This Christmas needs to be extra special, so we’ve brought together some great ideas of things to do and where to go to help you plan the best December ever. There is nothing quite like the magic of Christmas and whilst it might be a little different this year, the shops and businesses in Newmarket have worked hard to come up with some imaginative and wonderful offers, so read on!
The festival season begins here in Newmarket on Friday 20th December with its Virtual Christmas Lights Switch On. No need to wrap up warm this year though as the event can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home as it is live streamed from Love Newmarket’s Facebook page. The Nutcracker Trail then opens from 4th December making shopping in Newmarket so much fun as you track down these striking figurines. In addition, the annual Best Dressed Window Competition will ensure that our High Street looks suitably joyful as the shops battle it out for the best window display. And of course don’t forget to call in and join Santa for tea at Nancy’s Tearooms on selected dates throughout December. We just can’t wait!
As well as the High Street, don’t miss out the chance to support local traders at this year’s Presents Galore – East Anglia’s’ most glamourous Christmas Fair. Going virtual this year, organiser’s Racing Welfare will be bringing you some wonderful small and independent retailers into the depths of your own home, so relax, prepare a drink and log onto their website where a wealth of gift ideas awaits.
Gift Vouchers are always a favourite and a great way to support local businesses. So, whether it is an indulgent Spa Voucher from Bedford Lodge Hotel, an activity voucher to enjoy at nearby Wild Tracks or a voucher to enjoy a behind the scenes, guided tour with Discover Newmarket, there’s something to suit everyone.
The next best thing to a voucher, has got to be a bottle of wine, or two! Impressive to present as a gift and super easy to wrap (thanks to bottle bags) and Newmarket is blessed with its very own independent wine merchants. This year, Corney and Barrow have done all the hard work for you and picked out some fantastic wines for the festival season. They offer in person and on-line pairing advice so that you can impress guests by providing the right wine with the right food and at prices to suit all budgets.
For personalised gifts for the outdoor type, especially horse and dog lovers, Chester and Cooke offer an amazing bespoke range. For something individual check out Art Unequalled, a collection of local, talented artists providing a range of individual gift ideas. Or if you know someone who simply loves a safari then you must check out Melville and Moon who are renowned for their high-quality products that are as functional as they are extravagant.
Or book an experience such as our indulgent Champagne Afternoon Tea and Tour at the iconic Jockey Club Rooms and learn all about the illustrious history of the sport of horseracing. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk around the historic town centre and find out how Newmarket staked its claim as the Home of Horseracing.
If you are considering how best to decorate your home this Christmas then book yourself into the Festival Wreath Making Tipi at The Packhorse Inn, Moulton on Saturday 5th December. Their newly transformed Winter Garden makes for a fabulous setting to get crafty with foliage and flowers while sipping on warm mulled Suffolk cider. How delightful does that sound! Or of course make a night of it and book into one of their deluxe rooms and really treat yourself. Remember, after the year we have had, we are worth it!
With so many things to do in Newmarket this Christmas, why not book a short break or overnight stay? We have some fabulous accommodation so browse our website for further ideas and inspiration and make Newmarket your base to explore more of Suffolk or neighbouring Norfolk. Find out from these official tourism websites:
Visit Suffolk
The Suffolk Coast
All About Ipswich
Bury and Beyond
Visit East of England
Visit Norfolk
Visit North Norfolk
Visit West Norfolk
Visit the Broads
Visit Norwich
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