Christmas is just around the corner and there are so many festive activities and magical Christmas events coming up that I thought I’d share them with you. They’re great for inspiration if you have a free weekend, a few hours spare after school or are looking for ways to fill up the Christmas holidays.
So here are some ideas of things to do over the festive season taking place across Surrey:
Meeting Father Christmas in Surrey
I know one of the main things people want to know at this time of year is where to see Father Christmas so I’ve put together a post that tells you just that. Santa events and activities are also listed on this page but if you’re specifically looking for Father Christmas, this post might be helpful.
Days Out in Surrey
If you’re just looking for a day out to enjoy over the festive period then we have a lot of inspiration for you and these posts should be helpful:
Christmas Afternoon Tea
If you fancy going for afternoon tea as a festive treat there are plenty of places to choose from and these guides may help you find somewhere perfect!
There are also a few really lovely Christmas themed afternoon tea options around:
Runnymede on Thames Hotel Festive Afternoon Tea – 28th November – 22nd December 2022 for £32 per adult, £20 per child (3 – 12 years).
Pull a cracker or two whilst indulging in this truly British tradition with seasonal treats and a glass of fizz. With dedicated vegan, gluten-free and children’s menus available.
Oatlands Park Hotel Festive Afternoon Tea – 21st November – 21st December – From £32.95 per person
Get into the Christmas spirit with festive afternoon tea this December. Indulge in a selection of handmade sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and seasonal cakes and pastries created by the pastry chef.
The Petersham Hotel Festive Afternoon Tea – Thursday 1st December- Friday 30th December – From £45 per person
Celebrate the season with festive afternoon tea. Themed cakes and pastries alongside finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones. There’s also a 4 for 3 offer on for bookings after 5pm. More info here.
Christmas Tree Farm Surrey
A great festive activity is going to choose a Christmas tree and it’s lovely being able to go and pick one freshly cut from a Christmas tree farm.
Hans Christmas Andersen Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm
Where: Guildford Road, Shamley Green, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0SQ
Visit Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm for a fun-filled Christmas experience for all the family! Meet Father Christmas, say hello to his reindeer, go on a horse and carriage ride and browse the local produce market.
Various times/dates from Saturday 27th November to 12th December. £5 per child with every child receiving a gift. Find out more and book here.
There are other Christmas tree farms in Surrey but Santa Fir Christmas Trees is a real festive event that has had such great reviews. Other options include:
- Crockford Bridge Farm – from 25th November 2022 with the ability to cut your own from 26th November to 12th December 2022.
- Maurice Mandry – 25th November 2022 to 23rd December 2022
- Oxenford Farm – 21st November 2022 – 23rd December 2022
- Newdigate Farms Estate – 27th November 2022 – 24th December 2022
Christmas Events in Surrey
Wherever you are in Surrey, there are so many festive events to keep the whole family entertained. Here are a few ideas from across the county suitable for all ages.
Here are a couple of specific posts that you might find useful:
Chessington Garden Centre
Where: Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NG
Santa’s Christmas Wonderland 2022 – 19th November 2022 to 24th December 2022 – £18.50 to £20.00 per child, £5.50 per adult. Family tickets available.
Take a magical walk through the Christmas Wonderland. It includes a short, animated film followed by rooms with different themes to take you through a journey of magic and wonder. You then have your own private visit with Father Christmas – visiting him in his cosy cabin.
Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride – Add on experience. Extra £5 per person.
Join Santa’s team on a magical immersive 4D experience that the whole family will love. This festive VR ride promises to be a magical way to get your family ready for Christmas in an exciting and magical experience.
Ashtead Park Garden Centre
Where: Pleasure Pit Road, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1HU
Festive Family Fun Weekend – 3 December 2022 to December 2022 – £5 per pony ride
See the beautiful Nativity Animals – donkeys, goats, sheep and more and visit Surrey Magic Ponies for a short pony ride. There will be Christmas crafts, a polar bear hunt and face painting plus a local choir will be spreading some Christmas cheer.
You can also meet Santa in his igloo – more info here.
