Reasons to Spend Christmas in Suffolk
Celebrate the festive season in Suffolk; from Christmas events with Father Christmas to wrapping up warm and exploring charming villages, there’s something to suit everyone at this magical time of year. As Suffolk locals, we know that this county can’t be beaten for Christmas cheer and experiences in November and December, and in this post, we’ll tell you why.
Is Suffolk nice for a Christmas holiday?
Put simply: yes! Let us tell you why Suffolk is the ideal county if you’re looking for a cute, cosy, and above all, magical place to spend your Christmas holiday.
Christmas markets and fairs
We are proud to boast an amazing array of fairs and markets across Suffolk, from intimate craft fayres full of handmade goods to large-scale festive markets with everything you need to cross everything off your Christmas shopping list. Hand-crafted gifts, seasonal tipples, freshly baked desserts, colourful decorations, and so much more await you at one of our many Christmas markets each and every year.
To discover which Christmas shopping events are occurring this year, check our Suffolk Christmas fairs and markets guide. It’s an up-to-date list of the best fairs happening across our county, where and when they’re taking place, and how much admission is.
Christmas food
As a county famous for its agriculture and produce, we have a lot to offer at Christmas time. You’ll be truly spoilt for choice for farm shops, farmers’ markets, and butcheries across Suffolk, where you can pick up regional and national cheeses, a huge assortment of meats, and other delectable local treats for Christmas dinners and parties. Many of these fantastic foods can be ordered in advance to ensure you’re covered for the holidays when you stay here. We also highly recommend visiting the Suffolk Food Hall, whether you’re visiting this December or are local to the county.
Quaint Suffolk villages
As Suffolk is mostly beautiful countryside, you’ll find endless quaint villages and hamlets, each with its own unique history and whimsical charm. Exploring these locations makes for a wonderful outdoor activity, where you can take in the charming old buildings and cobbled streets before stopping in a warm pub for a hearty meal.
Visit medieval Lavenham, one of Suffolk’s oldest villages and the filming location of a memorable scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I. The crooked streets were the backdrop for Godric’s Hollow, where Harry Potter was born, and De Vere House was used as the derelict home of his parents.
Discover the ancient market town of Framlingham and explore the stunning medieval castle. This beautiful building is the subject of Ed Sheeran’s hit ‘Castle on the Hill’, and features tours, exhibitions, and a cafe where you can warm up and grab a bite to eat.
For a coastal spot that’ll blow you away, head to Southwold. Winner of multiple destination, beach, and food awards, this gorgeous traditional seaside town is a must-visit. You’ll love the colourful houses, historic lighthouse, and overall quaint charm, as well as the delicious fish and chips.
Want to explore our county further this winter season? Take a look through our guide to the prettiest villages in Suffolk and build your own adventure itinerary for your trip.
Christmas coastal walks
Is there a better way to walk off your Christmas dinner than with a stroll along the beach on Christmas Day? Remember to pack your walking boots, thick socks, and a cosy scarf to ward off the chill, and bring your binoculars to spot some of the UK’s rare wildlife that makes its home here. We recommend downloading the Go Jauntly app, which has a handy guide with walks across the Suffolk Coast for you to enjoy. Here are a few of our favourite coastal walks as Suffolk locals:
- Southwold and Walberswick route – This picturesque circular walk takes you along the beach in Southwold, around Walberswick village and through the Walberswick Nature Reserve, then back to the beach. It’s 10km/6 miles long, with an average walking time of around 2 to 2.5 hours, making it perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll.
- Aldeburgh and Thorpeness route – A 6.6km/4 mile circular walk, this trail takes you along the beach between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh and through a Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a truly beautiful 1.5 to 2-hour walk.
- The Dunwich Heath Wartime Trail – Though not entirely along the beach, this walk is incredibly interesting as it takes you through the site’s important military history. It’s 4.4km/2.75 miles long, making it a lovely short stroll post-Christmas lunch at roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
Christmas events
Suffolk loves Christmas, so you’ll never run out of brilliant things to do here over the festive holidays. From captivating Christmas lights switch on events to nostalgic steam train rides with Santa himself, this county has so much to offer across December. For an up-to-date list on what’s going on, check out our guide to Christmas events this year.
Suffolk Christmas retreats with Stay in Suffolk
A holiday trip to Suffolk provides endless entertainment, picturesque winter scenery, and the best food you could ask for. If you’ve decided you’ll be staying in Suffolk, take a look through our beautiful holiday homes, where you’ll find everything from stylish apartments for two to large country pads for groups of family and friends. We offer a selection of dog-friendly holiday homes too, so your furry friend can join the fun! Discover our homes today and start planning your perfect Christmas holiday.
