Wells Christmas Tide Festival 2024

The Wells Christmas Tide Festival is an annual holiday celebration held in the seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk. This charming event, coordinated to coincide with the local tides, draws crowds each year to kick off the holiday season with a weekend of family-friendly festivities, live entertainment, and beloved traditions.

This year, the festival will take place over the weekend starting Friday, 29th November 2024, with main events scheduled for Saturday, 30th November, and additional activities on Sunday, 1st December.

Key Highlights of Wells Christmas Tide Festival 2024

• Friday, 29th November
  The festival begins on Friday evening with carol singing on the Buttlands, an open green space where locals and visitors alike can join together to sing holiday favourites and share in the spirit of the season.
• Saturday, 30th November – Main Event
  This is the big day of the festival, packed with performances, festive activities, and cherished traditions:
  • Street Performers and Stalls: Throughout the day, the main street and the Health Centre car park will come alive with entertainment acts and a variety of stalls offering handmade crafts, holiday treats, and unique gifts.
  • Lantern Making and Procession: Children are invited to make lanterns, which they can then carry in the lantern procession later in the evening. The procession, featuring bands, dancers, and fire-eaters, will add a magical glow to the town.
  • Light Ceremony at 5 pm: At dusk, BBC presenter David Whiteley will officially switch on the town’s Christmas lights, illuminating Wells in festive splendour.
  • Father Christmas’ Arrival by Boat: One of the festival’s unique features, Father Christmas will make his grand entrance on a boat, docking at the Wells Quay to the delight of young fans. He’ll then make his way to PopInn Amusements, where children with pre-booked tickets can enjoy a special audience with Santa.
  • Fireworks Display: The night will end with a spectacular fireworks show over the marshes, filling the sky with colour and holiday cheer.
• Sunday, 1st December – Closing Events
  On Sunday, festival-goers can experience:
  • Father Christmas Visits: Santa will be available for pre-booked audiences in the Maltings, continuing to spread holiday joy.
  • Carol Singing on the Quayside: Around the town’s Christmas tree on the Quayside, visitors are invited to close the weekend with another round of carols, a heartwarming tradition for the Wells community.
  • Craft Stalls and Christmas Tree Festival: Craft stalls will remain open for browsing, and the Christmas Tree Festival at the Congregational Hall will be open all weekend, showcasing beautifully decorated trees from Friday through Sunday.

Mark your calendars for this magical celebration and come share in the joy, traditions, and warmth that Wells Christmas Tide Festival brings to the community every year!

** Please note images have been taken from the venue’s own site. Stay Play UK takes no responsibility for the copyright of these images **