Christmas Events in Surrey | Things To Do 2023

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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.

How to Celebrate Christmas in Surrey

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:

How to Celebrate Christmas in Surrey

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!

How to Celebrate Christmas in Surrey

There are also a few really lovely Christmas themed afternoon tea options around:

Oatlands Park Hotel Festive Afternoon Tea – 20th November – 23rd 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 – 1st December- 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.

Chessington Garden Centre Kids Christmas Tea – 1st December 2023 – £9.99 per child

There will be lots on around the Garden Centre to celebrate Christmas, including workshops, the grotto and of course Christmas tea! Including a sandwich, pizza, cookie, scone, Christmas tree meringue and a cupcake.


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 20th November to 23rd December. Find out more and book here.

How to Celebrate Christmas in Surrey

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:

You can read about more places to get Christmas trees in Surrey here.

How to Celebrate Christmas in Surrey

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 2023 – 18th November 2023 to 24th December 2023 – from £21 per child, £6 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.

How to Celebrate Christmas in Surrey

Ashtead Park Garden Centre

Where: Pleasure Pit Road, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1HU

Festive Family Fun Days – 2nd, 3rd and 9th December – £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 a giant Christmas pudding – 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 3rd December, Sunday 10th Dec & Sunday 17th Dec


Gatton Park

Where: Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TW

Christmas Crafts – Tuesday 19th December – 10am to 11.30 am or 1.3pm to 3.00 pm – £8.50 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.

Christmas in Surrey

Christmas Winter Welly Walk – Sunday 3rd December – 11.00 am – 3.00 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 2023 – 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.

Christmas in Surrey

Denbies Wine Estate

Where: Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking Surrey RH5 6AA

Denbies Santa Express – 25th November 2023 to 24th December 2023 – £16.95 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.

Christmas in Surrey

Days Out with Christmas Activities in Surrey

Hampton Court Palace

Where: East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU

Festive Fayre – 1st to 3rd and 8th to 10th December 2023 – 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.

Christmas in Surrey

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – 17 November 2023 to 7 January 2024

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.

Christmas in Surrey

Chobham Adventure Farm

Where: Bagshot Road, Chobham, Woking, Surrey GU24 8DB

Christmas Adventure – Selected dates in December until Christmas Eve

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.


Godstone Farm

Where: Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, Surrey RH9 8LX

Visit Father Christmas at Godstone Farm – Selected dates 25th November to 24th December 2023

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.

Christmas in Surrey

Chessington World of Adventures

Where: Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NE

Winter’s Tail – 25th November 2023 to 31st December 2023 – Tickets from £30

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:

Read our review of the Winter’s Tail at Chessington World of Adventures here.

Christmas in Surrey

RHS Garden Wisley

Where: Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB

RHS Glow 2023 at Wisley – 24th November 2023 – 2nd January 2024

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.

Read our RHS Glow at Wisley review here

Christmas in Surrey

Bocketts Farm Park

Where: Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9BS

Christmas at Bocketts Farm – 23rd November 2023 – 24th December 2023

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.

Christmas in Surrey

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Where: Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE

Christmas at Kew – Selected dates, 15th November 2023 to 7th January 2024

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 2023 – 28th November 2023 to 23rd December 2023

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 – 2nd December 2023 to 21st December 2023

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.

Christmas in Surrey

Priory Farm Estate

Where: Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4EJ

Christmas Trail at Discovery Land – From 19th November 2023

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!

Christmas in Surrey

Father Christmas Experience – 18th November 2023 to 24th December 2023

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.

Christmas in Surrey

Adult Christmas Events in Surrey

Gatton Park

Where: Reigate, Surrey RH2 0TW

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop Saturday 25th November / Sunday 26th November / Saturday 2nd December – £35 per person

Make a willow wreath for your front door and decorate with natural materials and foliage – cedar, holly and ivy – found at Gatton Park. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Willow Christmas Angel Workshop – Sunday 10th December – £30 per person

Create a beautiful willow angel Christmas decoration. Materials and instruction provided. Suitable for beginners in willow work. Glass of Mulled wine and mince pie 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.


