WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK IN SURREY?
Did someone say Christmas? As December dawns upon us, it’s time to embark on the Great Advent Adventure in Surrey. With a week packed full of twinkly treasures, get set for seven days of festivities that fill you with an abundance of seasonal joy. There’s also a couple of non-Christmas events for any humbugs looking to forgo such activities. Enjoy!
RHS GLOW 2022 / NOVEMBER 17 – JANUARY 8 / 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 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
FESTIVE HEROES TRAIL / NOVEMBER 19 – JANUARY 8 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Join Painshill this Christmas for a statue trail in the landscape full of some very super surprises. Massive presents have been scattered around the gardens and inside the presents are some larger than life characters you might just recognise. Go in search for Superman, watch out for Wonder Woman, hunt for Hulk and see if you can spot Spiderman.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOVEMBER 17 – JANUARY 8 / 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 hrp.org.uk
WINTER PARADICE / NOVEMBER 19 – JANUARY 8 / VICTORIA PLACE, WOKING
Fancy swooshing across the ice this winter? The perfect seasonal excursion for friends, family and loved ones, head for Woking’s Victoria Place and the indoor Winter Paradice featuring real ice. Get your skates on and book your session online right now.
For more information, visit winterparadice.co.uk
THROBBIN’ HOOD & HIS LITTLE JOHN / NOVEMBER 24 – JANUARY 7 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
A brand new script by the creative team behind Sinders (2019), D!CK (2020), Pinocchio (2020) and Aladdin One Rub Too Many (2021). If you are a fan of naughty, smutty and damn right silly humour, then the Guildford Fringe Adult Panto is for you! This will be the 11th Guildford Fringe Adult Panto! Every show has been a sell-out, so advanced booking is recommended.
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
MEET SANTA AND HIS REINDEER / NOVEMBER 26, 27 + DECEMBER 3, 4, 10 + 11 / SANTA FIR, SHAMLEY GREEN
Santa Fir, found near Shamley Green, is undoubtedly one of the county’s best places to get your Christmas trees. As well as a bevvy of evergreen pines, meet Santa and his reindeer on selected dates throughout December.
For more information, visit hanschristmasandersen.co.uk
CANDY CANE FOREST / NOVEMBER 26 – JANUARY 2 / KINGSTON
Kids can explore the magical Candy Cane Forest as part of Kingston’s winter wonderland experience this Christmas. Enjoy a Santa’s sackful of activities, food, music, and entertainment throughout and explore the magical trail while getting some ace festive snaps to remember the adventure by.
For more information, visit kingstonuponthames.info
CHRISTMAS BAUBLE SPHERE CAKES / NOVEMBER 28 / VICTORIA’S KITCHEN, WOKING
Create stunning Bauble Sphere Cakes this Christmas by heading over to Victoria’s Kitchen in Woking. Spend the day decorating gorgeous balls of cake, learning how to decorate and package them to a professional standard – perfect for giving as a food-based gift this Christmas.
For more information, visit victorias-kitchen.com
IMPROV COMEDY JAM / NOVEMBER 30 + DECEMBER 14 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Think you’re funny? Of course, you do. For those interested in expressing their comical quips to an adoring audience, internationally renowned improv comedy teacher Chris Mead is holding a couple of comedy jams. Pay what you can and learn how to turn your wit into one-line wonders, and discover how spontaneity can spur you on to bring others laughter and joy.
For more information, visit the farnhammaltings.com
IAN SHAW AND CLAIRE MARTIN’S EARLY XMAS CRACKER / DECEMBER 1 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
These two BBC award winners and leading jazz singers bring their hugely popular annual seasonal offering to the Electric Theatre in a show packed with winter warmers and classic songs from both the Jazz and pop canon.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
FESTIVE FIRE COOKERY / DECEMBER 1 / THE SALT BOX, PRIORY FARM ESTATE, REDHILL
The magic of Christmas meets the flames at this festive inspired cookery course. So wrap up warm and head for the great outdoors, where wild cooking aficionados The Salt Box will guide you through how to make the most of local and seasonal produce, transforming them into incredible festive flavours. Expect crackling fires, winter veg, mulled cider and more.
