Wild about winter
11th November 2026
Late afternoon sun at Sheringham Park © National Trust Images/ Rob Coleman
Winter brings a little extra sparkle to North Norfolk. Frost turns familiar paths silver, and quieter beaches invite adventure. There are fires to gather around, hot toddies to savour and skies full of stars to marvel at. From Christmas excitement to the first daffodils, here Natalie Douglas shares 10 ways to find wonder, share a little joy and make winter memories
A Christmas story
Little Walsingham is a village made for wandering, with beautiful old buildings and stories at every turn. Explore its churches and take your time through the historic streets, before finishing at Common Place. Here, beside the old pump, the beautifully lit Nativity scene has been delighting people at Christmas for years. Little faces peering in, grown-ups pausing for a closer look; it’s a village tradition that brings people together, and one of those lovely things that makes Christmas feel like Christmas. This year’s lights switch on is 5 December.
O Christmas Tree
Fakenham’s Christmas Tree Festival is one of those outings that soon becomes a family favourite. Inside the Parish Church, trees twinkle all around, each decorated for a different charity. This year’s festival, with more than 50 trees, runs from 26 November to 3 December. Take your time looking round: there are stories to read, thoughtful little details to spot and plenty to make you smile. Bring some coins for the collection pots and support the causes behind the trees. A church full of lights, colour and kindness; a lovely way to begin Christmas.
www.fakenhamparishchurch.org.uk
The sound of Christmas
Cold air, familiar carols and a quay full of voices; Christmas in Cley is something to join in with. Carols on the Quay takes place on 6 December, from 4pm, with Fakenham Town Band providing the music. Park at the village hall, take a stroll round Cley, then gather beside the harbour, where Santa will arrive by boat, weather permitting. Sing loudly, even if you only remember half the words. There’s a good chance someone beside you knows the rest.
A sparkling start
Begin 2027 with a little sparkle at Cromer’s New Year’s Day fireworks, launching from the pier at 5pm on 1 January. Find a spot along the seafront and watch the sky fill with colour. There’s something lovely about standing together by the sea, faces turned upwards, with a whole new year ahead. Bring the family, a flask and your warmest layers. The display is free, with donations encouraged towards the fireworks and local charities.
Move over, Rudolph!
Reindeer might have some competition this Christmas. At UEA’s free children’s lecture, Ultimate Animals, Professor Ben Garrod and Dr Jess French explore which creatures could earn a place on Santa’s Christmas Eve team. Bring your young animal enthusiasts for a festive animal showdown, with plenty to get them thinking and choosing their own favourite. The conversation could keep you going all the way home. Sessions are at 10am and noon on 12 December. Book via Eventbrite.
Park life
After the bustle of Christmas, Sheringham Park is a lovely place to stretch your legs. Winter opens up the woodland, revealing the shapes of trees and views you might miss when the leaves are out. Follow a waymarked path, listen for thrushes and woodpeckers, and look for finches flitting among the branches. On a clear day, stop to take in the coast. Pull on sturdy boots and invite a friend; January and February walks are all the better with good company.
A winter wonderland
As darkness falls, a little magic begins to unfold at Luminate, where twinkling lights transform the landscape at Sandringham into a wonderful winter spectacle. Follow this year’s reimagined illuminated trail through the woodland, discovering glowing installations, shimmering colours and enchanting surprises along the way. There’s something rather lovely about stepping into the crisp evening air and seeing familiar surroundings in an entirely different light. Running from 20 November to 24 December, it’s a reminder that even the darkest nights can sparkle.
Santa by sea
Father Christmas knows how to make an entrance in Wells-next-the-Sea: by boat, of course. This year’s Christmas Tide takes place on 12 December, with children and grown-ups gathering on the quay to watch for his arrival. There’s that first glimpse out on the water, then the pointing, waving and excitement as he comes closer, followed by the firework finale. Make a day of it; explore the town and delight in the festive entertainment. Check the final programme for Santa’s ETA, wrap up warmly and keep your eyes on the water.
www.wellschristmastidefestival.co.uk
Where the Wild Things are
Good bread, generous plates and food cooked over fire; Wild Things is bringing plenty to the table this winter. Rich Snapes and Lola De Mille’s new home is at Nature’s Corner in Hoe, near Dereham, with an opening weekend on 27, 28 and 29 November. Their kitchen and bakery is closely connected with Wendling Beck Market Garden, letting seasonal produce lead the way. Go hungry, take your time and gather round a table. It’s a lovely excuse to get together and see what’s cooking.
‘A host, of golden daffodils’
There are few sights more uplifting after the long winter months than the first daffodils appearing at Blickling. From mid-January, early blooms bring a welcome splash of yellow along Temple Walk, offering the first promise of spring. As the weeks unfold, hundreds of thousands of daffodils transform the Wilderness into a glorious carpet of gold, while snowdrops, crocuses and fragrant Daphne add their own touches of colour. Enjoy nature’s wonderful reminder that brighter days are coming.