Bentall Centre Kingston
Where: Wood Street, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1TP
Santa’s Grotto – Selected dates in November and daily in December – to £11 per person
Santa is setting up his workshop in Bentalls Kingston to delight families with merry activities. Not only will you meet the man himself inside the magical grotto, sit in his famous sleigh and sing a festive tune with the reindeers, but guests will also help the mischievous elves with a spot of crafting, decorating a ceramic plate to take home.
Santa’s Grotto at Mizens Railway
Where: Barrs Lane, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2JW
Santa Specials – Sunday 4th December, Sunday 11th Dec & Sunday 18th Dec
Sadly this is now fully booked.
Gatton Park
Where: Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TW
Christmas Crafts – Friday 23rd December – 10am to 11.30 am or 1.3pm to 3.00 pm – £8 per child, accompanying adults go free.
Get the sparkle out for lots of Christmas crafty makes. Christmas Craft making session for younger children aged 3 – 7 years.
Family Christmas Decoration Making – Saturday 3rd December – 10am to 12pm – £35.00 for one adult and child. Additional children £3.00 each
Create your own Christmas wreath and Christmas decorations from the natural materials found in Gatton Park.
Christmas Winter Welly Walk – Sunday 4th December – 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm – £6 per adult, £3 per child
Enjoy an elfy winter walk around beautiful Gatton Park. Stop off along the way to make a willow star decoration as you follow the Christmas trail around the lake. See how many Christmas objects you can spot and then whittle a stick to cook a marshmallow over the fire.
Gym Jams Soft Play
Where: Normandy Village Hall, Glaziers Lane, Normandy, Nr Guildford, Surrey GU3 2DT
Christmas at Gym Jams 2022 – Various dates in December
Join in with the Gym Jams’ Christmas celebrations that include a soft play session and a visit to Santa’s Grotto! All children get a small gift plus there’s unlimited squash and a cookie too. Adults receive a drink plus a mince pie or chocolate biscuit.
Haslemere Educational Museum
Where: 78 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2LA
Visit Santa at Haslemere Museum – Sunday 4th December – 11.00am – 3.00pm – £3 per child
Santa will be at the Museum as part of the Christmas Market. Visit him and receive a small gift. The cafe will be open and there’s no need to book in advance, simply pay on arrival.
Visit Santa at Santa’s Victorian Parlour – Saturday 17th December – 10.30am – 1pm and 2.00pm – 4.30pm – Members £4 | Non-Members £5
Come and visit Santa as he takes time out before Christmas to relax in his Victorian Parlour. Children receive a gift. Booking in advance essential. Find out more here.
Painshill Park
Where: Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1BE
Painshill’s Festive Heroes Trail – 19th November 2022 – 8th January 2023 – 10am to 4pm – Included in general admission.
Visit 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 recognise. Go in search of Superman, watch out for Wonder Woman, hunt for Hulk and see if you can spot Spiderman.
Denbies Wine Estate
Where: Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA
Denbies Santa Express – 19th November 2022 to 24th December 2022 – £15.95 per child, £9.95 per adult
Join us for an extra special ride on Santa’s Express train with a special passport from Santa, a ride through the vineyard on the Santa Express with Santa himself and a gift from Santa’s elves at the end of the ride.
Hamper with Santa – 19th November 2022 to 23rd December 2022 – £16.95 per person.
Enjoy an afternoon tea hamper hosted by Santa to include a delicious selection of Santa’s favourite treats! Adults have a delicious cream tea and children enjoy a mini sandwich selection, Reindeer gingerbread, Rudolph’s carrots and cream cheese dip, Mr Snowman snowballs and a Christmas lollipop as well as a gift from Santa!
Days Out with Christmas Activities in Surrey
Hampton Court Palace
Where: East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU
Festive Fayre – 2nd to 4th December 2022 – Adults £26.10, Children £13. Under 5’s go free and family tickets are available.
Hampton Court Palace courtyards will be transformed into a food-lover’s Christmas wonderland for a delicious festive weekend, set in the magnificent palace courtyards and grounds. There will be delicious artisan food and drink, as well as gifts to pick up for loved ones.
Palace of Light – 7th December 2022 to 2nd January 2023 – Adult: £14.50, Child: £9.50 and family tickets are available.
