“You better watch out! Better not cry!” the song so famously chirps; “Santa Claus is coming to town”. “He's making a list and checking it twice, He's going to find out who's naughty or nice” - this year Norwich throws into the mix a choice of distinctly 'naughty' distractions which will place you firmly on either the naughty list or nice list depending on what takes your fancy!

Naughty in Norwich
The season begins with a twist on traditional. All is not as it seems; a Christmas event for all ages in a picturesque market town outside Norwich. But dig deeper and a story unfolds of Puritan values and mortal sins with a nod to “Horrible Histories”.

A peaceful evening in the Broads set in acres of ancient woodland – or is it? Expect Christmas spectres and tales of apparitions as stories of Christmas ghosts past begin to emerge.

A panto with a definite 'naughty' slant will be hottest ticket in town for a true Christmas rebellion. 'Jack the Ripper The Panto' is a politically incorrect comedy entwined with a pantomime structure. Expect a love story with prostitutes, murderers, drugs and a good old sing-along, a psychotic cat and of course, a Fairy Godmother!

And finally Amateur Transplants: Adam Kay's Smutty Christmas Songs is a night of festive filth, the antidote to the pantomime horrors in every other theatre at this time of year.

Nice in Norwich
Christmas Carols with Elvis, cathedral choirs and a 'clutter' Christmas market with a difference, the 'nice' list in Norwich is a long one. Atmospheric musical events range from philharmonic concerts to ballet and opera with candlelit processions and Christmas tree festivals thrown in for good measure. 

Visits to Father Christmas? This year he can be found in Victorian splendour at Strangers' Hall, on a lawnmower at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, in a saloon at Holkham Hall, on the water on the Broads and even on a steam train with Bure Valley Railway! And let's not forget man's best friend - if your dog's been nagging you for ages to see Santa Paws then head to The Forum for Santa's Grotto for Dogs!

The Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum situated in the Art Deco Royal Arcade is one of a kind. Discover the history of Colman's but also purchase mustard in every dimension including Mustard Chocolate, Mustard Bath Salts and gift boxes full of yummy eats  - all available online too.

Another local bright shining star is The English Whisky Company who today launch their 1st Triple Distilled English whisky to be bottled and released in the Chapter Range - it's a limited edition release of 900 bottles. The English Whisky Company was the first distillery in England in over 100 years when it launched in 2007 and has gone on to win numerous accolades. Tours of the distillery make excellent Christmas presents as do their many products which can be purchased online as well as in person. 

Christmas kicks off with the Magical Christmas Market at The Great Hospital on 14 November. A celebration of all things Norfolk, this year's market will be a smorgasbord of local food, artisan crafts and workshops including a Norfolk drink Keller by beer sommelier Cheryl Cade all set in seven acres of grounds dating from the 1300s.

A Weekend of 'Festive Cheer' at Woodforde's Brewery (5 &6 Dec), The Good Pub's Guide 'Brewery of the Year 2015', is another offering consumed with passion for all things local. This free annual event lavishes shoppers with beer tastings, brewery tours and gift inspiration. The Brewery's yard marquee will be packed with some of the regions finest selection of ales, wine, cheese, chutney and so much more.

Shopping in Norwich caters equally for shopaholics and reluctant purchasers; quirky gift ideas, fashion, art and more are all to be located in the city centre. Norwich is easy to navigate and quick to get around. The Norwich Lanes and the Cathedral Quarter are bursting with exquisite independents from antiques and vintage to boutiques and crafts, and can both be done in a day or over a weekend whilst high street names, national brands and regional flagship stores are to be explored throughout the city and in two shopping malls, Castle Mall and intu Chapelfield.

Notes to Editors
For full event information, information about all Christmas events in the Norwich area, where to stay, eat, drink and shop to go www.visitnorwich.co.uk.

For more information about Norwich and images please contact Melanie Cook at VisitNorwich on 01603 727939 or melanie.cook@visitnorwich.co.uk

Image credits: Christmas scene in Norwich –VisitNorwich; Holkham Christmas 2015 – Holkham Hall;  Norwich Cathedral Choir carols 3- Paul Hurst

Event Information

Magical Christmas Market
The Great Hospital
14 November 2015, 10am-3pm  http://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/whats-happening/event/magical-christmas-market-/
A celebration of all things Norfolk – from chutney to chopping boards, craft beer to cordial... It's free entry for a most wonderful Christmas Market, featuring local food and artisan craft stands in St Helen's Square. There will be a Norfolk drink keller organised by beer sommerlier Cheryl Cade in the Refectory, as well as workshops and stands in the Birkbeck Hall with gluten-free demonstrations by Master Chef, Steve Thorpe, Sara's Kitchen and Norfolk Gluten Free.

