Surrey

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="821" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/11/Kanda-Bongo-Man.jpg" alt="World music artist Kanda Bongo Man." class="wp-image-57421" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/11/Kanda-Bongo-Man.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/11/Kanda-Bongo-Man-800x547.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/11/Kanda-Bongo-Man-1000x684.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/11/Kanda-Bongo-Man-400x274.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/11/Kanda-Bongo-Man-768x525.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



WORKSHOP:&nbsp;<a href="https://gattonpark.co.uk/events/christmas-crafts-4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas Crafts</a> ■ Gatton Park, Reigate ■ Tues 17 Dec Get the crafty juices flowing at Gatton, perfect to fill holiday free time. The session is suitable for ages 3-7, with all equipment provided. Sessions take place at 10am or 1.30pm and cost £8.50 per child.



THEATRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford/en-GB/event/family/santas-wish-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Wish</a> ■ G Live, Guildford ■ Wed 18 – Tues 24 Dec A musical following Snowflake the Elf. After Santa’s sleigh has crashed and gets lost, Snowflake must help Santa save Christmas but travelling back to the North Pole, meeting a host of interesting characters on her journey. Tickets available from £16-28, and shows at 11am, 3pm and 6pm.



COMEDY:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/274/adam-kay-twas-the-nightshift-before-christmas-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adam Kay: Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas Live</a> ■ The Rose Theatre, Kingston ■ Wed 18 – Thurs 19 Dec Author of ‘This is Going to Hurt’, Adam Kay’s Christmas show sees him reading festive excerpts from his diaries, as well as performing some stand-up and Christmas songs. Recommended for ages 16+, tickets are available starting from £20.



THEATRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://electric.theatre/shows/christmas-wish-presented-lets-dance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Christmas Wish</a> ■ The Electric Theatre, Guildford ■ Thurs 19 Dec Following Fern, the Christmas Fairy, and Eggnog the Elf as they wake up on Christmas day, with their one wish being to have a hug! Suitable for ages 0-6, the show is perfect for families. Tickets cost £7.50, the show takes place at 11am.



THEATRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://thelittleboxoffice.com/riverhouse/event/view/202271" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ghost Stories for Christmas</a> ■ Riverhouse Barn, Walton on Thames ■ Thurs 19 Dec For those wanting a spookier festive season, Edwyrdian Tales show explores the Christmas tradition of telling Ghost stories in this one man performances. Tickets cost £15, with concession available. Not suitable for under 10-year-olds.



MUSIC:&nbsp;<a href="https://thehortonepsom.org/events/festive-party-night-with-kanda-bongo-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festive Party Night with Kanda Bongo Man</a> ■ The Horton, Epsom ■ Fri 20 Dec Ready to party? Head to The Horton for a night of dancing with one of the biggest stars in world music, Congolese Soukous Legend Kanda Bongo Man. Kanda’s music is driven by optimism and happiness – and his performances are exciting and energetic, yet deeply rooted in the Congolese tradition. He’ll be joined by his fabulous seven-piece band.



PANTOMIME:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dorkinghalls.co.uk/panto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleeping Beauty</a> ■ Dorking Halls ■&nbsp;Fri 20 – Tue 31 Dec If it’s dazzling costumes and enchanting choreography you’re after, the Dorking Halls production of Sleeping Beauty is what you seek. With its hilarious slapstick comedy and heart-warming moments, it’s a good one for the whole family.



MUSIC:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/christmas-sing-along-concert/new-wimbledon-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas Sing-along Concert</a> ■ Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre ■ Fri 20 Dec Join conductor Georg Tormann as he leads you through a symphony of Christmas Classics, including&nbsp;Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree, Merry Christmas Everyone and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. Tickets are available from £29, the show begins at 17.30.



EVENT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bisleyshooting.com/whats-on/festive-friday-shoot-friday-20th-december/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festive Friday Shoot</a> ■ Bisley Shooting Ground ■ Fri 20 Dec A December shooting day with add the added festive glamour, how could we refuse? The afternoon consists of a shooting session, followed by a glass of bubbly and some festive canapes. Non-members cost £130 with a member’s discount.



MUSIC:&nbsp;<a href="https://theboileroom.seetickets.com/event/james-taylor-quartet/the-boileroom/3011479?aff=id1theboileroom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Taylor Quartet</a> ■ Boileroom, Guildford ■ Sat 21 Dec Head down to Boilerroom for a Jazz spectacular, perfect for the festive season. The band entwines old-time Jazz with modern aesthetics. Tickets cost £25.80 and doors open at 7pm.