Enjoy an enchanting festive lantern and light experience at Hampton Court Palace. Encounter curious creatures, from glittering unicorns to polka-dot panthers and lurking lions to galloping greyhounds, as you wander through the atmospheric gardens and historic palace courtyards after dark.
You can read about our trip to Hampton Court Palace Palace of Stardust 2021 show here.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – 7 November 2022 to 8 January 2023
Wrap up warm, get together with your friends or family and take in the magnificent views of the beautiful Tudor palace as you glide around on the stunning outdoor ice rink. Skate under the stars with your loved one or make magical memories on a day out with the kids at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink.
Chobham Adventure Farm
Where: Bagshot Road, Chobham, Woking, Surrey GU24 8DB
Christmas Adventure – 12th November 2022 to 8th January 2023
This year the animal barn will be magically transformed into The Reindeer Lodge, where all of Santa’s real reindeer will be staying while they get ready for the big day!
Included in the normal entry ticket, you can enjoy soft play and outdoor adventures before heading into the Reindeer Lodge to meet new wintery friends including Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and of course Rudolph himself!
There will be Elves and The Reindeer Keeper to tell you all about how we look after the reindeer and you’ll also get to make your very own magical reindeer food to take home!
There’s also the option to upgrade your ticket to meet Father Christmas or go ice skating. Find out more here.
Godstone Farm
Where: Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, Surrey RH9 8LX
Visit Father Christmas at Godstone Farm – Selected dates 3rd December to 24th December 2022 – Adults £12.45, Children up to £30.
Enjoy a truly magical festive adventure at Godstone Farm this Christmas. Take a festive wander through Candy Cane Lane and embark on a journey to find a special secret recipe. You’ll also get the chance to discover the wonders and surprises inside Father Christmas’ office and explore the controls for the sleigh.
The experience includes your choice of a special gift from the wonderful Christmas Toy Shop and you’ll get the opportunity to decorate a tasty festive treat too.
Chessington World of Adventures
Where: Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NE
Winter’s Tail – 26th November 2022 to 3rd January 2022 – Tickets from £20
Celebrating the magic of Christmas with some festive family fun at Chessington this Christmas! Guided by jolly elves, you’ll make your way deep into a snowy wonderland before stepping foot into Father Christmas’ charming grotto where you’ll enjoy a private audience with Father Christmas.
Then, visit the Toy Workshop where you’ll explore where Father Christmas builds all his wonderful gifts for the big day and children will even receive an early Christmas gift too. There’s also the Wild Christmas Panto, Magical Cookie Kitchen and so much more festive fun to discover.
Chessington also have Christmas sleepovers available as a fantastic festive experience too:
- Father Christmas Sleepovers 25th November – 23rd December
- Festive Sleepovers 26th December – 2nd January
Read our review of the Winter’s Tail at Chessington World of Adventures here.
RHS Garden Wisley
Where: Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB
RHS Glow 2022 at Wisley – 17th November 2022 – 8th January 2023
Let it Glow! Enjoy an unmissable after dark spectacle of lights at RHS Wisley Gardens this festive season. Bring all the family for a magical evening at RHS Garden Wisley and see the garden in breathtaking beauty as amazing illuminations light your way on a wonderful new route.
Bocketts Farm Park
Where: Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9BS
Christmas at Bocketts Farm – 24th November 2022 – 24th December 2022
Enjoy a magical and festive family day out at Bocketts Farm including a visit to meet Father Christmas in his traditional workshop. Hop on board the Santa Express trailer. where the elves take you on a short journey to their traditional workshop. Next, you’ll be invited to meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto where each child will receive a special golden coin to spend in his amazing toy shop.
Plus, there’s a fun Elf Passport, the opportunity to make Reindeer Food, a Christmas Craft Corner plus so many animals to see, fantastic play areas and even a heated indoor soft play.
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Where: Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE
Christmas at Kew – Selected dates, 16th November 2022 to 8th January 2023
Visit Kew Gardens as the magical winter trail lights up the evening skies. Enjoy the annual after-dark festivities with family and friends, and discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
Basingstoke Canal Centre
Where: Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey GU16 6DD
Santa Cruises 2022 – 25th November 2022 to 23rd December 2022
Climb aboard the Rosebud boat and take a gentle cruise to the start of the tinsel trail in the woods. Little ones lead the way and follow the trail to find Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special gift. You’ll then cruise back to the Centre and head into Santa’s Workshop for Christmas colouring activities, warm drinks and mince pies.