A Weekend of 'Festive Cheer' at Woodforde's
Woodforde's Brewery, Woodbastwick, Norwich, NR13 6SW
5 & 6 December 2015 (Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-4) | www.woodfordes.co.uk
In preparation for the festive period, Woodforde's Norfolk Ales will be offering the opportunity for members of the public to look behind-the-scenes as it opens its brewery doors on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December 2015, for a weekend of beer tastings, brewery tours and Christmas gift inspiration from local food and drink producers.The free annual event provides the opportunity for visitors to sample some of Woodforde's Christmas products including its festive brew Tinsel Toes and its famous NOG Christmas puddings. A marquee set in the brewery's yard will be packed with Christmas market stalls showcasing some of the region's finest produce from wines and cheeses, to chutneys and breads. Guided brewery tours will be available throughout the weekend for visitors to learn about the art of crafting Woodforde's fine selection of ales, and give insight into why the brewery was crowned The Good Pub Guide's 'Brewery of the Year 2015' - all free of charge.

Traditional Christmas in Wymondham
Wymondham town centre
5 December, 2pm - 7pm | www.facebook.com/WymondhamTownTeam
Enjoy Christmas in one of Norfolk's heritage market towns; Father Christmas Grotto, a candlelit procession from the Abbey to the Market Place, live music, communal carol singing and the switching on of the Christmas lights.Also on the day between 10.00am and 4.00pm, in and around Wymondham Library, there will be an event exploring how our "Christmas" traditions have slowly evolved from at least as far back as ancient Egypt. With a nod and a wink to "Horrible Histories"; can you eat a mince pie in front of a Puritan who is ranting at you, telling you that you are committing a mortal sin? Slow Theatre plan to continue with the ever popular Dickensian theme, and there will be surprises!  All done in the best possible taste!

Christmas Ghost Evening
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham NR13 6DZ
9 December, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
£10 per person includes a light evening meal and a glass of wine
01603 270449 |   www.fairhavengarden.co.uk | @fairhavengarden
Join us for an evening of Christmas ghosts past located in the Norfolk countryside in the beautiful Broads. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is 130 acres of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad at South Walsham only 9 miles from Norwich.

Jack the Ripper Panto
Norwich Playhouse
10 – 12 December 2015, 7.30pm | www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/detail/jack-the-ripper-the-panto
Based on the 19th century's most notorious killer, Jack The Ripper The Panto is a love story with prostitutes, murders, drugs and a good old sing song. After a spate of unfortunate “incidents” Jack Ripper is forced to flee to London with only Manson, the psychotic cat, and a Fairy Godmother for company. With no shelter and no food Jack is forced to take drastic steps to survive. Falling foul of Inspector Abberline and the London Peelers and falling in love with brothel cleaner and wannabe prostitute Cindy, only one thing's certain – this isn't going to end well. Throw in a load of audience participation, the singalong favourite Thrash Me Thrash Me, and a laugh-a-minute script, and you have an unmissable evening's entertainment. Jack The Ripper The Panto has sold out theatres in the region since 2009 with its blend of politically incorrect comedy mixed with the pantomime structure we all know from our childhood. Please be aware, however, this is not a show for children, or, for that matter, the easily offended, or basically anyone who doesn't think the idea of a pantomime about Jack the Ripper is big, clever or funny!

Amateur Transplants: Adam Kay's Smutty Christmas Songs
Norwich Playhouse
15 December 2015, 8pm | www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/detail/amateur-transplants-adam-kays-smutty-christmas-songs
Amateur Transplants frontman Adam Kay presents an evening of seasonal smut. This night of festive filth is the antidote to the pantomime horrors in every other theatre at this time of year. Adam's dark re-imaginings of songs have earned him 20 million hits on YouTube (including the iconic London Underground song) and four number one albums in the iTunes comedy charts. He's won the 2014 London Cabaret Award, written numerous TV shows and is a familiar voice on the Radio 4 Now Show. NB: Unlike the majority of musical comedy, this is actually funny.

Carols with the King 2015
The Forum, Norwich
Sun 6 Dec,  6.30pm, Concert 7pm - 10pm | www.theforumnorwich.co.uk
Norfolk's own Elvis tops the bill at this ever-popular annual Christmas concert at The Forum. A fantastic mix of Elvis' seasonal hits plus other classics... and a carol or two!

Clutter City Market
Norwich Arts Centre, St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4PG
12 December, 11am – 4pm, free entry | http://cluttercity.co.uk/
Clutter City Christmas Market is a place for creative independent crafters /makers / bakers / artists / collectives to sell their work. The focus is on original and unique items including clothes, illustrations, jewellery, badges, ceramic, sewn items, paper goods, prints, zines and more.  Inspired by the DIY handmade culture, Clutter City aims to bring the best of local talent to your doorstep. With 30 stalls, food, baked goods, local ales and hot drinks. Shop local!

Christmas Procession with Carols
Norwich Cathedral, Tombland, Norwich
Sunday 20 December 2015, 6.00pm  http://www.cathedral.org.uk/
Enjoy a traditional service of lessons and carols celebrating the Christmas story in the spectacular surrounds of Norwich Cathedral, one of the finest complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe.

