YES FAM! THE BEST FAMILY DAYS OUT IN SURREY THIS CHRISTMAS!
Family fun this Christmas in Surrey is here! Whether you’re looking for Santa, seeking a seasonal trail or fancy hopping aboard an illuminated steam train, find out what’s on with this handy guide for families this festive season.
SHAUN THE SHEEP™ – FIND THE FLOCK / NOVEMBER 23 – JANUARY 19 / WINKWORTH ARBORETUM, GODALMING
With a nod to what’s to come… National Trust have teamed up with Wild In Art, to bring Aardman’s mischievous Shaun the Sheep™ to life with a Christmas trail around the Arboretum. Come and find twelve super-sized Shaun sculptures, each uniquely designed and decorated by talented artists and inspired by beautiful English Landscape. With fun games, carousel rides, engaging activities and delicious winter treats from the tearoom, a visit to Winkworth Arboretum this Christmas will be an unforgettable day out for all ages.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth-arboretum
WINTER TRAIL & THE FATHER CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE / NOVEMBER 23 – JANUARY 5 / PRIORY FARM ESTATE, REDHILL
From immersive theatrical experiences that unravel enchanting tales at the Father Christmas Experience to the new Discovery Land Winter trail sprinkled with stardust, Priory Farm Estate invite you to join a journey of festive fun and unforgettable memories for all the family. Book your tickets pronto for the beginning of a pretty awesome Christmas.
For more information, visit prioryfarm.co.uk
CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL / NOVEMBER 23 – JANUARY 5 / POLESDEN LACEY, GREAT BOOKHAM
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 three years old must be accompanied on a galloper by an adult.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
STEAM ILLUMINATIONS / NOVEMBER 29 – JANUARY 4 / WATERCRESS LINE, ARLESFORD
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
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TRAIL / NOVEMBER 30 – JANUARY 5 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Inspired by the festive song, The 12 Days of Christmas Trail at Painshill for 2024 will see visitors searching out each of the gifts mentioned; from two turtle doves through to twelve drummers drumming and of course, a partridge in a pear tree! With a touch of nostalgia, figures will be made from traditional wooden materials and each one will be individually hand-painted.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
SWINGBRIDGE SANTA CRUISE / NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 22 / THE 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 electric.theatre
A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS / NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 1 / FARNHAM MUSEUM
A day full of festive cheer for all the family! The magic of a traditional Christmas is coming to the Museum of Farnham. Join in with a range of activities to get you into the festive spirit and learn all about the traditions that make Christmas so special. Reindeer Food, Victoria Christmas treats, miniature wreath workshops and much more awaits.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
ROBIN HOOD & THE CHRISTMAS HEIST / NOVEMBER 30 – JANUARY 5 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Join Robin Hood and his Merry Band for a spectacular festive heist! As winter’s first snow falls, there’s little Christmas cheer in Sherwood. Cupboards are bare, the nights are cold, and the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham squeezes his citizens for every penny they’re worth. But deep in the forest, in the heart of the Major Oak, legendary outlaw Robin Hood plots an audacious scheme to bring some festive joy to all. Can Robin succeed? Will the Sheriff be defeated? Will the children of Sherwood have anything to celebrate come Christmas Day? Find out when we bring a new chapter of Robin’s adventures to our stage.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
FESTIVE FAMILY WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 1 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Join artist Honey Dearsley to make a beautiful Christmas garland in this fun for all the family workshop at West Horsley Place. Who knew folding could be so much fun! You will get to learn the art of origami while making a garland to decorate your home. Adults can get stuck in helping the kids and have some super fun creative family time.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
ROBIN HOOD / DECEMBER 5 – 31 / ESHER THEATRE
Head for Esher Theatre for this epic journey of action, comedy thrills and romance. Travel with Robin Hood and his band of merry men through the wilderness of Sherwood Forest on their quest to defeat the evil Sheriff Of Nottingham, and restore peace to the land. Featuring a live band and staring….. Bobby Davro(Will Scarlet), Kiera-Nicole(Fairy Faraway), Peter Straker(King Richard) with local legends Mark Bradford(The Dame) and Richard Brimblecombe (Sheriff Of Nottingham).
For more information, visit eshertheatre.com
SLEEPING BEAUTY / DECEMBER 6 – JANUARY 5 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Once upon a time in a land far away, Princess Aurora is given a twenty-first birthday present by her evil aunt Carabosse. By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Leading the cast will be stage, screen and pantomime legend, the one-and-only Christopher Biggins as The Spirit of Dreams, along with Steps singer and musical theatre star Faye Tozer as Carabosse and illusionist, puppeteer and actor Richard Cadell (accompanied by his friend Sooty!) as Muddles.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 7 / 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
FESTIVE FARM OPEN DAYS / DECEMBER 7 – 8 / THE FARMYARD, MERRIST WOOD, WORPLESDON
This December, bring the whole family for an unforgettable day to meet Merrist Wood’s friendly farm animals on their Rare Breed Survival Trust accredited farm. Santa and his elves are waiting to meet you in his festively decorated stable! Kids can hand-deliver their letters to Santa or write one there and then – it’s never too late! Don’t forget to grab your exclusive “I’ve Seen Santa!” sticker to cherish the memory. After meeting Santa, visit the charming Yuletide Yard, where you can sip on delicious hot chocolate, savour warm mince pies, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Free parking on site. Yay.
