WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK?
My, oh, my. Some 14 sleeps till the festive centrepiece, but still so much fun to be had from now until then! Check out this quite comprehensive guide to what’s going on in Surrey this week.
CAROLS AT ST CLEMENT DANES / DECEMBER 11 / THE STRAND, LONDON
Join Godalming-based Meath Epilepsy Charity for their biggest, brightest Christmas Carol Service. Enjoy the majestically rousing music of the Honourable Artillery Company Band and the joyously effervescent Meath Choir. This one stop festive feel-good concert, topped off with a mince pie and prosecco reception will send you off filled with the magic of the season and ready for the most wonderful time of the year!
For more information, visit meath.org.uk
OUTSIDE THE BOX COMEDY CLUB / DECEMBER 11 / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON
Get your giggle on and head for The Fighting Cocks in Kingston for the Outside The Box Comedy Club. This month catch sets from Rhys James, Maff Brown and Dinesh Nathan.
For more information, visit outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk
THE GAMES CAFE / DECEMBER 11 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Feeling a little board? Then why not take a chance on our new Farnham Maltings board game evening. The Games Café provides a social evening where you can make new friends, meet up with old ones, and enjoy a range of board games.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL / DECEMBER 11 / ST PHILIPS CHURCH, REIGATE
Join the Dorking, Reigate and Redhill Extinction Rebellion members for an Environmental Film Festival this December. Discover what the world needs right now, be inspired by independent filmmakers to make a difference, and participate in a general discussion after the film, endeavouring to find a path to positive progress.
For more information, visit xrdorking.org
IN CONVERSATION WITH ALISON STEADMAN + TOBY JONES / DECEMBER 12 + 14 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Enjoy conversations, anecdotes and tales with two of Britain’s great entertainers, Alison Steadman and Toby Jones. In these telling nights, listen on as Alison and Tony reveal all from their careers on stage and screen.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
DRINK & DRAW / DECEMBER 12 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Scribblers, scrawlers and drawers can rejoice and commune with like-minded folk of Guildford’s creative community at Drink & Draw. Bring your sketchbooks, pens, pencils, and some of your favourite equipment to share if you’re feeling generous. Materials will be available on the night.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
LADIES MOON CIRCLE / DECEMBER 12, 21 + 27 / THE SHAC, BUCKLAND PARK, BETCHWORTH
A supportive space for women to come together, connect and explore ideas that might help each other mentally. Sign up online and head for this Ladies Moon Circle at the scenic environs of Buckland Park Lagoon this month. Limited spaces are available.
For more information, visit theshac.co.uk
FANBOY / DECEMBER 13 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
In his teens, he hid it. In his twenties, he owned it. Now in his thirties, Joe is still obsessed with Star Wars, Nintendo and The Muppet Christmas Carol. Fanboy is a love-hate letter to pop culture and nostalgia. Award-winning writer-performer Joe Sellman-Leava (Fringe First, Labels) explores our relationship to our past and future selves, and asks why his generation is so obsessed with its childhood.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
THE CHRISTMAS LOBSTER / DECEMBER 13 – 24 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Join The Society for Christmas Creatures on this brave new adventure across the globe, meeting fantastical creatures, cheeky characters, and some sparkly surprises along the way. A hilarious festive show for all the family, The Christmas Lobster is packed with great songs, laugh-out-loud gags, and buckets of Christmas cheer.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
THE NATIVITY JOURNEY / DECEMBER 13 – 18 / WINTERSHALL ESTATE, 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
DEEP DIVINE / DECEMBER 14 / BISLEY YURT
Sink into the Deep Divine and head for the tranquil setting of Bisley Yurt for this restorative yoga class with Charlie Leigh Yoga. If you’re looking for inner calm from the storm of daily life, then this hour’s class is the one. Focusing on deep relaxation for both the body and mind, achieve peace with some gentle yoga before moving into breath work and finishing with an extended Savasana where you’ll bather in the healing vibrations from the gong.
For more information, visit charlieleighyoga.co.uk
A GOAN CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 14 & 15 / MANDIRA’S KITCHEN, ALBURY
Join the nationally acclaimed and oh-so-local Mandira for a very special Goan Christmas Supper Club this December. Forming part of a series of seasonal supper clubs that explore Mandira’s Indian heritage, sign up quickly for a tasty night nestled in the Surrey Hills.
For more information, visit mandiraskitchen.com
ALICE ARMSTRONG / DECEMBER 15 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Known for her impressive vocal range, unconventional lyrics, long red hair, light-sensitivity glasses and enigmatic stage presence, Alice’s music busts the seams of traditional genres, creating a heady amalgamation of blues, soul, funk, rock, pop and country. Catch Alice at Cranleigh Arts Centre this December.
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
CONSERVATION DAY / DECEMBER 15 / TICES MEADOW, FARNHAM
Tice’s Meadow is a newly developed nature reserve on the site of the former Farnham Quarry, located between Badshot Lea and Tongham in Surrey, on the southern outskirts of Aldershot. Join Surrey Hills Society, Surrey Choices Growth Team and Tice’s Meadow Bird Group on a Friday work party to cut willow from reed beds and help manage this special nature reserve.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
TROPICANA NIGHT 80s / DECEMBER 15 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Let’s face it – the 80s had some of the best bangers ever written. So if you are looking for a fun-filled evening of pure 80s music and dancing for the over 25s to help you make it through September, look no further! Indulge yourselves in pure 80s heaven at Guildford’s G Live.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
FESTIVE BRUNCH / DECEMBER 16 / GORDON RAMSAY ACADEMY, WOKING
Learn how to pack a punch in the kitchen with this Festive Brunch cookery workshop held at the good ol’ Gordon Ramsay Academy in Woking. Be inspired with Christmas breakfast recipes that you can easily make on the big day itself or enjoy with friends and fizz over the holidays. Cheers! Limited spaces available – book your spot, like now!