Polesden Lacey National Trust

Christmas Wreath Making – 28th November to 14th December – £45 each

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to make your own beautiful Christmas wreath. The workshops will guide you through the process using foliage gathered by Rangers from the Polesden Lacey Estate. Each session lasts two hours and fifteen minutes and there will be mince pies and mulled wine ( or a non-alcoholic drink ) to fuel your creativity.


Dapdune Wharf National Trust

Where: Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4RR

Wreath making at Dapdune Wharf – Saturday 2nd December 2023 – £40 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 7th December 2023 – £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 – 30th November 2023 – 16th December 2023 – £62 per person

Join Renée Canter AKA The Girl who Gardens to make a Painshill inspired Christmas Wreath to decorate your front door this Winter and cheer us through the dark nights and cold days.

In this 2 hour workshop you’ll make a mossed wire base and Renée will show you how to add foliage, berries and seedheads. Create an evergreen wreath made from sustainably foraged and sourced materials from Painshill to bring the colours and textures of Winter to your front door, a tradition that is centuries old.


Albury Vineyard

Where: Silent Pool, Shere Road, Albury, Surrey GU5 9BW

Willow and Wine – 7th and 29th November and 5th December 2023 – £59 each

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.

Christmas in Surrey

Christmas Wreath Workshop – 2nd December 2023 – £85 each

Join Claire from Plant Passion at the vineyard for a traditional Winter wreath workshop with sparkling wine.

Using all locally grown willow, conifers, foliage and farm berries and seed heads, you’ll get a wonderful session of crafting in a fantastic location and atmosphere, and get to sample amazing locally produced sparkling wine with nibbles, while you make your wreath.


National Trust Days Out with Activities

Polesden Lacey

Where: Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD

Christmas Carousel – 25th November to 2nd January

Come and ride on our wonderful traditional gallopers carousel, right outside the front of the mansion.

A Perfect Christmas: Meet Father Christmas – 25th November to 23rd December

For the first time ever, Father Christmas is setting up camp in Polesden Lacey House. Join us for a magical experience throughout the upstairs, where elves and dragons roam.


Hatchlands Park

Where: East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RT

Narnia in the Parkland at Hatchlands – Selected dates from 1st December to 31st December – £3 per child

This winter, we invite you to step into Narnia at Hatchlands, inspired by C. S. Lewis’s beloved story The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Narnia in the House at Hatchlands – Selected dates from 1st December to 31st December – Free, normal admission applies.

This winter, we invite you to step into Narnia at Hatchlands, inspired by C. S. Lewis’s beloved story ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’.

Visit Father Christmas at Hatchlands – Selected dates from 2nd to 17th December – £7.50 per person

Book your visit to meet Father Christmas in his cosy hideout in the old stables and receive an exclusive Hatchlands teddy bear.

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 2nd December 2023 – £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


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

Santa on his Sleigh – 16th to 24th December


New Victoria Theatre Woking

Peter Pan – 8th December 2023 to 7th January 2024


Rose Theatre Kingston

Peter Pan – 1st December to 7th January


Dorking Halls

Santa’s New Sleigh – 8th to 10th December

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves – 16th to 28th December


Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Cinderella – 2nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024

The Night Before Christmas – 19th December 2023

A Christmas Carol – 20th to 22nd December 2023


Harlequin Theatre Redhill

Beauty and the Beast – 8th to 31st December

Santa’s North Pole Adventure – 15th to 24th December


Epsom Playhouse

The Wizard of Oz – 15th December to 1st January


Camberley Theatre

Cinderella – 9th to 31st December


I hope that’s given you some inspiration of things to do in Surrey over the festive season. I’ll add more Surrey Christmas events as I become aware of them and if I’ve missed your favourite event please do get in touch and let me know. I’m sure there will be more winter wonderlands announced nearer the time. I hope you have a lovely Christmas!

If you’re looking for other festive activities and inspiration, these posts may help:

Christmas in Surrey

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