23+ magical Christmas events in Surrey for families 2024

by Jan

Are you looking for some sparkly activities to get you in the festive spirit?  Or wondering where to find the best Christmas events in Surrey for families in 2024?  Well, you’ve come to the right place.

There’s an abundance of magical things to do with kids this Christmas in Surrey.  Whether you’re looking for Santa’s grottos, twinkling light trails, train rides, or Yuletide skating, we’ve got something for you.

Here’s our round up of the most magical Christmas events for families in Surrey.  Plus, we’ve added some fun festive activities that are happening further afield.

Also, check out our guides to the best things to do in Hampshire at Christmas and what’s going on in Berkshire at Christmas.

Please remember to come back to our website as we continue to update our Christmas events.

  • Some tickets have previously been gifted but all opinions are our own.
  • This post contains some affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Christmas Light Trails in Surrey 2024

Christmas at Kew

Illuminations at Kew, Surrey

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AF

  • Dates:   Wednesday 13th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025 (4.20 -10pm)
  • Tickets:   Christmas at Kew
  • Cost:       from £22.50 (off peak)

One of the most popular Christmas events in Surrey for families is the magical light trail at Kew.

Enjoy our annual after-dark festivities with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.

Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way.

Illuminate Guildford Castle

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AF

This Christmas will welcome a stunning new light trail to Surrey in the heart of Guildford’s town centre.

Illuminate will be transforming all aspects of Guildford Castle into a winter spectacle this November. Explore the historic grounds as we take you on a magical journey through several activations showcasing the castle and its beautiful grounds.  The trail will take about 20-30 minutes.

Glow at RHS Wisley

Image of light trail in trees at Glow illuminations at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB

  • Dates:   Friday 22nd November 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025
  • Tickets:  Glow 2024 at Wisley
  • Cost:      £68.20 (family of four non-members)

Bring all the family for a magical evening at RHS Garden Wisley.   At Glow 2024, see the garden in breathtaking beauty as amazing illuminations light your way on a wonder-filled journey.

Illuminated at Windsor Great Park

Illuminated trees reflected in lake at Windsor Park, UK

Windsor Great Park, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, TW20 0UU

  • Dates:   15th November 2024 – 4th January 2025 (4.30-10pm)
  • Tickets:  Illuminated at Great Windsor Park
  • Cost:       from £92.94 (family of four with parking)

One of our favourite Christmas events near Surrey is Illuminated at Windsor Great Park. 

Join family and friends for a magical evening as the woodland and water of Windsor Great Park come alive with dazzling lights, dancing stars and breath-taking projections. 

Opening on Thursday 15 November, this very special light trail returns to light up the festive season bigger, better and more dazzling than ever with a brand new trail design and spectacularly re-imagined installations.

Christmas Shows and Pantomimes in Surrey 2024

Sleeping Beauty at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking

New Victoria Theatre, The Peacocks Centre, Woking GU21 6GQ

  • Dates:   Friday 6th December 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025
  • Tickets:  Sleeping Beauty
  • Cost:      Tickets from £13 pp

Nothing says Christmas more than a good old-fashioned panto.  Oh yes it does!

The pantomime at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking is always one of our family favourites at Christmas and we hope this year is no exception.  It has a star line up with Christopher Biggins as the Spirit of Dreams and Faye Tozer as Carabosse.  You’ll also get to enjoy some puppet fun with Richard Cadell and Sooty.

With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, Sleeping Beauty will take your whole family on a magical trip to the pantomime of your dreams!

If you haven’t already got your tickets, grab some now!

Santa's Wish

G-Live, London Road, Guildford, GU1 2AA

  • Dates:  Saturday 18th – Tuesday 24th December 2024
  • Tickets: Santa’s Wish
  • Cost:  £80 (family of four)

A brand-new magical Christmas family show at the G-Live.  Snowflake the magical elf is in a tricky spot! Santa’s sleigh has crashed and now he is lost.  Can you help Snowflake find Santa and save Christmas?

Santa’s Wish follows Snowflake’s enchanting journey to become one of Santa’s elves. This heart-warming musical adventure is enriched with original songs, immersive storytelling and a sprinkling of circus magic that is guaranteed to leave the whole family bursting with festive joy and happiness. Believe, the magic will come true!

Behind You at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre

The Ambassadors, Victoria Way, Woking, GU21 6GQ

  • Dates:     Friday 20th December and  Saturday 21st December 2024 (19.30 pm)
  • Tickets:   Rhoda McGaw Theatre
  • Cost:        from £22.00

 For adults only

A dark, unsettling comedy which is both moving and funny, giving the perfect bitter-sweet taste for Christmas.

