DING-A-LING! IT’S THAT CHRISTMAS THING!
With autumnal festivities out of the way, we think it’s about time we started sprinkling a few seasonal delights your way. Whether you’re seeking some unique gifts to give, fancy a festive excursion or want to take your Christmas craft-game to the next level, then we’ve picked out some of the best Christmas events taking place in Surrey this November. Ding-a-ling! It’s that Christmas thing!
CHRISTMAS WILLOW & WINE / NOVEMBER 7 + 29 / ALBURY VINEYARD, ALBURY
Join local willow-weaver Lorraine for a fun, festive, mindful and relaxing workshop. Learn how to make traditional Swedish stars, willow hearts and angels, and hanging tree decorations made from natural materials to decorate your home over Christmas or outside all year round. Each workshop includes a glass of delicious Albury Estate sparkling wine. All materials to make your crafts will be provided on the day, and you can take your finished work home!
For more information, visit alburyvineyard.com
FUSED GLASS DECORATIONS / NOVEMBER 10 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Make fused glass tree decorations for the festive season. Learn to cut glass and experiment with glass fir and stringers to create your own Christmas decorations. Your pieces will be taken away to be fired and will be available for collection from the Maltings.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK / NOVEMBER 11 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights-The Story of The Dubliners and featuring an international cast of singers, musicians, and dancers, Fairytale of New York brings you all of your favourite Christmas songs, including Driving Home for Christmas, White Christmas, Oh Holy Night, Winter’s Tale, Silent Night and of course The Fairytale of New York.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com
CHRISTMAS AT KEW / NOVEMBER 15 – JANUARY 7 / ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, KEW
As one of the highlights of the UK’s festive calendar, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year. It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. There’s limited capacity with timed entry, so book your tickets quickly for a sensational seasonal spectacle.
For more information, visit kew.org
LOSELEY HOUSE CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 16 – 19 / LOSELEY HOUSE, GUILDFORD
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 ruralcraftassociation.co.uk
MAKE HERBAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS / NOVEMBER 16 / 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
GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 17 – 18 / 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
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOVEMBER 17 – JANUARY 7 (EXCLUDING CHRISTMAS DAY) / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
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.co.uk
COLLECTIVELY CAMBERLEY CHRISTMAS CRACKER / NOVEMBER 18 / CAMBERLEY TOWN CENTRE
The Collectively Camberley Christmas Cracker is back for a fun family day full of the expected festivities. Meet real reindeer, check out the Christmas lights, listen to Christmas songs, munch on many treats and sup on many a mulled drink, and shop till you drop in the Christmas market. Here comes the fun.
For more information, visit collectivelycamberley.co.uk
FARNHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON / NOVEMBER 18 / FARNHAM TOWN CENTRE
Head to Farnham on Saturday, November 18, for the Christmas lights switch-on. Throughout the afternoon, there will be free live entertainment from schools, theatre groups, dance companies and local bands. You can expect to hear traditional carols see dancing and Christmas performances.
For more information, visit farnham.gov.uk
THAT’LL BE THE DAY CHRISTMAS SHOW / NOVEMBER 21 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Combining the best Christmas songs with hilarious comedy sketches, world-class impersonations and first-class musicianship, the That’ll Be The Day Christmas show will take audiences on a seasonal, nostalgic sleigh ride through the golden age of Rock and Pop for an experience like no other.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
CHRTISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 22 – 23 / 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
SLEEPING BEAUTY FELT A LITTLE PRICK / NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 31 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Naughty but very nice, depending on one’s disposition, the wonderful folk of Guildford Fringe Festival return to the festive fore with their Adult Panto. Not for the faint-hearted, expect unending innuendos and much much merriment. Be quick and book your tickets right now.
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
ARTS & ARTISAN CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 24 – 26 / 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 westhorsleyplace.org
RHS GLOW / NOVEMBER 24 – JANUARY 2 / 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
WINTER CRAFT FAIR / NOVEMBER 25 – 26 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
Enjoy a holly, jolly atmosphere and visit The Lightbox in Woking for this festive Arts and Crafts Fair 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
CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL / NOVEMBER 25 – JANUARY 2 / POLESDEN LACEY, DORKING
Enjoy a magical Christmas Carousel Ride set amongst a backdrop of the beautiful Polesden Lacey mansion. A fabulous festive experience, pre-booked tickets guarantee you one ride during your half-hour slot, lasting approximately 3-4 minutes. Under 3 years old must be accompanied on a galloper by an adult.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP / NOVEMBER 30 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Spend the morning designing and creating your very own Christmas Wreath while learning some excellent new skills and potentially making a new crafty friend or two.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk