23+ magical Christmas events in Surrey for families 2023

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 2023?  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.

You don’t have to wait until Christmas for fun, here’s our bumper guide to what’s on in Surrey this autumn.

• 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

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AF

• Dates:   Wednesday 15^th November 2023 to Sunday 7^th January 2024 (4.20 -10pm)
• Tickets:   Christmas at Kew
• Cost:       from £69 (family of four 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.

RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB

• Dates:   Friday 24^th November 2023 – Tuesday 2^nd January 2024
• Tickets:  Glow 2023 at Wisley
• Cost:      £65.80 (family of four non-members)

Bring all the family for a magical evening at RHS Garden Wisley.   At Glow 2023, see the garden in breathtaking beauty as amazing illuminations light your way on a wonder-filled journey.

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

• Dates:   16^th November 2023 – 2^nd January 2024 (4.30-10pm)
• Tickets:  Illuminated at Great Windsor Park
• Cost:       from £64.92 (family of four) + car park

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 16 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.

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

• Dates:     20th October – 6th November
• Tickets:  Ignite: Fire & Fantasy
• Cost:        £tbc (family of four non-members)

IGNITE is a family-friendly, playful wonderland filled with the shimmering effects of fire and light – expect the unexpected.  Experience the enchanting effects of fire, light and lanterns throughout the garden at the National Trust’s gorgeous mansion, Polesden Lacey.

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

• Dates:   7^th December – 2^nd January 2023
• Tickets:  Palace of Light at Hampton Court
• Cost:       tbc

For Christmas 2023, you’re invited on an enchanting festive light experience at Hampton Court Palace.

Encounter curious creatures, from glittering unicorns to polka-dot panthers and from lurking lions to galloping greyhounds, as you wander through the atmospheric gardens and historic palace courtyards after dark.

The Palace of Light at Hampton Court is a chance to experience this unique historic palace like never before.

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

• Dates:  Saturday 16^th – Sunday 24^th December 2023
• Tickets: Santa’s on his Sleigh
• Cost:  £64 (family of four)

A brand-new magical Christmas family show written by Justin Fletcher for 2023.

It is Christmas Eve and Santa is finishing off his final preparations. He is checking his list before he hops aboard his trusty sleigh. But just before he takes flight into the night sky to deliver his presents, he discovers that his sleigh has broken down! Can you help Santa fix his sleigh? Time is running out and there are problems to solve and presents to deliver.

Santa’s on His Sleigh! is a brand-new exciting Christmas show starring Santa, Snowdrop the Elf, Rudolph and featuring on screen his virtual little helper Head Elf, Justy, played by Justin Fletcher.

The Ambassadors, Victoria Way, Woking, GU21 6GQ

• Dates:     Sunday 17^th December – Sunday 24^th December 2023 (11am and 14.30pm)
• Tickets:   Rhoda McGaw Theatre
• Cost:        from £15.13

Christmas Eve finally arrives and Santa enters his workshop to a huge round of applause. Will the elves decorations be finished in time? Will Holly get her Christmas Wish? and what exactly is the secret of Santa’s Magical Gift?

Find out in this heart-warming festive story that includes exciting audience participation, energetic comedy routines and a present for every child in the audience from Santa.

Guildford Cathedral, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7UP

• Dates:     Saturday 16^th December (1pm, 3.15pm & 6.30pm)
• Tickets:   The Snowman
• Cost:        from £19.78

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

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

• Dates:  Weekends in December and 16^th – 24^th December 2023
• Tickets:  Father Christmas at Godstone Farm
• Cost:  From £37 per child 2-16 yrs (includes admission to Godstone Farm)

Get ready to unwrap the spirit of Christmas with a magical visit to Father Christmas at Godstone Farm! New for 2023 we’re proud to present ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a live theatrical experience by the Unusual Theatre!

This fantastically festive family show is included in your daytime Father Christmas visit ticket. Based on the much loved and well know poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, shows will take place at 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm on the day of your visit. The show will last approximately 20 minutes.

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:   Thursday 23^rd November 2023 – Sunday 24^th December 2023
• Tickets:  Visit Santa’s Grotto at Bockett’s Farm
• Cost:        From £28 per child

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.

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

• Dates:   December 2023
• Tickets:  Father Christmas Experience at Priory Farm
• Cost:        From £28 per child

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.

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

• Dates: Friday 17^th November 2023 – 7^th January 2024
• Tickets:  Ice-skating at Hampton Court
• Cost:   from £53 off peak (family of four)

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: December 2023
• Tickets:  Windsor on Ice
• Cost:   £12.50 child and £14.50 adult (£46.oo 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.

Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, GU8 4AD

• Dates:   16^th December – 3^rd January 2024
• Tickets:  Winkworth Winter Welly Wander
• Cost:       £2 for National Trust Members (just turn up)

Join in and play a range of welly based games that’s fun for all the family. Don’t forget to bring your wellies!

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

• Dates:   25^th November – 7^th 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.

Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9JG

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

Explore the fairy tale family trail, The Snow Queen, at the picturesque landscape of Claremont Gardens.  Come and join Greda on this special festive trail to rescue Kai from the Snow Queen’s palace.  The garden will be transformed into a magical outdoor world with installations reflecting scenes from the story.

The free trail follows the half-mile lake route – perfect for little legs!

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

• Dates: 16, 20, 21 and 22^nd December 2023
• Tickets:  Santa’s traditional Victorian Parlour
• Cost:     £4 for members (£5 non-members)

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!

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

• Dates:     25^th November 2022 –31^st December 2023
• Tickets:  Winter’s Tail at Chessington
• Cost:         from £30 pp

Make magical memories this Christmas at Winter’s Tail, enjoying festive family fun with your nearest and DEERest at Chessington.

With the help of our jolly elves and reindeer, meet Father Christmas in his log fire grotto and revel in all the Christmas cheer that a traditional panto and carollers offer. Plus, NEW for 2023, visit the charming residents of Enchanted Hollow as they prepare for a magical Christmas. 

Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0TW

• Dates:   Tuesday 19^th December  2023
• Tickets:  Gatton Park
• Cost:       £8.50

Get the sparkle out for lots of Christmas craft creativity. Christmas Craft making session for younger children of 3 – 7 years 10-11.30 am or 1.30-3.00 pm 

Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mychett, Surrey

• Dates:   28^th November to 23^rd December 2023
• Tickets:  Basingstoke Canal Centre
• Cost:       £18 pp (peak time) (maximum age is 12 yrs)

Climb aboard our boat Rosebud 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!

Afterwards, cruise back to the Centre and head into Santa’s Workshop for Christmas colouring activities, warm drinks & mince pies for all.

Painshill Park, Cobham, KT11 1BE

• Dates:   18^th November – 7^th January 2024
• Tickets:  Alice in Wonderland Trail
• Cost:       £31 (family of four)

Alternatively, help the white rabbit find Alice at Painshill’s Alice in Wonderland Trail this winter.  Follow the trail around the landscape and meet some familiar characters along the way. 

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

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

• Dates:    selected dates in December up to Christmas Eve 2023
• 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)

The interactive magical Christmas experience is set to return for 2023.  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!!

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

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