DING-A-LING! IT’S A CHRISTMAS THING!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL / NOVEMBER 11 / NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

“Christmas? A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!” exclaims Ebenezer Scrooge in the opening stave of A Christmas Carol. Two of Dickens’ closest theatrical companions find themselves trapped in the footlights’ glare. With the rest of the cast stuck on a train, actress Frances Ternan and Dickens’ faithful tour manager George Dolby take on the daunting challenge of portraying over 30 characters. But, who will play Scrooge?

For more information, visit atgtickets.com/wimbledon-theatre

FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK / NOVEMBER 13 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

After three sell out tours, the ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert is back with an even bigger production for 2024. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites including ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, ‘Step Into Christmas’, ‘Oh Holy Night’ and, of course, ‘The Fairytale of New York’. Bring your friends and family to share in the joy of the season with an unforgettable night of singing, dancing and laughing. Imagine a St Patrick’s Day party…… on Christmas Day! 

For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com

 

WEAVE A WILLOW STAR / NOVEMBER 13 + 21 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

Make a large willow star covered in random weaving and decorate it with fairy lights! You can hang it on your front door instead of a wreath, show it off on top of your tree or display it on your wall all year round. Various sizes are possible up to about 50cm across and you will have time to make a few small stars as well. Suitable for beginners and those who have worked with willow before. All materials will be provided including a set of fairy lights.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com 

 

LOSELEY HOUSE CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 14 – 17 / LOSELEY HOUSE

A creative Christmas awaits at the Rural Craft Association’s annual Crafts for Christmas event held in the grounds of beautiful Loseley Park. Makers from all over the county will be present to exhibit their wonderful talents. Pick up something special, something unique, for the loved ones in your life.

For more information, visit ruralcraftsassociation.co.uk 

 

CHRISTMAS IN THE WOODS / NOVEMBER 15 / BIRTLEY WOODLAND ART SPACE

Bring some rustic charm to your garden and home in time for Christmas by signing up to this charming workshop in the woods. Spend time with your teacher Lorraine and make a beautiful Chandelier Wreath using natural materials coppiced as part of a local woodland management programme.

For more information, visit hedgesandhurdles.com

 

ILLUMINATE GUILDFORD / NOVEMBER 16 – JANUARY 5 / GUILDFORD CASTLE

Step foot into Surrey’s brand new light trail located in the heart of Guildford’s town centre. Explore stunning light installations around the 20-30 minute trail of Guildford Castle. Illuminate will be transforming all aspects of the castle into a winter spectacle this November. Explore the historic grounds as we take you on a magical journey through several activations showcasing the castle and its beautiful grounds.

For more information, visit illuminateguildford.co.uk 

FABULOUSLY FESTIVE / NOVEMBER 16 – JANUARY 5 / HURTWOOD PARK POLO COUNTRY CLUB, EWHURST

Fancy feeling fabulously festive? head over to Hurtwood Park Polo Club near Ewhurst as its transformed into a Winter Wonderland complete with ice rink, Christmas village, traditional fair ground, food, drink, Santa’s Grotto and much more. 

For more information, visit fabulouslyfestive.co.uk

 

GINGERBREAD TEALIGHT HOUSES / NOVEMBER 16 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON

Design your own festive gingerbread tealight house with artist Luisa Cacciotti at Watts Gallery Artists’ Village near Guildford. Use terracotta clay to make a slab pot with cut out windows making it the perfect tealight decoration for the festive season. 

For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk 

 

MAKE HERBAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS / NOVEMBER 18 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Join medical Herbalist Janine Gerhardt for a Christmas extravaganza. Take the stress out of Christmas preparations and create your own unique array of Natural, herbal & seasonal Christmas presents. From delicately scented Bath salts to self-made lip balm, fermented cranberry Christmas sauce and, of course, the traditional sloe gin – immerse yourself in the endless possibilities of discovering your creative side. Ecologically sound, easily replicated with recipes provided.

For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org

THE NUTCRACKER  / NOVEMBER 18 / YVONNE ARNUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Featuring live orchestra with over 30 musicians, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to your local theatre for a dazzling production of the most famous ballet in the world – The Nutcracker. Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic, and love are just some of the elements that will be brought together. A highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

 

WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP / NOVEMBER 20 / JOY FARMS, WEST HORSLEY

Wrap up and get into the festive spirit with a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at the delightful joy Farms nestled in the Surrey Hills! Under the expert guidance of renowned floristry expert Carrie from Topiary-Tree, engage in expert demonstrations, step-by-step hands-on crafting surrounded by nature. Craft your own unique wreath and warm up with delightful festive treats by an open fire. All levels welcome; materials provided. Joy by name, joy by nature.

