Ho ho ho! It’s time to join us on Sammy’s Christmas Adventure through Ipswich Town Centre!

Can you spot Sammy the Reindeer hiding in shop windows around town? Keep your eyes peeled for 21 special letters that are hiding with Sammy. Once you’ve found them all, unscramble them to reveal a secret message. Be quick, because the first 50 people to find them will get a free hot chocolate. Head over to Combat Coffee in the Ancient House Christmas pop-up market (open 7th-10th December), say the secret message to them to claim your free hot chocolate!

But that’s not all!.

Don’t forget to look up as you’re walking around the Cornhill! You might just catch a glimpse of Sammy and his helpers flying around, or even spot a certain someone and his helpers! All you have to do to see him is follow these two simple steps:

1. Download the app by scanning the QR code on the map
2. Open the app and follow the instructions.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your coats, scarves, and reindeer antlers and join us on this magical Christmas adventure!

You can download a PDF copy of the map here

Thursday 7 December │ Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Cafe │ 4:30pm – 7pm & 7pm – 9pm

Two FREE events based at Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Café on Thursday 7th December 2023.

Event One: A free ‘Family’ Ceramics Painting event from 4.30 – 6.00pm to offer an after-school family activity. Max 36 participants

Event Two: A free ‘Adult’ only Ceramics Painting event from 7.00 – 9.00pm with an acoustic music set by Kane Crooks a local up and coming singer song writer. Max 30 participants.

Both activities will offer each participant a ceramic Christmas Tree Decoration to paint completely free of charge. Both events have been planned to coincide with late night festive shopping . Booking is essential by contacting Pennikkity Pots on 01473 216865 to get your name on the event list. Places are limited.

Address:
1 Crown Anchor Mews,
Tower Ramparts,
Ipswich
IP1 3DJ

https://www.facebook.com/PennikkityPots

Thursday 7 December │ Cornhill│ 5pm – 8pm

Get into the festive spirit at the Creative Christmas Market on the Cornhill. This festive event offers a charming evening with an Ice King juggler, lovely carol singing, and a delightful array of handmade treasures, ensuring you find that perfect gift. Additionally, be sure to indulge in a delectable food stall and enjoy a comforting glass of mulled wine.

Address:
Cornhill,
Ipswich,
IP1 1DH

https://www.facebook.com/chipcic

Thursday 7 December │ Cornhill │ 6pm – 7pm

Get into the festive spirit at the Creative Christmas Market on the Cornhill. This festive event offers a charming evening with an Ice King juggler, lovely carol singing, and a delightful array of handmade treasures, ensuring you find that perfect gift. Additionally, be sure to indulge in a delectable food stall and enjoy a comforting glass of mulled wine.

Address:
Cornhill,
Ipswich,
IP1 1DH

https://www.facebook.com/chipcic

Thursday 7 December │ Cornhill │ 5pm – 8pm

Get into the festive spirit at the Creative Christmas Market on the Cornhill. This festive event offers a charming evening with an Ice King juggler, lovely carol singing, and a delightful array of handmade treasures, ensuring you find that perfect gift. Additionally, be sure to indulge in a delectable food stall and enjoy a comforting glass of mulled wine.

Address:
Cornhill,
Ipswich,
IP1 1DH

https://www.facebook.com/chipcic

Thursday 7 December │ St Stephens Church │ 5pm – Late

Brighten the Corners is bringing the Christmas cheer to St Stephen’s Church with a festive shindig from 5pm until late on Thursday 7th December!

Get into the spirit of the season with some funky DJ sounds and mingle with fellow merrymakers over a glass of something festive at our licensed bar, or indulge in delicious treats from our cafe.

And if you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for that special someone, be sure to check out Hex Record Shop, which will be selling a selection of old vinyl.

So come on down to St Stephen’s Church and let Brighten the Corners make your Christmas merry and bright!

Address:
St Stephens Ln,
Ipswich
IP1 1DP

https://www.facebook.com/ststephensipswich

Thursday 7 & Saturday 9 December │ Cornhill │ 2pm – 8:30pm

Submit your messages here – www.handsomemade.co.uk/form

Address:
Cornhill,
Ipswich,
IP1 1DH

Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 December │ Cornhill │ Various

This beautiful, iconic, heritage building is being brought to life and will be full of artists, makers and independent businesses for you to do your Christmas shopping in style. Eat, drink and shop with us. There will be lots of surprises, and the opportunity for you to get a guided tour of this historic building.

