6 Magical Christmas Events in Suffolk 2026
Updated for 2026 – 12/10/2026
Suffolk is a magical time during the festive season. We’ve made a list of Christmas Events in Suffolk planned for December 2026: here are some of our favourites that are not to be missed.
This is the Suffolk based list in our series of local guides to December and the Christmas period: Check out what’s on in Lincolnshire in December, festive events in Norfolk, Christmas events in Essex , things to do in December in East Yorkshire and December events in North Yorkshire.
1. Snape Maltings at Christmas
There’s a full programme of festive events at Snape Maltings this December, ranging from free family occasions to ticketed concerts and experiences. Highlights for 2026 include:
Breakfast with Father Christmas (5th, 6th and 13th December)
Father Christmas sailing into Snape Quay (21st December, free)
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse with live orchestra (12th December)
Wreath-making at The Red House (10th to 12th December)
A Festive Afternoon Tea (12th December)
Christmas Shopping Day (19th November)
The Christmas Farmers’ Market runs on 22nd December
See the full programme at Britten Pears Arts
2. Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall
Kentwell Hall turns the Christmas clock back to 1869 each year for its popular Dickensian Christmas, bringing the age of Dickens to life with activities for all ages across the historic house and grounds. Dates and tickets for 2026 are yet to be announced. Check the Kentwell Hall website for updates.
3. Mid Suffolk Light Railway Santa Specials
Steam trains run from Brockford Station to North Pole Halt for an individual visit to Santa at his Christmas Guards Van, with a gift for each child. Both stations are decorated throughout, and on the return journey there are Christmas crafts, hot drinks, festive finger food and mulled wine available to buy. Dates include 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th – 21st December. The trip takes approximately 35 minutes. Tickets are advance only, booked by compartment for 2 to 8 people. Check the MSLR website as they sell out quickly.
4. Lowestoft Christmas Lights Switch On
The annual Lowestoft Christmas Lights Switch On is a free, family-friendly event in the town centre. This year it takes place on Saturday 28th November, from 14:00 – 18:00.
It’s a short drive from North Denes Caravan Park and Broadlands Park and Marina.
5. Ride the Lights at the East Anglia Transport Museum
Head to the East Anglia Transport Museum in Lowestoft during December for seasonal tram, trolleybus and train rides lit up for Christmas. Dates: 12th and 14th, 19th – 22nd December.
Close to Broadlands Park and Marina and North Denes Caravan Park. Check the EATM events page for more details.
6. Christmas Panto In Lowestoft
The Marina Theatre’s 2026 pantomime is Snow White, running from 11th December 2026 to 1st January 2027. The cast includes X Factor winner Myles Stephenson from Rak-Su as The Prince, Terry Gleed returning for his 11th season as Muddles, and award-winning comedian Patrick Monahan. Multiple performances run throughout the season, with matinee and evening options available.
Looking for a base to make the most of Suffolk at Christmas? Browse our holiday homes in Suffolk and our Suffolk Events guide to enjoy everything the county has to offer all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s a good spread across the county. The Mid Suffolk Light Railway Santa Specials at Brockford Station are ideal for younger children, with a steam train ride to North Pole Halt and a gift from Santa included. Snape Maltings runs Breakfast with Father Christmas and a free event where Santa sails into the Quay in December. The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft hosts a professional pantomime each year, with Snow White running from 11th December 2026 to 1st January 2027. All three are well within reach of our Suffolk holiday parks.
The Christmas programme at Snape Maltings typically begins in November, with the Christmas Shopping Day usually one of the first events of the season. Ticketed concerts, Breakfast with Father Christmas, and wreath-making workshops run through December, with Father Christmas sailing into Snape Quay a free highlight in the final week before Christmas. Check the Britten Pears Arts website for the full listing and to book.
Yes, it’s a free event open to everyone. It’s one of the most accessible festive days out in the area for families, and it’s a short drive from both North Denes Caravan Park and Broadlands Park and Marina. This year it takes place on Saturday 28th November, from 14:00 – 18:00.
Our two Suffolk parks put you in a strong position for the events on this list. North Denes Caravan Park is close to Lowestoft, making it a convenient base for the lights switch on, the East Anglia Transport Museum, and the Marina Theatre. Broadlands Park and Marina sits on the waterfront in Oulton Broad, within easy reach of the same. Our Suffolk events guide covers what else is on across the county through the year.
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