23+ magical Christmas events in Surrey for families 2025

Looking for the best Christmas events in Surrey 2025?  Whether you’re looking for festive shows, winter light trails, magical Santa Grottos, festive pantomimes, there are always plenty of things to do at Christmas in Surrey for families.

Here’s your complete guide to the top family Christmas activities in Surrey—with confirmed 2025 dates.

Plus, we’ve included some fantastic festive activities beyond Surrey to add even more sparkle to your celebrations.  For more inspiration, check out our guides to the best things to do in Hampshire at Christmas and festive fun in Berkshire!.

• 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

These Surrey Christmas light trails are some of the most spectacular in the South East.

📍 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AF

• Dates:     14^th November 2025 to 4^th January 2026 (4.20 -10pm)
• Tickets:   Christmas at Kew
• Cost:       from £23.50 (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.

📍 Guildford Castle, Guildford Town Centre, Surrey

• Dates:    15^th November 2025 – 4^th January 2026
• Tickets:   Illuminate Guildford Castle
• Cost:       Adult £12.95 Child £8.95(off peak)

This Christmas welcomes back the stunning light trail 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.

📍 RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB

• Dates:   Friday 21^st November 2025 – Sunday 4^th January 2026
• Tickets:  Glow 2025 at Wisley
• Cost:      from £10.45 (adult member)

Wisley Glow is one of the most popular Christmas events in Surrey, with dazzling light displays and a family-friendly festive atmosphere.

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

• Dates:   14^th November 2025 – 3^rd January 2026 (4.30-10pm)
• Tickets:  Illuminated at Great Windsor Park
• Cost:       from £19.80

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 Friday 14th 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.

From Woking to Guildford, you’ll find classic Surrey pantomimes 2025 to keep the whole family entertained.

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

• Dates:   Friday 5^th December 2025 – Sunday 4^th January 2026
• Tickets:  Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
• Cost:      Tickets from £15 pp

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 Lesley Josephy and Rob Rinder, so you are guaranteed some fun.  If you haven’t already got your tickets, grab some now!

📍  Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford

• Dates:  Saturday 29^th – 4^th January 2025
• Tickets: Beauty & the Beast
• Cost:  From £31 pp

Join Peter Gordon, Lucy Benjamin and the cast for Guildford’s much-loved Christmas pantomime, packed with music, laughs, and festive sparkle.

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

• Dates:  Saturday 13^th – Wednesday 24^th December 2025
• Tickets: Santa’s on his Sleigh
• Cost:  £16.50 pp

Santa’s on His Sleigh! is an exciting and interactive Christmas show starring Santa, the elves Snowdrop and Mistletoe, Rudolph and featuring on screen Santa’s virtual little helper Head Elf Justy, played by Justin Fletcher.

 In addition all the children can meet Santa after the show to hand him their Christmas lists and receive a gift.

📍  The Ambassadors, Victoria Way, Woking, GU21 6GQ

• Dates:     24^th December and  26^th December 2025
• Tickets:   Rhoda McGaw Theatre
• Cost:        from £23.93

The Dickens Theatre Company brings you their own special version of the Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol.  Told with just 2 actors, this show is extremely entertaining and ideal for revision.  We saw it last time they were in town and loved it.

📍 Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7UP

• Dates:     Saturday 13^th December (2pm, 3.45pm & 6.30pm)
• Tickets:   The Snowman
• Cost:        from £17.64 pp

A magical, family Christmas event with a special screening of The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra.  There will also be a fun, festive medley and introduction to the orchestra created by CBeebies Musical Storyland composer Daniel Whibley and a special visit from the Snowman himself!

Meeting Father Christmas is one of the most popular family Christmas events Surrey has to offer.  Here are a few of the most popular Santa Grottos in Surrey:

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

• Dates:  22^nd November – 24^th December 2025 (weekends only)
• Tickets:  Father Christmas at Godstone Farm
• Cost:  From £42.95 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. 

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

• Dates:   20^th November 2025 –  24^th December 2025
• Tickets:  Visit Santa’s Grotto at Bockett’s Farm
• Cost:        tbc

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.

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

• Dates:    selected dates in December up to Christmas Eve 2025
• 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!!

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

• Dates:     selected dates in November and December
• 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.

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

• Dates: tbc
• Tickets:  Ice-skating at Hampton Court
• Cost:  tbc

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?

📍 Alexander Gardens, Windsor, Berkshire

• Dates:  tbc
• 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.

Wrap up warm and enjoy browsing the best Christmas markets in Surrey for gifts and festive treats.  It’s a great chance to make a head start on your Christmas shopping.

📍 Kingston town centre
📅 Friday 14^th November 2025 – 31^st December 2025

One of Surrey’s biggest Christmas markets, with wooden chalets, food stalls, and plenty of festive shopping.

📍 West Horsley Place
📅 21^st – 23^rd November 2025

Support local artists and craftsmen at the Surrey Hills Fair at West Horsley Place.  Browse the best of Surrey handcrafted gifts, fine arts, and festive treats in the beautiful Manor House and barn.

📍 Hampton Court Palace
📅 5^th-7^th and 12^th-14^th December 2025

Food lovers will love this shopping event at the gorgeous Hampton Court.

📍 High Street, Ripley
📅 7^th December 2025

Come along to the popular Christmas Fair in Ripley High Street.  See the beautiful lights and meet Father Christmas!

📍Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, GU8 4AD

• Dates:   23^rd November – 19^th January 2025 (tbc)
• 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.

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

• Dates:   25^th November – 7^th January 2024 (tbc for 2025)
• 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.

📍 East Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7RT

• Dates:   25^th November – 2^nd January 2024 (tbc for 2025)
• Tickets:  n/a
• Cost:       Free entrance for National Trust Members

Event details to be confirmed

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

• Dates:     22^nd November  –31^st December 2025
• Tickets:  A Winter’s Tale at Chessington
• Cost:         from £32 pp

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! 

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

• Dates: 19-24^th December 2024 (being updated)
• Tickets:  Santa’s traditional Victorian Parlour
• Cost:     £5 for family with 1 child (£6 with 2 kids)

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.

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

• Dates:     Sunday 16^th November 2025
• Tickets:  n/a
• Cost:         free event

Enjoy a festive day in Guildford town centre with elves, street performers, and a programme of Christmas activities for the whole family.

Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mychett, Surrey (to be updated)

• Dates:    3^rd to 23^rd 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.

📍 Painshill Park, Cobham, KT11 1BE

• Dates:   30^th November – 5^th January 2025 (tbc for 2025)
• Tickets:  12 Days of Christmas Trail
• Cost:       £34 (family of four)

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.

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

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