Surrey

Looking for the best Christmas events in Surrey this year? From glittering light trails and festive family days out to ice skating, pantos and Santa visits, the county is bursting with sparkle and seasonal fun. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festive-fun-days">Festive fun days</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Watts-Gallery-Christmas.jpg" alt="Father Christmas reading to children at Watts Gallery near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-62766" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Watts-Gallery-Christmas.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Watts-Gallery-Christmas-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Watts-Gallery-Christmas-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Watts-Gallery-Christmas-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Watts-Gallery-Christmas-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Father Christmas at Watts Gallery.</figcaption></figure>



Step into a Victorian winter wonderland at <a href="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watts Gallery &#8211; Artists&#8217; Village</a> in the village of Compton and experience Christmas with a touch of nostalgia. From 15 Nov until 31 December you can explore beautifully decorated galleries, the historic Limnerslease &#8211; the former home of George and Mary Watts &#8211; and the gorgeous gardens glittering with lights. Children can enjoy a cosy storytelling and meet a Victorian Father Christmas. And there are also creative festive workshops including wreath making and sketching by candlelight. If you haven&#8217;t yet started your Christmas shopping, go along to the Christmas shopping evening on Thurs 4 Dec for bubbles, baubles and browsing, plus a cheeky mince pie. Every purchase supports the gallery’s charitable work. Open Wednesday to Sunday (closed 24–26 December).



The beautiful historic manor at <a href="https://westhorsleyplace.org/whats-on/magical-manor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Horsley Place</a> near Leatherhead becomes a festive playground filled with crafts, games and storytelling. Little ones can make decorations, test toys, dress up as elves or reindeer, and decorate biscuits in Mrs Claus’ Kitchen before enjoying magical Christmas storytelling. Visits to Father Christmas in his cosy study include a wrapped gift and family photo. Cost is £8 adults; £12 children aged 1-13, £25 children with Santa visit. Open weekends in December plus Mon 22 &amp; Tues 23 December, 10am–4pm. Booking a must.



Get creative this Christmas at <a href="https://www.painshill.co.uk/events-at-painshill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Painshill</a> in Cobham with hands-on festive workshops. Adults can enjoy calligraphy sessions (6 Dec)) and bauble-making (28 Nov), while children can craft natural fairy wands (22 Dec) or fairy doors (23 Dec) &#8211; perfect for personalising gifts and decorations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-skating">Ice skating</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Ice-Rink-2-Hampton-Court-Palace-©-Historic-Royal-Palaces.jpg" alt="Hampton Court Palace ice skating rink." class="wp-image-23348" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Ice-Rink-2-Hampton-Court-Palace-©-Historic-Royal-Palaces.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Ice-Rink-2-Hampton-Court-Palace-©-Historic-Royal-Palaces-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Ice-Rink-2-Hampton-Court-Palace-©-Historic-Royal-Palaces-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Ice-Rink-2-Hampton-Court-Palace-©-Historic-Royal-Palaces-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Ice-Rink-2-Hampton-Court-Palace-©-Historic-Royal-Palaces-720x479.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hampton Court Palace ice rink.</figcaption></figure>



Few Christmas events in Surrey are as iconic as ice skating beneath the majestic façade of <a href="https://hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hampton Court Palace</a>. With double-layered ice and new lace-up skates, this ice rink promises a smooth and sparkling experience under the stars. It opens on 21 Nov and runs through til 4 Jan 2026.



For all-weather fun, head indoors to the Olympic-sized ice rink at <a href="https://www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk/ice-skating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guildford Spectrum</a>. Lessons and sessions are available for beginners through to hockey pros — a perfect way to glide into the festive season.



Fancy skating with <a href="https://beaverbrook.co.uk/ice-skating-at-beaverbrook/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beaverbrook</a> as your backdrop? It’s every bit as extravagant as it sounds. The rink is for members and guests at the luxury country estate in Leatherhead, including those staying overnight, dining, or at the spa. Choose the Skate &amp; Dine package or Stay, Skate &amp; Dine, with 45-minute sessions and a festive treat. Overnight guests enjoy unlimited skating. This experience runs from 20 November to 1 February 2026.



