The air is crisp, the river glistens in the winter light, and Snape Maltings begins to sparkle with the promise of Christmas. From November through to late December, this beautiful spot by the Alde becomes a festive haven filled with music, food and family fun. So, peruse our list of the ultimate festive countdown at Snape Maltings and choose a couple of outings to attend with your loved ones during the most special of seasons.
Christmas Shopping
It all begins on 20th November, when you can get big-day ready with the Christmas Shopping Day, an exciting occasion when Snape’s independent shops open their doors late for an evening of mulled wine, mince pies and shopping inspiration. With twinkling lights across the courtyards and carols drifting through the air, you can stroll through the glorious displays, pick up inspiration for table settings, decor and display as well as get organised ahead of time with gifts, luxury food and drink, hampers and more.
If you can't make this date fret not, Snape Maltings Food Hall, Homewares, boutiques and galleries are open throughout December and are the perfect place to purchase some unique, Suffolk-made gifts.
Christmas Concerts
Next, on 26th November, angelic voices fill the cavernous Concert Hall for the Scratch Choir’s Ceremony of Carols, an imagined service of seasonal hymns, songs and carols from the late middle ages, composed by Benjamin Britten in 1942. This traditional event brings together singers of all levels to perform this radiant work, first composed for the voices of children and harp. It’s a joyful community celebration; full of warmth and Christmas spirit.
On the 29th November, Snape Maltings presents Handel’s Messiah, performed by a full choir and orchestra. Few pieces capture the majesty of the season quite like this one, which focuses on the prophesied birth of Jesus, using Old Testament prophecies from Isaiah and others to foretell the Nativity. The setting at Snape is perfect to take it all in, whether you often enjoy classical music or are new to it, the superb acoustics and candlelit atmosphere makes for a festive evening to remember.
Festive Food
As December arrives, so does Snape Maltings’ Christmas Afternoon Tea. This indulgent treat is available from the 5th to the 21st December in the River View Café and Bar, overlooking the peaceful water. Savour tiered stands of seasonal treats, delicate pastries, biscuits and sandwiches, all washed down with pots of tea or coffee. They even offer a children’s version to keep little appetites happy, it’s the perfect way to begin or end your visit, or as a pre-concert treat.
On 7th December, the festivities continue with a chance to have Breakfast with Father Christmas. Spend a cosy morning in the River View Café and tuck into pancakes and pastries before the little ones can meet Santa himself. For those who can’t make the 7th, he returns on 13th December for another helping of breakfast magic, before heading back to the workshop to make the final preparations for his Christmas eve deliveries.
Father Christmas Sails into Snape!
It’s the 6th of December, and it’s finally time to meet the big man himself; as Father Christmas sails into Snape Quay. Every year families gather by the water to watch the jolly fellow arrive by boat, rather than the usual sleigh! And, there’s the chance for youngsters to meet him and share their wishes for Christmas morning, and for parents to snap a picture or two. That same evening, the Concert Hall comes alive with festive cheer as the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band takes to the stage for their Christmas Concert, filling the space with the bright and joyful noise of brass instruments; a sound synonymous with Christmas and reminiscent of Victorian carols.
Christmas What's On
Next up, some jiggling bells for little ears, with Mini Music Makers at Christmas on 12th December, inviting families with under-fives to join in joyful singing and movement, followed by the ever popular Wreath Making Workshops on 12th and 13th December. These wreath workshops take place in the inspiring surroundings of the Red House gardens and offer participants all the materials and tuition they need to make a beautiful evergreen wreath to take home, as well as hot drinks and mince pies to get everyone in the festive spirit.
As we move ever closer to the big day, the excitement abounds and on the 16th December, the Christmas Carols at the Red House invites everyone together for an informal evening of song at Benjamin Britten’s former home, followed by warm drinks and mince pies. Expect all the favourites as well as some special solos and arrangements. Just a few days later, on 20th December, the Christmas Farmers Market decks the halls and fills the courtyard with local produce, seasonal treats and handmade gifts - this is such a lovely opportunity to pick up any last minute essentials, soaking up the atmosphere and perhaps choose one or two really special items such as artisan cheeses, local wine or handmade chocolates.
Finally, on 21st December, we summon all the magic and excitement of nostalgic Christmas’ past at The Snowman with Live Orchestra. The timeless animated tale by Raymond Briggs is shown on the big screen while a full orchestra performs the unforgettable score, composed by Howard Blake, including the soaring number ‘Walking in the air’, a song which no-doubt underscored so many memorable christmases of our childhoods. So whether you’re introducing this heartwarming story to the youngsters in your life, or letting it transport you back to your own childhood, that feeling of magic is what Christmas really is all about.