DING-A-LING! IT’S CHRISTMAS IN SURREY!
Ready for a Christmas cracker in Surrey? From festive trails and wreath making workshops to ice skating at iconic landmarks and illuminated nights. Find out what’s on this Christmas and let the festivities commence!
DREAMING OF A KINGSTON CHRISTMAS / NOVEMBER 14 – JANUARY 5 / KINGSTON TOWN CENTRE
Kingston will transform into a winter wonderland, this Christmas offering a festive experience for all ages, with more attractions, shopping opportunities, and magical moments than ever before.Whether you’re sipping mulled wine, exploring the market, or embarking on the Nutcracker Trail, Christmas in Kingston 2024 promises to be a magical experience for the whole family.
For more information, visit kingstonfirst.co.uk
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
A CHRISTMAS CAROL / DECEMBER 19 – 20 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD, GUILDFORD
Following a sell-out run last Christmas, the award-winning Dyad Productions, (A Room of One’s Own, I, Elizabeth, Lady Susan, Female Gothic) are bringing Dickens’ classic and perennially relevant ghost story back to the Mill Studio! It’s Christmas Eve, and the miserly misanthrope, Ebenezer Scrooge, is about to have a ghostly night he’ll never forget. Dickens’ festive, immortal tale of redemption and compassion is brought to life in Dyad’s inimitable solo style.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
PETER PAN & THE LUSTY BOYS / NOVEMBER 21 – JANUARY 11 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Fancy a naught night of adult panto? Embark on an uproarious adventure with Peter Pan & the Lusty Boys the Adult Panto, the latest masterpiece from the genius minds of the Guildford Fringe team! Brace yourselves for an hour of non-stop hilarity with no dull moments, as this rib-tickling spectacle takes centre stage this Christmas. Expect things to get steamy.
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
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
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
A DORKINGDOM FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL / DECEMBER 1 / DORKING TOWN CENTRE
Get festive and immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as a very Dorkingdom Fairytale Christmas Festival festoons the streets of Dorking. Featuring the Surrey Hills Artisan Christmas Market on Dorking High Street, Santa’s Grotto, Funfair, Music, Entertainment and much much more.
For more information, visit hellodorking.com
GERMAN MINI CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 1 / THE GUILDHALL, HIGH STREET, GUILDFORD
Did you know that Guildford is twinned with the German city of Freiburg? Bringing a little bit of Germany to the beautiful High Street of Guildford, enjoy this mini yuletide market this December. Indulge in the festive spirit and enjoy a wonderful selection of German Bakery treats, Wooden Toys, Gifts, Stocking Fillers, and more! Sip on traditional Gluhwein and capture the perfect Christmas selfie at our special Selfie Scene!
For more information, visit guildfordtwinning.uk
RIPLEY CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 1 / HIGH STREET, RIPLEY
Be enchanted by Ripley Christmas market this December. Featuring a variety of stalls from local makers and find unique gifts to give, tuck into some seasonal food and drink, and listen to the odd Christmas carol to complete the day.
For more information, visit ripleyparishcouncil.gov.uk
WREATH MAKING / DECEMBER 1, 6, 7, 8 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
The perfect past festive pastime; why not wander over to Watts Gallery Artists’ Village this winter and try to make a winter wreath? Get expert guidance and create a beautiful wreath to hang on your door.
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
LIVE AT CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 2 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
The country’s best comedians are coming to G Live for a spectacular all-star festive show! Catch a huge show headlined by Sara Pascoe, star of Live at The Apollo, Qi, 8 Out of 10 Cats & many more. Joining Sara is a spectacular line-up with Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Viceland’s Jamali Maddix, viral phenomenon Janine Harouni, and the impeccable Jen Brister as host.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
CROCHET CHRISTMAS BAUBLES / DECEMBER 3 / FARNHAM MUSEUM
Make a unique set of crochet Christmas baubles in this one-off workshop. Run by experienced crochet tutor, Merrian Holland, you will be given a kit with everything you need to make three baubles including yarn, fittings & hooks. Suitable for those with crochet experience. You must be confident with basic crochet techniques such as counting stitches, chaining, sc (UK dc), dc (UK tr) and slip stitching. All other stitches needed will be taught in class.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
NATURAL CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 4 / HOGS BACK BREWERY, TONGHAM
Get creative at the Hogs Back Brewery with this natural workshop. Join Lorraine and team from, Hedges and Hurdles Country Skills & Crafts, to make your own masterpiece using natural, sustainable materials to wow your family and friends.
