Countdown to Christmas begins with Great Yarmouth festive extravaganza

The Christmas extravaganza will include the Christmas Market, organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, and the Christmas Light Switch On and Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre, both organised by Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership.

Both the Christmas Market and the Christmas Fayre will be open from 10am until 8pm on Friday, 10am until 5pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.

This bumper weekend is set to be an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike. With its stunning Christmas lights and array of festive entertainment, it is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Festive chalets, a decorated marquee and unique trailers will house local businesses and vendors selling food, beverages, arts, crafts and gifts as part of the Christmas Market.

The Christmas Fayre in the Minster will have over thirty handcraft, festive food and gift stalls with festive entertainment throughout the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, the Santa Express road train will provide a free shuttle service between the market place and the Minster, where Father Christmas will be available for a photo and to check whether you're on his 'good' list!  

The free event is open to all ages and promises something for everyone. Whether it's unique gifts, indulgent treats, or simply a memorable day out people are looking for, the event is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

Deputy Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Cllr Paula Waters-Bunn, will push the button on the traditional light switch-on at 7pm on Friday, November 24, which will be followed by a firework display, provided by Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership. Entertainment provided by Harbour Radio will start around 5pm ahead of the switch on.

Town Centre Manager Jonathan Newman said "We are delighted to launch Christmas in Great Yarmouth with this fantastic combination of events over the weekend. We will also have the Lardal Kantori performing in the Minster Saturday evening, making their 19^th visit to Great Yarmouth from Norway."

Free parking is available over the festive period on Saturdays and Sundays, which starts on Saturday, November 25, and runs until Sunday, December 31, 2023. The participating six town centre car parks are King Street, Market Place, George Street, Brewery Plain, Stonecutters and Fullers Hill.

Parking remains free in most town centre car parks every weekday from 4pm and noon on Wednesdays at King Street, Brewery Plain and George Street.