A Christmas tree

10 of the best things to do in Suffolk this Christmas

Yes, we’re aware that the sun has only just taken his hat off and that we’re not even pulling apart the dress up drawer for Halloween, but it pays to plan when it comes to celebrating in Suffolk. Indeed, with so much on offer, it’s crucial to get things into the diary when heading to our Barns and Barges for rent during November and December. To make sure that you get to soak up the festive spirit in style, we’ve rounded up a selection of 10 of the best things to do in Suffolk this Christmas.

  1. Enjoy some festive wreath making

Led by the seasoned season experts at Romeo and Succulent, the Museum of East Anglia is hosting a professional wreath making workshop on the 11th December. Providing you with everything you need to deck the halls in more than just holly, the workshop presents the opportunity to get creative with everything from pinecones to dried oranges and cinnamon sticks. We can’t think of a better way to get crafty this Christmas.

  1. Wander through an illuminated wonderland at Helmingham Hall

The very picture of a winter wonderland, the grounds of this renowned sixteenth century hall are lit up for visitors to enjoy from 19th November to 19th December. Nicely complemented by mulled wine and toasted marshmallows, this remarkable destination provides you with everything you need to enjoy the best Suffolk has to offer over Christmas.

  1. Shop at the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

As a native of the town that proudly declares itself as “a jewel in the crown of Suffolk”, it would be remiss of me to pass up the opportunity to promote the delights of the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre. Bringing together an incredible range of traders and retailers, you can expect to find everything from fantastic food to bespoke gifts. Boasting a bigger line up than ever for 2022, you can enjoy everything on offer by heading over to Bury St Edmunds on the 17th November.

  1. Spend a night at the theatre

It would be a great oversight to produce an article all about Christmas without once mentioning the panto. What must be stressed, however, is that the pantomime in Suffolk is conducted in one of only eight Grade I listed theatres in the United Kingdom. Indeed, the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds is a beautifully restored Regency Theatre that is presenting Cinderella to Christmas crowds this year – a great chance to soak up some fun and some history all at the same time.

  1. Travel back in time

Yes, you read that correctly; you can travel back in time when visiting Suffolk this Christmas. The time machine itself is found at Kentwell Hall, and the time is the Victorian era. With plenty of period costumes to be found on the Saturdays and Sundays between the 4th and 12th December, you can experience this popular Suffolk attraction in a unique garb and take advantage of the largest Victorian-style selfie booth you’re likely to find!

  1. See some seriously special Christmas lights

Whilst it’s fair to say that Christmas lights abound throughout November and December, we’re convinced that they shine a little brighter in Suffolk. Our grounds for such a claim? The fact that the formal gardens at Ickworth gardens are festooned with Christmas lights over Christmas, an arrangement that allows visitors to experience the iconic rotunda in an entirely new light, if you’ll excuse the pun.

  1. Make the Christmas food shop enjoyable

Despite claiming that we can help our guests to time travel, it might just be our suggestion that we can make the Christmas food shop an enjoyable experience that is the most unbelievable item to feature on this list. But bear with us, it is indeed possible. But only by visiting the Christmas Suffolk Farmers Market at Trinity Park on Saturday 10th December. With everything from artisan products to locally produced food on offer, we’re convinced there’s no better way to stock up for Christmas.

  1. Sample some beers and wines

Whilst it might not technically be billed as a Christmas event, the fact that the Bury St Edmunds Winter Beer Festival will be taking place on the 25th November means that it’s still a fantastic event to add to your festive calendar when staying at our Barns and Barges this Christmas!

  1. Catch a concert

In Suffolk, we’re pleased to be part of Rick Wakeman’s Grumpy Christmas Stocking Tour. An evening that promises to put a creative spin on a number of popular Christmas numbers, you can catch the virtuoso performing a range of hits at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich on 17th December.

  1. Get an early Christmas dinner

Thanks to a large range of cosy country pubs and restaurants, it’s possible to enjoy an incredible turkey roast dinner ahead of the big day. To find out which ones come highly recommended, we’d urge you to check out our blogs on the best places to get a roast in Suffolk.

To enjoy all of these things and more, simply take a look at all of our Barns and Barges for rent in Suffolk this Christmas.

Reasons to Stay at Woodfarm, Suffolk

We happen to think what we have on offer is pretty bloomin' good. However, we thought you might like a bunch of reasons to stay, other than we think you should!

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Brilliant beaches! Suffolk has an incredible Heritage Coast, with great beaches, all in easy reach of us.

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Dogs stay FREE, and we don't just tolerate them, we welcome them! We've built our reputation on this, and we're proud of it!

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Pawesome, fully-enclosed two acre Pooch Paddock for your Dogs to go bonkers and make new friends in.

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Free Doggy treats, Dog bowls, and Dog towels. Our furry friends even get Woodfarm branded poop bag holders!

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Visit England Gold Awards coming out of our ears, as well as their coveted ROSE Award for Service Excellence.

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Well in excess of 1,000 Five Star Tripadvisor, Facebook & Google Reviews. Over 25% of our guests come back!

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Private Hot tubs with seven of our eight Barns and Cottages. The ultimate in relaxation, just because you're worth it.

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Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yes, plural. Two AONB's on our doorstep! Suffolk Coast & Heaths, and Dedham Vale.

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Stunning river walks directly from your gangplank on either Barge! Wildlife and breathtaking scenery in abundance.

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