The Snowman at Guildford Cathedral

Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7UP

  • Dates:     Saturday 14th December (2pm, 3.45pm & 6.30pm)
  • Tickets:   The Snowman
  • Cost:        tbc

Make it a Christmas to remember, with a special screening of family-favourite The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra.

Alongside The Snowman film, a whistle-stop Christmas guide to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself, join everyone’s favourite cheese-loving inventor, Wallace and his trusty companion, Gromit in Aardman’s multi award-winning film, The Wrong Trousers

Where to meet Santa in Surrey 2024

Father Christmas at Godstone Farm

Father Christmas in his grotto

Godstone Farm, Tilburstow Hill Rd, Godstone, Surrey RH9 8LX

  • Dates:  Weekends in December and 16th – 24th December 2023
  • Tickets:  Father Christmas at Godstone Farm
  • Cost:  From £17.95 per child 2-16 yrs (includes admission to Godstone Farm)

The wonder of Christmas returns to Godstone Farm, with our ever popular visits to see Father Christmas and his friendly Elves in his cosy grotto.

A Father Christmas visit includes the choice of a brilliant toy from his charming toy shop, an interactive activity plus entry to farm all day including our indoor playbarn. You’ll need to purchase a Meet Father Christmas Experience ticket for each child within your group with a maximum of 4 children in each timeslot

Daytime Father Christmas tickets give entry to the farm for a whole day of fun, including time in our majestic new Play Barn. 

A Santa Experience at Bockett's Farm

Bockett’s Farm, Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9BS

Enjoy a fun and festive family day out at Bocketts Farm Park in Fetcham including a visit to Father Christmas, the Elf Passport Christmas Trail, Reindeer Food Making and the usual farm animals, soft play and adventure playground.

Denbies Santa Express

Denbies Wine Estate, Bradley Lane, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA

  • Dates:   Thursday 23rd November 2024 – Tuesday 24th December 2024
  • Tickets:  Denbies Santa Ride
  • Cost:        From £18.95 per child

Take a ride on Santa’s Express train around the Surrey vineyard and meet Santa at the top.

Meet Santa at Priory Farm, Redhill

Priory Farm Estate, Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill RH1 4EJ

The Father Christmas Experience at Priory Farm is an immersive piece of theatre that brings the magic of Christmas to life. Through storytelling, song and special effects, embark on a journey through different enchanting wonderlands for an unforgettable theatrical experience for all the family.

Christmas ice-skating in Surrey 2024

Ice-skating at Hampton Court Palace

Santa ice skating

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU

One of the best Christmas events in Surrey for families is ice-skating at Hampton Court Palace.  Visit the ice rink after a day at the palace or just pop down for a quick spin.  The ice-rink has a back drop of Henry Vlll’s historic Thames-side Tudor palace,  which is lit in an assortment of colours as dusk arrives.   Surely, this is one of the best views for a festive ice-rink?

Hampton Court will also be hosting its annual Festive Fayre for food-lovers from 6th-8th and 13th-15th December 2024

Windsor on Ice (Berkshire)

Alexander Gardens, Windsor, Berkshire

  • Dates: 15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
  • Tickets:  Windsor on Ice
  • Cost:   £14.00 child and £16.00 adult (£47.50 for family ticket)

Just over the border from Surrey, you can enjoy festive ice-skating this Christmas with your family and friends at Windsor on Ice. The magical Christmas experience returns to Alexander Gardens and is not to-be-missed.

Stay dry whatever the weather under the transparent roof, and after your skate enjoy a wide variety of festive attractions nearby.

National Trust Christmas events in Surrey 2024

Shaun the Sheep (Find the Flock) at Winkworth Arboretum

Christmas Snowman

Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, GU8 4AD

  • Dates:   23rd November – 19th January 2025
  • Tickets:  Shaun the Sheep – Find the Flock
  • Cost:      Free for National Trust Members (£3 charge for carousel)

Get ready for a baa-rilliant winter adventure at Winkworth Arboretum this festive season. We’ve teamed up with Wild In Art, to bring to life Aardman’s mischievous Shaun the Sheep™ with a Christmas trail around the Arboretum. Come and find twelve super-sized Shaun sculptures, each uniquely designed and decorated by talented artists.

With fun games, carousel rides, engaging activities and delicious winter treats from the tearoom, a visit to Winkworth Arboretum this Christmas will be an unforgettable day out for all ages.

