7 of the best Norfolk Christmas light switch-ons in 2024

All these events are free to attend, though there may be an additional charge for activities. 

The lights go on at City Hall in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

1. Norwich

When: Thursday, November 14, from 4.30pm (lights 7pm)

There will be a funfair from 4.30pm until late along Gentleman's Walk and many Norwich Market stalls will stay open until 8pm. 

Enjoy an evening of live entertainment on the City Hall stage from 5.30pm, including YouTube sensation Leon Mallett (East Anglian Boy). 

Nimmo Twins star Owen Evans, who plays the dame in the upcoming Norwich Theatre Royal Aladdin panto, will switch on the lights. 

READ MORE: 7 major Norfolk events happening in November 2024

The Burnham Market light switch-on coincides with a Christmas market in The Hoste (Image: Supplied)

2. Burnham Market

When: Saturday, November 16, 1pm-6pm (lights 5pm)

Head to The Green in the centre of Burnham Market for this magical event, featuring a Santa's grotto, fairground, brass band and much more.

Arrive early as there will also be a Christmas market with 25 stalls in The Hoste Arms from 10am to 4.30pm. 

The pub and hotel will also serve mulled wine, cider, burgers and hot dogs from an outdoor bar.

There will be free parking on the playing field on the night. 

There will be a fireworks display at the Great Yarmouth switch-on (Image: (C)James Bass 2017)

3. Great Yarmouth

When: Friday, November 22, from 5pm (lights 7pm)

Harbour Radio will present live music and entertainment from a stage in the Market Place from 5pm, with many shops open until 8pm. 

The lights will be switched on by the mayor at 7pm, which will be followed by a fireworks display.

Parking in town centre council-run car parks will be free after 4pm and the Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre in Great Yarmouth Minster will be open from 10am to 8pm on the day. 

A previous Christmas event in Dereham (Image: Denise Bradley)

4. Dereham

When: Sunday, November 24, from 1pm (lights 4.30pm)

This switch-on event will take place in the town centre and there will be fairground rides, donkey rides, a Santa's grotto, stalls, food vendors and much more.

Due to their hard work and dedication, the Dereham Community Litter Pickers have been chosen to switch on the lights.

READ MORE: World Dumpling Championship coming to city coffee shop

A previous Christmas lights switch-on event in Thetford (Image: Sonya Duncan)

5. Thetford

When: Friday, November 29, from 5.30pm (lights 6.30pm)

There will be festive fun across the town for all the family. 

Santa will arrive at Riverside at 5.30pm ahead of the switch-on at the Market Place an hour later. 

The Festive Continental Street Market will also take place in King Street from 10am to 6pm.

Santa will travel on a vintage fire engine at the Diss event (Image: Sonya Duncan)

6. Diss

When: Saturday, December 7, 1.30pm-6.30pm (lights 6pm)

Head to Diss Market Place for a festive extravaganza and there will also be food and drink stalls based there.

There will be charity stalls inside St Mary's Church, a funfair at Mere's Mouth and a Santa's grotto (£3 per child including a gift) and entertainment at United Reformed Church. 

The parade will see Santa travel on a vintage fire engine along Mere Street to the Market Place at 5.40pm.

A previous Christmas lights switch-on event in Cromer (Image: Danielle Booden)

7. Cromer

When: Saturday, December 7, from 10am (lights 5pm)

A whole host of activities are planned in the town centre on the day.

This includes a Christmas market in Cromer Parish Hall from 10am to 5pm and a Santa's Grotto in Cromer Community Centre from 12noon to 3.30pm (£3 per child including a gift). 

In the build-up to the switch-on, there will be a torchlight procession from North Lodge Park at 4.20pm, led by Santa and the mayor, and carols in the churchyard at 4.40pm.