The Best Festive Workshops

Make your way down to The Next Loaf Baking School in Wenhaston to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of the season in this Christmas baking course for anyone who wants to rustle up a festive feast for friends and family.

All the sumptuous ingredients are included for you to make a range of bakes including a luxurious marzipan stollen laden with rum soaked fruits, a chocolate orange brioche star, chocolate dipped biscotti, mince pies and amaretti cookies.

There’s even something for those with a more savoury palate; a delicious sage and onion loaf which is perfect for those post Christmas turkey sandwiches. All these bakes are shelf stable or can be frozen until Christmas, so you can be sure to have a little something on hand for unexpected visitors. During the day you’ll be provided with refreshments and a light lunch accompanied by a glass of wine or a beer. There are a range of dates available to book during December so waste no time in securing your place.

For more information and to book visit www.thenextloaf.co.uk/store/p/christmas-baking-1

Be the life and soul of this party season with a fantastic cocktail discovery masterclass at the famous Adnams distillery in Southwold. This two hour experience begins with a tour of the distillery itself, uncovering the journey from grain to glass and learning about the way that Adnams crafts spirits including vodka, gin and whisky.

Then make your way to the stylish Swan Hotel where you’ll spend time in their Still Room with an in-house mixologist who will unlock the secrets of the perfect festive drink. Follow along and sample a selection of cocktails and learn how to make two of your own, whilst picking up all the tricks of the trade. Included in this experience is 10% off everything in the Southwold Adnams store, so pop back and stock up on everything you need for the festivities.

At £55 per person, this is not only a great day out but a great way to pick up some new skills along the way. Experiences take place on Saturday afternoons in December, starting on 7th. 

For more information and to book visit adnams.co.uk/products/cocktail-discovery-masterclass

The wreath is a quintessential symbol of Christmas, with a history dating back to the 16th century when our ancestors would hang evergreens on the door in a wreath as a way to symbolise the everlasting love of God and as a warm welcome to the spirit of Christmas to enter the home.

Why not turn your hand to the ancient art of wreath-making and enjoy a little mindfulness before the chaos of the season begins. Retreat East is a beautiful setting in the idyllic Suffolk countryside of Hemingstone, with atmospheric barns and cosy vibes all around.

The workshop is guided by the Suffolk Florist who will lend you their expertise in creating a bespoke Christmas wreath using locally sourced foliage. Weave, braid and arrange wonderful winter evergreens and adorn with berries, fircones, seed-pods and dried orange slices until you’ve created something uniquely yours.

Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival and afterwards relax with a delicious festive afternoon tea in The Great Barn. £90 per person includes all materials and refreshments on arrival and afterwards. Workshops take place on 4th and 8th December so gather your friends and enjoy!

For more information and to book visit retreateast.co.uk/whats-on/festivewreathmaking

Step inside one of Suffolk’s most treasured listed buildings, Christchurch Mansion, and bring the little ones for a unique hands-on festive workshop. This Tudor Mansion is home to a rich array of artefacts including musical instruments and antique toys, as well as art and ceramics  and its rich history can be felt all around. The rooms are set out in period fashions from the Tudors to the Victorians; plenty for curious minds to discover.

This fascinating automata workshop takes place on Saturday 14th December and lasts for 45 minutes, repeating several times during the day. £5 per accompanied child includes the chance to create a completely original Christmas inspired automata, or moving mechanical toy, that uses split pins, cogs or other mechanisms to create movement. A great way for youngsters to try something new and learn a new skill.

For more information and to book visit ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/christmas-automata-workshop/

Snape Maltings invites singers of all levels and experience to gather together and enjoy a celebration of festive choral singing. This one off workshop on Wednesday 18th December begins at 11am and leads up to an informal run through for friends and family at 3.30pm, where you’ll present a selection of festive favourites including compositions by Benjamin Britten and ‘Fantasia on Christmas Carols’ by Vaughan Williams.

The workshop costs £20 and £10 for under 30’s. You’ll be well supported by the expertise of conductor Ben Vonberg-Clark and you’ll no doubt leave feeling very Christmassy indeed. 

For more information and to book visit brittenpearsarts.org/events/scratch-choir-christmas

The folks at the food hub are masters of Christmas cuisine and it's the perfect place to skill-up ahead of the festive season; impressing all who dine with you this Christmas. There are a whole range of different courses to suit all skill levels and schedules.

Learn to craft tempting treats to gift to the foodies in your life in a two hour ‘foodie gifts’ cookery course, or why not do a deep dive into festive bread-making where you can knead along with the carols and bake spiced soda bread, a pandoro star and cheese tear-and-share.

Master the art of Christmas patisserie and chocolate in a one-day course where you can explore delicacies such as chocolate and chestnut gateau St Honore, spiced panna cotta with mulled wine pear compote or rum chocolate truffles. 

For more information and to book visit www.foodhubsuffolk.co.uk/christmas

Make your way down to this stretch of coast & heath for a very merry workshop for kids and their grown-ups at the barn at Dunwich Heath. Work together using timber from the estate to build your own characterful miniature reindeer complete with rustic antlers and a fir cone red nose!

Taking place on Sunday 1st and Sunday 8th December the workshop costs £7 per accompanied child and is suitable for children aged 8 and up. Why not take a walk afterwards to enjoy the coastal landscapes and footpaths.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/dunwich-heath-and-beach/christmas-at-dunwich-heath#rt-familyfriendly-events-this-christmas

Let’s be honest, it simply isn’t Christmas without chocolate and the award-winning Pump Street craft chocolate maker invites you to learn the secrets of creating chocolate delicacies for yourself. Come prepared to taste your way through Pump House’s standout chocolates and try your hand at making two bars of your choice in this 2 hour chocolate exploration workshop.

From tempering to moulding, you’ll learn the extensive Pump Street Chocolate process and history, and most importantly you’ll partake in an extensive tasting experience- heaven for chocoholics. 

For more information and to book visit pumpstreetchocolate.com/