WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK?
Find out what’s on this week with this cheeky guide to going out in Surrey. Well not that cheeky – but it does feature a Crochet Snowflake, a Christmas Kitchen Disco and an Evening with Frank Bruno. Not all at once silly.
SKETCHING BY CANDLELIGHT / DECEMBER 5 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Enjoy a relaxing evening sketching by candlelight in the atmospheric and festive setting of the Limnerslease, George and Mary Watts’s home and studio. Working with contrasting light and shadow learn about chiaroscuro techniques as you develop sketches in charcoal and pastel.
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
CROCHET SNOWFLAKE / DECEMBER 5 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Get crafty this Christmas! For experienced crocheters, learn how to crochet a pretty snowflake. Cleverly using a combination of basic stitches and working in the round, this would also make a great challenge for confident beginners, ready to step up their skills.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
BABA ALI + NUHA RUBY RA / DECEMBER 6 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Fancy some art rock? Recognised as one of the most electrifying new acts to emerge from the UK in the past year, Baba Ali is the combined force of American performer and musician Baba Doherty and British guitarist Nik Balchin. Support on the night comes from the oh so cool Nuha Ruby Ra.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
DAME PENELOPE KEITH IN CONVERSATION WITH MEL GIEDROYC / DECEMBER 6 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre patron and iconic Olivier and BAFTA Award winning actor, Dame Penelope Keith, to the Yvonne Arnaud stage for a special fundraising event in aid of the theatre’s Play Your Part campaign. Dame Penelope will be joined in conversation by fellow TV favourite, Mel Giedroyc.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
AN EVENING WITH FRANK BRUNO / DECEMBER 6 / DORKING HALLS
A true legend of British boxing and a gentle giant outside of the ring, the one and only Frank Bruno, arrives at Dorking Halls this month. Recounting bouts and battles inside and outside the ring, discover the highs and lows of the people’s Champion. Get tickets quickly.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
BBC RADIO 4’S THE KITCHEN CABINET / DECEMBER 6 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
If there’s anything you’ve ever wanted to know about food or cooking but didn’t know whom to ask, read on…Come and be part of the audience for The Kitchen Cabinet, BBC Radio 4’s culinary panel programme. Hosted by Jay Rayner, the show is witty, fast-moving, and irreverent, but packed full of information that may well change the way you think about cooking. You’ll have the opportunity to put your questions on anything and everything to do with food and drink to a panel of experts and enjoy plenty of good-humoured conversation about cooking and eating.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL CLASS / DECEMBER 7 / SILENT POOL DISTILLERS, ALBURY
The ever-popular Silent Pool Distillers continue to wow Gin enthusiasts with their unique blend of botanicals inspired by their surroundings in the Surrey Hills. Learn from the best in the business and wow your friends and family with some seasonal Cocktails that’ll leave Christmas tingling on your tastebuds, like Santa’s bells jingling throughout the sky at night. Sign up for this masterclass pronto for all the festive feels.
For more information, visit silentpooldistillers.com
GARETH MALONE: SING-A-LONG-A-GARETH-TWO / DECEMBER 7 / DORKING HALLS
Singing is back! It’s time to lift our voices once more as Gareth Malone hits the road again this autumn. Join Gareth for a joyous evening of song, together with his band and stellar singers, performing a whole new set of songs for the 2023 tour. This feel-good concert will leave you with a song in your heart and a spring in your step.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
CLAIRE TEAL’S FESTIVE FIESTA / DECEMBER 7 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Now in its 15th year, award-winning singer and radio presenter, Clare Teal, serves up her much-loved Festive Fiesta – a sensational cocktail of seasonal fayre and other musical favourites accompanied by her amazing trio.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR’S’ CHRISTMAS KITCHEN DISCO / DECEMBER 7 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Following on from the huge success of her 2022 Kitchen Disco Tour in which she brought her lockdown online sensation from her kitchen to sold-out stages across the country, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has announced a very special Christmas Kitchen Disco tour this December. The tour will feature hits from throughout Sophie’s career, as well as some very festive classics, all in Sophie’s own seasonal disco style.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
MONTHLY MINDFULNESS MEETUP / DECEMBER 7 / SOLAR SISTERS, GUILDFORD
Join Guildford’s Solar Sisters for their monthly Mindfulness Meet Up, where you can enjoy mindfulness practices in a supportive environment. Find calm in the chaos and take away simple but powerful tools to help you navigate your noggin.
