A GUIDE TO YULETIDE IN SURREY
With twinkling lights beginning to grace high streets around the county, it’s safe to say that Christmas is just around the corner. For big kids and those wishing to embrace the festive season in all its shiny glory, find below our guide to yuletide in Surrey. Pour yourself a steaming goblet of mulled wine, get comfy beside the fire and say to yourself, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOVEMBER 13 – JANUARY 9 / 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. Advanced booking is essential.
For more information, visit hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
GLOW / NOVEMBER 19 – 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 will once again put on a captivating light show 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
CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 24 – 25 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
This excellent midweek Christmas Fair held at the Farnham Malting this November. Browse from over 150 stalls selling a plethora of exciting gifts to give, take part in the free drop-in workshop to make your own unique Christmas tags, and enjoy the usual festive frivolities of listening to Christmas carols sipping on mulled wine and munching on many mince pies.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
ALADDIN ONE RUB TOO MANY / NOVEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 31 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Those naughty lot at Guildford Fringe are at it again. Back in The Back Room of The Star Inn for a season of silly adult panto, catch Aladdin give his lamp a good rub this winter. Not for the faint-hearted, expect unending innuendo from start to finish.
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
COBHAM CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA / NOVEMBER 26 / COBHAM
It’s back! Kick-off the Christmas season in Cobham with a festive extravaganza of epic proportions. From roasted chestnuts and steaming mulled wine to arts, Christmas crafts and live music, join in with the fun in Cobham from 4 pm. Love Island’s, Chuggs will be switching on the lights at 7 pm.
For more information, visit cobhamvillage.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT POLSEDEN LACEY / NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 26 / POLESDEN LACEY, DORKING
Get in the mood for the festive season with a trip to National Trust property Polesden Lacey this month. With the house transformed into an evergreen wonderland, experience the sights and smells of Christmas and meet some seasonal characters along the way.
For more information, nationaltrust.org.uk
DORKING CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL / NOVEMBER 28 / DORKING TOWN CENTRE
Dorking is set to be transformed into a Winter Wonderland this November as the community come to celebrate the festive season. From midday till 6 pm, browse market stalls from the town’s independent retailers, be entertained by local choirs carol singing and eat seasonal treats that lie in wait from local food and drink producers.
For more information, visit dorkingtownpartnership.co.uk
CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 3, 10 + 11 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Looking to create a Christmas wreath? These fun and festive workshops will help you fashion your very own decorative offering to hang upon your own front door or to give as a gift.
For more information, visit cranleighartscentre.org
ETSY GUILDFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 4 / GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
The community-led craft initiative Etsy comes to Guildford Cathedral for the Etsy Made Local Christmas Market. Meet local makers and discover a treasure trove of talent. Join in with the festivities from 10 am-4 pm and discover locally homemade gifts to give this Christmas.
For more information, visit facebook.com/etsyguildford/
RICK WAKEMAN: THE NOT QUITE AS GRUMPY AS LAST XMAS TOUR / DECEMBER 5 / DORKING HALLS
The king of the keyboards, the Santa of synthesised piano, Mr Rick Wakeman, arrives at Dorking Halls endeavouring to be not quite as grumpy as last year. Featuring the songs of YES, David Bowie, The Beatles and music with a festive twist, get tickets to see this true legend of rock’ n’ roll.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
RESTORATIVE FIRE-SIDE YOGA & SEASONAL SUPPER / DECEMBER 5 + 19 / THE SALTBOX, PRIORY FARM, REDHILL
Take a breather from the mania that this particular month may invoke, and take a seat at this fire-side yoga and seasonal supper. Hosted by wild cooking enthusiasts, The Salt Box take some time for you, surrounded by nature’s wonder. Expect your mind, body and belly to be nourished and find some calm before the seasonal storm that Christmas can sometimes bring.
