WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK IN SURREY
Need to know what’s on? As we enter advent, we are but three weeks and a bit away from the big day. Ho, Ho, hooray, we hear you say. With a fair amount of Christmas and a splattering of non-Christmas events, find a little fun for everyone…
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 9 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Get set to skate at Hampton Court Palace this month as their ice rink returns for the festive season. With a larger ice-rink taking centre stage to ensure a suitably socially distanced, enjoyable time for all, witness spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace in what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in the country. Take part in either daytime or evening skating sessions and relax with a mug of something hot in the Café Bar. Advanced booking is essential.
For more information, visit hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
GLOW / NOW UNTIL / JANUARY 4 / 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 both inside and outside the Glasshouse.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
SNOWSAURUS / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 9 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Rah! It’s all gone a bit prehistoric at Painshill Park in Cobham this Christmas. Head for the beautiful park and experience the Snowsaurus Trail. See how many dinosaurs you can find and learn all about these ancient creatures that once roamed the earth.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
SANTA STOP HERE – WHERE TO FIND FATHER CHRISTMAS IN SURREY
ALADDIN ONE RUB TOO MANY / NOW UNTIL DECEMBER 31 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Those naughty lot at Guildford Fringe are at it again. Back in The Back Room of The Star Inn for a season of silly adult panto, catch Aladdin give his lamp a good rub this winter. Not for the faint-hearted, expect unending innuendo from start to finish.
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
FESTIVE SUPPER CLUB / DECEMBER 2 & 9 / MANDIRA’S KITCHEN, SILENT POOL, ALBURY
As we near the seasonal festivities, head for Mandira’s Kitchen at Silent Pool for an alternative festive supper club this November. Whether celebrating with friends, family or colleagues, visit Mandira’s Winter Gazebo and treat your tastebuds to an Indian feast.
For more information, visit mandiraskitchen.com
A FAIRYTALE IN SURREY – A GUIDE TO WHERE TO WATCH PANTO THIS YEAR
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE CAKE WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 2 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Enjoy a festive foodie tradition and head to the Farnham Maltings for this mid-morning Gingerbread Village Cake workshop. Learn how to pipe and decorate a spectacular cake creating a gingerbread village with decorated royal icing biscuits.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
FESTIVE FAYRE / DECEMBER 3 – 5 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Fervent foodies rejoice! From street-food stalls to seasonal eats, the Festive Fayre is the place to be this December. Gorge upon an array of food and drink from artisan producers and makers, and maybe, just maybe, manage to bring a mince pie or two home to save for later.
For more information, visit hrp.org.uk
CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 3, 10 + 11 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Looking to create a Christmas wreath? These fun and festive workshops will help you fashion your very own decorative offering to hang upon your own front door or to give as a gift.
For more information, visit cranleighartscentre.org
GAMERS LOUNGE / DECEMBER 4 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Remember getting that N64 for Christmas and playing GoldenEye till your eyes could see no more? Whether your go-to hero was the diminutive dynamism of Sonic the Hedgehog or the moustached might of plumber extraordinaire Super Mario, relive the advent of console gaming on some of the first gaming machines to hit the mainstream at The Boileroom’s retro gaming club. Turn up and compete against fellow fans of the cartridge-packing consoles at this monthly get together.
For more information, visit the theboileroom.net
ETSY GUILDFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 4 / 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 discover locally homemade gifts to give this Christmas.
For more information, visit facebook.com/etsyguildford/
PARENT & CHILD CHRISTMAS BAUBLE DOUGHNUTS CLASS / DECEMBER 5 / VICTORIA’S KITCHEN, WOKING
Spend the Sunday morning with the little one’s in your life and head for this Parent & Child Christmas Bauble Doughnuts class at Victoria’s Kitchen in Woking. Bake, create and decorate some seriously sparkly treats to eat with friends and family.
For more information, visit victorias-kitchen.com
RICK WAKEMAN: THE NOT QUITE AS GRUMPY AS LAST XMAS TOUR / DECEMBER 5 / DORKING HALLS
The king of the keyboards, the Santa of synthesised piano, Mr Rick Wakeman, arrives at Dorking Halls endeavouring to be not quite as grumpy as last year. Featuring the songs of YES, David Bowie, The Beatles and music with a festive twist, get tickets to see this true legend of rock’ n’ roll.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
RESTORATIVE FIRE-SIDE YOGA & SEASONAL SUPPER / DECEMBER 5 + 19 / THE SALTBOX, PRIORY FARM, REDHILL
Take a breather from the mania that this particular month may invoke, and take a seat at this fire-side yoga and seasonal supper. Hosted by wild cooking enthusiasts, The Salt Box take some time for you, surrounded by nature’s wonder. Expect your mind, body and belly to be nourished and find some calm before the seasonal storm that Christmas can sometimes bring.
