7 major Ipswich events to look forward to in December 2023

1. Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

The cast of Sleeping Beauty will take to the stage on November 15 (Image: Ipswich Regent)

Where: Ipswich Regent

When: Friday, December 15 to Sunday, December 31. 

Cost: From £15

Emmerdale star Vicki Michelle will be swapping the Yorkshire Dales for the Ipswich stage this year as she steps into the role of the Wicked Fairy.

Britain's Got Talent legends Twist and Pulse will also take to the stage as some henchmen. 

The show will have 3D projection animations, making it a colourful an immersive family experience. 

2. Christmas Vintage and Maker's Market

St Stephens Church in Ipswich will host its first ever Christmas market this year (Image: Newsquest/Canva)

Where: St Stephen's Church

When: December 3

Cost: free

St Stephen's Church near the Buttermarket in Ipswich has announced that it will be hosting a Christmas vintage and maker's market for the first time this year. 

The church was recently granted a new premises license by the council, meaning that it can serve alcohol, and mulled wine and beer will be flowing at the market.

Independent makers, festive craft workshops, second-hand clothes, record, DJs, coffee, beer and even mulled wine will be served at the event.

3. Happy Christmas Ipswich 4

Griff Rhys Jones will be hosting the comedy event this year (Image: Newsquest)

Where: Ipswich Regent

When: December 4

Cost: from £45

For the fourth year running, some of the nation's biggest comedians will gather on December 4 for a show named Happy Christmas Ipswich at the Regent Theatre.

Griff Rhys Jones is returning to host the show and will be joined on stage by comedy legends Rob Brydon, Dara Ó Briain, Dame Joanna Lumley and Omid Djalili, among others. 

EACH Patron Griff Rhys Jones said: "Thanks go to the line-up and big thanks also to those who buy tickets and come to the show every year. If you haven’t already bought your ticket, my advice would be to get in quick."

4. Winter Ipswich Weekender

Ipswich will host a series of events over the weekender (Image: Newsquest)

Where: Ipswich town centre

When: December 8 to 10

Cost: free

A range of events will take place around Ipswich for the weekend of festivities, including a Dickensian Christmas by Candlelight event at The Black Horse Inn, a costumed tour of Christchurch Mansion and a DJ night at St Stephen's Church. 

Visitors should check ipswichentertains.co.uk for more information. 

5. Carols by Candlelight

Where: The Moon and Mushroom

When: Tuesday, December 19

Cost: free

The Moon and Mushroom have announced their annual carols by candlelight event, a yearly occurrence when diners can enjoy the music of local carollers while they enjoy their meal. 

In previous years this event has been fully booked, so those looking to make the most of the evening should contact the pub soon. 

6. Meet Father Christmas

Father Christmas will be at the Christchurch Mansion Christmas event (Image: Newsquest)

Where: Christchurch Mansion

When: December 16 and 17

Cost: from £9.95

Christmas at the Mansion is a magical time, and this year is no different.

Join Father Christmas in his grotto for this family-friendly experience.

Following a group Christmas game, each child will enjoy a short visit with Father Christmas and receive a gift. 

7. Trinity Park Big Christmas Adventure

Where: Trinity Park

When: December 15

Cost:  £12.95 for adults and £7.95 for children

The Big Christmas Adventure returns to Trinity Park with fun foods, children's rides, and the chance to meet Santa. 

New for this year is Trinity Lights, an interactive light trail across the grounds of the park. 

There will also be amusement and rides for children to enjoy, which can be paid for either with tokens or a wristband for unlimited rides for £9.99 per person.