For more information, visit wearethesaltbox.co.uk
ADAM KAY – THE NIGHTSHIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 6 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Get ready for the festive season with a healthy dose of funny, as Adam Kay reveals his hilarious observations from Christmas times behind hospital lines. A love letter to all those who get baubles and fairy lights stuck in all sorts of bodily places they shouldn’t, listen to Adam’s stories from his time working in hospitals and thank your lucky Christmas stars they’re not about you.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
NATIVITY BY LIVING SPIT / DECEMBER 9 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
For a naughty night out this Christmas, head for Farnham Maltings and witness the Nativity as you never have before. Not for the faint-hearted (or extremely religious), the funny folk of Living Spit will bring with them a mix of silly songs, pitiful puppetry and Biblical befuddlement.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
HUNDRED WATT CLUB – A FESTIVE EVENING OF BURLESQUE & VAUDEVILLE / DECEMBER 10 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Hundred Watt Club will unwrap their Christmas presents for you at this very special festive evening of burlesque and vaudeville. Full of naughty but nice treats for your eyes and ears to devour, expect a night of teasing and tinsel and Guildford’s Electric Theatre.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
SUNRISE FOREST BATHING / DECEMBER 11, 12 / HOLMBURY HILL, DORKING
When all the Christmas shopping and socialising get a bit too much, take yourself off to Holmbury Hill and enjoy a spot of sunrise Forest Bathing this December. Feel the energy and restorative power that a good forest bath can bring and leave feeling rejuvenated and ready for the rest of the season ahead.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
NEWLANDS CORNER CHRISTMAS POP-UP / DECEMBER 11 – 12 / NEWLANDS CORNER, GUILDFORD
Head for the Surrey Hills and enjoy this special Christmas pop-up market taking place at Newlands Corner on the outskirts of Guildford. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Surrey countryside and soak up the seasonal atmosphere by browsing stalls for gifts to give to your loved ones this year.
For more information, visit surreycc.gov.uk
SANTA RUN / DECEMBER 12 / DENBIES WINE ESTATE, DORKING
Santa works off some of last year’s mince pies in this 5km dash around Denbies Wine Estate. But wait – he’s also invited his mates, who, incidentally, are so inspired by the great man that they all look like him! So watch on as hundreds of Santa’s enjoy a fun run against a backdrop of festive tunes and entertainment. Fancy taking part? Entry is £25, includes your own Santa suit, mulled wine and mince pie.
For more information, visit denbies.co.uk
THE NATIVITY JOURNEY / 15 – 20 DECEMBER / WINTERSHALL
The story of Christmas is brought to life in this exceptional retelling of the Nativity. Take the time to reflect on how this festive furore came to be, with the birth of baby Jesus -complete with on-looking animals and a terrific cast of characters.
For more information, visit wintershall.org.uk
CREATIVELY CURIOUS – CHRISTMAS CRAFTING / DECEMBER 16 / G LIVE CAFE, GUILDFORD
Taking place from 10 am – 12noon on the second Thursday of every month, G Live’s free Creatively Curious art, and craft sessions take a seasonal twist this December. No experience is necessary, so why not try your hand to create some Christmas accoutrements for your home. No booking required, all materials provided, and suitable for all ages.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
RUSTIC WOODEN CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND DECORATIONS / DECEMBER 16 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Get crafty this Christmas and sign up for this festive woodworking workshop at Farnham Maltings. Join expert Ruth Wheeler and learn how to carve, burn and paint your own eco-friendly Christmas decorations and gifts.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
GUILDFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 17 – 22 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Celebrate the season with this six-day Christmas Market taking place at The Electric Theatre in the centre of Guildford. Expect market stalls selling their wares, festive food and drink, children’s rides, live music and much more.
For more information, visit zoomevents.co.uk
A CHRISTMAS CRACKER / DECEMBER 18 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Guildford Choral invite you to G Live this December for a musical celebration of Christmas for all the family. The choir will be joined in G Live’s s concert hall by the young voices of the Royal Grammar School Prep Christmas choir and the brilliant brass of Southern Pro Musica for a feast of carols and seasonal music, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to join in with your Christmas favourites.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
DILLIE KEANE AND BARB JUNGR: TWO TURTLE DOVES / DECEMBER 18 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Musical and cabaret legends Dillie Keane and Barb Jungr join forces to present a special festive show written especially for the Electric Theatre. Featuring Jenny Carr on piano, expect a night of riotous entertainment from two international stars on the stage. An evening not to be mistletoed.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
CHRISTMAS MAKE AND TAKE WEEKEND / DECEMBER 18 & 19 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM
Whether you’re curious about crafts or simply fancy making seasonal gifts to give this year, head for the Rural Life Living Museum on the outskirts of Farnham for a weekend of festive make and take activities.
For more information, visit rural-life.org.uk
ROSE CHRISTMAS SNOWBALL / DECEMBER 20 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
There’s nothing quite like the sound of angelic choirs singing Christmas carols. In what is sure to be one of London’s finest carol concerts this side of the Thames, the hotly-anticipated return of the Rose Christmas Snowball features local choirs and music groups singing modern arrangements and traditional songs led by choir director Mary Bourne.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
LOOKING FOR MORE THINGS TO DO?
CHECK OUT THESE GUIDES TO GOING OUT