For a full run down of the best ice skating rinks in and near to Surrey, click <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/winter-ice-skating-rinks-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-santa">Seeing Santa</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/Bocketts-Farm-snow-globe.jpg" alt="Bocketts Farm snow globe" class="wp-image-57436" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/Bocketts-Farm-snow-globe.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/Bocketts-Farm-snow-globe-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/Bocketts-Farm-snow-globe-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/Bocketts-Farm-snow-globe-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/Bocketts-Farm-snow-globe-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Step into a magical Christmas at <a href="https://www.hobbledown.com/epsom/whats-on/santas-grotto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hobbledown, Epsom</a> and <a href="https://www.hobbledown.com/hounslow/whats-on/santas-grotto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hobbledown Heath Hounslow</a>. Explore Santa’s Post Office and Toy Distribution Centre before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto. Tickets include a gift for children, festive prints, hot chocolate for adults, and full access to stay and play. The one-hour experience runs from 29 November to 24 December.



All aboard the Santa Express trailer ride to meet <a href="https://www.bockettsfarm.co.uk/events/christmas-2025-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Father Christmas at Bocketts Farm</a> near Leatherheard. Children will collect a golden coin for a special gift, make reindeer food, and enjoy festive crafts, trails and even go inside a giant snow globe. It&#8217;s on from 20 November to Christmas Eve.



Jingle all the way to <a href="https://godstonefarm.co.uk/a-magical-christmas-at-godstone-farm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Godstone Farm</a> this Christmas for a festive family day out. Visit the Wish Room, try your hand at the sleigh controls, and pop into the Post Room before meeting Father Christmas in his cosy grotto. Children can pick a gift from the Toy Shop and decorate their own festive treat. Day and dusk visits are available, as well as SEN sessions. It&#8217;s from 22 November to Christmas Eve.



If you&#8217;ve always wanted to meet Santa aboard a boat, this is your chance! Step aboard Swingbridge Tranquility, a charming broad-beam boat, and drift gently along the scenic River Wey. The 45-minute <a href="https://www.surreycaretrust.org.uk/event/activities-swingbridge-santa-boat-cruise-guildford-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swingbridge Santa Cruise</a> offers a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. Cruises run on weekends from 29 November to 22 December, departing from Millmead Island, behind the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Tickets are £13.50 per person or £50 for a family of four.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festive-pantomimes">Festive pantomimes</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Camberley-Theatre-panto-Aladdin-2025.jpg" alt="Aladdin, the 2025 panto at Camberley Theatre in Surrey. " class="wp-image-62768" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Camberley-Theatre-panto-Aladdin-2025.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Camberley-Theatre-panto-Aladdin-2025-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Camberley-Theatre-panto-Aladdin-2025-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Camberley-Theatre-panto-Aladdin-2025-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/Camberley-Theatre-panto-Aladdin-2025-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of panto magic, and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud Christmas events in Surrey to choose from this year. 



Top of our list is the family favourite panto at Camberley Theatre. This year, all about <a href="https://www.camberleytheatre.co.uk/events/aladdin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aladdin</a>. Join this cheeky hero and his hilarious mother, Widow Twankey, on a whirlwind adventure from bustling marketplaces to enchanted caves and royal palaces as they try to stop the wicked sorcerer Abanazar. Fun, laughter, and magic for the whole family. Runs 4 to 31 December 2025.



At Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, it&#8217;s <a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/beauty-and-the-beast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beauty and the Beast</a>. Follow Belle, the book-loving beauty with big dreams, into the enchanted castle. Meet the fearsome Beast, encounter bewitched characters, and enjoy a family-friendly festive treat packed with music, laughter, and panto magic. Lucy Benjamin stars alongside local favourites Matt Pinches and Peter Gordon. Runs 29 November to 4 January 2026.



A modern, funny retelling of <a href="https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/cinderella-14tr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cinderella</a> comes to The Rose Theatre in Kingston. When Ella makes a Christmas wish, she’s whisked from family chaos into glittering castles and dazzling balls, discovering that the greatest magic lies in family and friendship. Featuring a West End cast and Rose Youth Theatre, it’s bursting with music, laughter, and festive wonder. Runs 26 November 2025 – 4 January 2026.



Or for something more traditional, don’t miss <a href="https://www.surreycaretrust.org.uk/event/charity-performance-a-christmas-carol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Dramatic Reading of A Christmas Carol</a> at St John’s Church, West Byfleet, on 18 December — a magical evening in aid of Surrey Care Trust.



