YES FAM! IT’S CHRISTMAS!
Looking for some festive family cheer this Christmas? We’ve compiled a go-to guide of some of the best seasonal events in Surrey and Berkshire for you to seek out Santa here, there and just about everywhere…
LAPLAND UK / UNTIL DECEMBER 24 / WHITMOOR FOREST, ASCOT
Make Lapland UK your destination for all things Christmas, and enjoy a magical day against the magical backdrop of a beautiful midwinter scene. Meet Father Christmas and his hardworking team of elves as they ready and prepare his sleigh in time for the big day. A hugely popular destination, book your tickets, and get set for a special Christmas surprise.
For more information, visit www.laplanduk.co.uk
ALADDIN / NOVEMBER 29 – JANUARY 12 / THEATRE ROYAL, WINDSOR
Prepare yourself for Windsor’s annual spectacular Pantomime season. Join a cast of colourful characters as Aladdin, the Genie and the rest of the gang take you on a magical carpet ride filled with music and much mayhem. Starring a cast that includes Basil Brush, Marti Webb and Paul Nicholas, as well as family favourites and fixtures of the Windsor Panto scene Kevin Cruise and Steven Blakeley, set sail for old Peking and get set for a seasonal adventure of epic proportions.
For more information, visit www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
CELTIC CHRISTMAS WEEKEND / NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 1 / WATTS GALLERY AND ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Experience the sights, smells and sounds of midwinter with the Celtic Christmas Weekend at Watts Gallery Artists’ Village. Enjoy festive activities for the whole family, sing carols merrily, make a plethora of Christmas decorations, enjoy festive crafts and, of course, meet Father Christmas himself. This event typically sells out, so get your tickets quick to avoid disappointment.
For more information, visit www.wattsgallery.org.uk
FESTIVE FAMILY FUN AT WISLEY / NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 22 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
Make your way to RHS Garden, Wisley, during the holiday season, and witness an abundance of festive cheer. Choose from bookable workshops that will see the little ones learn to create and make decorations for the home, or simply drop in and join the fun, with free sessions taking place on weekends in December.
For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk
CAMBERLEY CHRISTMAS STREET PARTY / NOVEMBER 30 / PARK STREET, CAMBERLEY
Celebrate the season by heading to Camberley town centre for a free Christmas Street Party. Meet Santa Claus and a cast of festive characters as a fiesta of festive fun is unleashed. Make merry and enjoy a score of family-friendly entertainments scheduled throughout the afternoon from 1 pm to 6 pm
For more information, visit www.surreyheath.gov.uk
THE WINDSOR AND ETON LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR / DECEMBER 1 – 24 / MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
The hugely popular Windsor and Eton Living Advent Calendar returns for a seventh successive year. Set to entertain and serenade your seasonal senses, enjoy a festive 15-minute performance scheduled for 6.15 pm at a different location every day throughout Advent.
For more information, visit www.windsor.gov.uk
MERRIST WOOD FESTIVE ANIMAL FUN DAY / DECEMBER 1 / MERRIST WOOD COLLEGE, WORPLESDON
Experience midwinter at Merrist Wood, and enjoy a festive animal fun day for the whole family. Meet farmyard animals, sit with Santa for storytime, take a horse drawn carriage ride, as well as taking part in festive crafts and face painting.
For more information, visit www.merristwoodevents.co.uk
SANTA AND ELF FUN RUNS / DECEMBER 1, 14 + 15 / HINDHEAD, GODALMING + FARNBOROUGH
Head for the Hindhead, Godalming or Farnborough festive family fun runs, where participants receive a free Santa outfit when they sign up, while children get a super- cute elf outfit. Proceeds go to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care.
For more information, visit www.pth.org.uk
THE SNOW QUEEN / DECEMBER 6 – JANUARY 5 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
The Rose Theatre proudly presents its annual Christmas production – The Snow Queen.Featuring local talent from the Rose Youth Theatre working alongside a professional cast, be prepared to be transported to a magical land this Christmas.
For more information, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org
ALADDIN / DECEMBER 7 – JANUARY 5 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Starring Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole as the Genie and Bobby Davro as Wishee Washee, set sail for Old Peking and experience the magical pantomime Aladdinat Woking’s New Victoria Theatre.
For more information, visit www.atgtickets.com
SANTA SPECIALS / DECEMBER 7 – 8 + 14 – 15 / RURAL LIFE CENTRE, TILFORD
Ride through the woods on the Old Kiln Light Railway, pay a visit to the elves’ workshop, and of course meet Father and Mother Christmas in their enchanting grotto. Seasonal refreshments and the sound of Christmas carols complete the festive atmosphere.
For more information, visit www.rural-life.org.uk
WINDSOR REINDEER PARADE / DECEMBER 7 /WINDSOR CASTLE – WINDSOR YARDS
Father Christmas returns to Windsor, with his reindeer and sleigh, for the annual parade through the town centre. Meet at the Castle’s Advance Gate at 2 pm, and join the parade as it makes its way into Windsor Yards at 2.30 pm. Have your photo taken with Father Christmas, and join in with the celebrations until 4 pm.
For more information, visit www.windsor.gov.uk
ALADDIN PANTO / DECEMBER 8 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
TaleGate Theatre Productions return to Cranleigh for a third year to present their Christmastime pantomime Aladdin.Packed with songs, slapstick and much silliness, join the Genie and co as they search for the magic lamp and win the hand of Princess Jasmine.
For more information, visit www.cranleighartscentre.org
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN / DECEMBER 8 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Join Father Christmas and his friends for a magical, musical, festive adventure – and remember to bring your Christmas letter to post in Santa’s special post box, HO-HO-HO!
