The festive season in Suffolk is brimming with cheer and charm. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy Christmas without overspending, there’s plenty of experiences that are free or low-cost. Here’s your guide to making magical memories this December.
1. Winter Warmers – East Point Pavillion, Lowestoft
This beautiful pavilion on England’s most easterly point has a range of creative workshops to keep everyone busy. Expect pop-up performances, craft workshops, and community singing sessions—all designed to spread joy without costing a penny.
Dates: Throughout December
Cost: Free
👉 https://www.eastpointpavilion.com/events
2. Festive Concerts – Haverhill Arts Centre
From singing traditional carols to listening to a silver band, there’s a range of merry musical events on offer in Haverhill. Sing along to festive favourites and soak up the community spirit - with tickets from just £5, it’s an affordable way to enjoy live music and feel the magic of the season.
Date: Throughout December
Cost: From £5 per ticket
👉 https://haverhillartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/
3. Christmas Tree Festival – Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich
Step into a festive wonderland at Christchurch Mansion’s Christmas Tree Festival. Local schools, charities, and artists decorate trees in creative themes, turning the historic Mansion into a gallery of seasonal art. It’s free to visit and perfect for families looking for inspiration and Instagram-worthy moments.
Dates: 25 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Cost: Free
👉 https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/tree-festival/
4. Magic of Christmas – Snape Maltings
There’s plenty on offer from Britten Pears Arts this festive season. Watch the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company’s spectacular show combining music, dance, and festive magic, join a festive sing-a-long at the Red House, or explore festive farmers markets.
Dates: Throughout December
Cost: Many events are free but visit the website for ticketed event prices
👉 https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/landing-pages/christmas
5. Twelve Yuletide Yarns – Suffolk Community Libraries
Twelve Yuletide Yarns is a big-hearted and hilarious journey into the magic of winter. This chaotic and utterly joyful show weaves together a mix of winter stories and poetry, promising an epic adventure where imagination (and escaping carrots!) run wild. With free performances in Lowestoft, Beccles, Bury St Edmunds, and Ipswich, come along and enjoy the magic.
Dates: Throughout December
Cost: Many events are free but visit the website for ticketed event prices
👉 https://easternangles.co.uk/event/twelve-yuletime-yarns/
6. Festive Fun – National Horse Racing Museum, Newmarket
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in Newmarket with a ride around the Museum’s grounds, enjoy festive-themed crafts, and add a touch of magic with a visit to Father Christmas’s grotto stable and say hello to his cheeky elves — our resident mini-Shetland ponies, Harry and Kizzy.
Dates: Throughout December
Cost: Many events are free but visit the website for ticketed event prices
👉 https://www.nhrm.co.uk/events/free-festive-family-drop-in-workshop/