Last updated: 11 November 2024
Get ready for a festive adventure in Banstead with our detailed guide. From lifelong residents to holiday visitors, our guide is your ticket to Banstead's festive magic.
Popular Events: Experience the whimsy of the Denbies Santa Express, where children can enjoy a delightful train ride through the scenic vineyards, meeting Santa along the way. The unique charm of A Santa Experience at Bockett's Farm includes interactive activities with farm animals and festive crafts for the whole family. And the Guildford Festive Family Day is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a vibrant market with local goods, entertainment, and seasonal cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Banstead Holiday Markets and Shopping
Farnborough Frost Fair
- What to Expect
- Free family event with over 100 performers and a variety of festive activities.
- Description
- Farnborough Frost Fair is a vibrant Christmas celebration in Farnborough town centre, featuring over 50 stalls with local food, handmade jewellery, and unique decorations. Families can enjoy walkabout street theatre, circus skills, and meet Father Christmas in his grotto. The event also includes live performances by brass bands, local choirs, and dance schools.
- Where
- Farnborough | More Info : Farnborough Frost Fair
Godalming Christmas Festival Market
- What to Expect
- Spectacular range of carefully selected crafts and festive food.
- Description
- The Godalming Christmas Festival Market offers a variety of festive stalls selling top-quality crafts, decorations, and seasonal food along High Street, Church Street, and Crown Court. It is a great opportunity to start your Christmas shopping in Godalming.
- Where
- Godalming | More Info : Godalming Christmas Festival Market
Banstead Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Guildford Festive Family Day
- What to Expect
- Interactive entertainment and activities for all ages.
- Description
- Join Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford for a free festive family fun day in Guildford town centre. The event features music, dance, and drama performances, face painting, baubles, and bands. Enjoy the Bigmouth Christmas disco and grab a Christmas selfie with Santa's elves in the giant snow globe or mascots on parade. Shoppers can explore the colourful Christmas market and grab gifts or festive treats. Live music in pubs and bars, children's workshops, and sparkling Christmas lights add to the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Guildford | More Info : Guildford Festive Family Day
The Nativity Journey at Wintershall
- What to Expect
- Immersive, interactive theatre experience.
- Description
- The Nativity Journey at Wintershall is an immersive theatre experience where you stand with the shepherds, walk with Mary and Joseph, and journey with Roman soldiers to witness the miracle of the Nativity. This event is suitable for all ages and offers a powerful, unreconstructed telling of the Christmas story.
- Where
- Bramley | More Info : The Nativity Journey at Wintershall
Bach to Baby Christmas Concert in Farnham
- What to Expect
- Live classical music for babies, toddlers, and their carers.
- Description
- Join Bach to Baby for a delightful Christmas concert in Farnham, featuring live music and family-friendly entertainment at St. Andrew's Parish Church.
- Where
- Farnham | More Info : Bach to Baby Christmas Concert in Farnham
Kerry Ellis Does Christmas
- What to Expect
- West End star Kerry Ellis performs beloved Christmas hits with a live band and local choir.
- Description
- Join Kerry Ellis, renowned for her extraordinary West End performances, for a captivating Christmas concert at the Leatherhead Theatre. Featuring heart-warming classics and modern favourites, this event promises to bring beloved Christmas hits to life with her stunning vocals and charismatic stage presence. The evening includes a live onstage band and the wonderful local talent of the Dorking and Leatherhead Show Choir, with special guest Louise Dearman.
- Where
- Leatherhead | More Info : Kerry Ellis Does Christmas
South Coast Soul Revue's Christmas Soul & Funk Party
- What to Expect
- Authentic soul revue experience with limited seating and unlimited dancing.
- Description
- South Coast Soul Revue presents a farewell Christmas soul and funk party at Cranleigh Arts Centre, featuring two outstanding lead vocalists, funky horns, and a tight rhythm section. The event celebrates 16 years of soulful music with classics and contemporary tracks from artists like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, and Stevie Wonder.
- Where
- Cranleigh | More Info : South Coast Soul Revue's Christmas Soul & Funk Party
South Nutfield Choral Society Winter Concerts
- What to Expect
- Classical choral music performance by local amateur singers with professional soloists.
