What’s coming up in November and December?

Your go-to guide for events in Suffolk as it becomes a winter wonderland over November and December with mornings drenching the trees in frosty sparkle and festivities beginning to take place. Fireworks light up the skies, Christmas fayres bring towns and halls to life and there's not a better time to wrap up warm and go for a bracing walk along the beautiful Suffolk coastline. There is so much going on in Suffolk at this time of year, from literature festivals to Christmas fairs. Suffolk really is the ideal place to get away from it all and relax before the start of the New Year. See our list of what’s coming up in Suffolk this November and December.

Aldeburgh Documentary Festival

Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th November

The Aldeburgh Documentary Festival returns for its 24th year with a fantastic line up at Aldeburgh Cinema. Showcasing screenings of highly acclaimed and many topical documentaries, the cinema will be brought to life by panels of very special guests who are all a credit to the industry. Tickets are available through the Aldeburgh Cinema website.

Heveningham Hall Fireworks

Saturday 3rd November

A firework display plus so much more, Heveningham Hall Fireworks is a spectacular evening. Not only will you enjoy an amazing firework display by Full Effect Fireworks, but you’ll also be entertained by a huge bonfire, a traditional funfair, two fully licensed bars, fish & chips, hog roast, BBQ and lots of tasty local food. Along with all of this, they’ll be some great live music to bop around to and warm you joints including performances by the well-known British pop group the Noisettes, The Vagaband and a talented Queen tribute, One Night of Queen. Tickets go by vehicles or pedestrians and are available via the Heveningham Hall website or on the gate. Gates open at 16:30. 

Felixstowe Firework Spectacular

Sunday 4th November

The 10th event of its kind, Felixstowe Firework Spectacular will take place at Felixstowe and Walton United Football Club and is set to be their biggest and best display yet. Not only will punters be thrilled by the impressive display which starts at 6:30, but they’ll also have performances from ‘Night Flight’ aerial display team and ‘Fireflow’ Fire Show to wow their vision. Alongside these wonderful performances will be a funfair and food village to keep you entertained for the whole evening. Advanced tickets at a reduced price can be purchased via the Felixstowe Football website, however, tickets on the gate will be available. 

Way with Words Festival

Thursday 8th – Sunday 12th November

Each November Ways with Words runs a literature festival in Southwold – where better to host this event than a town which has been so loved by so many different writers! The festival makes an ideal escape from the stress and strain of daily life, a time to engage with books and ideas in the most comfortable of settings.

Beccles Beer Festival

Friday 16th - Sunday 18th November 2018

The ever-popular Autumn Beccles Beer Festival is now in its 7th year raising funds for community projects. Visit Beccles Public Hall this November and join in the celebration of local real ales, cider and lagers from 22 breweries all within 30 miles of Beccles. There will be live music, food stalls and soft drinks for drivers. The festival is free entry, however, festival glasses will be available to purchase at £3 each when buying pints and half pints. You’ll be able to take one home as a souvenir or get your money back when you leave. 

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th November 2018

An award-winning, annual Christmas Fayre featuring over 300 festive stalls with live music and festive fun for all of the family, Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre is not to be missed. With a variety of stalls on offer such as gifts, crafts, food, seasonal produce and much more, you'll be sure not to miss this highly anticipated event. The fayre has something for everyone including a children’s opening parade and fireworks, cookery theatre and food area in the Cathedral grounds, free children’s activities and fun fair on Angel Hill and in the Abbey Gardens and much more. Visit the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre website for a programme with more information.

Family Christmas Sparkle at Ickworth House

Saturday 1st December 2018 + eight other dates.

Create some magical memories with your family at Ickworth House this December with plenty of family events taking place – make Christmas decorations, crafts, crackers and sit next to the tree with stories and gifts from Santa. Don’t forget to follow the Christmas trail and discover what the cooks are stirring up in the basement kitchen. For more information, visit the Ickworth House website.

Snape Maltings Christmas Farmers' Market

Saturday 22nd December 2018

From 10 - 4, Snape Maltings will host their Christmas Farmers Market where there will be lots of local produce, storytelling and Christmas craft making. This Christmas market, like the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival, is famous for its friendliness and unsurpassed variety of high-quality local products, many of which have been produced exclusively for the Christmas Market. You will find a wonderful array of delicious food and drink which will make your Christmas truly special. There is something for everyone – even Christmas treats for your dog!

Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn

Various dates throughout November and December 2018. 

Blackthorpe Barn in Bury St Edmunds was built in 1550 and is a beautiful, historic building that hosts an abundance of Christmas events. This year they will be creating Santa's Grotto which will be open on weekends from the 24th of November to the 22nd of December plus the 19th, 20th, and 21st December. Children will love meeting Santa as they take their token into the grotto and receive their present. The barn will also be hosting a string of craft shows where they showcase the very best of British craftsmanship on weekends leading up to Christmas from the 11th of November. At the barns, you can also have a look around the Country Christmas Shop, take part in some Christmassy workshops and purchase some natural decorations and a live Christmas tree.

Felixstowe Christmas Dip

Christmas Day 2018

This fun Christmas Day event raises money for local charities. This will be the 15th Christmas Day Dip for St Elizabeth Hospice and it’s gathering quite a following. Around 500 dippers take part each year and see this as the traditional start to their Christmas Day festivities. This year, the Mayor of Felixstowe will be doing the dip and is excited to be involved! Early bird registration is open at £8pp. Visit Event Brite for more information.

Suffolk Secrets offer many fantastic holiday cottages that are perfect for winter breaks, giving you easy access to these wonderful events. Take a look at our website to find your perfect Suffolk winter holiday.