Published on: Wednesday, 29 November 2017
Last updated: Thursday, 14 December 2017
From magical train rides to twinkling light shows, here’s how to have a very merry Christmas across the network
North Pole Christmas Festival
17 November–8 January, Parker’s Piece, Cambridge
A 600m open-air ice rink, majestic sky wheel, alpine lodge, foodie treats (think everything from crepes to churros) and traditional fairground rides… the 2017 North Pole Christmas Festival promises fun with a capital ‘F’. For added atmosphere, head there after dark and skate amid the festive lights before indulging in a hot chocolate (last skate is at 8pm).
Family skate tickets £36, thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk
Nearest station: Cambridge
Tunnel of Light
16 November–5 January, Norwich, Norfolk
Last year’s epic Tunnel of Light – a 45 metre-long, six metre-wide tunnel made from 50,000 (yes, really) pulsating LEDs that reflected the Northern Lights – proved a huge hit. This November, the Tunnel returns to Norwich city centre in all its glittering glory. But how do you improve on perfection? You adorn it with a twinkling tiara and give it a new animation sequence. Don’t miss the chance to bag yourself the best selfie in town.
Free, visitnorwich.co.uk. Nearest station: Norwich
North Norfolk Railway Santa Special
2–24 December, Sheringham, Norfolk
Hop aboard North Norfolk Railway’s Santa Special service for a festive steam train journey. As you chug through the wintry landscape from Sheringham, adults will be served a mince pie and sherry while little ones receive a soft drink and chocolate treat. Hop off at your destination, Santaland (aka Weybourne), where Santa is waiting to meet children young and old.
Adults and children £19, nnrailway.co.uk
Nearest station: Sheringham
Christmas Fayre at Jimmy’s Farm
2–3 December, Ipswich, Suffolk
The lovely folk at Jimmy’s Farm are holding their annual Christmas Fayre in December. Expect it to tick off every festive box: market stalls selling gifts and edible goodies, carols performed by a brass band and choir, reindeer, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and Santa’s grotto. The Farm Park will be open as usual, so you can also take little ones to meet the collection of exotic and farm animals.
Free entry to the Fayre (normal admission fees to Farm Park), jimmysfarm.com. Nearest station: Ipswich
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