Seeing Christmas light displays is such a big part of the festive season and it’s always great to go and see the holiday lights being switched on too. Most towns make a huge thing of it, with Christmas market stalls, food and drinks and entertainers as well as the lights being turned on for the first time.
Here are all of the Christmas light switch on events across Surrey so you can add them to your plans for the coming weeks. I’ve organised them in date order for ease.
Christmas light switch on events in Surrey
Collectively Camberley Christmas Light Switch On – Saturday 18th November 2023
The Collectively Camberley Christmas Light Switch On is a free family fun day and a great way to kick start the festive season. Check out the Christmas lights around the town and there’s even a ‘Bauble Chair’ for you to take a selfie in on Princess Way.
There will be a fantastic selection of entertainment across the day, from free face painting to balloon modelling between 10am – 4pm. There’s a Christmas Market on the High Street and live local community acts and groups on the Park Street stage from 1pm until the switching on of the lights at approx 4:45pm.
Road closures: Park Street – 6am – 10pm, High Street – 6am – 6pm Alternative routes will be signposted on the day.
Farnham Christmas Lights Switch-On – 18th November 2022 – 1pm to 6pm
Mark the start of the countdown to Christmas at the Farnham Christmas Lights Switch-On! Throughout the afternoon, there will be free, live entertainment from schools, theatre groups, dance companies and local bands.
There will be a few fairground rides for children, a live nativity scene, face-painting and a craft table. Father Christmas will be in his grotto waiting to hear what the young people of Farnham have on their Christmas lists this year. Each child will receive a free gift from Santa.
Cranleigh Lights Switch-On – 18th November
Organised by Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce, the Cranleigh Christmas Lights Switch On is a free, family event that features live entertainment ahead of the official switch-on in Fountain Square at 6pm. With fairground rides, Lego on a bus, the Rock Choir, Father Christmas in his grotto and so much more.
Road closures: Fountain Square service road closed all day, Bank Buildings service road closed 5pm to 7pm, Cranleigh High Street closed to all traffic 5pm to 7pm, from the Village Way roundabout to the Stocklund Square roundabout.
Warlingham Christmas Lights – Saturday 18th November
Warlingham Christmas Lights switch on event will be happening live this year on The Green. The ‘big switch on’ will happen at 5pm. There will also be a barbecue, mulled wine and cider, entertainment and, the star of the show, Father Christmas in his Grotto.
The Village Hall, Church Hall and Guide Barn will all be open with all the shops and businesses around The Green adding to event. The event is free to attend, however there will be plenty of stalls and activities to make the most of.
Godalming Christmas Festival and Lights Switch On – 25th November
Godalming Town Council invites you to visit Godalming and enjoy this year’s Christmas Festival where there will be live music and entertainment all day long and the lights will be switched on by special guests at 5.00pm.
Spend the day in one of the prettiest towns in Surrey where you’ll find lots of stalls for all your Christmas present ideas in the High Street and Church Street as well as traditional Christmas Food. The festival is free to enter so browse around the town and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Walton Festival of Light – Saturday 25th November
The event will include a Christmas Market, performances from local schools and community groups and the light procession leading to the Town Tree switch on.
Weybridge Christmas Lights Switch On – Thursday 1st December
Join Weybridge Town Business Group and children from St Charles Borromeo, Manby Lodge, St James’s and St George’s Schools at the Christmas Tree outside LeQuest to see the Christmas lights switched on by the Deputy Mayor.
Parade of Lanterns at 5pm. There will be carols around the tree, mulled wine and a hog roast plus late night shopping until 7pm.
Carshalton Frost Fair – Saturday 2nd December
Sited in the beautiful setting of Carshalton Ponds, the Frost Fair is a traditional winter event with activities for all the family. The event runs from 1pm until 6pm. There will be twinkling lights, festive walks and a great variety of stalls with tasty treats and locally made Christmas gift ideas like as glassware, pottery, woodcraft and more. There’s also a tasty hog roast amd seasonal food and warming drinks.
At 5pm, the Mayor will switch on the lights of the Greyhound Hotel’s 35ft Christmas Wishing Tree, in aid of the Royal Marsden.
You might think that I’ve missed Guildford off this list but sadly, Guildford Borough Council have chosen to cancel the light switch on in Guildford town centre this year – and I think quite a few other towns are following suit. Make sure you still get to experience Guildford over the festive season though – it’s a beautiful place at any time of the year.
Christmas light events in Surrey
There are also many family friendly festive light events, light shows and days out across the country – and we have a few Surrey holiday lights events too. They make for a fantastic evening out as a family or with friends and transport you to a beautiful twinkling world, the North Pole or to Santa Claus doorstep, perfect for the holiday season.
Hampton Court Palace
Where: East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU
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. This is one of our most favourite Christmas light trails.
You can read about our trip to Hampton Court Palace Palace of Stardust 2021 show here.
Polesden Lacey
Where: Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BD
Ignite: Fire and Fantasy at Polesden Lacey – Thursday 20th October to Sunday 6th November
come and enjoy a walk through the Polesden Lacey gardens at night, guided by flickering flames and glowing light tunnels of trees with magical illuminated installations along the way.
Hand-held lanterns guide you through a woodland walk. There are fire-breathing dragons and over a thousand lights illuminating the magnificent façade of the house.
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. This is always one of the most popular local Christmas events.
Read our RHS Glow at Wisley review here
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. This is always such a lovely illuminated light trail.
I hope that’s given you some inspiration for the rest of the year. There’s so much going on in Surrey, with so many Christmas displays, and I hope you’ve now got more to add to your calendar throughout the Christmas season. If you need more inspiration for festive days out, these posts might be useful:
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