5 reasons to spend Christmas on The Suffolk Coast

You can visit a Christmas Market every day of every weekend in December should you wish to! 

Saxmundham is kicking off the festive season with a Victorian Fair featuring street food, performances from local groups and schools, fairground rides and games as well as a wide variety of market stalls and artisan traders on Friday 2 December. Whilst over in Lowestoft, step into seafront Winter wonderland, as East Point Pavilion deck the Victoriana halls with merry decorations and celebrate their first festive season in the Pavilion with a big Festive Fayre featuring the best local creators, artisans and food producers; accompanied by live music and food and drink. 

The pretty village of Wickham Market will be welcoming people to the historic square on The Hill, with festive crafts and gifts, community, charity and food stalls on Saturday 3rd December.

On Sunday 4th December, the market town of Bungay will be hosting their annual Christmas Market. With over 70 stalls all along Earsham Street, the Christmas Market sees lots of local favourites - such as the Hog Roast, and Fen Farm with their Baron Bigod cheese, returning, as well as gift stalls galore, beers, wines & spirits, sweets and cakes and even something for the dog with the Doggy Deli and the Dogs' Trust on the street.

The festivities continue on 4 December in Woodbridge, as the Christmas Street Fair is held in the Thoroughfare; with over 100 stalls displaying handmade goods, crafts, Christmas gifts, seasonal foods, plants and more. Followed by Leiston's Christmas celebrations on Saturday 10 December, with Christmas craft stalls, local traders, live music and street entertainment, plus seasonal food and drink and Santa in residence in the Long Shop Museum.

Just before Christmas on 17 December, be sure to pop along to the Snape Maltings Christmas Farmers Market where there will be an array of local meats, bread, cheeses, fruit and veg, fudge, Christmas Puddings and crafts all on offer. Whilst there, check out the shops including homewares, deli, children's clothes and toys, antiques and artwork.

For all festive events this December, visit our Whats On Guide.

If you would prefer to put your feet up and be waited on this Christmas, then a stay in one of The Suffolk Coast’s boutique hotels and cosy inns is just for you.

Sit back, relax and indulge in a hearty breakfast and sumptuous Christmas lunch before heading out for an afternoon walk to make room for coffee and Christmas cake. At the end of the day, head to your room for a peaceful night’s sleep, ready to explore our beautiful coastline on Boxing Day.

To book a stay at a hotel or inns this Christmas, click here.

Award winning wines from Flint Vineyard, delicious rounds of Baron Bigod Cheese from Fen Farm Dairy, spirits and ales from Adnams, Fisher's Gin, Briarbank Brewery and St Peter's Brewery smoked fish and oysters from Pinney’s of Orford, fresh fruit and veg from Friday Street Farm Shop and Grange Farm Hasketon and mouthwatering ham for your Boxing Day buffet from Emmett's are just some of the fantastic foods you can take home with you to make a rather special Christmas feast.

For chocolate and pastries for Christmas morning and foodie gifts including pannetone, hot chocolate, crackers and pickles, stop by the food hall at Snape Maltings and Suffolk Food Hall, not forgetting a visit to the award-winning Pump Street Bakery for chocolate and delicious baked goods.

If you would prefer to dine out, then book a table at one of The Suffolk Coast’s award-winning restaurants – serving delicious dishes made with locally sourced produce, you and your family can tuck into a Christmas dinner or a boxing day buffet, taking the stress of cooking off your hands!

If getting away from it all is top of your Christmas wish list, then The Suffolk Coast is the place for you!

Spend the festive season tucked up in a quiet country cottage, complete with roaring fire and countryside walks on your door step, or perhaps you would prefer a coastal retreat; with sea views and a windswept beach to wander along on Christmas morning. 

There’s a huge selection of self-catering accommodation to choose from; from stylish apartments for two to large country pads for groups of family and friends. Don’t forget your pooch too as many of the places to stay on offer allow dogs, and there’s accessible accommodation too; so the whole family can come along. 

Take a look at our Where to Stay Guide to find your perfect Christmas getaway!

What better way to walk off your Christmas lunch than with a brisk walk along the beach on Christmas day. Remember to pack your walking boots and binoculars to spot some of the UK's rare wildlife on your travels or if you’re brave enough, take a dip in the north sea and take part in one of the many Christmas Day swims!

If Father Christmas treats you to the latest camera or smartphone, then a walk in the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is sure to provide you with that memorable shot. Be sure to also download the 'Go Jauntly' app; a handy guide with step by step guided walks across The Suffolk Coast for you to enjoy.

For walking routes and maps, check out our Walking Guide.