- Description
- The South Nutfield Choral Society presents a winter concert featuring classical choral music performed by local amateur singers with professional soloists. The event celebrates the society's 50th anniversary with a delightful evening of music.
- Where
- Redhill | More Info : South Nutfield Choral Society Winter Concerts
The Snowman' film with live orchestra
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral accompaniment to a classic animated film.
- Description
- The Snowman film with live orchestra features a special screening of the beloved animated classic accompanied by a live orchestra, including an additional short film. The show includes a fun introduction to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself, making it a perfect event for the whole family to enjoy together.
- Where
- Guildford | More Info : The Snowman' film with live orchestra
Aldershot Christmas Cracker
- What to Expect
- Interactive entertainment with local performers and activities.
- Description
- The Aldershot Christmas Cracker features over 35 craft, food, and community stalls, a nativity farm with donkeys, Juggling Jake, Lego brick building, birds of prey, free children’s Christmas crafts, face painting, brass bands, and live entertainment across two stages. Children can meet Father Christmas and enjoy the giant snow globe.
- Where
- Aldershot | More Info : Aldershot Christmas Cracker
Sir John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration at Guildford Cathedral
- What to Expect
- World-renowned composer Sir John Rutter leads a festive choir concert.
- Description
- Join Sir John Rutter and the Guildford Cathedral Choir for a captivating Christmas celebration featuring traditional and contemporary carols, brass, and organ.
- Where
- Guildford | More Info : Sir John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration at Guildford Cathedral
Santa’s Wish at G Live
- What to Expect
- Immersive storytelling with circus magic.
- Description
- Santa’s Wish is a brand-new musical at G Live, featuring catchy original songs and an extraordinary journey of Snowflake the elf as she tries to save Christmas. This heart-warming adventure is full of colour, fun, and immersive storytelling with a sprinkling of circus magic.
- Where
- Guildford | More Info : Santa’s Wish at G Live
Banstead Other Holiday Activities
A Santa Experience at Bockett's Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and farm animals.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas at Bocketts Farm, where children can hop on the Santa Express to his traditional workshop, complete the Christmas Trail, make their own Reindeer Food, and enjoy various festive activities.
- Where
- Fetcham | More Info : A Santa Experience at Bockett's Farm
Denbies Santa Express
- What to Expect
- Special train ride with Santa and a gift for each child.
- Description
- Join Denbies Santa Express for a special ride on Santa's train through the vineyard, including a Santa passport, Reindeer & Elf Game, and a gift at the end of the ride.
- Where
- Dorking | More Info : Denbies Santa Express
A Christmas Masquerade at Polesden Lacey
- What to Expect
- Sumptuous Edwardian house decorated for a Christmas masquerade ball.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas in style at Polesden Lacey with an extravagantly decorated house styled as a Christmas masquerade ball. Enjoy immersive scenes throughout the house, ride a vintage hand-carved carousel, and explore an outdoor Christmas trail themed on Grizwald the Griffin. The event features a 20ft Christmas tree in the Grand Hall and festive food and shopping opportunities.
- Where
- Dorking | More Info : A Christmas Masquerade at Polesden Lacey
Christmas at Hatchlands Park
- What to Expect
- Nautical-themed decorations and family activities.
- Description
- Christmas at Hatchlands Park is inspired by the carol 'I Saw Three Ships,' featuring nautical touches in the beautifully decorated rooms and family activities on the festive parkland trail.
- Where
- East Clandon | More Info : Christmas at Hatchlands Park
Santa Cruises at the Basingstoke Canal Centre
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday experience with Santa's woodland grotto.
- Description
- Take a gentle cruise aboard the boat Rosebud to Santa's woodland grotto, where little ones can follow the tinsel trail to find Father Christmas and receive a special gift. The journey includes Christmas colouring activities, warm drinks, and mince pies at the canal centre.
- Where
- Mychett | More Info : Santa Cruises at the Basingstoke Canal Centre
12 days of Christmas Trail at Painshill Park
- What to Expect
- Hand-painted wooden figures representing iconic Christmas gifts.
