The Best Christmas Events in Surrey In 2023
If you’re looking to kick start the festive season in Surrey, you’ve come to the right place! There are lots of Christmas events in Surrey this year – from festive Christmas markets to Santa’s Grottos and glittering Christmas light trails.
If you are in Surrey during the festive season and looking for things to do at Christmas in Surrey, you won’t be disappointed.
I’m always looking for Christmas events near me so that we can try something new each year – while we have two small believers at least!
So – what’s going on at Christmas in Surrey this year?
**Not all of the Christmas events in Surrey 2023 dates have been released yet so keep checking back for updates. This post contains affiliate links. If you book something using one, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you**
If you happen to be heading into London this Christmas – here are some of the best Christmas shows this year.
- The Snowman – an absolute must-see when in London at Christmas with kids.
- Elf – The Musical.
- Potted Panto – 7 classic pantos in 70 minutes.
- Jack and the Beanstalk – classic pantomime at the London Palladium.
See also our guide to things to do with kids in London at Christmas.
These are the Christmas events in Surrey happening in 2023
Santa’s Grottos in Surrey
Looking for places to see Father Christmas in Surrey? The great news is that there are lots of Santa’s Grottos and places to see Father Christmas. It’s one of the most festive things to do in Surrey with kids.
Before that….if you’re going to be away on holiday over the festive season, you might be looking for a Santa’s Grotto further afield. We have a great post on 100+ Places to See Santa in the UK.
But here’s where to see Santa in Surrey this Christmas:
Hatchlands Park
Father Christmas at Hatchlands Park
Meet Father Christmas in his cosy hideout in the Old Stables. Father Christmas will see 8 children in the 30 minute time slot so each child will have a few minutes with him.
Address: National Trust – Hatchlands, East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RT
Dates: 3rd & 4th December 2022.
Tickets: £5.00 per child (on top of normal admission).
Chessington World of Adventures
The Elves will guide you through a snowy wonderland to meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Afterwards, you will head to his Toy Workshop to receive a Christmas gift.
Every ticket purchased for visits between 26th November and 24th December is guaranteed a meeting with Santa.
Address: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE.
Dates: 25th November to 31st December 2023.
Tickets: From £20.00 per person.
See also the Christmas breaks at Chessington World of Adventures and read our Chessington World of Adventures review.
If you want to see Santa at a theme park, see our post on what’s on at Christmas at the Merlin attractions in the UK and Santa Sleepovers in the UK.
Photo Credit: Merlin Entertainment
Bocketts Farm Park
Hop on the Santa Express trailer and be guided by the Elves to their workshop and then to meet Santa in his Grotto. Children will receive a Golden Coin to spend in his toy shop.
Other Christmas activities included in the ticket for Bocketts Farm at Christmas are:
- Discover your ‘Inner Elf’ with our fun Elf Passport!
- Make your own Reindeer Food to take home
- Make Christmas crafts in the Christmas Craft Corner
- Take a family photo in the Snow Globe
Address: Bocketts Farm Park,Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9BS.
Dates: 24th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: From £25.50 per child. Adult – from £6.50.
Priory Farm
Let the Elves guide your through the fairy forest to the Land of Christmas Wishes to meet Mary Christmas. The experience lasts around 20 – 25 minutes.
Address: Priory Farm Estate, Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, RH1 4EJ
Dates: Select dates from 19th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: From £222.00 per child. Adult – from £12.00.
Godstone Farm
Father Christmas at Godstone Farm
Take a wander through Candy Cane Lane to meet Father Christmas and discover whether you are on the naughty or nice list.
Your visit to Father Christmas includes a gift from the Christmas Toy Shop.
Address: Godstone Farm, Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8LX.
Dates: Weekends in December and then 19th to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: Adult (16+) – £12.45. Child (2-16) – £30.00.
Photo credit: Bocketts Farm
Reigate on Ice
Santa’s Grotto at Reigate on Ice
Address: Reigate on Ice, Bell Street, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7BA.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: From £8.00 per person.
Hobbledown
Address: Hobbledown, Horton Lane, Horton, Surrey, KT19 8PT.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: TBC.
Painshill Park
Address: Painshill, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1JE.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: TBC.
Polesden Lacey
Father Christmas at Polesden Lacey
Address: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BB.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: TBC.
English Heritage
There are lots of English Heritage properties in the South of England and each one usually has some lovely Christmassy things to do. Keep an eye out for updates on their website.
If you like visiting English Heritage properties, we would recommend getting an English Heritage membership. Just a couple of visits to English Heritage properties will cover the cost of the pass and will get you into many of the special events for free.
National Trust
Two of the National Trust properties that are running Christmas events in Surrey this year are:
Details already given above.
Christmas lights in Surrey
There are a couple of exciting Christmas light trails in Surrey this year. You can also wander around some of the towns and villages in Surrey and check out their light displays.
If you happen to be heading into London, here is where you can find the Christmas light displays in London.
We love a Christmas light trail. There are loads happening all over the country (see more Christmas light trails here).
If you are thinking of heading further afield, we can highly recommend the Blenheim Palace Christmas lights.
Polesden Lacey
Address: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BB.
Dates: 20th October to 6th November 2022.
Tickets: Adult – from £24.50 with parking, Child (3-16) – £12.50. Under 3 – FREE.
RHS Wisely
Address: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BB.
Dates: 17th November to 8th January 2023.
Tickets: From £15.95.
Hampton Court Palace
Address: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU.
Dates: 7th December to 2nd January 2023.
Tickets: Adult – from £14.50. Child – from £9.50.
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
Address: Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PP.
Dates: Select dates from 24th November to 21st December 2022.