For more information, visit solarsisters.uk
WEBER GRILL ACADEMY: FESTIVE BARBECUE / DECEMBER 8 + 20 / ABINGER COOKERY SCHOOL, ABINGER HAMMER
Do you love your barbecue? So much so that you’d like to cook yourself and your family a Christmas dinner using one? Thought so. Get in the know and learn how to cook a festive feast utilising the power of the barbecue at this excellent workshop by Weber Grill Academy at Abinger Cookery School.
For more information, visit abingercookeryschool.com
A CHRISTMAS CAROL STARRING COLIN BAKER & PETER PURVES / DECEMBER 8 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Live on stage and in person, television favourites COLIN BAKER (Doctor Who, The Brothers) and PETER PURVES (Blue Peter, The Office) lead the cast in a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic. Be transported to Victorian London, for this 180th anniversary production of Dickens’ timeless tale of charity, forgiveness and redemption at Christmas.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
THE BIG CHRISTMAS ASSEMBLY / DECEMBER 8 – 9 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Crack out the Christmas Jingles! Join James B Partridge (Primary School Assembly Bangers LIVE) for an evening of pure nostalgia, stepping back in time for some joyous singalong tunes from Christmases past. You won’t have to sit cross legged by the tree waiting for Santa, but you will be encouraged to sing along! Full of festive musical surprises, throwback mashups and reflections on growing up at Christmas time.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
MOCK TUDOR COMEDY CLUB / DECEMBER 8 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
For your fill of the silly stuff this month, make your way to Walton’s Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre and get ready for a giggle or two at the monthly Mock Tudor Comedy Club. Enjoy sets from Rich Wilson, Chris Stokes and Ben Norris.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
ROCKEOKE / DECEMBER 8 / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON
Like the idea of Karaoke but are just too darn punk rock to belt out some Kelly Clarkson? Well even if you are a punk rocker who loves to belt out some Kelly Clarkson, get a fix of the heavy stuff with Rockeoke over at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston.
For more information, visit the-fighting-cocks.co.uk
BETFAIR TINGLE CREEK FESTIVAL / DECEMBER 8 – 9 / SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER
Sandown Park will celebrate the annual Betfair Tingle Creek Christmas Festival this December. Combining exciting racing and festive fun. If you like Jump racing, you’ll LOVE the Betfair Tingle Creek Festival. Two days of spine-tingling Jump racing action culminating in the Grade 1 Betfair Tingle Creek Chase.
For more information, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown
DIRTY SANTA XMAS TRAIL RIDE / DECEMBER 9 – 10 / TILLINGBOURNE JUNIOR SCHOOL, NR GUILDFORD
Get on your bike and take on this festive trail ride in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Dig out your finest antlers and Santa suits, don your finest Christmas clobber and dress to impress as you head out on this scenic ride on some sublime trails this December. With 34km or 45km routes to choose from, receive an especially brewed bottle of Dirty Santa Beer, as well as mince pies and more Christmas goodies along the route.
For more information, visit trailbreak.co.uk
RICHMOND PARK HALF MARATHON / DECEMBER 10 / RICHMOND PARK
What better way to spend a Sunday than running around beautiful Richmond Park? With Royal Deer roaming the park since the 17th century, keep your eye out for these animals as you whizz your way around the course. Choose from a 5k or 10k run.
For more information, visit runthrough.co.uk
HERBAL MEDICINE WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 9 / SUTTON PLACE, ABINGER HAMMER
Let nature support your health and learn to create your own apothecary of medicinal teas, salves, tincture, and oxymels with everyday kitchen cupboard herbs as well as foraged ingredients.
For more information, visit hinokiforestbathing.co.uk
FESTIVE MARKET / DECEMBER 9 / GATE STREET, 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
CHRISTMAS IN THE WOODS / DECEMBER 9 – 10 / NOWER WOOD EDUCATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, LEATHERHEAD
Surrey Wildlife Trust’s ever-popular Christmas magic returns this year with a self-guided trail of festive fun through the woods! You will follow a trail amongst the trees with exciting activities for little ones along the way. As well as a Christmas adventure through the woods, enjoy a marshmallow toasted on the fire and visit our woodland grotto to meet our very special guest…. and if you’ve been very good this year, there might even be a small present to take home!
For more information, visit surreywildlifetrust.org
CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM / DECEMBER 9, 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 9, 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
FOREST BATHING / DECEMBER 10 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Join Forest Bathing experts HINOKI at the beautiful West Horsley Place for an inspirational morning. HINOKI Forest Bathing is more than a walk in the woods. It’s a mindful sensory journey that opens us up to nature’s offerings, providing restoration for our wellbeing. Sign up online to experience the wonder of the woods.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
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
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
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
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
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/