What’s on this Christmas? The Bury St Edmunds 2025 Guide

As we move into the festive season, Bury St Edmunds will once again come alive with markets, workshops, performances, family-friendly fun, and plenty of opportunities to soak up the magic of Christmas. Whether you’re planning a festive day out with the whole family, meeting friends for seasonal celebrations, or looking for an evening of entertainment, there’s something happening in town for everyone.

Here’s your complete guide to what’s on in Bury St Edmunds this Christmas.

Abbey Gardens is always a peaceful escape at this time of year, perfect for a winter wander with little ones or a dog walk before stopping for something warm in town. This year, there are FREE family rides, open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am – 4pm, until Sunday, 21st December, and Monday, 22 December to Christmas Eve, 11am – 4pm.

The Wednesday and Sunday Provisions Markets (9am–4pm) continue throughout the season, bringing around 70 stalls to the town centre. Expect everything from locally sourced meat, fish, fruit and veg, to handmade crafts, plants, pottery and vintage finds, perfect for picking up Christmas gifts while supporting local traders.

Back for 2025, many town centre businesses will once again take part in the Christmas Window Competition. Wander through the streets and enjoy the creativity on show, as shops transform their windows into festive displays.

Running from 20th November to 15th December, the Christmas M’arc’et at the arc Shopping Centre brings Eden Crafts’ showcase of handmade gifts, from jewellery and woodcraft to artwork, textiles and seasonal deìcor.

New for this year is the Festive Friday Evening Market on Friday 28th November, from 2pm–8pm. Filled with seasonal food, drink, crafts and live entertainment, it’s a lovely way to begin the weekend.

On 7th December, the Makers Market returns to the town centre (10am–3pm), with local makers offering fine art, woodcraft, jewellery, homeware, clothing, and artisan food and drink.

Back by popular demand and bigger than last year, Bury St Edmunds’ FREE to use synthetic ice Christmas skating rink will open daily in Charter Square in the arc Shopping Centre on December 23, until January 5 every day from 11am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day and 10am-4pm on Christmas Eve). Sessions are 30 minutes long, including putting on and taking off skates.

Theatre Royal’s Christmas pantomime, Rapunzel, runs from 21st November to 18th January. With matinees, accessible performances and under-21 discounts on selected dates, it’s the perfect festive outing. The Gala Performance on Sunday 7th December at 1pm includes pre-show nibbles, drinks, ice cream, a programme and a children’s goodie bag.

On Monday 9th December, Theatre Royal also hosts Carols from Cambridge, performed by the Selwyn College Chapel Choir, a warm, traditional celebration of the season.

St Edmundsbury Cathedral provides a magical setting for Christmas by Candlelight on Friday 6th December (7.30pm), featuring beloved Christmas classics and atmospheric lighting.

The arc Shopping Centre brings festive fun with the Golden Gallopers from 27th November to 30th December, alongside Theatre Royal’s Christmas Cabin, an interactive mini-performance for children up to age 7, where little ones can join Fudge the Elf and help Santa in his workshop.

For those who enjoy something a bit different, Dabblers Sleigh Bae Bingo returns to Abbeygate Cinema on 6th December, festive fancy dress encouraged. Verve also hosts lively seasonal bingo nights with prizes, dancing, and mini games.

Music lovers can enjoy Christmas Movies by Candlelight with the London Concertante on 19th December, featuring classics such as Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf and The Polar Express.

The Cathedral Christmas Market runs from 27th to 29th November (10am–4.30pm) and brings together over 50 independent stallholders offering handcrafted Christmas gifts, festive food and local produce. A wonderful way to start holiday shopping.

Wreath-making workshops return for 2025 across several venues. The Flowerhut is hosting luxury wreath evenings between 28th November and 6th December (5.30–8pm), complete with mulled wine and nibbles.

On 29th November, St Edmundsbury Cathedral hosts a two-hour wreath workshop (2pm–4pm) led by Bekah from Rose & Rhubarb, which includes all materials, tools, and seasonal refreshments.

If you prefer something lively and social, Crafty Foxes will be holding wreath-making evenings at Verve on 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th December (7pm–9pm). Expect festive foliage, berries, and dried fruit, along with a complimentary mulled wine or sparkling wine.

For a delicious and festive breakfast, the big man himself is making a pitstop at The Fox Inn on the 6th, 13th or 21st of December. Join Santa while tucking into a tasty brekkie for £10.99 per child. Or treat yourself to a two-course or three-course festive dinner including: mini camembert with chutney, hand-carved roast turkey, ham hock and sage pie, and finish with a golden biscuit cheesecake. Book your spot at the Fox Inn’s festive events.

Grab a tasty white chocolate hot chocolate with whipped cream and a gingerbread crumb at Baileys2, and a warm mince pie served with ice cream or cream.

Procopios Pantry is offering a festive Christmas afternoon tea filled with goodies such as: Cauliflower cheese soup, Pigs in blankets sausage roll, Cranberry and orange scone and a Black Forest chocolate brownie.

Stop in at Greggs and experience their festive menu, including a Festive flatbread, festive bake, gingerbread muffin or Christmas cake slice, and wash down with a festive salted caramel coffee.

The Wine Cellar has upgraded its sushi night with a special Festive Christmas menu, including delicacies such as Bluefin Tuna, Amberjack and Salmon Caviar. And while you’re there, why not enjoy a glass of wine or two, with plenty to choose from, from all over the world?

If festive drinks are what you are after, spend an evening in Verve, enjoying their festive selection, including Winter Spritz, Merry Mimosas, and even a Rum Rum Rudolph!

Harriets Cafe is serving a delicious festive afternoon tea including sandwiches, scones, cakes and Christmas cake. You can even order a Festive Afternoon Tea Box to enjoy cosily at home!

Warm up at Marimba with a delicious hot chocolate, with cocoa beans from South America, or why not try Ruby Hot Chocolate for something different? Midgar has a great offering of delicious cakes, and you can take your furry friend in, too!

Lunch is a MUST in the town’s centre, so pop in to Lotties, Blend or No 5 Angel Hill for a festive treat. Or have a hearty dinner at Queen’s Bar and Grill, specialising in delicious burgers using fresh and organic ingredients.

Take a look at all events throughout November and December in Bury St Edmunds for Christmas, or read our latest blog on all the locations to grab a festive bite to eat in town this Christmas.