For the lowdown on all the best Christmas shows and panto in Surrey, click <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/christmas/panto-guide-christmas-shows-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-trails-and-walks">Light trails and walks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="940" height="627" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/RHS-Glow_gardens_generic_images-10.jpg" alt="RHS Glow Wisley winter light trail in Surrey." class="wp-image-61755" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/RHS-Glow_gardens_generic_images-10.jpg 940w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/RHS-Glow_gardens_generic_images-10-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/RHS-Glow_gardens_generic_images-10-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/12/RHS-Glow_gardens_generic_images-10-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></figure>



When it comes to sparkling Christmas events in Surrey, the winter light trails are a must-see. 



Top of our list has to be <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/wisley-glow?sv_campaign_id=78888&amp;a=affiliate&amp;sv_tax2=323607&amp;sv_tax3=Skimlinks&amp;sv_tax4=muddystilettos.co.uk&amp;sv_affiliate_id=78888&amp;awc=2273_1762976349_4101288466424d35fcf7fe33828ad6a0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Glow at Wisley</a> where the gardens are transformed into a glittering wonderland, with plants and landscapes illuminated in dazzling colour. Expect shimmering reflections, glowing pathways, and hidden surprises around every corner. It’s pure festive magic. From 21 November to 4 January.



<a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas at Kew</a> offers a world-famous light experience. Shimmering tunnels, dazzling installations, and a special visit from Father Christmas himself make this a must-see festive outing. From 14 November to 4 January.



<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/winkworth-arboretum/visiting-winkworth-arboretum-with-family#rt-the-nutcracker-at-winkworth-aboretum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winkworth Arboretum</a> brings The Nutcracker to life with a themed walking trail around the gardens. Follow Clara’s journey through enchanted woodlands filled with life-sized Nutcracker sculptures &#8211; enjoying festive games and seasonal treats along the way. From 29 November to 4 January.



At <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/claremont-landscape-garden/events/4cd180d2-5385-4a1a-9e9c-3696e0951c2f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claremont Landscape Garden</a> in Esher, families can take part in A Very Penguin Christmas trail throughout the gardens. Join Captain Iceberg, Professor Snowflake, and their penguin friends on this delightful family trail packed with wintery fun and festive activities. From 22 November to 4 January.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-house-experiences">Historic house experiences</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Polesden-Lacey-kids-and-xmas-tree-National-Trust-Images-Rob-Stothard.jpg" alt="Children look at the Christmas tree at National Trust venue Polesden Lacey in Surrey." class="wp-image-23541" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Polesden-Lacey-kids-and-xmas-tree-National-Trust-Images-Rob-Stothard.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Polesden-Lacey-kids-and-xmas-tree-National-Trust-Images-Rob-Stothard-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Polesden-Lacey-kids-and-xmas-tree-National-Trust-Images-Rob-Stothard-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Polesden-Lacey-kids-and-xmas-tree-National-Trust-Images-Rob-Stothard-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Polesden-Lacey-kids-and-xmas-tree-National-Trust-Images-Rob-Stothard-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/polesden-lacey/events/a0268187-27fe-453d-a55e-fb326c5e97c9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polesden Lacey</a> offers a festive twist on a classic tale, with themed trails and lavish decorations on the ground floor of the house that inspired by the story of Alice&#8217;s Adventures in Wonderland. Expect lavish displays based on scenes from the book, interspersed with Christmas decorations and twinkling trees. Outside, follow the children&#8217;s trail around the grounds to win a prize and enjoy a range of seasonal activities, amusements and treats.  From 22 November to 4 January 2026;



<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/hatchlands-park/christmas-at-hatchlands" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hatchlands Park</a> is full of festive fun inspired by the sequel to the late Raymond Briggs’ picture book The Snowman™. Take a festive trail through the parkland to find Wild in Art’s 10 uniquely decorated Snowdog sculptures, then explore the beautifully decorated rooms of the house. There’s a playful dog agility course where kids (and the young at heart) can try their paw at some festive fun, plus seasonal treats and plenty of photo opportunities. From 15 November 2025 to 6 January 2026.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-festive-fun-this-way">MORE FESTIVE FUN THIS WAY</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/christmas/best-christmas-markets-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Surrey’s most magical Christmas markets</a></li>



<li><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/christmas/where-to-meet-santa-father-christmas-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grotto guide! Where to see Santa</a></li>



<li><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/christmas/christmas-wreath-workshops-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas wreath workshops to book now</a></li>
</ul>

The ultimate guide to Christmas events in Surrey

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