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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Get excited for the holidays in Guildford! Our comprehensive guide is here to help you make the most of this festive season with all the must-see events and activities. For Guildford residents and newcomers, this guide is your ticket to a joyful holiday season.

This year, the Kingston Christmas Market offers a delightful array of stalls featuring handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats, setting the perfect atmosphere for festive shopping. Meanwhile, Christmas at Hatchlands invites families to explore enchanting decorations and find unique ways to celebrate the season. And the Denbies Santa Express is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its charming train rides through beautifully lit vineyards. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Guildford Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Intimate light trail experience with premium marshmallow toasting pits.

Description:

Illuminate Guildford Castle features stunning light installations around a 20-30 minute trail, transforming historic grounds into a winter spectacle. Explore the castle's beautiful grounds with a variety of light activations, perfect for families. Enjoy hot chocolate and mulled wine while walking through the trail, which includes marshmallow toasting pits and band stands.

Where: Guildford | More Info: Illuminate Guildford Castle

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What to Expect:

Dazzling light trail with new installations and reimagined favourites.

Description:

Windsor Great Park Illuminated features a dazzling light trail with new installations and reimagined favourites, bringing woodland and water to life with spectacular displays of colour and breathtaking projections. Enjoy a forest trail full of music and light where woodland creatures come to life, and take a moment to enjoy delicious dishes, mulled wine, and hot chocolate at cosy rest stops.

Where: Englefield Green | More Info: Illuminated at Windsor Great Park

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Guildford Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Local artisans selling handmade goods.

Description:

The Kingston Holiday Market is a multi-weekend event featuring over 40 local artisans selling handmade items such as pottery, paintings, candles, and delicious foods. No admission fee and ample parking are available.

Where: Kingston | More Info: Kingston Christmas Market

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What to Expect:

Free entertainment and activities for all ages.

Description:

Guildford Festive Family Day is a free event in Guildford town centre featuring live music, dance, and drama. Enjoy face painting, baubles, and bands, as well as a Christmas market with gifts and festive treats. The event includes a Bigmouth Christmas disco, a giant snow globe, and children's workshops.

Where: Guildford | More Info: Guildford Festive Family Day

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What to Expect:

Free family event with over 100 performers and festive market.

Description:

Farnborough Frost Fair is a vibrant Christmas celebration in Farnborough town centre, featuring over 50 stalls selling local food, drink, 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

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What to Expect:

Local produce and handmade gifts.

Description:

The Farncombe Christmas Market, hosted by Godalming Town Council in conjunction with South Western Railway, offers a variety of stalls selling Christmas gifts, local produce, and baked goods. Visitors can browse the market at Farncombe Station Car Park on Saturday, 7 December from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Where: Farncombe | More Info: Farncombe Christmas Market

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What to Expect:

Traditional winter event with live music and local crafts.

Description:

Carshalton Frost Fair is a traditional winter event held at Carshalton Ponds, featuring live entertainment, family activities, and a variety of stalls selling local crafts and seasonal food. The event includes carol singing, dance performances, and children's craft activities. It also offers a Father Christmas Grotto and Christmas Magic Shows.

Where: Carshalton | More Info: Carshalton Frost Fair

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Guildford Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Immersive, interactive Nativity play with outdoor scenes.

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. Suitable for all ages, it offers a powerful and unreconstructed telling of the Christmas story.

Where: Bramley | More Info: The Nativity Journey at Wintershall

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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

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What to Expect:

Live orchestra performance of a classic animated film.

Description:

The Snowman at Guildford Cathedral features a special screening of the beloved animated film 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 families to enjoy together.

Where: Guildford | More Info: The Snowman at Guildford Cathedral

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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, 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

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What to Expect:

Celebratory concert with Guildford Cathedral Choir and Sir John Rutter.

Description:

Join Sir John Rutter and the Guildford Cathedral Choir for a captivating Christmas Celebration featuring traditional and contemporary carols, brass, and organ music, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.

Where: Guildford | More Info: Sir John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration at Guildford Cathedral

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Guildford Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Nautical-themed country house Christmas celebration.

Description:

Soak up the atmosphere of a traditional country house Christmas at Hatchlands Park, inspired by the Christmas carol 'I Saw Three Ships.' Enjoy beautifully decorated rooms, nautical touches, and family activities on the festive parkland trail.

Where: Guildford | More Info: Christmas at Hatchlands

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What to Expect:

Special Santa-themed train ride with gifts for children.

Description:

Join Denbies Wine Estate for a special ride on Santa's Express train, including a special passport from Santa, a ride through the vineyard, and a gift at the end of your journey. Each child receives an age-appropriate gift, and adults enjoy a mince pie.

Where: Dorking | More Info: Denbies Santa Express

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What to Expect:

Interactive activities with Santa and festive treats.

Description:

Join us at Ashtead Park Garden Centre for Festive Family Fun Days, where you can visit nativity animals, follow a turkey trail, and win small prizes. Enjoy Christmas face paint, balloon characters, pony rides, and festive treats. Create Christmas decorations at the crafts table and explore the special menu at The Olive Tree.

Where: Ashtead | More Info: Festive Family Days at Ashtead Garden Centre

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What to Expect:

Interactive storytelling and craft activities in a scenic garden setting.

Description:

At Tails & Trails at Gatton Park, children can listen to stories and participate in craft activities, then explore trails around the garden. Each event features a different story and creative project, making it a delightful experience for young minds.

Where: Reigate | More Info: Tails & Trails at Gatton Park

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What to Expect:

Hands-on soap-making workshop for children using SLS and SLES-free soap.

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. No prior experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.

Where: Farnham | More Info: Christmas Soap Making at Farnham Maltings

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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. These activities provide a creative outlet for all skill levels, with materials and instructions provided.

Where: Reigate | More Info: Christmas crafts at Gatton Park

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What to Expect:

Vibrant seasonal celebration showcasing local talent and crafts amidst beautiful street decorations.

Description:

This lively event in Guildford features an array of activities including live entertainment, food stalls serving seasonal delicacies, and artisan crafts. Visitors can stroll through decorated streets, enjoying the spirit of the season while shopping for unique gifts and indulging in festive treats. The atmosphere is filled with cheer as families and friends gather to celebrate.

Where: Guildford | More Info: Fabulously Festive

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