For more information, visit wearethesaltbox.co.uk
FROM THE JAM + very special guests BUZZCOCKS / DECEMBER 2 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Led by The Jam’s original bass player and songwriter Bruce Foxton and Russel Hastings, From The Jam celebrates the 40th anniversary of The Jam’s final 1982 farewell tour, Beat Surrender. Punk Rock n Roll’s finest, Buzzcocks.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
MAKE YOUR OWN FESTIVE DECORATIONS / DECEMBER 2 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Fancy a Christmas-filled ‘crafter noon’ at scenic West Horsley Place? This seasonal workshop is for those new to crafting- you do not need any experience at all. So come and join the fun and see just how enjoyable embroidery can be as you create a collection of decorations to take home.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
BETFAIR TINGLE CREEK FESTIVAL / DECEMER 2 – 3 / SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER
Sandown Park will be celebrating the annual Betfair Tingle Creek Christmas Festival on December 2nd and 3rd. Combining exciting racing and festive fun. If you like Jump racing then 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
FESTIVE FAYRE / DECEMBER 2 – 4 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Get that festive feeling and head for historic Hampton Court Palace to eat, drink and be merry in a socially distanced fashion this December. A must for any fervent foodie, explore the palace’s courtyards and East front gardens as they’re transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Expect delicious street food, warming drinks and a selection of stalls selling unique gifts to give to your loved ones.
For more information, visit hrpfoodfestivals.com
RAMSTER CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 2 – 4 / CHIDDINGFOLD
Head to the heart of the Surrey Hills countryside and Ramster’s Christmas Market. This gorgeous setting is the perfect place to soak up the season and undertake a spot of Christmas shopping simultaneously. Find artisanal foodstuffs and gifts from local makers while munching on some mince pies in the process.
For more information, visit ramsterevents.com
ETSY GUILDFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 3 / 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 find locally homemade gifts to give this Christmas.
For more information, visit facebook.com/etsyguildford/
SUNS BASKETBALL VS CARDIFF ARCHERS / DECEMBER 3 / SURREY SPORTS PARK, GUILDFORD
Surrey-based WBBL side Sevenoaks Suns take on Cardiff Archers this December in a must-win game for Len Busch’s side as they look to rise from their mid-table position. get involved with the lively atmosphere in the crowd and witness a fast-paced end-to-end games of Basketball.
For more information, visit sevenoakssuns.com
SANTA CRUISE / DECEMBER 3, 4, 10, 11 + 17 – 23 / 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
TROPICANA NIGHTS 80s CHRISTMAS PARTY / DECEMBER 3 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Let’s face it – the 80s had some of the best festive 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 celebrate this Christmas, then look no further! Come and indulge yourselves in pure 80s heaven.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
SWINGBRIDGE SANTA SPECIAL RIVER WEY CRUISE / DECEMBER 3 – 21 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, 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
FESTIVE FOOD MARKET / DECEMBER 3 / 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
WINTER TREK CHALLENGE / DECEMBER 4 / GOMSHALL TRAIN STATION
Soak up some of Surrey’s stunning countryside of the 20km circular hike. Taking in some of the most breathtaking viewpoints along the way, start the day at Gomshall Train Station before making your way to Shere and Newlands Corner.
For more information, visit backontrack.live
KELLY’S SANTA RUN / DECEMBER 4 / STOKE PARK, GUILDFORD
The Kelly’s Santa Run is back on Sunday, December 4 2022, this time with a Christmas market! Every penny donated will go straight to Challengers, an amazing local charity that provides truly inclusive, fun and safe places where all disabled children and young people can spend time with their friends. Runners can choose between the 2.5k (fully accessible) or 5k route around the park, with optional chip timing available. Each entrant gets a Santa hat to wear for the run (or a festive bandana for our four-legged friends) and a decoration for the tree when they finish! Why not make it even more special and get our bespoke Santa or Elf t-shirts to run in? Remember, 100% of donations go to Challengers!
For more information, visit charity.kellystorage.co.uk
FATHER CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 4, 11, 18 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Experience a magical Christmas at Watts Gallery Artists’ Village as you meet Father Christmas at the home of George and Mary Watts. Listen as he shares magical stories and join in with a festive sing-a-long.
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
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