For more information, visit joyfarms.co.uk

CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 20 – 21 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

This excellent 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 usual festive frivolities of listening to Christmas carols, supping on mulled wine and munching on many mince pies.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

 

ARTS & ARTISAN CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 22 – 24 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

The Arts & Artisan Christmas Market celebrates the best of Surrey’s fine arts, crafts and artisanal produce. Taking place across the Manor House and Place Farm Barn, expect a plethora of unique treats to bestow on your loved ones this year.

For more information, visit surreyhills.org 

RHS GLOW / NOVEMBER 22 – JANUARY 5 / 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 inside and outside the Glasshouse.

For more information, visit rhs.org.uk 

HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOVEMBER 22 – JANUARY 5 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE, EAST MOLESEY

Get set to skate at Hampton Court Palace this month as their ice rink returns for the festive season. First, enjoy spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace in what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in the country. Then, 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 hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.seetickets.com 

 

GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 22 – 23 / GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL

Guildford Cathedral hosts its annual winter market and fair, and this year, you lucky folk get to experience the event for not one day but two days of festive fun and shopping. Find bespoke one-off gifts and unique decorations from over 50 stallholders.

For more information, visit guildford-cathedral.org

 

RAMSTER CHRISTMAS MARKET / NOVEMBER 23 – 24 / RAMSTER HALL, CHIDDINGFOLD

Head to the heart of the Surrey Hills countryside and Ramster’s Christmas Market. This gorgeous setting is the perfect place to soak up the season and undertake a spot of Christmas shopping simultaneously. Find artisanal foodstuffs and gifts from local makers while munching on some mince pies in the process.

For more information, visit ramstervents.com 

 

WINTER TRAIL & THE FATHER CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE / NOVEMBER 23 – JANUARY 5 / PRIORY FARM ESTATE

From immersive theatrical experiences that unravel enchanting tales at the Father Christmas Experience to the new Discovery Land Winter trail sprinkled with stardust, Priory Farm Estate invite you to join a journey of festive fun and unforgettable memories for all the family. Book your tickets pronto for the beginning of a pretty awesome Christmas. 

For more information, visit prioryfarm.co.uk 

 

CHRISTMAS IN GODALMING & FARNCOMBE / NOVEMBER 24 / HIGH STREET, GODALMING

Enjoy Godalming’s annual Christmas Festival, and lights switch on as they join forces with their friendly neighbours in Farncombe for this all-day fiesta of all things festive. Browse the stalls in search of Christmas gifts, or simply soak up the Yuletide atmosphere.

For more information, visit godalming-tc.gov.uk

GUILDFORD FESTIVE FAMILY FUN DAY / NOVEMBER 24 / TOWN CENTRE, GUILDFORD

Roll up! Roll up! Get ready for a free Festive Family Fun Day, with lots of activities, performances and magical moments to enjoy across Guildford town centre all for free or low-cost. Look up and catch the Christmas snowflakes, chase the cheeky elf’s giant bubbles, or get funky with our Christmas Disco. Interact with walkabout elves, performers, and characters. Visit Tunsgate Arch to marvel at our dancers’ synchronicity and the choirs’ festive tunes. Or become one yourself by getting your face painted

For more information, visit experienceguildford.com 

 

FESTIVE LATE / NOVEMBER 28 / THE LIGHTBOX GALLERY, WOKING

Enjoy a holly, jolly atmosphere and visit The Lightbox in Woking for this festive Arts and Crafts Festive Late event at The Lightbox this November. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and browse among the stalls featuring a variety of handmade crafts, including jewellery, paintings, glasswork, and ceramics.

For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk 

STEAM ILLUMINATION  / NOVEMBER 29 – JANUARY 4 / WATERCRESS LINE, ARLESFORD

Head out on a magical steam-powered adventure this winter as the Watercress Line welcomes the return of their seasonal spectacular. So, step aboard the illuminated train and set off along the track, catching glimpses of illuminated installations along the way.

For more information, visit watercressline.co.uk  

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TRAIL / NOVEMBER 30 – JANUARY 5 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM

Inspired by the festive song, The 12 Days of Christmas Trail at Painshill for 2024 will see visitors searching out each of the gifts mentioned; from two turtle doves through to twelve drummers drumming and of course, a partridge in a pear tree! With a touch of nostalgia, figures will be made from traditional wooden materials and each one will be individually hand-painted.

For more information, visit painshill.co.uk

 

ETSY CHRISTMAS MARKET / NOVEMBER 30 / 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 find locally homemade gifts to give this Christmas.

For more information, visit facebook.com/etsyguildford/ 

 

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