It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but the Christmas build-up can also be the most chaotic. That’s why we’ve put together our guide of festive workshops, where you can let the stress of the season melt away and focus on enjoying something more mindful.
Choose from crafty activities like willow weaving, wreath making, paper crafting or candle arranging; or take a cookery class to master a new recipe in time for the big day.
And if that’s all a little too hands on, then a festive gin tasting experience might be just the tonic to ease you into the holiday spirit!
Cocktail Discovery Masterclass at Adnams Brewery
Fancy giving your Christmas celebrations a little extra sparkle? Swap the usual night out for a spirited experience at Adnams in Southwold. Start with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Copper House Distillery, discovering how their award-winning vodka, gin and whisky are crafted, before heading to The Swan Hotel's Still Room for a cocktail masterclass with an in-house mixologist. You'll learn the secrets behind three delicious cocktails, get hands-on mixing your own drinks and pick up a few tricks to impress at your next festive gathering.
A brilliant gift for cocktail lovers or a fun experience to enjoy with friends this winter.
For more information and to book visit adnams.co.uk/products/cocktail-discovery-masterclass
Festive Wreath Making at Retreat East
Get into the Christmas spirit with a festive wreath-making workshop at Retreat East. Guided by expert florist The Suffolk Florist, you'll create your own luxury wreath using seasonal foliage, berries and natural decorations, perfect for adding a handmade touch to your festive home.
Once you've finished crafting, settle in for a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea in The Great Barn, complete with seasonal savouries, homemade scones and Christmas-inspired sweet treats, accompanied by warming tea or a glass of fizz.
Taking place on 28 and 29 November and 6 December 2026, with workshops beginning at 11am and afternoon tea served at 1pm, it's a lovely seasonal treat to enjoy with friends, family or as a little festive indulgence of your own.
Spaces are limited. For more information and to book visit https://retreateast.co.uk/whats-on/wreathmaking
Festive Craft Workshops at Christchurch Mansion
Add a handmade touch to your Christmas decorations with a pair of festive craft workshops at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich. Whether you're creating a traditional wreath or designing a ceramic bauble for your tree, these creative sessions are a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Wreath Making:
Bring a little seasonal magic into your home with a fresh Christmas wreath-making workshop led by Floral Fusions by Kim. Taking place on 27 November and 4 December, you'll be guided through creating your own beautiful wreath using fresh materials, with all the supplies provided. Seasonal refreshments will be served throughout the evening, making it a lovely festive treat to enjoy.
Saturday Adult Art Club: Bauble Painting:
Fancy something a little different? Join local artist Rebecca Pomroy on 5 December for a Christmas bauble painting workshop. Create your own ceramic decoration from scratch or choose one of Rebecca's templates for inspiration, with expert guidance throughout. All materials are included, and you'll leave with a personalised bauble ready to hang on your tree or give as a handmade Christmas gift.
For more information visit https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/
Christmas Carols and Crafts at The Red House
Celebrate the festive season at The Red House, Aldeburgh, former home of composer Benjamin Britten, with seasonal workshops and a little Christmas music.
Christmas Wreath Making:
Bring the beauty of The Red House gardens into your festive home with a Christmas wreath-making workshop. Using evergreens gathered from the beautiful gardens, you'll create your own unique wreath under expert tuition, with hot drinks and mince pies to keep you feeling suitably festive. Workshops take place on 10 and 12 December, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
Christmas Carols at The Red House:
Get into the Christmas spirit with a seasonal sing-along at The Red House on 15 December. Enjoy all your favourite carols, alongside special solos and arrangements from the Britten Pears Arts team, followed by complimentary warming drinks and mince pies. This free, hour-long event takes place outdoors, so remember to wrap up warm. Booking is required.
For more information visit https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/whats-on
Christmas Cookery Experiences at Food Hub Suffolk
Swap the usual Christmas party for a hands-on culinary experience at Food Hub Suffolk in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Perfect for work teams and group celebrations, this three-hour experience invites you to get together in the kitchen, cook alongside one of the resident chefs and then sit down to enjoy the meal you've created.
With no awkward party games or set restaurant menu, it's all about good food, a glass of something and spending quality time together. Choose from a range of cookery themes and enjoy a festive get-together with a difference.
Available for groups of 12–30, with dates in November and December 2026, from £65 per person.
Whether you are looking to improve your cooking skills or just want to have a fun evening out, book now at https://www.foodhubsuffolk.co.uk/group-events
Christmas Crafting at East Point Pavilion
Welcome December with a relaxed morning of festive creativity at East Point Pavilion in Lowestoft. Suitable for all ages, this drop-in crafting session is a chance to get hands-on with some simple Christmas makes, including pom-pom tree decorations and collage Christmas cards.
There's no need to be a crafting expert, with all materials provided. At just £3 per person, it's an affordable way to enjoy a little festive fun and make something to take home.
Taking place on Tuesday 1 December 2026, from 10.30am to 11.30am. You can find out more and book here: www.eastpointpavilion.com/events/hello-december-a-relaxed-morning-of-christmas-crafting
Winter Woodland Wreath Making at RSPB Minsmere
Step away from the Christmas rush and reconnect with nature at RSPB Minsmere with Winter Woodland, a seasonal wreath-making experience hosted by Rooted in Nature. Combining creativity, wellbeing and festive tradition, this welcoming workshop invites you to slow down, explore the beauty of winter botanicals and create something beautiful for your home.
With guidance from experienced florist Donna, you'll learn how to create a sustainable wreath base before designing your own using seasonal foliage, evergreens, berries, cones and other natural materials. Along the way, discover the stories and traditions behind the plants we associate with Christmas, with gentle opportunities to share memories and enjoy a mindful moment in the winter landscape.
No previous floristry experience is needed, and you'll leave with your own handmade Christmas wreath, plus a festive treat and refreshments to enjoy during the afternoon.
A lovely opportunity to embrace the season, get creative and enjoy a little breathing space before Christmas.
You can find out more and book here: https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/177146
Christmas Shooters Special at High Lodge Leisure
The Christmas Shooters Specials at High Lodge Leisure offer the perfect excuse to gather friends or colleagues for a seasonal get-together, with the option to enjoy 100 clays followed by a delicious two-course festive carvery, or simply join for lunch.
Tuck into roast Norfolk turkey crown with all the trimmings, including bacon-wrapped chipolatas, sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce, pan gravy, vegetables and crispy roast potatoes. Finish with traditional Christmas pudding and boozy sauce or English ice cream, followed by tea or coffee and a High Lodge treat.
Taking place on Saturday 5 December 2026, choose from 100 clays with festive carvery for £59.95 per person, or carvery lunch only for £29.95 per person.
You can find out more and book here: https://www.highlodge.co.uk/clay-shooting/christmas-events/