Christmas Crackers
Desperately seeking Santa? Check out these Christmas Crackers for some festive fun taking place in Surrey this November…
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH / NOVEMBER 15 / HIGH STREET, GUILDFORD
High Streets up and down the country countdown to Christmas with the annual light switch on. Head for the Setts of Guildford’s High Street to experience a fiesta of festive activities. Let the late-night shopping commence!
For more information, www.experienceguildford.com
GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 16 – 17 / GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
Guildford Cathedral hosts their annual winter market and fair and this year, you lucky folk get to experience the event for not one day, but two whole days of festive fun and shopping. Find bespoke one-off gifts and unique decorations from over 50 stall holders.
For more information, www.guildfrod-cathedral.org
CHRISTMAS CONTEMPORARY CRAFT & DESIGN FAIR / NOVEMBER 21 – 25 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
With craftspeople and stall holders gathered from around the country, visit The Christmas Craft Fair at RHS Wisley for your festive shopping this winter set within the beautiful surroundings of the garden. Be inspired by brilliant crafts and pick some unusual gifts.
For more information, www.rhs.org.uk
MAKE A WILLOW STAR / NOVEMBER 22 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Make your way over to Farnham Maltings and learn how to create a willow star decorated with fairy lights at this fun craft workshop taking place this November. Led by local basket maker Judith Needham, weave your willow and hang your final product upon your front door or atop your Christmas tree this year.
For more information, www.farnhammaltings.com
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOVEMBER 23 – JANUARY 6 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Get set to skate at Hampton Court Palace this month as their ice rink returns for the festive season. Enjoy spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace in what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic outdoor ice-rinks in the country. Take part in either daytime or evening skating sessions and follow your follies around the ice with a mug of something hot in the Café Bar located alongside the ice-rink.
For more information, visit www.hrp.org.uk
FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS / NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 23 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Enjoy a spectacle to behold this winter as Painshill Park is brought to life with festive illuminations and laser beams cascading around the park. Follow the winter trails and see this beautifully landscaped park lit like never before.
For more information, www.painshill.co.uk
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND / NOVEMBER 24 – 25 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of midwinter as the Victorian Christmas Weekend returns to Watts Gallery Artists’ Village for a weekend of festive activities for the whole family. Sing carols merrily, make a plethora of Christmas decorations, enjoy festive crafts and of course, meet Father Christmas himself as he tells festive tales. This event will typically sell out, so get your tickets quick to avoid disappointment.
For more information, visit www.wattsgallery.org.uk
CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 28 – 29 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Make your way to this great midweek Christmas Fair held at the Farnham Maltings 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 typical festive frivolities of listening to Christmas Carols, sipping on mulled wine and munching on many mince pies.
For more information, www.farnhammaltings.com
PETER PAN & THE LOOSE BOYS / NOVEMBER 29 – JANUARY 1 / THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
The great theatrical tradition of a Christmas pantomime should not be confined to a juvenile audience, no, no. Back with an ever-so naughty alternative take on J.M Barrie’s classic story of the boy who never wanted to grow up, join the Guildford Theatre Fringe Company for their annual adult hurrah into the land of panto as Peter Pan & the Loose Boys find their way into the Back Room of The (second) Star (to the right).
For more information, www.guildfordfringe.com
BYFLEET VILLAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET / NOVEMBER 30 / PLOUGH GREEN, BYFLEET
Browse, buy and be enchanted by this traditional Christmas market held in Byfleet Village near Woking. Expect to find a variety of stalls from local makers and find unique gifts to give, tuck into some seasonal food and drink and listen to live music and the odd Christmas carol to complete the day.
For more information, visit www.celebratewoking.info
A CHRISTMAS CAROL / NOVEMBER 30 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON-ON-THAMES
The Dickensian classic, A Christmas Carol¸ is brought to life in this remarkable one-man show taking place at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre. Performed by Olivier Award-winning actor Guy Masterson, who leaps in and out of characters like the spirit of Christmas itself, experience a magical journey to remember this November.
For more information, www.riverhousebarn.co.uk