A fairy tale Christmas at Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD

  • Dates:   25th November – 7th January 2024
  • Tickets:  Timed entrance for Santa visits
  • Cost:       Free entrance for National Trust Members (£3 for carousel rides)

Head to Polesden Lacey for a show stopping fairytale Christmas experience in the Surrey Hills.  The house is sumptuously dressed for Christmas with a 20ft Christmas tree and elegant dressings around the Edwardian house.

Follow the immersive Christmas displays through the house to see a different fairytale scene in each room.  You’ll spot all the best-loved characters, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, and Aladdin.  Plus, you can book a session to meet everyone’s favourite, Father Christmas.

A Christmas Masquerade at Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD

  • Dates:   25th November – 7th January 2024
  • Tickets:  Timed entrance for Santa visits
  • Cost:       Free entrance for National Trust Members

Head to Polesden Lacey for a show stopping fairytale Christmas experience in the Surrey Hills.  The house is sumptuously dressed for a Christmas masquerade ball with a 20ft Christmas tree and elegant dressings around the Edwardian house.

Christmas at Hatchlands Park

East Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7RT

  • Dates:   25th November – 2nd January 2024
  • Tickets:  n/a
  • Cost:       Free entrance for National Trust Members

Event details to be confirmed

Other Christmas events in Surrey 2024

Santa's Victorian Parlour at Haslemere Museum

Christmas Chocolates

Haslemere Museum, 78 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2LA

Come and visit Santa as he takes time out before Christmas to relax in his charming Victorian Parlour. Let Santa know all your Christmas wishes and if you are on his good list, you will receive a gift to take home for Christmas!

The museum is also hosting several creative wellbeing workshops and a Christmas decorations session for early years.

A Winter's Tail at Chessington

Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, KT9 2NE

Get ready to unwrap the magic of Christmas at Winter’s Tail. Our festive extravaganza is back and brighter than ever before with our brand new Christmas Village, promising a sleigh-full of festive delights for the whole family to enjoy!

With the help of our jolly elves step into a world of wonder as you journey through a festive wonderland to meet the big man. Nestled in his cozy grotto, Father Christmas awaits with a twinkle in his eye and a warm smile for every visitor. Then venture through Enchanted Hollow where we’ve heard the Elves, with the help of the friendly animal residents, have set up their Toy Workshop in the underground town!

Take a break from decking the halls and dive into the excitement with select rides and amazing attractions PLUS a Christmas Panto! 

Guildford Festive Family Day

Friary Street, Phoenix Court, High Street and Tunsgate in Guildford

  • Dates:     Sunday 24th November 2024
  • Tickets:  n/a
  • Cost:         free event

Turn up to a day of festive fun in the centre of Guildford.  You’ll meet elves, performers and characters and there will be a programme of Christmas activities and performances.

Santa Cruises at the Basingstoke Canal Centre

Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mychett, Surrey

  • Dates:    3rd to 23rd December 2024
  • Tickets:  Basingstoke Canal Centre
  • Cost:       From £16 pp (off-peak)

Bring the family to the Basingstoke Canal to meet Father Christmas in his canal-side grotto between 3 and 23 December 2024. Climb aboard our boat Rosebud waiting for you at the canal centre 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. Cruise back to the canal centre and head into Santa’s Workshop for Christmas colouring activities, warm drinks and mince pies for all!

The event lasts approximately one hour 15 minutes in total.

12 days of Christmas Trail at Painshill Park

Painshill Park, Cobham, KT11 1BE

Alternatively, help find all the Christmas gifts to complete the carol at Painshill’s winter trail.   Follow the trail around the landscape and have some fun exploring along the way. 

Explore the gardens of Painshill and the magical Crystal Grotto while you visit.

Chobham Adventure Farm's Magical Christmas

Christmas Illuminations

Chobham Adventure Farm, Bagshot, Chobham, Woking, GU24 8DB

  • Dates:    selected dates in December up to Christmas Eve 2024
  • Tickets:  Chobham’s Adventure Farm’s Magical Christmas
  • Cost:       Normal entrance price, with an additional fee for meeting Santa (£15) or ice-skating (£7.50) TBC

The interactive magical Christmas experience is set to return for 2024.  The Ice Rink – which proved a huge hit last year – will return for more skating fun! Professor Caraticus will be back with another fantastic invention, and the Reindeer Lodge will once again be housing Rudolph and his team. And of course the chance to see the Big Man himself before heading into his well-stocked toy shop!!

Click here for stocking filler ideas

What are your favourite things to do in Surrey at Christmas?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

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2 comments

Avatar for Jan
Laureen+Dixon 10th November 2021 - 5:06 pm

Excellent summary of places to take children in the Christmas period.

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Avatar for Jan
Jan 10th November 2021 - 7:50 pm

Thanks – we’re looking forward to some festive fun!

Reply

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