Santa Cruise on the River Wey
Where: Millmead Island, Guildford
Santa Cruise – 3rd December 2022 to 21st December 2022
Join Santa aboard the Swingbridge Tranquility broadbeam boat this Christmas for a gentle family cruise along the River Wey. The boat will depart from Millmead Island in search of Santa. Look for clues along the towpath as you pass by to find out where he’s hiding.
Enjoy mince pies and a glass of mulled wine as the hunt goes on. When Santa is found, he’ll hop on board with his sack of gifts, joining the Christmas cabin for the return journey. Tickets include mince pies and mulled wine or soft drinks, plus a present for the children. All proceeds go to The Surrey Care Trust.
Priory Farm Estate
Where: Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4EJ
Christmas Trail at Discovery Land – From 19th November 2022
Come and visit Priory Farm on a frosty, festive family walk this Christmas. You’ll meet the Evergreen Elves as you help scavenge and find all the ingredients to make the festive fuel for Father Christmas’ sleigh. Be ready to help mix up some magic little nature adventurers!
Father Christmas Experience – 19th November 2022 to 24th December 2022
Follow the magic and get ready to go on a very special adventure to meet Father Christmas and his friends. Your favourite fairy, Tinselbottom and the Evergreen Elves will be eagerly waiting to see you in the heart of the fairy forest. Through the wonders of storytelling and song, you will be transported into The Land of Christmas Wishes where you’ll meet Mary Christmas.
Adult Christmas Events in Surrey
Gatton Park
Where: Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TW
Christmas Wreath Making – Saturday 26th November and Sunday 27th November – £35.00 per person
Make a willow wreath and decorate with natural foliage – cedar, holly, and ivy.
A mince pie and a glass of wine included.
Squires Garden Centre
Christmas Wreath Masterclass – £35 per person – Dates vary, check full dates/times here
Create a traditional Christmas wreath in this seasonal masterclass. Your beautiful Christmas wreath will be made using a fresh noble fir ring as the perfect base and can be decorated with cones, berries, cinnamon sticks and ribbon. You can also accessorise with foliage from your own garden, if you wish.
Dapdune Wharf National Trust
Where: Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4RR
Wreath making at Dapdune Wharf – Saturday 3rd December 2022 – £33 per person
Create a beautiful wreath to hang on the front door. You will learn to make a moss ring and decorate it with foliage and berries. Do bring lovely foliage from your gardens to contribute to the individuality of your wreath.
Willow star for Christmas – Thursday 8th December 2022 – £45 per person
Make a large willow star covered in random weaving and decorate it with fairy lights. Hang it on your front door instead of a wreath, show it off on the top of your tree or display it on a wall all year round.
Painshill Park
Where: Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1BE
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop – 24th November 2022 to 26th November 2022 – £72 per person, discounted for members
Make a Painshill inspired Christmas Wreath to decorate your front door this winter. In the two hour workshop you’ll make a mossed wire base before adding foliage, berries and seedheads.
Kew Gardens
Where: Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE
Christmas Willow Weaving – Thursday 15th December 2022 – £70 for Kew members
Make your own woven willow creations for Christmas at Kew Gardens. Learn how to create a string or garland of woven Christmas decorations to hang over the fireplace this year. You’ll discover a few simple techniques to weave your own magical reindeer, willow stars and a tree or two to create some festive cheer.
Albury Vineyard
Where: Silent Pool, Shere Road, Albury, Surrey GU5 9BW
Willow and Wine – 16th and 22nd November 2022
Enjoy a Christmas experience learning how to weave a Willow Heart, Angel or traditional Swedish Star, creating perfect decorations made from natural materials to hang in your home over Christmas or outside all year round.
Have a choice of morning, afternoon or full-day workshop. Each workshop includes a glass of delicious Albury Estate sparkling wine.
