Get an overview of the holiday season in Guildford! Our guide includes all the key festive events. Whether you're rediscovering your hometown or visiting Guildford for the first time, our guide is here to help you celebrate the season.
One highlight of the season is the Guildford Winter Ice Rink, where you can glide on the ice surrounded by twinkling lights. Another exciting event is the Loseley Park Christmas Fair, featuring a wide range of crafts and local treats. And the Farnham Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its charming stalls brimming with holiday gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Guildford
See these and even more events listed below!Guildford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Loseley Park Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Artisanal gifts in a 16th-century manor house setting
Description:
Loseley Park, a stunning Elizabethan manor, opens its doors for a Christmas fair that blends history with holiday cheer. The fair showcases local artisans and their handcrafted wares, from intricate jewelry to aromatic candles. Visitors can explore the grand rooms of the manor, each adorned with seasonal decorations. The event honors Loseley Park's legacy of hospitality, which spans over four centuries. You'll find unique gifts while surrounded by Tudor architecture and picturesque gardens.
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Guildford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Guildford Cathedral Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Blend of sacred music and modern celebrations in a stunning cathedral
Description:
Guildford Cathedral's Christmas events merge centuries-old traditions with contemporary celebrations. The cathedral's soaring Gothic architecture provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for a series of concerts, carol services, and exhibitions. Visitors can attend a candlelit Evensong, immersing themselves in the angelic voices of the cathedral choir. The events showcase the cathedral's role as a cultural hub, hosting both religious observances and community gatherings. You'll experience the resonant acoustics of this magnificent space, designed to amplify both music and the human spirit.
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Guildford Cathedral Christmas Events
Guildford Other Holiday Activities
Guildford Winter Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Open-air ice skating in the heart of historic Guildford
Description:
Glide across the gleaming ice at Guildford's open-air winter rink, set against the backdrop of the town's medieval castle. This seasonal attraction transforms the city center into a hub of winter activity. Skaters can perfect their pirouettes or simply enjoy a leisurely lap around the rink. Guildford's ice rink continues a tradition dating back to the 19th century when locals skated on frozen ponds. The crisp winter air invigorates visitors as they embrace the coolest activity of the season.
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Nearby Events
Farnham Christmas Market (Farnham)
What to Expect:
Traditional English market town atmosphere
Description:
Farnham's historic streets transform into a bustling Christmas market, capturing the essence of a traditional English holiday celebration. Stroll through the charming town center, where local artisans and producers showcase their wares in quaint wooden chalets. The aroma of mulled wine wafts through the air as you explore unique gift ideas and regional specialties. You can participate in wreath-making workshops, learning age-old techniques from local experts. Farnham's market tradition dates back to the 13th century, adding a rich historical backdrop to this seasonal event. The town's Georgian architecture provides a picturesque setting that transports visitors to a bygone era of English Christmases past.
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Ripley Christmas Fair (Ripley)
What to Expect:
Intimate village fair with a focus on local produce
Description:
Ripley's Christmas Fair captures the essence of a traditional English village celebration. The event spotlights local farmers and artisans, offering a cornucopia of fresh produce, homemade preserves, and handcrafted gifts. Visitors can participate in wreath-making workshops, learning techniques passed down through generations. The fair takes place in the shadow of Ripley's 12th-century church, adding a touch of historical grandeur to the proceedings. The aroma of freshly baked mince pies wafts through the air, enticing attendees to indulge in seasonal treats.
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Woking Christmas Lights Switch-On (Woking)
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with local talent showcase
Description:
Woking's Christmas Lights Switch-On illuminates the town center with a dazzling display of lights and community spirit. The event features performances by local choirs, dance troupes, and musicians, showcasing the town's vibrant arts scene. Visitors can join in caroling sessions, led by Woking's own talent. The switch-on ceremony itself is a moment of collective joy, as the town is bathed in a warm glow. This annual tradition brings together residents and visitors alike, celebrating Woking's diverse community and creative energy.
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Woking Christmas Lights Switch-On
Santa Specials on the Watercress Line (Alton)
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa through the Hampshire countryside
Description:
The Watercress Line's Santa Specials offer a journey through time and the picturesque Hampshire landscape. Passengers board a beautifully restored steam train, traveling from Alton to Alresford. During the ride, Santa visits each carriage, distributing gifts to excited children. The train's whistle echoes through the countryside, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era of rail travel. This unique experience combines the charm of vintage locomotives with the joy of meeting Santa, creating lasting memories for families. The Watercress Line itself is a testament to the region's rich railway heritage.