Tickets: Adult – from £18.00. Child Under 16 – from £10.00. Under 2 – FREE.
Photo credit: National Trust
Christmas markets in Surrey
We love a Christmas market. We usually try to go to one of the European Christmas markets each year but there are also some fantastic Christmas markets in the UK.
They are a great place to pick up some handmade Christmas gifts. We usually grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine, select a decoration for the Christmas tree and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Here are a selection of the Surrey Christmas markets worth a visit this year.
Guilford Cathedral
Guilford Cathedral Christmas Fair
Address: Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7UP.
Dates: 18th and 19th November 2022.
Tickets: £3.00 per person.
Hampton Court Palace
Festive Fair at Hampton Court Palace
Address: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU.
Dates: 4th & 5th December 2022.
Tickets: Included in standard entry ticket to Hampton Court Palace. Purchase your ticket here.
Ramster Garden & Teahouse
Address: Ramster Gardens, Petworth Road, Chiddingfold, Surrey, GU8 4SN
Dates: 2nd to 4th December 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £8.00. Child (5-17) – £3.00. Under 5 – FREE.
Rural Life Living Museum
Address: Rural Life Living Museum, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2DL.
Dates: 19th & 20th November 2022.
Tickets: FREE.
Dorking Halls
Christmas Creative Makers Market
Address: Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SG.
Dates: 20th November 2022.
Tickets: FREE.
Loseley House Christmas Fair
Address: Rural Crafts Association, Station Lane, Brook Road, Wormley, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 5UA.
Dates: 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th November 2022.
Tickets: From £5.00 per adult.
West Horseley Place
Address: West Horsley Place, Epsom Road, West Horsley, Surrey, KT24 6AN.
Dates: 25th to 27th November 2022.
Tickets: From £8.00 per adult.
If you like Christmas markets, you might like to read about the best Christmas markets in London or the best Christmas markets in the UK or even the best Christmas markets in Europe!
Pantomimes in Surrey
One of our favourite things to do at Christmas in London with kids is to visit one of the big Christmas Pantomimes and we’ve also visited a fair few local pantomimes too. Here are the Pantomimes to look out for in Surrey this Christmas.
New Victoria Theatre
Address: The Ambassadors, The Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ.
Dates: 2nd December to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: From £13.00
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Address: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3UX.
Dates: 1st December to 8th January 2023.
Tickets: From £20.00.
Richmond Theatre
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Address: Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1QJ.
Dates: 3rd to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: From £13.00.
The Harlequin Theatre and Cinema Redhill
Address: The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema, Warwick Quadrant, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1NN.
Dates: 9th to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: From £15.00.
Esher Theatre
Address: Esher Theatre, Community Walk, High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9RA.
Dates: 9th to 23rd December 2022.
Tickets: From £18.00.
Camberley Theatre
Address: Camberley Theatre, Knoll Rd, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3SY.
Dates: 10th to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: From £15.00.
The Leatherhead Theatre
Address: The Leatherhead Theatre, 7 Church Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8DN.
Dates: 1st to 23rd December 2023.
Tickets: From £19.00.
Photo credit: ATG Tickets
Christmas Afternoon Tea in Surrey
Having afternoon tea is such a British thing to do – but have you tried a festive afternoon tea? It’s one of the best Christmassy things to do in Surrey after a day of Christmas shopping at the Christmas markets.
Runnymede Hotel (Egham) – 28th November to 22nd December. £32.00 per adult / £20.00 per child.
The Mandolay (Guildford) – TBC.
Woodlands Park Hotel (Cobham) – TBC.
You might also like to check out our posts on the best places to have afternoon tea in London and the best afternoon tea in London for kids.
Other things to do in Surrey at Christmas
Had your fill of Christmas events in Surrey? How about trying out some of these alternative things to do at Christmas in Surrey?
Wrap up warm and head for some ice skating at Hampton Court Palace ice rink.
Go and pick out your own Christmas tree at Ramster Christmas Trees in Godalming.
See here for more general ideas for things to do at Christmas. And once you’re done with all of the Christmas days out in Surrey and ready to settle down at home, take a look at these Christmas movies for kids.
We haven’t listed all of the things to do in Surrey in December so if there’s something you’d like to add, please let us know.
If it’s not quite Christmas yet, you might want to check out these places to go pumpkin picking in Surrey.
Things to do near Surrey at Christmas
Polar Express Train Ride
Polar Express at Cholsey and Wallingford Railway
Address: Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, Wallingford Station, 5 Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9GQ.
Dates: This will not be taking place in 2023.
Tickets: From £24.95 to £36.95 per person.
See here for all of the UK Polar Express train rides.
The Watercress Line
Steam Illuminations (note there is no Father Christmas meet during this experience).
Address: The Watercress Line, The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG.
Dates: Select dates from 18th November to 7th January 2023.
Tickets: From £55.00 for 2 people. Under 2 – FREE.
See here for all of the Santa train rides.
Lapland UK
Address: Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8BD.
Dates: Mid November to 24th December. 2023 tickets SOLD OUT.
Tickets: From £65 to £135 per person.
Legoland Windsor
Address: Legoland Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY.
Dates: Weekends from 25th November to 18th December and then 19th – 23rd December 2022.
Tickets: From £20 (for one child and one adult) on top of standard entry price.
Cowdray House
Address: Cowdray Park, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0AJ.
Dates: 1st to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: Adult – from £22.00. Child (2-15) from – £15.00. Under 2 – FREE.
See here for more things to do in Sussex at Christmas.
Kew Gardens
Address: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE.
Dates: 16th November to 8th January 2023.
Tickets: Adult – from £21.50.
