Great Yarmouth area gets into the seasonal spirit with Christmas entertainment
A huge helping of magic, sparkles and festive cheer is lined up in Great Yarmouth this Christmas.
From pantomimes to circus performances to wildlife and beach walks, there’s something special for all the family.
The Hippodrome Christmas Spectacular is back with more jaw-dropping acts from across the globe, a phenomenal cast of dancers, singers and the riotous comedy of Jack Jay and Ben Langley.
Culminating in the world-famous water spectacular, complete with fountains and synchronized swimmers, audiences are in for a treat at the UK’s last surviving circus building.
The show is on until January 4, with a special gala performance on New Year’s Eve at 8pm.
Sealife Great Yarmouth is looking for participants in its special arctic Christmas adventure to learn about the North Pole and the animals that live there.
Snowy’s Conservation Crew will see families take part in an interactive trail through the aquarium while meeting all the centre’s jaw-some creatures.
There will be challenges along the way, festive photo opportunities and a prize on offer for taking part in the trail.
If you love the theatre, then head over to St George’s in Great Yarmouth or The Pavillion in Gorleston.
The cast at St George’s are performing Cinderella, who does her family’s chores while recording and editing videos for TikTok.
Longing for the day that she can show off her dance moves, Cinderella craves a chance to attend the biggest television party of the year hosted by Prince Charming, who is in search of his one true love.
With Ugly Sisters Horsey and Gap, the evil stepmother Baroness Hemsby and a sprinkle of magic from the Fairy Godmother its sure to be laugh-out-loud comedy spectacular with catchy songs and audience interaction.
Over at the Pavillion Theatre, Jack and the Beanstalk is entertaining audiences with laughs, songs, sparkle and plenty of audience participation.
Join Jack, Dame Trott, Silly Billy and a whole host of larger-than-life characters as they take on a greedy giant, climb an enormous beanstalk and try to save the village from doom!
The Arc Cinema is a cosy place to enjoy a winter film. With family favourites on offer such as Wicked for Good, The Spongebob Movie: The Search for Squarepants and the Christmas classic Die Hard, it’s time to get booking.
Gorleston Palace Cinema is also open, showing Wicked for Good, Zootropolis 2 and Lyle, Lyle Crocodile at the Kids Club.
If you love a winter day out, look no further than Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.
It’s open from 10am-5pm daily and has attractions for all age groups, including snow leopards, rare tigers, gibbons, deer otters, crocodiles in a swamp house, aviaries, waterfowl, a gift shop and the Cockatoo Café.
Pop on and follow Thrigby’s social media to find a special discount for the café.
If you’re looking for somewhere warm to spend a few hours, head over to the Time and Tide Museum to enjoy Miffy’s 70th birthday exhibition, where you can also purchase some memorabilia in the museum shop.
There’s also two ‘Chilled Out Crafting Days’ on December 22 and 29.
There’s a range of winter beach walks, including the pretty sand and shingle beach at Scratby, the picture perfect Gorleston with its popular parade and the tourist spot Winterton, where you might also spot a seal.
Don’t forget about accommodation too, there’s a wide range available over the festive period for Christmas breaks, including Haven Seashore’s Christmas passes.
The passes, which are available throughout December, include a festive show, an indoor swim, access to book Santa’s Grotto and choosing and booking a host of activities.
Parkdean Cherry Holiday Park is also holding its Winter Wonderland weekends throughout the festive period, with 25pc off on midweek breaks.
Start New Year’s Day with a bang by visiting the Britannia Pier as the seafront is illuminated with fireworks from 5.30pm.
The free entertainment begins at noon with special character appearances, illuminated stilt walkers, DJs playing disco classics and live music from Jack Clarke Jazz Man in the Pier Tavern.
Nathan Race, Chair of Visit Great Yarmouth, said the Christmas season was one he always looks forward to.
“As a destination, Great Yarmouth continues to strengthen and grow its ‘Visit Great Yarmouth’ proposition year after year. Each Christmas, our entertainment and events become bigger, bolder, and better, creating unforgettable experiences for all. I’m excited to see families coming together to enjoy everything we have to offer—not only in Great Yarmouth itself, but across the surrounding areas.”
Asa Morrison, Chief Executive of Visit Great Yarmouth added:
“I’m proud of our businesses because there’s such a lot on offer from cultural experiences, outdoor fun, magical entertainment and festive events and that’s all before you look at all the natural environment around us with our beautiful beaches to explore.
“As an area we work together to create a Christmas time package that appeals to all, our long stay visitors, who are spoilt for choice, our day trippers who come back year after year and our residents, who look forward to their annual festive traditions.”
For more information visit www.visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk
