WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK IN SURREY?
Whether you’re seeking Santa, in need a location for a last-minute get together, or are simply in need of some experiential inspiration; the latest instalment of ‘Whats’s On This Week in Surrey’ has got a healthy helping of fun for all. Family days out, foodie events, festive shindigs and a splattering of filthy humour awaits.
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
MEATH MIDWINTER / DECEMBER 6 – 24 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Come in from the cold for this heart-warming, eclectic exhibition of wintery works from the people The Meath Epilepsy Charity support at the Skills Centre. Taking inspiration from the natural world, classic winter tales, and the story of Christmas itself, this imaginative, multimedia exploration of the winter season is not to be missed!
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
BAD MANNERS / DECEMBER 6 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
The legendary Buster Bloodvessel and his band Bad Manners are coming to The Boileroom in Guildford! Once banned from Top of The Pops, Bad Manners were inspired by the late 70s ska scene and were famed for their on-stage antics, not to mention Buster’s inordinately long tongue. So get a ticket quickly for a night to remember.
For more information, visit the boileroom.net
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 7 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Emma eagerly awaits Santa’s arrival and stares wistfully from her window in search of his sleigh as he makes his way across the snowy sky. Unofficial houseguest, Eddie, the mouse, can’t quite understand what all the fuss is about, so sets off to find Father Christmas and find out for himself. Ideal for kids aged 3 – 7 enjoy a magical afternoon of theatre this December.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
CRAWLERS / DECEMBER 8 / PRYZM, KINGSTON
Celebrating the release of their new mixtape ‘Loud Without Noise’, the slewy Rock-Pop quartet Crawlers come to Kingston to play a reduced capacity show at Pryzm. Tipped for big things, the band’s debut UK tour back in April sold out, so expect a special night.
For more information, visit the banquetrecords.com
FESTIVE BARBECUE / DECEMBER 9 / WEBER GRILL ACADEMY, ABINGER COOKERY SCHOOL
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
WINTER WREATH MAKING / DECEMBER 9 + 10 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
The perfect past festive pastime; why not wander over to Watts Gallery Artists’ Village this winter and try to make a winter wreath? Get expert guidance and create a beautiful wreath to hang on your door.
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
AFFORDABLE ART MARKET / DECEMBER 10 / NEW HOUSE ART SPACE, GUILDFORD
Fancy some affordable art? New House Art Space is holding an affordable art market at the gallery from 10 am – 4 pm this December. Featuring local makers, creators and artistic innovators, expect ceramics, prints and more as gifts to give to your pals or, indeed, keep for your fine self.
For more information, visit newhouse.art
CHRISTMAS DECORATION SCULPTING WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 10 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
Join artists Dot Young at The Lightbox in Woking and learn how to create some unique handmade Christmas decorations. Deck your halls or give them as gifts – the choice is yours.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
MEET SANTA AND HIS REINDEER / DECEMBER 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
CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM / DECEMBER 10, 11, 18 + 19 / RURAL LIFE CENTRE, 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, 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
SURREY HILLS FESTIVE MTB RIDE / DECEMBER 11 / THE ROYAL OAK, HOLMBURY ST MARY
Get on your bike and take on this festive MTB 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 taking on some sublime trails this December. Finish with a festive dinner at The Royal Oak in Holmbury St.Mary or the Hurtwood Inn at Peaslake.
For more information, visit marmalademtb.com
FATHER CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 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
PARENT & CHILD CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD BISCUITS WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 11 / VICTORIA’S KITCHEN, WOKING
Enjoy some family fun at Victoria’s Kitchen in Woking and sign up for this Gingerbread Biscuits Workshop. Make some scrumptious cookies from scratch and decorate them with seasonal cheer before taking them home, sharing, and eating.
For more information, visit victorias-kitchen.com
MARTIN & ELIZA CARTHY / DECEMBER 11 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
Folks’ finest family duo, Martin and Eliza Carthy, come to Walton’s Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre this month, treating ears to an eclectic range of songs and tunes from their vast repertoire. Expect an evening of traditional and contemporary folk music from arguably two of the greatest English folk musicians.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
GRANT LEE PHILLIPS / DECEMBER 11 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
If you watched waaay too much Gilmore Girls back in the day, you may remember the town troubadour who would pop into the fore on occasion to play a tune or two. The musician in question is Americana singer-songwriter Mr Grant Lee Phillips, who will take a trip across the pond this December and land on stage at The Boileroom in Guildford. Cool huh? Get a ticket quickly for a night of some sweet live music.
For more information, visit the boileroom.net
FESTIVE HEROES TRAIL / from now until 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
CANDY CANE FOREST / Now until 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
RHS GLOW 2022 / now until 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
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / now until 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 / now until 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 / now until 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
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