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS XMAS SPECIAL / DECEMBER 8 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Whether you’re six or 600 years old, this popular event promises a hilarious afternoon of tinsel-tasticmagic for all. Find some funny fodder to entertain the family with at the Christmas table, and enjoy some of the best comedians from the UK and world circuits doing what they do best… but without the rude bits!
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
ROBIN HOOD / DECEMBER 9 – 31 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE
Enjoy festive fun and games in Camberley this Christmas for a season of pantomime! Join Robin Hood in robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, and look on and laugh as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham gets served a healthy dose of cream cakes in his face.
For more information, visit www.camberleytheatre.co.uk
A VISIT FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 14 – 15 / PACKHOUSE, FARNHAM
Meet Father Christmas at the Packhouse, found on the outskirts of Farnham, and share your Christmas wishes with the big man himself. Enter the magical grotto, complete with a magical sleigh and a trusty team of reindeer, before taking part in the Packhouse’s Christmas photo competition.
For more information, visit www.packhouse.com
FATHER CHRISTMAS NEEDS A WEE / DECEMBER 14 – 15 + 20 – 24 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Ever wondered what happens to Father Christmas when he needs a wee? Enjoy this hilarious musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s book, as Santa makes his way around the neighbourhood eating and drinking the delightful treats that the kids have left for him. But – oh no! – he’s enjoyed one glass of milk too many and he really, reallyneeds a wee! Watch the drama unfold this December at G Live in Guildford.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
MOTHER CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING / DECEMBER 14 / CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN, ESHER
As Father Christmas takes a quick snooze, ahead of his travels later this month, join Mother Christmas in the Thatched Cottage of Claremont Landscape Gardens for some lively festive tales and sing-a-long songs.
For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
CHRISTMAS IN THE WOODS / DECEMBER 14 – 15 / NOWER WOOD, LEATHERHEAD
Wrap up warm, and wander into the woods in search of Father Christmas at this magical event hosted by Surrey Wildlife Trust. Play seasonal games along the way, and keep an eye out for some winter wildlife, before getting to the grotto to meet a certain Mister. Enjoy toasted marshmallows and, depending on whether you’ve been naughty or nice, receive a special gift from Santa himself.
For more information, visit www.surreywildlifetrust.org
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS PAST / DECEMBER 14 – 21/ WINDSOR CASTLE
Join storyteller Olivia Armstrong and settle down for an afternoon discovering how Windsor Castle became the home of many Victorian Christmas traditions. Take part in festive arts and crafts, and soak up the season amongst a magical atmosphere.
For more information, visit www.rct.uk
DEAR SANTA / DECEMBER 19 – 24 / RHODA McGAW THEATRE, WOKING
Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn’t get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf he finally settles on something ‘perfect’, just in time for Christmas Eve. Rod Campbell’s Dear Santa is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged 2 to 7 years old.
For more information, visit www.atgtickets.com
CHRISTMAS FAMILY RACEDAY / DECEMBER 20 – 21 / ASCOT RACECOURSE
Celebrate Christmas at Ascot Racecourse this December with a fabulously festive family race day. Featuring a wealth of seasonal entertainments; meet Father Christmas, hear some stories from Mrs Christmas, listen to carol singing, encounter an animatronic Polar Bear – and last but not least, eat, drink and make merry.
For more information, visit www.ascot.co.uk
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 21 – 26 / MILL STUDIO, GUILDFORD
Emma has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa, 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 www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
OUTSIDE THE IGLOO / DECEMBER 21 – 23 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
An interactive icy adventure awaits at the Farnham Maltings this December. Meet Pixel, Crash and Click, who are not your average kind of penguins. Having played safely in the confines of their home, surrounded by screens and gadgets, discover what happens when the power goes off and the penguins step out from their igloo for the first time. Join them as they get a glimpse of the wider world and head out on their biggest adventure yet.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
HASLEMERE’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER / DECEMBER 21 / HASLEMERE HALL
All hail the return of Haslemere’s Christmas Cracker!Enjoy this annual Yuletide show for the family, complete with carols sung by choirs from the local school, traditional readings, comical festive verses, mulled wine, mincepies and much fun!
For more information, visit www.haslemere.com
REINDEER ON THE ROOF BY HODGE PODGE THEATRE / DECEMBER 22 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
It’s Christmas morning, and Darcey wakes up to a sparkly tree, a stocking full of presents and a ‘Reindeer On The Roof!’ Join Darcey on her epic adventure to get her new reindeer friend back to Lapland where he belongs, and discover the true meaning of Christmas along the way…
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
STORY POCKET THEATRE: ARABIAN NIGHTS + WORKSHOPS / DECEMBER 23 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The Story Pocket Theatre presents its award-winning adaptation of The Arabian Nightsat the Electric Theatre this December. Complete with music, puppets and much magic, join the greatest storyteller of all, Scheherazade, and behold a bounty of terrific adventures involving genies, heroes and princesses. Fancy learning some stage skills? Take part in the Arabian dancing and sword-fighting workshops taking place on the same day.
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
LEGOLAND® AT CHRISTMAS / SELECTED DATES IN DECEMBER / LEGOLAND® WINDSOR RESORT
Take a trip to Legoland Windsor Resort this Christmas, and experience a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, snow-dusted pine trees – and the sight of a certain Father Christmas. Find the Christmas Kingdom, and meet elves who will guide you along the path to meet the great man himself.
For more information, visit www.legoland.co.uk
WINDSOR ON ICE / UNTIL JANUARY 5 / ALEXANDRA GARDENS, WINDSOR
Slide and glide around this pop-up ice rink, as Windsor on Ice sets up camp in Alexandra Gardens for the festive season. Enjoy ice skating sessions with the family, or meet for a romantic date post-Christmas shopping – the choice is yours.
For more information, visit www.windsoronice.com