THE GUIDE TO YULETIDE – CHRISTMAS IN SURREY
Looking for things to do this Christmas in Surrey? While the typical celebrations may be on hold this year, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Christmas events have all but dried up. Alas, we’ve scoured the borders of Surrey to find you some suitably seasonal treats that will go some way to providing you with some all important Christmas spirit this year. (During these times, please, please check ahead before you travel).
SNOWFARI / NOVEMBER 21 – JANUARY 3 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Take a Snowfari this November and enjoy a super fun family trail through the Painshill landscape. Discover four realms that’ll feature stunning statues befitting the season. Start at the giant Nutcracker forest before taking a stroll through the safari animals. Watch out for polar bears, point out penguins, learn about reindeer and see if you can find the elusive snow leopard. Day tickets are limited for social distancing, so advanced booking is a must.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
GLOW 2020 / NOVEMBER 21 – JANUARY 4 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
Lighting up our lives once again, the magical Christmas Glow returns to RHS Gardens Wisley this month. The festive event at RHS Garden Wisley has been reimagined for 2020 with a new route, captivating light shows and musical accompaniment designed by an in-house team to highlight some of the garden’s best-loved sights. Twinkling lights draw visitors through the Pinetum, Seven Acres and Wisteria Walk, with spectacular moments en route and vibrant displays to be found both inside and outside the Glasshouse.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / DECEMBER 3 – JANUARY 3 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Get set to skate at Hampton Court Palace this month as their ice rink returns for the festive season. With a larger ice-rink taking centre stage to ensure a suitably socially distanced, enjoyable time for all, witness spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace in what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in the country. Take part in either daytime or evening skating sessions and relax with a mug of something hot in the Café Bar.
For more information, visit hrp.org.uk
CINDERELLA / DECEMBER 3 – JANUARY 10 / THEATRE ROYAL, WINDSOR
While the majority of pantomimes up and down the country have been cancelled this year, Theatre Royal in Windsor is continuing their traditional hurrah ensuring that cries of ‘oh no it isn’t’ are lauded loud and true this Christmas. With tickets available to be bought in bubbles of 6, get set for a fairytale Christmas and join Cinderella at the ball as true love awaits. Starring panto faves Debbie McGee, Steven Blakeley, Kevin Cruise and the one and only, Basil Brush. Boom! Boom!
For more information, visit theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
THE LUNA DRIVE-IN WINTER CINEMA / DECEMBER 9 – 21 / ASCOT RACECOURSE
In need of a socially distanced night out at the movies minus the face mark? Those lovely folk at The Luna Cinema bring their Drive-In Winter Cinema to Ascot Racecourse this December, promising a festive big screen experience to remember. Expect Christmas classics such as; Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Holiday, The Snowman, Love Actually, Home Alone, Die Hard and more.
For more information, visit lunadriveincinema.com
THE SNOW QUEEN / DECEMBER 11 – 24 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
A magical adventure awaits you and your family this Christmas as the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is thrilled to announce its production of The Snow Queen, running from Friday 11 to Thursday, December 24 2020. When Kai falls victim to the power of the Snow Queen, his best friend Gerda sets out on an epic journey to rescue him. Can she, with the help of the friends she meets along the way, reach the frozen north and release Kai from the Snow Queen’s icy spell? Find out with a fun and festive family trip to the theatre this December.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
FESTIVE FAYRE / DECEMBER 11 – 13 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Get that festive feeling and head for historic Hampton Court Palace to eat, drink and be merry in a socially distanced fashion this December. A must for any genuine foodie, explore the places courtyards and East front gardens as they’re transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Expect delicious street food, warming drinks and a selection of stalls selling unique gifts to give to your loved ones in your life.
For more information, visit hrpfoodfestivals.com
CHRISTMAS FAIR / DECEMBER 11 – 12 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
The annual Christmas Fair returns dedicated to all your Christmas shopping needs, from jewellery, ceramics, accessories, textiles, stocking fillers, decorations, and not forgetting seasonal food and beverages! All from independent makers and small businesses, this year there will be 75 different stalls each day.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST / DECEMBER 12 – 24 / GODALMING BOROUGH HALL
Offering fun and laughter for all the family, the magical “tale as old as time” Beauty and the Beast will play The Borough Hall, Godalming, from 12 – 26 December. One of only two pantomimes taking place in Surrey this winter, grab your bubble some tickets quick and get ready to raise the roof with cries of ‘he’s behind you!’
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
CHRISTMAS FARMERS MARKET / DECEMBER 15 / HIGH STREET, GUILDFORD
Find festive spirit aplenty as Guildford’s Christmas Farmers’ Market returns to provide shoppers with a range of unique gifts to give to your loved ones this holiday season. Whether you need some locally produced food and drink, or require some inspiration from local arts and craft makers, enjoy the day browsing the stalls found on Guildford’s iconic High Street and get ready to feel Christmassy.
For more information, visit guildford.gov.uk
A CHRISTMAS CAROL / DECEMBER 17 – 27 / ONLINE
This December Guildford Shakespeare Company and Jermyn Street Theatre present a co-production and new online adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story, A Christmas Carol. Starring national treasures, Penelope Keith and Brian Blessed as the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present in what will be GSC’s first Christmas show. So grab a bowl of smoking bishop, cosy up by the fireside and get set for a festive feast of an adventure, all from the comfort of your own home.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
THE HORNE SECTION’S CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 18 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
What is the true meaning of Christmas? It’s hard to say, but it’s probably something to do with five talented musicians being made to do silly things by a bearded comedian. Will they do a carol? Definitely. Can you wear hilarious Christmas jumpers? That’s up to you. Will there be chocolate eggs? No, that’s Easter. But whatever happens, Alex Horne and his band of muddled men will do their best to spread the yuletide joy with a very special one-off Christmas show at Rose Theatre in Kingston this December.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org