'Tis the Season! Markets, fairs and even a doggy Santa! What’s On at The Forum this Christmas

The “Cards for Good Causes” charity has been around for over 60 years and raised tens of millions for well-deserving organisations across the UK – and that’s just in the last decade!

After raising over £40k during their time at The Forum last year, they’re back! Find a huge selection of charity Christmas cards, 2023 calendars, Advent calendars, wrapping paper, stationery items, a great range of festive gifts, Christmas decorations and stocking fillers all raising vital funds for charity.

You can also expect exciting prize draws to take place too!

You can find the Cards for Good Causes shop within The Forum in The Gallery open 10am-4pm Mon-Sat and 11am-4pm on Sundays from now until 23 December.

Norfolk Creations, a group of artisan crafters from across Norfolk, will be hosting their Christmas market at The Forum, where you’re sure to find an array of their handmade products. Find them and their unique gifts in The Forum every day from Monday 7 until Sunday 13 November and again from Tuesday 13 - Saturday 17 December.

Another popular Christmas mini-market is from Jabbawockycrafts, who join us for multiple Saturdays in November and December – so no fear if you can’t make one! Jabbawockycrafts markets are full of exquisite handmade jewellery, beautiful photographic prints, calendars and more.

Find gifts you won’t find on the high street at the Modern Country Crafts Christmas Craft & Gift Fair sure to deliver a wonderful selection of products from local craft traders and artists from Thursday 17-Saturday 19 November and Friday 16-Saturday 17 December.

UNIK Design returns with a great selection of local, hand-made crafts for sale straight from the designers. The perfect place to pick up a unique gift in time for Christmas!

Always a huge hit with visitors, The Global Village host their Christmas market at The Forum from Thursday 1 - Saturday 3 December. This is the place to find amazing products from all around the world. The Global Village Market prides itself on featuring the finest traders, illustrators and makers with a focus on fairly-traded and eco-conscious products. On the Saturday, outside the building enjoy stands delicious hot food and mulled wine while listening to Christmas carol singers and brass bands - to really put you in that festive mood!

On Thursday 1 December you can join in the singing and the theatrical razzmatazz as we switch on The Forum’s Christmas tree from 10.30am.

The tree if named after eight-year-old Elliott Frary, who lives with a rare chromosome disorder. His family runs Taverham Nursery Centre and each year they provide the magnificent tree that stands centre stage in The Forum’s Atrium to raise money for local charities close to their hearts.

This year, The Forum’s Christmas tree official switch on will feature Norwich Theatre Royal’s Jack & the Beanstalk panto stars and local choirs.

Enjoy the timeless appeal of the Carousel at The Forum this Christmas!

The Pride of the South Gallopers was built by Frederick Savage of Kings Lynn in 1893 and is one of the oldest still operating in the U.K. The carousel has beautiful hand-painted decoration, cut glass mirrors and organ music which completes the nostalgic feel. A magical treat for Christmas, £3 per person.

A favourite for furry friends returns this year... that's right, Doggy Santa is back outside The Forum for one day only! Bring your pampered pooch along on Saturday 10 December to meet the famous Santa Woof Woof and create a magical memory for your best friend... while showing your support for Santa’s little helpers, from the RSPCA and the Pets as Therapy charities. Festive fancy dress encouraged, of course!

Come and join the Norfolk Music Sets Friends for a festive event singing carols in The Atrium. Arrive at 12.15pm to get ready to sing!

Carols for Choirs music books will be provided. There will be a cash collection for Norfolk Music Sets Friends.

The Friends group helps to support the Norfolk County Library Music Sets Service financially and to publicise the extensive collection available for borrowing.

And finally, but no means least, two ticketed showstopping music events return. The King lives on in the form of an eight piece Elvis tribute band, The Blue Sueders and their event "Carols with The King" - sure to delight every Elvis fan - on Sunday 4 December at 6.30pm.

Then we have Swing Into Christmas, the popular show featuring the very best Christmas, holiday & festive music performed by East Anglia's premiere big band. A night which will no doubt have you smiling, tapping your feet and singing along. Tickets available now and selling fast.