30 Magical Christmas events in Surrey for families (2026 guide)

Looking for the best Christmas events in Surrey this year?

From dazzling Christmas light trails and magical Santa Grottos to festive pantomimes, Christmas markets and seasonal family days out, there’s always plenty of things to do at Christmas in Surrey for families.

Whether it’s an annual family tradition or you’re searching for a new Christmas adventure, this guide brings together some of the very best Christmas events in Surrey.

Plus, we’ve added a few festive favourites from across the Surrey borders.  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

Few things feel more festive than wrapping up warm and heading out to a Christmas light trail.  We love to go early in December to kick start the festive season.  These festive light trails are some of the most popular illuminated events in and around Surrey.

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

Glow at Wisley is one of Surrey’s most popular Christmas attractions.  Wander through beautifully illuminated gardens and enjoy festive displays throughout the grounds.  The trail ends with an amazing water display in front of the house.

Visitor Information:  Check the Glow Wisley website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Guildford Castle, Guildford Town Centre, Surrey

Set within the historic grounds of Guildford Castle, this family-friendly Christmas light trail takes visitors on a magical journedy through illuminated gardens and displays in the heart of the town centre.  You could tie it in with some Christmas shopping!

Visitor Information:  Check the official Illuminate Guildford Castle website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

One of the South East’s most spectacular Christmas light trails, Christmas at Kew transforms the famous gardens with glowing installations, sparkling tunnels of light, and immersive light displays.

Visitor Information:  Check the official Christmas at Kew website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

Windsor Great Park Illuminated was the first light trail we ever went to and still remains one of our favourite festive nights out.

The woodland and lakes come alive with stunning projections, lights and seasonal displays creating an unforgettable Christmas experience.  There’s even a talking tree!

Visitor Information:  Check the Illuminated at Great Windsor Park website for dates, times and ticket prices.

No Surrey Christmas would be complete without the annual trip to the panto.  From traditional pantomimes to family Christmas shows, there are plenty of festive shows across Surrey to choose from.

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

Woking’s panto for 2026 is Goldilocks and the Three Bears, starring Brian Conley.  So, you can expect plenty of laughs, fantastic costumes, and audience participation.  If you haven’t already got your tickets, grab some now!

Visitor Information:  Check the Woking Theatre website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

📍  Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford

Guildford’s much loved Christmas pantomime for 2026 is Sleeping Beauty, starring Lucy Benjamin and Peter Gordon.  Expect dazzling costumes, plenty of audience participation, and slapstick in one of Surrey’s most popular Christmas shows.

Visitor Information:  Check the Yvonne Arnaud website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

📍  Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking, GU21 6GQ

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.

Visitor Information:  Check the  Rhoda McGaw Theatre for dates, times and ticket prices.

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

A magical, family Christmas event with a special screening of The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra.

Visitor Information:  Check the Guildford Cathedral website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

The Father Christmas experience at Godstone Farm includes meeting Father Christmas, entry the Jingle & Jangle Christmas show, festive crafts, a festive trail, a cookie decorating experience and Surrey’s biggest soft play centre.

Visitor Information:  Check the Godstone Farm website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍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.

Visitor Information:  Check Bockett’s Farm website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍Hobbledown Epsom, Horton Lane, Epsom

Christmas at Hobbledown combines festive entertainment, animal encounters, and adventure play along with the chance to meet Father Christmas.  Take your family on a spellbinding journey through Santa’s Secret Village where you can then meet Father Christmas.

With all the usual indoor and outdoor attractions as well, it’s an excellent option for a Christmas family day out in Surrey.

Visitor Information:  Check the Hobbledown website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

Visit Santa as he takes time out before Christmas to relax in his charming Victorian Parlour. The museum is also hosting several creative wellbeing workshops and a Christmas decorations session for early years.

Visitor Information:  Check Santa’s traditional Victorian Parlour for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

An interactive magical Christmas experience, complete with Father Christmas, a Reindoor Lodge, and The Jingle Jesters’ School of Magic.  Plus your ticket includes a full day of adventure at the farm.

Visitor Information:  Check Chobham’s Adventure Farm’s Magical Christmas for dates, times and ticket prices.

Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mychett, Surrey

A festive boat trip with a difference.  Families can sail along the canal before following a seasonal trail to meet Father Christmas in his woodland grotto.  This is one of the most unusual Christmas experiences in Surrey.

Visitor Information:  Check the Basingstoke Canal website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

📍Mizens Railway, Barrs Lane, Knaphill, Woking

One of Surrey’s hidden gems, Mizens Railway offers a festive experience that is ideal for younger children.  Families can enjoy a ride on the miniature railway before visiting Father Christmas and receiving a gift. This event runs on selected Sundays only.

Visitor Information:  Check the Mizens website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

Climb aboard the festive Santa Express for a magical journey through the beautiful Surrey Hills.  After the train ride, children can meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.

Visitor Information:  Check the Denbies website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

With one of the most impressive backdrops in the country, Hampt Court’s ice rink offers a magical festive experience beside Henry VIII’s historic palace.

Visitor Information:  Check the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Alexander Gardens, Windsor, Berkshire

Just over the border from Surrey, Windsor on Ice combines skating with a festive market and fairground.

Visitor Information:  Check the Windsor on Ice website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

Winkworth Arboretum regularly hosts family winter trails and season events amongs its stunning woodland landscapes.  This year the theme is The Great Christmas Gnome Adventure, inspired by Scandanavian folklore.

📍 East Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7RT

This year, Hatchlands Park have partnered with Tom Fletcher’s Christmasaurus books.  Explore festive rooms inside the house and follow a family trail through the parkland inspired by scenes and characters from the much-loved stories.

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

This year, Polesden Lacey’s Christmas theme is The Twelve Days of Christmas.  The grand Edwardian house will be decofate with lavish displays inspire by the famous Christmas carol.  Families can also follow a Christmas trail around the grounds.

📍 East Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7RT

This year’s festive them is Elfmas and asks the important question, do you have what it takes to become one of Santa’s elves.  Families can take part in elf-themed challengers and track down Father Christmas’ reindeer as they explore the gardens.

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

Explore the Christmas Village, meet Santa, enjoy family-favourite rides and festive activities at the Chessing World of Adventures Resort.

Visitor Information:  Check the Chessington website  for the dates, times and ticket prices.

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

Enjoy a free festive day in Guildford town centre with elves, street performers, and a programme of Christmas activities for the whole family.  This Christmas event takes place on Sunday 15th November 2026.

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