For more information, visit wearethesaltbox.co.uk
ADAM KAY – THE NIGHTSHIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 6 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Get ready for the festive season with a healthy dose of funny, as Adam Kay reveals his hilarious observations from Christmas times behind hospital lines. A love letter to all those who get baubles and fairy lights stuck in all sorts of bodily places they shouldn’t, listen to Adam’s stories from his time working in hospitals and thank your lucky Christmas stars they’re not about you.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
BOWLING FOR SOUP ACOUSTIC SING-A-LONG / DECEMBER 7 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Pop-punk legends Bowling For Soup are passing through Guildford this December for an acoustic sing-a-long to remember. Join Jaret and Rob at The Boileroom and get ready to sing loud, proud and punk.
For more information, visit the theboileroom.net
THE HORNE SECTION / DECEMBER 7 / DORKING HALLS
They’ve had their own TV special at the London Palladium, they have an iTunes-chart-topping podcast, and now they’re touring the country; it’s the one and only Horne Section’s one and only 2021 Tour. Featuring funny man and creator-come-co-host of the undisputedly ridiculous TV show Taskmaster Alex Horne, get set for a night of comedy, song and mucking about while getting some much needed comic relief.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
PALACE OF STARDUST / DECEMBER 8 – JANUARY 3 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
As dusk falls, head for Hampton Court Palace and enjoy a magical evening caught amongst the cosmos. Lose track of time as you explore the historic cobbled courtyards and gardens, filled with magical illuminations inspired by the palace’s famous astronomical clock; the ticking Tudor heart of Hampton Court installed by command of King Henry VIII. Perfect for the whole family, the Palace of Stardust is open from 4 pm – 8 pm (the last entry is at 7.30 pm).
For more information, visit hrp.org.uk
NATIVITY BY LIVING SPIT / DECEMBER 9 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
For a naughty night out this Christmas, head for Farnham Maltings and witness the Nativity as you never have before. Not for the faint-hearted (or extremely religious), the funny folk of Living Spit will bring with them a mix of silly songs, pitiful puppetry and Biblical befuddlement.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
HUNDRED WATT CLUB – A FESTIVE EVENING OF BURLESQUE & VAUDEVILLE / DECEMBER 10 / 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
NINETEEN EIGHTY CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE / DECEMBER 10 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Whether it’s the office Christmas party, a much needed get together with your Bessie-mates, or simply the perfect excuse for your 80s loving family to dress up and get out of the house, book a table at G Live’s Nineteen Eighty Christmas Dinner Dance and party like it’s, erm, 1980. Enjoy a three-course meal and 80s hits on the dance floor till late.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
KIDS CRAFTS: CHRISTMAS FLOWER POT DECORATIONS / DECEMBER 11 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Join local artist Miriana D’ambrosio and make some fantastic artworks to take home and treasure this Christmas. Perfect for little ones aged 7 – 11, create fun flower pot decorations and find the ideal place to hang them on your Christmas tree.
For more information, visit cranleighartscentre.org
SUNRISE FOREST BATHING / DECEMBER 11, 12 / HOLMBURY HILL, DORKING
When all the Christmas shopping and socialising get a bit too much, take yourself off to Holmbury Hill and enjoy a spot of sunrise Forest Bathing this December. Feel the energy and restorative power that a good forest bath can bring and leave feeling rejuvenated and ready for the rest of the season ahead.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
NEWLANDS CORNER CHRISTMAS POP-UP / DECEMBER 11 – 12 / NEWLANDS CORNER, GUILDFORD
Head for the Surrey Hills and enjoy this special Christmas pop-up market taking place at Newlands Corner on the outskirts of Guildford. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Surrey countryside and soak up the seasonal atmosphere by browsing stalls for gifts to give to your loved ones this year.
For more information, visit surreycc.gov.uk
SANTA RUN / DECEMBER 12 / DENBIES WINE ESTATE, DORKING
Santa works off some of last year’s mince pies in this 5km dash around Denbies Wine Estate. But wait – he’s also invited his mates, who, incidentally, are so inspired by the great man that they all look like him! So watch on as hundreds of Santa’s enjoy a fun run against a backdrop of festive tunes and entertainment. Fancy taking part? Entry is £25, includes your own Santa suit, mulled wine and mince pie.
For more information, visit denbies.co.uk