We’re open 4:30pm-8pm on Thursday 7th December, 10am-5pm on Friday/Saturday 8/9th December and 10am-4pm on Sunday 10th December.

We’re also part of the Where’s Sammie the Reindeer Christmas Trail!

Address:
30 Buttermarket,
Ipswich
IP1 1BT

https://www.facebook.com/AncientHouseIpswich

Saturday 9 December │ Cornhill │ 1pm – 6pm

Three Wise Monkeys Ipswich great beer brewed by Other Monkey Brewing! 🍻

Indulge in our core 4 beers on tap or experience the festive flavours of our Christmas special. 🎄🍺

Meet our head brewer and chat about all things OMB and the thriving beer scene in Ipswich. 🗣️🍻

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to savour delicious brews and immerse yourself in the world of craft beer. See you there! 🍻✨

Address:
Cornhill,
Ipswich,
IP1 1DH

Saturday 9 December │ Christchurch Mansion │ Various

Our costumed guides will be talking about life at Christchurch Mansion over the centuries.

10am – 12pm
1pm – 3pm

Address:
Soane St,
Ipswich
IP4 2BE

https://www.facebook.com/foimipswichmuseums

Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 December │ Cornhill │ 1pm – 6pm

A Penguin’s Dream is a spectacular Christmas play, choreographed and performed by the talented team at the Ipswich School of Dancing. This captivating production, set against the backdrop of the iconic Corn Hill, features beloved holiday characters, festive music, and stunning costumes, transporting the audience to a winter wonderland. Following the play, attendees are invited to join in, learn some show-stopping dance numbers, and share in the joy of the season.

Join us on Saturday December 9th for two shows at 1:00pm and 3:30pm with dance activities continuing until 6:00pm

Address:
Cornhill,
Ipswich,
IP1 1DH

www.ipswichdance.co.uk/events

Saturday 9 December │ Ipswich County Library │ 1pm – 4pm

Saturday 9th December
1-4pm – Children’s Area

Join us for a Christmas Party with games, music, a festive craft, refreshments and a magical grotto where children will receive a Christmas gift!

Aimed at families with children under 10years old, this event is free to attend, but booking is essential. This event is free to attend, but booking is essential. Please call 01473 927260 to book or speak to staff at the library.

Address:
County Library,
Northgate St,
Ipswich
IP1 3DE

https://www.facebook.com/ipswichcountylibrary

Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 December │ TeaMix │ 11am – 2pm

TEAMIX in cooperation with the Ipswich Borough Council,
invites families with children 8-14 yrs old to a
‘TeaMix Junior Makes Bubble Tea!’
A do it yourself facilitated activity!

Address:
1 Museum St,
Ipswich
IP1 1HQ

https://www.facebook.com/teamixUK

Saturday 9 December │ Wolsey Statue │ 11am – 3pm

Join us for seashanty singsong by the Wolsey statue in St Peters St. There will be mulled wine, Christmassy stalls and or course, some caroling.

Address:
1 St Peter’s St,
Ipswich
IP1 1XF

https://www.facebook.com/thesaintsipswich

Sunday 10 December │ The Black Horse Inn │ 12pm – 10pm

Join us at The Black Horse, a community-run pub: “Step into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens at The Black Horse Inn and experience a timeless Dickensian Christmas by candlelight, where the past comes to life in a night of festive wonder, delicious feasts, and heart-warming carols.

Address:
23 Black Horse Ln,
Ipswich
IP1 2EF

https://www.facebook.com/BlackHorseIpswich/

Sunday 10 December │ Cornhill │ 11am – 12pm

Local community choir, Pop Chorus, will spread some seasonal cheer on the Cornhill on Sunday 10th December. Their upbeat, joyful singing of well-known pop and festive songs will warm your heart and make you smile. Come and hear their magical sounds.

Address:
Town Hall,
Ipswich
IP1 1DH

Sunday 10 December │ Dove Street Studio │ 12pm – 4pm

Join us at Rock Paper Scissors HQ for our Festive Family Community Open Day. We have free artist-led drop-in workshopd for all the family, including Printmaking, Illustration and decoration making.
We would love you to help us decorate our studio in time for Christmas! We will also have free refreshments all afternoon.

Address:
11 Dove St,
Ipswich
IP4 1NG

https://www.facebook.com/teamrockpaperscissors