- Description
- Explore Painshill Park to find all the gifts from the classic Christmas carol, including two turtle doves and twelve drummers drumming. Each gift is beautifully crafted from traditional wood and hand-painted with intricate detail.
- Where
- Cobham | More Info : 12 days of Christmas Trail at Painshill Park
Chobham Adventure Farm's Magical Christmas
- What to Expect
- Earn your Official Sleigh Licence and meet REAL reindeer.
- Description
- Chobham Adventure Farm offers a Christmas experience with real reindeer, sleigh driving lessons, and a visit to Father Christmas. Enjoy snowball fights, photo opportunities, and a variety of fun activities including soft play and animal encounters.
- Where
- Chobham | More Info : Chobham Adventure Farm's Magical Christmas
Festive Family Days at Ashtead Garden Centre
- What to Expect
- Interactive family activities with Santa and festive treats.
- Description
- Join us at Ashtead Park Garden Centre for Festive Family Fun Days, featuring nativity animals, a turkey trivia trail, Christmas face painting, pony rides, and festive treats. Enjoy a variety of activities while supporting The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
- Where
- Ashtead | More Info : Festive Family Days at Ashtead Garden Centre
Shaun the Sheep winter trail at Winkworth Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Interactive winter trail with super-sized Shaun the Sheep sculptures.
- Description
- Explore Winkworth Arboretum this winter and find twelve super-sized Shaun the Sheep sculptures, each uniquely designed and decorated by talented artists. Enjoy fun games, carousel rides, and delicious winter treats.
- Where
- Godalming | More Info : Shaun the Sheep winter trail at Winkworth Arboretum
Meet the Reindeer at Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm
- What to Expect
- Reindeer interaction in a natural forest environment.
- Description
- Meet the reindeer at Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm, where you can interact with these charming animals amidst a lush forest setting.
- Where
- Guildford | More Info : Meet the Reindeer at Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm
Christmas Trail at Discovery Land
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical experiences and festive trails.
- Description
- Explore the Christmas Trail at Discovery Land, where you can follow a twinkling winter trail, meet Father Christmas, and enjoy festive activities amidst 40 acres of beautiful countryside.
- Where
- Redhill | More Info : Christmas Trail at Discovery Land
Tails & Trails at Gatton Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling and craft activities inspired by children's literature.
- Description
- At Tails & Trails at Gatton Park, children engage in interactive storytelling sessions, craft activities, and exploratory trails around the garden. Each event is carefully designed to bring beloved stories to life through hands-on experiences.
- Where
- Reigate | More Info : Tails & Trails at Gatton Park
Christmas Soap Making at Farnham Maltings
- What to Expect
- Hands-on soap-making workshop for children.
- Description
- Join Fun Laboratory Club at Farnham Maltings to create unique Christmas soaps using clear melt and pour soap, essential oils, and a variety of colours. Each soap will be individually wrapped and labelled, making it a perfect gift for your children. No prior experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.
- Where
- Farnham | More Info : Christmas Soap Making at Farnham Maltings
Christmas Cupcake icing & decoration at Farnham Maltings
- What to Expect
- Hands-on cupcake decorating with festive designs.
- Description
- Decorate cupcakes as snowmen, Christmas trees, and holly at Farnham Maltings, where all materials and boxes are provided.
- Where
- Farnham | More Info : Christmas Cupcake icing & decoration at Farnham Maltings
Family Drum Circle at Cranleigh Arts
- What to Expect
- Community drum circle with no musical experience required.
- Description
- Join Ray Watters for a fun-packed community drum circle at Cranleigh Arts. This family-friendly event is open to everyone, with no musical experience necessary. All drums and percussion are provided, and it's all about taking part and having fun.
- Where
- Cranleigh | More Info : Family Drum Circle at Cranleigh Arts
Christmas crafts at Gatton Park
- What to Expect
- Hands-on Christmas crafts using natural materials.
- Description
- Gatton Park offers a variety of Christmas crafts, including making willow wreaths and Christmas angels, using natural materials like cedar, holly, and ivy. Participants can enjoy mulled wine and mince pies while creating their own decorations.
- Where
- Reigate | More Info : Christmas crafts at Gatton Park