Suffolk takes on a different character in winter, with literary festivals to themed afternoon teas. This winter we’ve also got some iconic celebrations on our stomping ground, and there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained, whatever your interests.
Here we’ve put together a selection of what’s on in Suffolk this winter, with a particular focus on our local areas.
Abbey 1000 Sculpture Exhibition
Last month: November
Each month since May, as part of the Abbey 1000 celebrations, the crypt in Bury St Edmunds Abbey ruins has showcased new sculptures. November is the last month to come and take a look.
Beauty and the Beast Ballet, Theatre Royal
13th – 15th November
The Theatre Royal in Bury is the venue for a captivating performance of Beauty and the Beast.
Ickworth Light Nights
11th – 27th November
At National Trust venue Ickworth, come and bask in an evening walk with atmospheric lights. Ickworth has other events on over the winter months including the fascinating Life Below Stairs tours.
Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Switch On
17th November
Be in town for the big switch on, between 3-8pm where you can peruse stalls, enjoy street entertainment and let the kids have fun on classic fairground rides.
St Edmund’s Day Weekend Spectacular
17th– 20th November
The Abbey Gardens in Bury is putting on a spectacular evening light show each evening throughout the St Edmund’s Day weekend where you can experience impressive sound and light projections telling the story of St Edmund.
Lavenham Literary Festival
18th – 20th November
Lavenham – one of Suffolk’s most beautiful villages – plays host to the seventh Lavenham Literary Festival and welcomes book lovers to come.
Christmas Escape Room
Throughout the season
The Evidence Room in Bury St Edmunds has a Christmas themed escape room waiting for you to solve. Grab some family, friends or elves and enjoy something different!
Christkindlmarket Christmas Market
19th November
The 23rd Christkindlmarket is being held at Preston Manor Barn, Preston St Mary where you can come and buy crafts, gifts and enjoy all things Christmassy.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market
24th – 26th November
Come and check out the variety of Suffolk stallholders at this promising event in the beautiful setting of the cathedral. Inka the Polar Bear is set to delight visitors. It’s reputed that Father Christmas will be putting in an appearance too. Special tower tours are running throughout the event.
Conveniently, the Bury St Edmunds Winter Beer Festival 2022 is on the same weekend.
Clare Christmas Fair
25th & 26th November
Clare Christmas Fair is gaining quite a following. It takes place in both St Peter and St Paul’s Church and the Town Hall. Come and browse around 65 stalls and get ready for the season. The Clare Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm on the Saturday.
The Legend of Robin Hood, Theatre Royal
25th November – 14th January
This year’s panto at the Theatre Royal in Bury brings us the high jinx of the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin of Loxley and all their sidekicks including Maid Marion.
Long Melford Book Fair
26th November
Stock up for cosy winter nights in front of the fire with a cup of cocoa and a good book by attending the Long Melford Book Fair held in the Memorial Hall.
Tropicana Nights 80s Party
26th November
The Athenaeum in Bury presents this opportunity for a retro return to Wham fuelled fun if you fancy letting your hair down.
Wreath Making Workshop, Great Barton
26th November
Freedom Church in Great Barton is hosting a wreath making workshop on 26th November so that you can adorn your door with festive cheer. There are many other wreath making workshops taking place throughout Suffolk over November and December, so you are sure to find one close to you.
Sudbury’s Christmas Tree Festival
2nd – 7th December
Head to St Gregory’s Church in Sudbury for this fundraising festive event – it’s become an annual attraction in the town.
Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall
10th – 11th and 17th – 18th December
Long Melford is turning back the clocks to 1869 as Kentwell Hall puts on its Dickensian Christmas event. It’s a great place to come and meet the big man in red, but also all the family can enjoy this wonderful festive affair.
The Racehorse: Past and Future
From now until 19th February
Take the opportunity to see this fabulous art exhibition of works by Anne Ward at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket before it closes in February.
Spectacle of Light, Haughley Park
3rd – 26th February
Come and enjoy the brilliant Spectacle of Light with its fun and fabulous illuminated trail to break up the dark lingering nights of winter.
Matilda Afternoon Tea at The Ickworth Hotel
Ongoing
Looking for something quirky and fun to do with younger ones for a special occasion this winter? Let them indulge in a Matilda themed afternoon tea at The Ickworth. There’s definitely a slice of Brucie’s Chocolate Cake!
Various events at The Apex
Various dates throughout winter
From a performance of Messiah by the Bury Bach Choir to Booze and Brushes evenings, The Apex in Bury St Edmund’s is holding a veritable feast of events all the way through the winter. Whatever interests you, you’ll find it here.
The above events are just a taster of what’s on in Suffolk this winter, but we’re sure you’ll agree that there will be no bleak midwinter days and nights in our county with everything that’s going on!
