A festive family break wouldn’t be complete without a trip to see Santa on North Norfolk Railways ‘Santa Spectacular’. Between 30 November and 24 December, Norfolk’s famous Poppy Line will head from Sheringham to Santaland at Weybourne and Santa’s cosy grotto. The train takes visitors on a tour of North Norfolk’s beautiful winter countryside with mince pies and mulled wine for adults and a gift for children.

Christmas this year at Holkham Hall will see the magnificent state rooms beautifully decorated in a traditional style. Be enchanted by the magical splendour of candlelight, real greenery from the park, Christmas trees galore, delicious scents and handmade decorations. The Marble Hall is the perfect setting for a programme of music, bell-ringing and carol singing, while characters from Christmas past will entertain visitors with stories of the hall and its residents. Don’t forget to look out for the partridge in the pear tree! Enjoy Christmas celebrations on 7, 8, 14 and 15 December. Plus meet Father Christmas as childrenwalk through the snowy winter wonderland to find Father Christmas in his magical grotto. Adults £15 and children £10.

Sheringham Little Theatre is guaranteed to entertain families with its pantomime Snow White. Written by West End star Killian Donnelly, it features amazing sets, stunning costumes and a wonderful array of characters that add a special sparkle to the magical celebrations. The show runs from 13 December to 4 January. The theatre boasts having the smallest stage in a professional theatre in the country and has 180 seats.

Deepdale Christmas Market takes place on 7 and 8 December and is the place to get ahead on Christmas shopping or hunt for decorations. Over 70 stalls sell delicious local food and drink, beautiful crafts, unique clothing and accessories, books, art, and much more. You’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice, and have no trouble finding that extra-special gift! Christmas would be nothing without festive music so join in with the traditional carols of the Hunstanton Concert Band, sing along with The Quaysiders’ classic folk, or just sit back with a mulled wine and allow Nelson’s Shantymen to entertain you. Free entry

A Christmas and Boxing Day dip in the sea has become common for brave souls in north Norfolk at beaches including Cromer, Hunstanton and Mundesley and it’s all for charity. Just don’t forget the Santa hat and towel!

Holly and ivy go hand in hand at Christmas and Ivy Cottage from Norfolk Hideaways is a newly renovated cottage in central Thornham. The house is beautifully furnished with antiques and tasteful decoration. Many original features have been retained adding to its charm, including a wonderful old inglenook fireplace and lovely pamment flooring. The kitchen is a cooks dream with a fabulous Rangemaster Oven ideal for cooking the Christmas dinner in!Sleeps 6. Weekly prices in November and December from £495. Christmas week £895.

Holly Cottage from Norfolk Hideaways is situated in a prime location on the leafy Georgian square ‘The Buttlands’ in the heart of Wells-next-the-Sea, a historic fishing port and popular seaside resort and the perfect getaway for a magical Christmas. It has been newly refurbished to an exceptionally high standard and forms part of a three property renovation including Holly House (Sleeps 8) and Holly Lodge (Sleeps 6).  All three are completely self-contained but share a walled garden to the rear and would make an excellent base for larger groups and that all important festive family get-together! Sleeps 4. Weekly prices in November and December from £425

www.visitnorthnorfolk.com