lookout (on Lady Anne’s Drive, by Holkham Beach). In each, you’ll find a selection of cold and hot food and drinks to choose from, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Candlelight tours

There’s still time to enjoy Holkham Hall by Candlelight this Christmastime! The tours continue between Christmas and new year — you can join us on 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th December for a self-led tour. The state rooms are all looking fantastic, beautifully and creatively decorated by a wonderful team of staff and volunteers to bring Lady Leicester and Catherine Zoll’s ideas to life.

Find out more and book your tickets here.

A selection of small plates from The Victoria’s winter lunch menu

Lunch at The Victoria

If you’d like an even more special lunch, The Victoria is the place for you! With a roaring fire and a menu filled with delicious meals made up of locally-sourced, seasonal produce, it’s a wonderful spot for a gathering of friends or a lunch date.

You can check out the winter menus here and book your table here. We do recommend booking in advance, particularly this time of year!

Plan your 2025 holiday to North Norfolk

If the weather outside is frightful, you can always plan something to look forward to! Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea are popular spots for a North Norfolk break throughout the year, whether that’s a week-long family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a special stay to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.

There are several ways to stay at Holkham depending on your preferences and budget.

• Pinewoods Holiday Park in Wells-next-the-Sea offers accommodation in luxury lodges, caravan holiday homes and on the touring field for caravans, campervans and motorhomes.
• The Victoria is our 4-star hotel and restaurant with 20 individually designed bedrooms to choose from. Ten are dog-friendly.
• The Victoria are also opening four new shepherd huts in Spring 2025! These are self-catered, though you can book a package which includes breakfast if you fancy. These are bookable now. 
• Our collection of Holkham Lodges (managed by Original Cottages) includes unique stays in the follies across the estate, as well as newly renovated apartments and cottages.

Brave a sea swim

How brave are you feeling?!

Some people enjoy a (very quick) sea dip this time of year, and while there aren’t any organised events for this, a dip is – of course – doable at Holkham or Wells beaches.

But please be careful! Check tide times, dip with a friend, and make sure you have plenty of layers and a flask to help warm back up quickly.

Birdwatch on the National Nature Reserve

Winter is a great time to visit the Holkham National Nature Reserve for birdwatching.

The Holkham Conservation team are expecting as many as 15,000 Lapwings on site by the end of January, while there are currently approximately 50,000 Pink Footed Geese overwintering on the reserve.

Stay up to date with the Holkham Conservation team by following them on Instagram.

parkrun volunteers

Walk or run at parkrun

Whether you want to get your final PB of the year or blow off some cobwebs in a group environment, why not head to parkrun?

This year, Holkham parkrun will be taking place on Saturdays 21st and 28th December and 4th January as usual, with an additional run on New Year’s Day, 1st January.

The runs begin at 9am and anyone can join in, running or walking. Register and find out more on the parkrun website.

Enjoy a drink at the Lord Nelson

If you’re enjoying a day out at Holkham this Twixmas and fancy going somewhere for a pint, the Lord Nelson in Burnham Thorpe is a great choice! It’s run by Woodforde’s, and on the Holkham estate, just a short cycle or drive away from Holkham Park. You could also walk there if you fancy!

Check the Lord Nelson’s opening hours here as they are not open every day between Christmas and new year.

Twixmas FAQs

Is Wells Beach car park open over Christmas and New Year 2024?

It is! Wells Beach car park, at the end of Beach Road, will be open daily between 6am and 6pm between Christmas and New Year.

Is Holkham Beach car park open over Christmas and New Year 2024?

Holkham Beach car park, on Lady Anne’s Drive, is open every day. It’s open between 6am and 5pm.

Is Holkham Park open over Christmas and New Year 2024?

Holkham Park will be open every day until 2nd January 2025 inclusive, except Christmas Day when it is closed.

The car park is open 10am-4pm, or later for those attending Holkham Hall by Candlelight.