Christmas in Bury St Edmunds

The start of Christmas in Bury St Edmunds!

Get ready for the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event, taking place on Thursday 19th November 2026, 3-8pm in the town centre!

As dusk falls, the Christmas lights will magically illuminate the town, creating a spectacular backdrop to the evening’s festivities.

This year's entertainment will be announced soon, but you can expect charity and gift stalls, fairground rides and the stage will host performances throughout the afternoon and evening from local groups, choirs, schools and colleges.

The Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event is brought to you by Our Bury St Edmunds BID,  supported by Bury St Edmunds Town Council and Shop Safe.

For more information visit the Our Bury St Edmunds BID website.

Get ready for a Christmas pantomime packed with adventure, laughter, and plenty of cheesy fun as Dick Whittington takes to the stage at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds from Friday 20 November 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027.

This year's panto puts a fresh and hilarious twist on the classic tale. The Queen has mysteriously disappeared, and with her gone, London's streets have been overrun by ambitious rats determined to seize the throne. It's up to Dick Whittington and a fearless rebel army to save the day in a battle for liberty, equality... and cheese!

Written by Chris Hannon and directed by Owen Calvert-Lyons, this family-friendly production promises all the ingredients of a fantastic festive pantomime, including comedy, music, larger-than-life characters, and plenty of audience participation.

Whether you're continuing a long-standing Christmas tradition or introducing younger family members to the magic of pantomime for the first time, Dick Whittington is sure to be one of the highlights of the festive season in Bury St Edmunds.

With performances running throughout Christmas and into the New Year, it's the perfect festive treat for families, friends, and theatre lovers of all ages.

Visit the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds website for more information.

Enjoy family rides in the beautiful Abbey Gardens for FREE this Christmas!

Children can enjoy the Caterpillar Coaster, Dodgem Rings and Chair rides on the former bowling green in the Abbey Gardens from 25 November to 23 December. 

Brought to you by Our Bury St Edmunds BID, Bury St Edmunds Town Council and West Suffolk Council. All activities are subject to weather conditions.

Visit our Family Rides in the Abbey Gardens page for dates and times.

Get into the festive spirit as the much-loved St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market returns from Thursday 26 November to Saturday 28 November 2026.

With more than 50 stallholders from across Suffolk and beyond, the market is the perfect place to discover unique Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and locally produced goods. Whether you're looking for presents for loved ones or simply want to support local businesses, there's something for everyone.

Set within the stunning surroundings of the historic 16th-century St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the market offers a truly magical shopping experience. As you browse the beautifully decorated stalls, you'll also be able to enjoy a programme of festive entertainment, including traditional carol singing and live music throughout each day.

The Cathedral will be open to visitors from 10:00am to 4:30pm each day, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for Christmas shoppers.

Admission is £2 per person, and as part of the event's safety measures, random bag searches may be carried out before entry.

If you're looking for a festive day out in Suffolk, the St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market is a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season while supporting local makers and enjoying one of the county's most beautiful venues.

Visit the St Edmundsbury Cathedral website for more information.

Looking for a festive experience that will delight little ones? Theatre Royal Christmas Cabin at the arc Shopping Centre returns from 27 November to 24 December 2026, bringing Christmas magic to life for families.

Each year, a cosy Christmas Cabin appears in the heart of the shopping centre, inviting children into a world of festive wonder, laughter, and imagination. Designed especially for children aged 2 to 7, this enchanting experience is often a child's very first introduction to live theatre in a fun, family-friendly setting.

The 20-minute interactive performance is packed with seasonal surprises, memorable moments, and, of course, a special appearance from Santa Claus. Young visitors will be encouraged to join in the adventure, making it a magical experience they'll remember long after Christmas has passed.

Written by Kitty Morgan, the Christmas Cabin has become a much-loved festive tradition, offering families the chance to create special memories together during the holiday season.

If you're planning a Christmas shopping trip or looking for festive activities for young children, the Christmas Cabin is a wonderful addition to your Christmas calendar.

Visit the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds website for more information.

Back by popular demand, Bury St Edmunds FREE to use synthetic ice skating Christmas rink will open daily in Charter Square in the arc Shopping Centre from December 22 to January 4 2027!

Brought to you by Our Bury St Edmunds BID, Bury St Edmunds Town Council.

Visit our Christmas Ice Rink page for dates and times.