For more information, visit hedgesandhurdles.com
BARB JUNGR AND DILLIE KEANE: TWO TURTLE DOVES / DECEMBER 5 / THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Musical and cabaret legends Dillie Keane and Barb Jungr join forces to present a special festive show at Guildford’s 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
FESTIVE MODERN CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 6 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Get into the festive spirit with a relaxed calligraphy workshop creating your own Christmas crackers, greeting cards and gift tags. Learn everything from mark making, letter formation and numbers, whilst building your own unique hand lettering style. Great for beginners or people wanting to improve their style and flair, as well as both right and left-handed people.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ – CONCERT / DECEMBER 7 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Bring the whole family together to experience Charles Dickens’ beloved classic ‘A Christmas Carol’, entertainingly retold through words and music by pianist and broadcaster Keelan Carew with the pupils of the Yehudi Menuhin School. Expect musical thrills, laughs and much-loved seasonal tunes in Scrooge’s transformative journey through the night before Christmas. This fun and interactive show is the perfect introduction for keen youngsters to meet the instruments and the musicians behind them. This concert will raise funds for both West Horsley Place Trust and The Menuhin School.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
FESTIVE MARKET / DECEMBER 7 / GATE STREET BARN, BRAMLEY
The achingly gorgeous Gate Street Barn will host their annual Festive Food Market this December. Featuring an abundance of local artisans and suppliers offering bespoke gifts for you to give this Christmas. As well as browsing and buying from stalls, expect; live food demonstrations, handcrafted delicacies and much mulled wine. Festive treats await.
For more information, visit gatestreet.co.uk
FARNHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 8 / FARNHAM TOWN CENTRE
From 10 am to 4 pm forage among no fewer than 150 stalls spread across four Farnham locations; Castle Street, The Borough, Bush Hotel Courtyard and the Ivy Lane Club. Enjoy a variety of food and drink, as well as entertainment throughout the day. Hurrah for Christmas in Farnham!
For more information, visit farnham.gov.uk
IAN SHAW AND CLAIRE MARTIN’S EARLY XMAS CRACKER / DECEMBER 8 / THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
For over 25 years, Claire Martin and Ian Shaw have got together over the festive period to share a soulful and jazzy evening featuring wit and mischief, hilarious originals and rousing singalongs. Take your seat for a musical selection box of classics from Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Wilson, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie and (if you shout loud enough) The Pogues. Catch the duo as they make a welcome return to Guildford’s, Electric Theatre.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
THE ROSE CHRISTMAS CRACKER / DECEMBER 12 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
The best Christmas celebration this side of the Thames is back! This evening full of festive cheer features performances from; the lederhosen wearing, Oomparty Band, slamming B2B choral jams, from Singing It Back Choirs, the sweet Korean birdsong of the Humming Birds Choir, as well as a cappella vocal group, KT6 Vocal Group. Get tickets for an extraordinary night of festive song and feel good vibes.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
THE NATIVITY JOURNEY / DECEMBER 12 – 16 / WINTERSHALL, BRAMLEY
The story of Christmas is brought to life in this unique 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
THE RICK WAKEMAN YULETIDE CHRISTMAS SHOW / December 16 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
After a year off, Rick Wakeman’s traditional Christmas tour returns in November and December 2024 with an all-new show! In a change from his usual solo Christmas concerts, Rick will be joined by two very special guests: his son and fellow keyboard player Adam Wakeman and Mollie Marriott, daughter of the late Steve Marriott. Expect hilarious banter from Wakemans Senior and Junior, as Adam tries to control his father’s gentle ‘unwokeness’, outstanding soaring vocals from Mollie and virtuosic performances from two of the most talented keyboard players in the business.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
FELTING WORKSHOP – ROBINS / DECEMBER 17 / THE HORTON, EPSOM
Led by Roseanne Myhill, this workshop will show you the techniques needed to turn loose fluffy wool into a cheery festive robin. Spend a seasonal morning making, at The Horton in Epsom this December.
For more information, visit thehortonepsom.org