RHS Garden Wisley
Where: Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB
Festive Paper Cutting – Tuesday 22 November 2022 – £60 Member £75 non-member
This course will introduce you to a wide variety of cut out items including, Haitian metal work and traditional Polish and Chinese paper cuts; a great way to ease into the festive season. You will design your own festive-themed paper cut which could be a flat panel, a free standing card or a tree decoration. You will pick up numerous handy tips for successfully completing your paper cut to a high standard. Great fun, highly rewarding and a little bit addictive.
National Trust Days Out with Activities
Polesden Lacey
Where: Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD
Christmas songs in Polesden Lacey House – Selected dates from 3rd December 2022
The festive season is a wonderful time of year to visit Polesden Lacey, with the decorated house being a popular and enduring tradition. To help you get that festive feel the Santa Babies will be performing single Christmas song sets to give a wonderful greeting as you enter the house.
Hatchlands Park
Where: East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RT
Visit Father Christmas at Hatchlands Park – Selected dates from 3rd December 2022 – £5 per child
Come along and meet Father Christmas in his new cosy hideout in the old stables, have a quick chat and receive a small present.
You can read about our visits to Hatchlands Park here
Morden Hall Park National Trust
Where: Morden Hall Road, London, Morden, Surrey SM4 5JD
Visit Father Christmas – Selected dates from 3rd December 2022 – £13.50 per child
Children can draw and send their wish lists to Father Christmas using the special postcard express, and in a cosy enchanted grotto they will meet Father Christmas and his elves to receive a special gift.
You can read about our visit to Morden Hall Park here
Winkworth Arboretum
Where: Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey GU8 4AD
Walking with the Snowman at Winkworth Arboretum – 26th November 2022 to 2nd January 2022
Relive the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book, find twelve decorated snowman sculptures along a wintry woodland trail for all the family. Carousel rides, games and warming hot chocolate add to the festive fun.
You can read about our visit to the Snowman Trail at Winkworth Arboretum here
Theatre Shows
Going to the theatre is a great activity that the whole family will enjoy and Surrey has a lot of great theatres to really make the most of. Here are the family shows on over the Christmas period:
G Live Guildford
Father Christmas Needs a Wee – 24 December 2022
Guildford Choral Society Festive Favourites – 17 December 2022
Mr Scrooge’s Toy Shop – 18 December 2022 – 1 hour, suitable for all ages.
New Victoria Theatre Woking
Cinderella – 2 December 2022 to 31 December 2022
Rose Theatre Kingston
A Christmas Carol – 2 December 2022 to 2 January 2023 – 2hrs 15mins including interval – Recommended age 5+
Dorking Hall
Crown Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker – Thursday 1 December 2022, 7:30pm
A Christmas Carol The Concert – Sunday 4 December 2022, 7:30pm
A Swingin’ Christmas with The Len Phillips Swing Orchestra – Monday 5 December 2022, 7:30pm
Santa’s Magical Gift – Friday 9th to Sunday 11th December 2022
Christmas Pantomime 2022: Cinderella – 17th to 28th December 2022
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
The Night Before Christmas – 7 December 2022
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – 15 December 2022 – 18 December 2022
Jack and the Beanstalk – 3 December 2022 – 8 January 2023
Harlequin Theatre Redhill
Buddy Holly & The Cricketers: The Holly at Christmas Show – Sunday 20 November 2022 at 7.30pm
Neil Sands: Christmas Memories – Friday 25 November 2022 at 2pm
Cinderella – Friday 9 December – Saturday 31 December 2022
The Night Before Christmas – Friday 16 December – Sunday 24 December 2022
Epsom Playhouse
Crown Ballet present Sleeping Beauty – 20th November 2022
Christmas Memories 2022 – Thursday 1st December 2022
The Big Band at Christmas with Five Star Swing – Monday 5th December 2022
Santa Saves Christmas – Saturday 10th to Saturday 24th December 2022
Dick Whittington – Panto 2022 – Thursday 15th December 2022 to Sunday 8th January 2023
Camberley Theatre
Christmas Craft Show and Market – Sunday 6th November 2022
Crown Ballet: Swan Lake – Saturday 19th November 2022
Beauty and the Beast – Saturday 10th December to Saturday 31st December 2022
I hope that’s given you some inspiration of things to do in Surrey over the festive season. I’ll add more as I become aware of them and if I’ve missed your favourite event please do get in touch and let me know. I hope you have a lovely Christmas!