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Santa Specials on the Watercress Line
Crafts in the Tower Christmas Fair (Portsmouth)
What to Expect:
Artisan crafts showcased in a historic fortification
Description:
Portsmouth's Square Tower, a 15th-century fortification, hosts a Christmas fair that celebrates artisanal craftsmanship. The event brings together skilled artisans from across the region, displaying their wares within the tower's ancient walls. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, from glassblowing to woodcarving. The fair highlights the tower's transition from a military stronghold to a cultural landmark. The stone walls of the tower provide a unique acoustic environment, enhancing the atmosphere with the soft sounds of craftspeople at work.
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Crafts in the Tower Christmas Fair
Fleet Christmas Festival (Fleet)
What to Expect:
Town-wide celebration with a focus on local businesses
Description:
Fleet's Christmas Festival transforms the entire town into a hub of holiday activity. The event encourages visitors to explore Fleet's diverse local businesses, each offering special promotions and festive experiences. Street performers and musicians enliven the town center, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. Visitors can participate in a town-wide treasure hunt, discovering hidden gems throughout Fleet. The festival celebrates the town's community spirit, bringing together residents and visitors in a shared celebration. You'll experience the warmth of small-town hospitality amidst the holiday bustle.
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Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (Winchester)
What to Expect:
German-inspired market in the grounds of an ancient cathedral
Description:
Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market brings a touch of continental charm to the heart of Hampshire. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, the event features wooden chalets nestled in the cathedral's Inner Close. Visitors can sample authentic German bratwurst and glühwein while browsing handcrafted gifts. The market's unique setting, alongside one of Europe's finest medieval cathedrals, creates a striking contrast between ancient architecture and festive cheer. Ice skaters glide gracefully on the adjacent rink, adding to the winter wonderland atmosphere.
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Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Midhurst Christmas Street Party (Midhurst)
What to Expect:
Medieval town transformed into a festive street party
Description:
Midhurst's Christmas Street Party breathes new life into the town's medieval streets. The event sees the closure of the main thoroughfare, creating a pedestrian-friendly zone filled with stalls, entertainment, and seasonal cheer. Local shops extend their hours, offering special discounts and festive treats. Visitors can join in traditional games and activities that harken back to Midhurst's long history. The party highlights the town's community spirit, bringing together residents and visitors in a shared celebration. You'll feel transported to a bygone era as you wander through the historic streets, now alive with holiday merriment.
Website:
Midhurst Christmas Street Party
Petersfield Christmas Lights Switch-On (Petersfield)
What to Expect:
Community-led event with a focus on local talent
Description:
Petersfield's Christmas Lights Switch-On event shines a spotlight on local talent and community spirit. The town square becomes a stage for performances by local choirs, dance groups, and musicians. Visitors can join in with communal carol singing, led by Petersfield's own performers. The switch-on moment itself is a crescendo of excitement, as the town is suddenly illuminated. This annual tradition brings together residents of all ages, celebrating Petersfield's vibrant arts scene. You'll witness the town's strong sense of community as everyone gathers to welcome the holiday season.
Website:
Petersfield Christmas Lights Switch-On
Alton Christmas Fayre (Alton)
What to Expect:
Jane Austen-inspired Christmas celebration
Description:
Alton's Christmas Fayre pays homage to its most famous former resident, Jane Austen. The event features Regency-era costumes, music, and dance, transporting visitors to the world of Austen's novels. Stalls offer period-inspired crafts and gifts, alongside modern festive fare. Visitors can participate in a Regency dance workshop, learning steps that Austen herself might have enjoyed. The fayre celebrates Alton's literary heritage while embracing the spirit of the season. You'll feel like you've stepped into the pages of a classic novel as you explore this unique holiday event.
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Haslemere Christmas Market (Haslemere)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly market with a focus on sustainable gifts
Description:
Haslemere's Christmas Market stands out for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The event showcases local artisans and producers who prioritize environmentally conscious methods and materials. Visitors can browse a wide range of sustainable gifts, from upcycled crafts to organic local produce. The market features workshops on eco-friendly gift wrapping and sustainable holiday decorating. This event reflects Haslemere's longstanding connection to the arts and crafts movement, which emphasized handmade, quality goods. You'll discover unique, environmentally responsible gifts while supporting local, sustainable businesses.