For more information, visit gordonramsayacademy.com
RUDOLPH RAVE / DECEMBER 16 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
We hear on the fairy light-emblazoned grapevine that when Rudolph’s not leading the pack steering Santa’s sleigh, he can be found strutting his stuff on the dance floor. Join Rudolph and the rest of the gang at this family disco – complete with glow sticks, lasers and more.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
SANTA’S ON HIS SLEIGH! / DECEMBER 16 – 24 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
It is Christmas Eve, and Santa is finishing off his final preparations! He is checking his list before he hops aboard his trusty sleigh. But just before he takes flight into the night sky to deliver his presents, he discovers that his sleigh has broken down! Can you help Santa fix his sleigh? Time is running out, and there are problems to solve and presents to deliver! Santa’s on His Sleigh! is a brand-new exciting Christmas show starring Santa, Snowdrop the Elf, Rudolph and featuring on screen his virtual little helper Head Elf Justy, played by Justin Fletcher.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
THE SNOWMAN WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA / DECEMBER 16 / GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
Make it a Christmas to remember with a special performance featuring two of the UK’s best-loved, iconic animated films, The Snowman and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, with a live orchestra. Alongside The Snowman film, a whistle-stop Christmas guide to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself, join everyone’s favourite cheese-loving inventor, Wallace and his trusty companion, Gromit, in Aardman’s multi-award-winning film, The Wrong Trousers.
For more information, visit carrotproductions.com
MASSAOKE CHRISTMAS LIVE / DECEMBER 16 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Bring the sing to the ultimate live band Christmas party at MASSAOKE! An incredible live band, giant sing-along lyrics and all your favourite Xmas hits – from Mariah, Wham!, Slade, Wizzard, The Pogues and more – as well as hairbrush anthems from the 80s, 90s, 00s and beyond.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
HUNDRED WATT CLUB – A FESTIVE EVENING OF BURLESQUE & VAUDEVILLE / DECEMBER 16 / 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
SURREY SCORCHERS VS CALEDONIA GLADIATORS / DECEMBER 17 / SURREY SPORTS PARK, GUILDFORD
Something’s starting to click at Surrey Sports Park. Coach Gardener’s team is winning games, picking up points and providing plenty for fans to cheer about. Can they continue their form against the Caledonia Gladiators? Get some tickets and enjoy an end-to-end, fast-paced game of ball.
For more information, visit surreyscorchers.co.uk
SANTA’S MAGICAL GIFT / DECEMBER 17 – 24 / RHODA MCGAW THEATRE, WOKING
Christmas Eve finally arrives, and Santa enters his workshop with a massive round of applause. Will the elves’ decorations be finished in time? Will Holly get her Christmas Wish? And what exactly is the secret of Santa’s Magical Gift? Find out in this heart-warming festive story that includes exciting audience participation, energetic comedy routines and a present for every child in the audience from Santa.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS / NOW UNTIL DECEMBER 18 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Father Christmas has filled his sleigh with presents, fed all the reindeer, made a list and checked it twice. He will land at West Horsley Place on selected Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays in December. Come along with all your family to meet him. Your festive experience will, of course, include meeting the big man himself, but so much more besides! The house will be decked out with festive decorations, and there will be lots to see and do before and after your visit with Father Christmas.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
SWINGBRIDGE SANTA SPECIAL / DECEMBER 2 – 21 / MILLMEAD LOCK, GUILDFORD
Departing from Millmead Island behind the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, take a cruise along the River Wey with the big, jolly man they call Santa. Then, lasting 45 minutes, sail away in a broadbeam boat for a magical yuletide trip to remember this December.
For more information, visit swingbridgeboats.co.uk/
CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM / DECEMBER 10, 16 + 17 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM TILFORD
Head to the Rural Live Living Museum in Tilford for Christmas a la yesteryear. Expect Christmas crafts to make and take away with you and meet Santa in his Grotto. Get tickets quickly!
For more information, visit rural-life.org.uk
SANTA CRUISE / DECEMBER 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 + 21 / WEY & ARUN CANAL, LOXWOOD
All aboard! Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer gang have had to go for some last-minute training, so Santa’s decided to take a little cruise. So kids can meet the big guy and receive an early Christmas present while grown-ups sit back with a mulled wine and a mince pie.
For more information, visit weyarun.org.uk
CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL / NOW UNTIL 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
ALICE IN WONDERLAND TRAIL / NOW UNTIL – JANUARY 7 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Help the white rabbit find Alice at Painshill’s Alice in Wonderland Trail this winter. Follow the trail around the landscape and meet some familiar characters along the way.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
STEAM ILLUMINATIONS / NOW UNTIL – JANUARY 6 / WATERCRESS LINE, ALRESFORD
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
RHS GLOW / NOW UNTIL 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
SLEEPING BEAUTY FELT A LITTLE PRICK / NOW UNTIL – 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
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOW UNTIL – 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
CHRISTMAS AT KEW / NOW UNTIL 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