The Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity and Winter Wonderland Norwich are calling on families, friends, businesses and community groups across East Anglia to pull on their elf costumes and help stage the world’s biggest elf skate.
Winter Wonderland Norwich is promising free ice skating for every visitor dressed as an elf as it opens with a special event supporting the Charity with a "National Elf Day”, raising money tobenefit patients and staff across the region.
Taking place at 6pm on Friday, 20 November 2026 at the Royal Norfolk Showground, Norwich, participants dressed as elves can skate on the real ice rink for free, with their session booked in advance through WinterWonderlandNorwich.com.
Anyone wishing to support the charity can make a voluntary donation on the day.
After welcoming 122 elves last year, organisers are aiming for more than 200 this November, hoping to surpass the 193 participants reported at Clarks Village’s 2025 elf skate.
Michelle Matthews, of Winter Wonderland Norwich, said: “We want East Anglia to join forces, don there Elf costumes and skates and take to our huge real ice rink, to help us make this something really special.
“As well as the opportunity to skate for FREE, it’s a chance to have a brilliantly fun evening and help support a fantastic local charity.
“We hope the evening is well supported to ensure East Anglia beats the current record. Donations are entirely voluntary, but we hope to raise as much as possible for Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity.
“Every elf counts! Bring your family, round up your friends and help us start the Winter Wonderland season with an opening night to remember.”
Rachel Backshall, N&N Hospitals Charity Director, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Winter Wonderland Norwich for this fantastic festive event and we hope to really put Norfolk on the map.
“The elf skate is a fun way for people to come together, support their local hospitals and help raise vital funds – and we might even make a new world record.”
Event details
Date: Friday 20 November 2026
Time: Event opens 5pm-10pm, Elf Skate 6pm-7pm
Venue: Winter Wonderland Norwich, Royal Norfolk Showground, Norwich NR5 0TT
Participation: Come dressed as an elf and skate free; advance booking required
Booking: WinterWonderlandNorwich.com select 20th November - Free Admission - Ice Skate - ELF SKATE