Staying in the city over the holiday season? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break, a chance to get festive, or simply a warm place to connect with others, Norwich and the UEA campus have plenty of social events and activities to keep you busy throughout December.

Here is a listicle of ways to enjoy the season, focusing on welcoming and secular options!

On-Campus Fun: UEA Residential Life Events

The Residential Life Team is hosting a variety of social gatherings on campus throughout the month, perfect for meeting people and relaxing after a busy semester. Many of these are fun, casual, and require booking by emailing residentiallife.advisers@uea.ac.uk.

• Relaxing Hangouts:
  • Console & Chill (Dec 8, 7:30 PM, SU Red Bar).
  • Festive Sound Bath w/ Hot Choc (Dec 15, 7:30 PM, Library Room 0.10) for a peaceful, meditative experience.
  • Muffin & A Movie (Christmas Eve, Dec 24, 8:00 PM, Bookable Room 6).
  • Mocktail Mixer & Games (New Year’s Eve, Dec 31, 9:00 PM, UNIO) to ring in the new year with non-alcoholic drinks and fun.
• Creative & Active:
  • Christmas Decorations Craft (Dec 3, 7:30 PM, Bookable Room 1).
  • Festive Crafting (Dec 20, 7:30 PM, UNIO).
  • Winter Walk & Hot Choc (Dec 27, 1:00 PM, Meet in UNIO).
• Games & Food:
  • Winter Picture Bingo (Dec 10, 7:30 PM, Bookable Room 6).
  • Xmas Lunch Buffet (Christmas Day, Dec 25, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Bookable Room 6).
  • Quiz & Snacks (Dec 26, 7:30 PM, UNIO).

Christmas Day Community: Free Meals in Norwich

If you are looking for a community atmosphere on Christmas Day, there are free meal options in the city centre:

• Love Thy Burger offers a free meal between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
• Norwich Open Christmas provides a free meal, live music, and food bags from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including free transport (call 01603 510751).

Non-Religious Fun & Culture in the City

The city lights up with secular attractions during December, offering great social opportunities and things to see.

• Festive Fun & Lights:
  • Canopy of Light (Hayhill) is on display for all of December.
  • Follow the Christmas Crown Trail treasure hunt across Norwich, running from 1/12 until 5/1.
  • Check out the Winter Wonderland Norwich at the Norfolk Showground, which features a real ice rink, funfair rides, a Christmas Market, and even an adult-only ‘Grinchy’s Grotto Takeover’.
  • Enjoy a night out at venues like The Brickmakers, which hosts social events such as ‘THE CHRISTMAS DRUM HANG’ on Dec 12, or the Bowling House for their ‘BOHO XMAS BINGO’ on Dec 17.
• Theatre & Entertainment:
  • See a show at the Norwich Theatre Royal; the pantomime Cinderella runs from December 6 until January 4.
  • The Chronicles of Christmas Tour at The Shoebox Experiences runs almost all month (22/11 to 23/12).
  • Catch a gig or show at The LCR or The Adrian Flux Waterfront.
• Social & Leisure:
  • Take advantage of Norwich’s numerous social attractions for a relaxed day out with friends, such as the Clued Up! Escape Rooms, Highball Climbing Centre, or Bowling House.
  • Visit the Norwich Market for street food and independent shops.
  • The Plantation Garden, a Victorian garden, is run by volunteers and is open for community benefit.

The University of East Anglia Student Journey and Support Services also provide a resource for facing Christmas alone if you are struggling. Remember that no matter how you choose to spend your December, there are communities both on and off campus ready to welcome you.