An Audience with Father Christmas
Holkham Hall, Holkham Estate, Wells next the Sea,  Norfolk, NR23 1ABFriday 18th, Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th & Monday 21st December,  Adult £15, Child £15 (ages 0-16 inclusive)
Tel | website: 01328 7131111, visitorinformation@holkham.co.uk | Twitter handle: @Holkham
As the big day approaches join us for our special 'Audience with Father Christmas' as he stops off during his busy schedule to join us in the Saloon at Holkham Hall. It's a chance to listen to tales of wonderment and to meet Father and Mother Christmas and our band of cheeky elves too, whose infectious Christmas spirit will welcome one and all. And of course we'll have a present for all of our younger visitors to add to the excitement.

Traditional Christmas at Strangers' Hall
Charing Cross, Norwich NR2 4AL
Saturdays 12th and 19th December 10am – 4pm. 
01603 667229 | http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/Visit_Us/Strangers_Hall/index.htm
Strangers' Hall is a stunning merchant's house, a beautifully preserved building dating  back to 1320. Imagine walking through a giant doll's house? This is Strangers' Hall, enjoy glimpsing through the decades with wonderfully decorated rooms; see the Great Hall, Georgian Dining Room, Undercroft and Knot Garden. It's truly wonderful. At Christmas the museum will be decorated with traditional greenery and Victorian decorations, and Father Christmas will be in residence in his Toy Workshop to meet young visitors. Music, Story-telling and making something to take home will also feature. PS Christmas themed tours on Wednesdays in December. 

Father Christmas at Fairhaven
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham NR13 6DZ
5 & 6 December, 11:00am to 4.30pm | www.fairhavengarden.co.uk | @fairhavengarden | 01603 270449 
£6.20 adult; £5.70 conc. £7 per child to visit Father Christmas and receive a present (includes garden entry). Booking is essential to visit Father Christmas. Have yourself a very woodland Christmas experience in our winter garden. Meet reindeer Comet and Blitzen then head on to visit Father Christmas tucked away among the trees in a traditional yurt.  Explore the garden before returning to the tearoom for hot chestnuts, hot chocolate, mulled wine and some seasonal fare. There will be live music with a brass band, handbell ringers and a choir. Make sure you visit the elves' workshop with free Christmas crafts to keep the children busy.

Santa Cruise River Trip 2015 with Broads Tours
Wroxham Bridge, Norfolk
Saturday 5th, 6th, Sat 12th, Sun 13th, Sat 19th, Sun 20th, Mon 21st, Tues 22nd, Wed 23rd and Thurs 24th December, 2015.  Booking essential, please telephone 01603 782207 |  info@broads.co.uk | www.broadstours.co.uk
£11.50 for all tickets, under 1's go free. Presents are available for under 1 year olds if required at just £5.00. Duration 1 hour.
Join us for an hour of Festive Family Fun on board the double decker passenger trip boat the Vintage Broadsman.  Santa's pixies will serve mulled wine and mince pies to the adults and a soft drink and a large festive cookie to all of the children. Children can take part in our Seasonal Quiz and enter our colouring in or drawing competitions.  The excitement will then really start to build as Santa lands his sleigh on the top deck and he joins us in the saloon with his sack of named, quality presents for all of the 1 – 15 year olds.  

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December, 2015:  Departure times: 1pm and 3pm, duration of trips 1 hour
12th, 13th, 19th,  20th,  21st,  22nd &  23rd December, 2015 Departure times: 11am, 1pm & 3pm, duration of trips 1 hour.
Thurs 24th December, 2015: Departure times: 11am & 1pm, duration of trips 1 hour 

Santa Specials on the Bure Valley Steam Railway, meet Father Christmas
Wroxham, The Broads, Norfolk
4 - 24 December, various times, £15.00 per person, 3 hours www.bvrw.co.uk
If you think the Bure Valley Railway only runs trains in the summer months, you have obviously not heard about our very special friend. Although he is very busy at this festive time of year, he has insisted that children may visit him in his grotto at the Bure Valley Railway again this year. Receive a personalised present for each child, return steam train ride starting from Wroxham, refreshments for all the family. Railway workshops - chance to see inside the railways workshop. All trains heated. There will also be a child's Entertainer to keep the children and adults amused.

Santa's Grotto For Dogs
The Forum
12 December, 10am – 3pm  www.theforumnorwich.co.uk
The ever popular Santa's Grotto For Dogs returns to The Forum. We know it's silly but that doesn't stop us! Bring your doggie to The Forum, dressed up if he or she is happy with that, and meet 'Santa Paws'. Remember to bring your camera for taking a ridiculous photo with family and friends then share with everyone - including us @TheForumNorwich! While you're here, meet the RSPCA Norwich and Mid Norfolk team. They'll be handing out treats and raising money of course!