KIDS’ THEATRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/town-mouse-country-mouse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Town Mouse &amp; Country Mouse</a> ■ Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford ■ Sat 21 Dec A perfect show for little ones, join two friends on their journeys as they discover the beauty of difference, with music and puppetry there to help to magic. Suitable for ages 3+, tickets cost £10 with shows taking place at 11am and 2pm. Run time is 50 minutes.



EXHIBITION: <a href="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/flower-fairies">Flower Fairies</a><a href="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/flower-fairies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">™</a>: The Magical World of Cicely Mary Barker ■ Watts Gallery Artists’ Village, Compton ■ on now until 27 April 2025 Step into the enchanting world of Cicely Mary Barker, the creator of the much-loved Flower Fairies, in this playful, family-friendly exhibition. Celebrating the life of an extraordinary artist, author and illustrator, the exhibition explores Cicely’s journey as an artist – from her childhood sketches to postcard designs and the illustrated books she created later in life. The exhibition is included in general admission.



EXHIBITION:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/flower-fairies">Flower Fairies</a><a href="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/flower-fairies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">™</a>: The Magical World of Cicely Mary Barker ■ Watts Gallery Artists’ Village, Compton ■ ongoing until 27 April 2025 Step into the enchanting world of Cicely Mary Barker, the creator of the much-loved Flower Fairies, in this playful, family-friendly exhibition. Celebrating the life of an extraordinary artist, author and illustrator, the exhibition explores Cicely’s journey as an artist – from her childhood sketches to postcard designs and the illustrated books she created later in life. The exhibition is included in general admission.



WALKS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/glow-at-wisley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Glow 2024 at RHS Wisley</a> ■ RHS Gardens Wisely, near Woking ■ Daily until 5 January Enjoy an illumination trail for the family, as well as an opportunity for some Christmas shopping and festive sweet and savoury treats. The trail has transformed the garden into a Christmas wonderland. Non-member prices are £17.95 for adults and £11.95 for children over 5, there are member and peak time prices on the site.



ICE SKATING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/hampton-court-palace-ice-rink/#gs.hztkgb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink</a> ■ Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey ■ Daily For a magical skating experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family, head down to Hampton Court Palace for a rink with views of the Tudor Castle. There will also be refreshments available. Adult tickets available from £18, and kids from £13, check the site for more details.



WALKS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.painshill.co.uk/events/12-days-of-christmas-trail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">12 Days of Christmas Trail</a> ■ Painshill, Cobham ■ Daily until Sun 5 January Take in the stunning landscape at Painshill in Cobham on&nbsp;The 12 Days of Christmas Trail. Complete the carol at Painshill by finding all the stops of the trail. Included with general admission it’s a perfect family day out to get the little ones running about. Last entry is at 3pm.



EXHIBITION:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/events/mary-watts-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mary Watts experience</a> ■ Watts Artists Gallery, Compton ■ Sat 23 Nov – Sat 21 Dec Discover more about the woman that founded Watt’s gallery, and her role as a creative arts mogul in the late 19th&nbsp;century. An expert guide will explain her life as well as exploring the galleries she inspired. Price is £50.40 per person.



EXHIBITION:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelightbox.org.uk/whats-on/winter-artist-showcase" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Artist Showcase</a> ■ The Lightbox, Woking ■ Tues 26 Nov – Tue 24 Dec Lightbox’s festive pop-up exhibition show cases some of the most favoured talent and beautiful pieces. All work is for sale and ca be purchased immediately. Entry is free!



CHRISTMAS THEATRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/199/written-by-chris-bush/robin-hood-the-christmas-heist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robin Hood &amp; The Christmas Heist</a> ■ The Rose Theatre, Kingston ■ Sat 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan The classic tale of our favourite childhood bandit, with a Christmas twist. Sherwood at Christmas begins dreary with hardly any money to put on a proper Christmas, but Robin schemes to bring cheer to the village! Recommended for ages 5+, tickets are available from £15, with children’s prices on sale.



PANTOMIME:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/robin-hood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robin Hood</a> ■ Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford &nbsp;■&nbsp;Sat 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan Heading into the forest now as we step away from the princesses and over to the outlaws. The Yvonne Arnaud Team welcome back some familiar faces including as&nbsp;EastEnders&nbsp;favourite Lucy Benjamin as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham. Joining her will be Surrey panto stalwart Peter Gordon, returning for his 19th&nbsp;show, this time as Nanny Fanny Annie, as well as co-founder of the Guildford Shakespeare Company, Matt Pinches.



Words by Becky Ward



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<a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/christmas/panto-guide-christmas-shows-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check out our guide to the best panto in Surrey this festive season</a>

Looking for fun? Here’s a bunch of fab things to do locally this week

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