The Best Christmas Events in Surrey: 2024 Guide
a COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO WHat to do this december
As Christmas draws near, Surrey comes alive with enchanting events for all ages. From magical light trails to festive farm visits, here’s our roundup of the best Christmas experiences to make the season sparkle. Whether you're after family-friendly fun or an immersive winter wonderland, these events are sure to make your Christmas in Surrey unforgettable.
Festive light trails Surrey
Christmas Light Trails
Glow 2024 at RHS Garden Wisley
Watch Wisley transform into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights illuminating iconic garden scenes. Enjoy a scenic walk through the Village Square, followed by dazzling displays like the wicker alliums in Seven Acres. Perfect for an enchanting family outing.
📅 22 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
📍 RHS Garden Wisley, Woking
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
Just outside Surrey, Windsor Great Park offers a spellbinding trail filled with colourful woodlands, dancing fairies, and a flood-lit fountain. The festive touches of mulled wine and toasted marshmallows around a roaring fire make this a cosy and memorable experience.
📅 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
📍 The Savill Gardens, Englefield Green
Illuminate, Guildford Castle
lluminate Guildford is a magical, family friendly event that will light up the castle grounds in Guildford this winter. This spectacular light trail will feature a variety of captivating lights & installations throughout the castle grounds.
📅 16th November – 30 December 2024
📍 Guildford Castle, Castle St, Guildford, GU1 3SX
Festive Farm Adventures & Santa Visits
Godstone Farm Christmas Extravaganza
December at Godstone Farm is packed with seasonal fun, including a magical tunnel leading to Santa himself, Christmas crafts, and cookie decorating. Admission includes access to all farm areas, so the little ones can enjoy seeing the animals too.
📅 Selected dates throughout December
📍 Godstone Farm, Godstone
Bocketts Farm Santa Express
Hop aboard the Santa Express to meet Father Christmas in his workshop at Bocketts Farm. Kids can take part in festive crafts, make reindeer food, and snap a family photo in a giant snow globe. The farm also features a Christmas tree shop and cosy winter treats for a warm finish.
📅 21 November – 24 December 2024
📍 Bocketts Farm Park, Fetcham
Santa’s Secret Village at Hobbledown
Hobbledown Epsom transforms into a winter wonderland featuring twinkling lights, an Elves’ Workshop, and even Santa himself! Enjoy festive cookie decorating and embark on a holiday treat trail throughout the village.
📅 24 November – 24 December 2024
📍 Hobbledown, Epsom
Christmas Markets and Fairs
Christmas markets in Surrey
Fabulously Festive at Hurtwood Park Polo Club
Nestled on the Surrey-Sussex border, this winter wonderland offers a Christmas market with artisanal gifts, street food, and mulled wine. Kids can meet Santa and try their hand at crafting festive reindeer food, while adults enjoy live entertainment by fire pits.
📅 16 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
📍 Ewhurst Green, near Cranleigh
West Horsley Place Tudor Christmas
Take a step back in time at West Horsley Place, beautifully decorated for a Tudor Christmas. The manor house opens its doors on select dates, with Father Christmas in residence on weekends, plus an artisan market and seasonal workshops.
📅 1 December (Open Day); weekends in December
📍 West Horsley Place, West Horsley
Unique Christmas Trails & Family-Friendly Events
Shaun the Sheep Winter Adventure at Winkworth Arboretum
This festive trail at Winkworth Arboretum invites families on a whimsical adventure with Shaun the Sheep. Perfect for young children, the trail includes games, a carousel, and tasty winter treats from the tearoom.
📅 23 November 2024 – 19 January 2025
📍 Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming
12 Days of Christmas Trail at Painshill
Inspired by the classic carol, Painshill’s 12 Days of Christmas Trail is a nostalgic experience with hand-painted figures representing each day of the song. Set in the stunning landscape gardens, it’s an ideal outing for families and couples alike.
📅 Selected dates throughout December
📍 Painshill Park, Cobham
Surrey Santa Train Rides for a Magical Journey
Mizens Railway Santa Specials
Hop aboard the Mizens Railway for a ride to Santa's Halt, where children can meet Santa and receive a gift. With mince pies and festive drinks served back at the station, it’s a lovely way to celebrate the season with little train lovers.
📅 1, 8, and 15 December 2024
📍 Mizens Railway, Woking
Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway Santa Specials
This atmospheric Santa train takes visitors on a journey through the evening lights. With a gift for every child and a festive refreshment stop, this magical ride is one to book early as it fills up fast.
📅 14, 15, 21, and 22 December 2024
📍 Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway, Feltham
Tips for a Magical Christmas in Surrey
To make the most of Surrey's festive offerings, be sure to book your tickets early as many events sell out quickly. Check event websites for specific dates and booking details, as times and availabilities vary. With so many spectacular events to choose from, Surrey is the perfect place to create cherished Christmas memories this year.
However, also remember, that creating the magic of Christmas at home can be done with the simple things - hot chocolate on the sofa, while watching a Christmas movie, playing board games while wearing silly jumpers, and putting on Christmas music while you decorate the tree.
For the best Christmas events in Surrey, be sure to add these to your calendar - as well as quality time together at home - and enjoy a festive season filled with joy, wonder, and sparkle.
Looking for somewhere special to eat this festive season? Check out our selection of top restaurants in Surrey. Want to keep things simple? Find a soft play for your kids, so you can have a coffee while they run wild.