The Wonder: A Christmas Gift to Norwich
Every year, as the holiday season approaches, the city of Norwich comes alive with festive cheer. Among the most anticipated events is “The Wonder,” a spectacular Christmas production hosted by SOUL Church that has become a beloved tradition in the community. This December, the church expects to welcome up to 15,000 attendees across two weekends for their free Christmas extravaganza. What began eight years ago has evolved into a cornerstone of Norwich’s holiday celebrations, bringing families together to experience the joy and meaning of Christmas through an immersive theatrical experience.
“At SOUL Church, we love to celebrate Christmas and to give something back to our community,” explains Senior Pastor Jon Norman, the heart behind this annual tradition. “The Wonder is our gift to the city – a show that brings families together, shares joy, and reminds us all of the message at the heart of Christmas.” This sentiment captures the essence of what makes The Wonder special – it’s not just a performance but a heartfelt offering to the community, created with love and presented free of charge to ensure accessibility for all. The production represents countless hours of planning and preparation, all driven by a desire to spread hope and joy during the holiday season.
The Wonder will return for its 2023 season on December 6, 7, 13, and 14 at SOUL Church’s Heartsease Lane location in Norwich. Each day will feature multiple showtimes to accommodate the thousands expected to attend. The production has earned its reputation through a creative blend of live music, energetic dance performances, stunning visual effects, and compelling storytelling that appeals to audiences of all ages. Children delight in appearances from Santa and other larger-than-life characters, while adults appreciate the professional quality of the production and its ability to reconnect them with the wonder of Christmas they may have experienced in childhood.
Behind the scenes, The Wonder represents a remarkable community effort. Over 300 volunteers contribute their time and talents to bring the production to life, serving as cast members, musicians, technical crew, front-of-house staff, and hospitality team members. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the experience—from the moment guests arrive until they depart—creates lasting holiday memories for attendees. The scale of the production has grown substantially since its inception, with increasingly ambitious technical elements and creative components added each year, yet the volunteer spirit remains at its core. This community involvement exemplifies the church’s mission to bring people together in service of something greater than themselves.
While tickets for The Wonder are completely free, they are required due to the event’s immense popularity. Tickets will become available to the public starting at 5 PM on Sunday, November 9, through the church’s website. In previous years, some performances have filled quickly, so interested attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early to avoid disappointment. The free ticketing model reflects SOUL Church’s commitment to removing barriers that might prevent families from experiencing the joy of the season together, particularly important during times when many households face financial pressures that can diminish holiday celebrations.
SOUL Church, led by Pastors Jon and Chantel Norman, has established itself as a vibrant presence in Norwich far beyond the Christmas season. Through its various ministries and community outreach programs, including its charitable arm, The Soul Foundation, the church works year-round to bring “faith, hope, and love to the city and beyond.” The Wonder represents just one aspect of this broader mission—albeit one that has touched thousands of lives over its eight-year history. As December approaches, the church’s team of volunteers is busy finalizing preparations for what promises to be another unforgettable celebration of the Christmas spirit, inviting the entire community to experience the wonder of the season in a production that has become a cherished Norwich tradition.