For more information, visit merristwoodevents.co.uk
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST / DECEMBER 7 – JANUARY 5 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Dreaming of a happier life, Belle finds herself transported to a cursed castle and held captive by a terrifying beast. To her surprise, the castle is full of magical characters placed under a spell by an evil enchantress. Can Belle see beyond the monster and fall in love with her captor before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose? Actress Dame Maureen Lipman returns to Richmond to star as Mrs Potty in this enchanting pantomime adventure, alongside comedy magician Pete Firman as Silly Billy. One of the most romantic pantos of all time, Beauty and the Beast will be a spectacular production for all the family.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond-theatre
SNOW WHITE / DECEMBER 7 – 31 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE
Get ready for a spellbinding pantomime like no other! This Christmas, Snow White takes the stage in an exciting new production full of laughter, magic and unexpected surprises. Join Snow White and her lively band of friends in a charming adventure packed with unforgettable songs, hilarious moments, and stunning scenery. With a few twists on the classic story, this is Snow White as you’ve never seen before. This magical re-telling of a classic fairy tale will be sure to have you laughing, smiling, cheering and booing all the way through. Don’t miss the most fun-filled show of the season – book your tickets today!
For more information, visit camberleytheatre.co.uk
CHRISTMAS IN EXETER STREET / DECEMBER 13 – 24 / FARNHAM MUSEUM
37 characters, 7 animals and 10 instruments – all under one roof! Christmas in Exeter Street is the perfect festive treat. Maggie Mistletoe is hosting Christmas. She’s expecting all the usual family members, but come Christmas Eve the doorbell won’t stop ringing as guest after unexpected guest arrives Adapted from Diana Hendry and John Lawrence’s classic children’s book, Farnham Maltings’ production of Christmas in Exeter Street promises brand new songs, plenty of humour and a sprinkle of festive magic.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
ALADDIN ON ICE / DECEMBER 13 – 15 / SPECTRUM LEISURE COMPLEX, GUILDFORD
Get ready to be whisked away on a thrilling adventure this festive season as Spectrum Ice presents Aladdin on Ice! From Friday 13th to Sunday 15th December, prepare to be dazzled by rising skating stars. Join the courageous Aladdin as he embarks on a whirlwind adventure filled with wishes, genies, and a touch of festive magic. Witness the beauty and wonder of Agrabah come to life on ice at Guildford Spectrum.
For more information, visit guildfordspectrum.co.uk
THE SNOWMAN FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA / DECEMBER 14 / GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
Make it a Christmas to remember with a special performance of Raymond Brigg’s classic, The Snowman, with a live orchestra at Guildford Cathedral this November.
For more information, visit carrotproductions.com
JACK & THE BEANSTALK / DECEMBER 14 – 28 / BOROUGH HALL, GODALMING
Godalming’s Family Pantomime returns with a larger life rendition of Jack and The Beanstalk. Featuring spectacular song and dance, colourful costumes and lots of fun and laughs for the whole family, get some tickets pronto for some festive panto.
For more information, visit godalmingpanto.com
THE SNOWMAN AND CHRISTMAS FAVOURITES / DECEMBER 15 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES
Who doesn’t love The Snowman? After the sold-out ‘Paddington Bear’s First Concert’ in the Summer, Harmony’s Music Club bring us ‘The Snowman with Christmas Favourites’. The live classical music concert will feature a piano trio arrangement with violin and cello, a sololist and a narrator, bringing all of the original Snowman magic and festive joy. Expect lots of interaction, singalong and joining in too. A fabulous way to kick start Christmas for ages 3-103+!
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
SHORT STORIES, TALL TALES: THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 17 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD, GUILDFORD
A wonderfully high-spirited spin on an old favourite that will inspire even the most ‘bah humbug’ curmudgeons. You and your little one will love this. Head for Yvonne Arnaud’s Mill Studio for Hannah Summer’s adaptation of the 19th Century tale by Clement Clarke Moore.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
SANTA’S WISH / DECEMBER 18 – 24 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Create festive family memories to last a lifetime at Santa’s Wish, a brand-new musical for young and old alike that’s packed with catchy original songs that will have you singing throughout the Christmas season. This heart-warming adventure is full of colour and fun, immersive storytelling and a sprinkling of circus magic that is guaranteed to leave everyone bursting with festive joy and happiness. Believe, the magic will come true!
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER / DECEMBER 20 / THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Join Father Christmas and friends for a fun, festive, musical adventure to discover the wonder of Christmas – you may even get to pull a cracker with Dotty the Elf! Santa’s Christmas Cracker is a 45 minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds. Afterwards the adventure continues as each child gets to meet Father Christmas and receive a specially wrapped present from him – it’s the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HO-HO!
For more information, visit electric.theatre
COOK TOGETHER: CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 21 / GORDON RAMSAY ACADEMY, WOKING
An adult and child ticket all-in-one! With the Christmas holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to get your kids involved in the kitchen and enjoy making delicious festive treats together. Join the Gordon Ramsay Academy in Woking for this adult and child cooking class where their chefs will help you work together on some festive-inspired recipes that will become new family favourites.
For more information, visit gordonramsayacademy.com