Spooky Season has officially finished, and Christmas is on the mind…some organised gift givers might have already started Christmas shopping or planning the December calendar. For others, Christmas feels too far away to think about.
However organised for Christmas you are this year, we’ve put together a guide of things that are happening in and around Surrey this Christmas period that could be starred for your December calendar or gifted to loved ones as Christmas presents for the new year.
- LUMOS experience
- 4×4 Tours in France
- Denbies Wine Estate
- Mandira’s Kitchen
- HIVE Design Studio
- The Governor Escape Room
- Union Wharf Narrowboats
- Silent Pool Gin Distillery
- The Chocolate School
For your December calendar…
Leonardslee Lights 2026 | Leonardslee Gardens from 27th November to 30th December
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens are putting on their annual magical light trail through their Grade 1 listed woodland from the 27th November to 30th December. There’s also an event village serving food and drink with additional fairground rides to add to the magic. Alternatively, they offer annual memberships for a year of days out, wine tasting experiences at their family vineyard or gift vouchers for their Michelin-starred Restaurant Interlude. Visit their website for more information.
Credit: Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
Meet Father Christmas at Godstone Farm from 21st November to 24th December
Father Christmas is visiting Godstone Farm every weekend from the 21st November and weekdays from 18th-24th December. There are also a whole host of festive activities including crafts, an interactive show and cookie decorating, as well as access to the rest of the farm during the day. They also offer SEND sessions and dusk sessions. As this is a popular event, they’re expecting dates to book up quickly. Check their website for availability and to book tickets.
Credit: Godstone Farm
Bluebell Railway Festive Specials, selected dates from 21st November to 30th December
The Bluebell Railway is running two festive services this year – SteamLights and their popular Santa Specials.
SteamLights is running late afternoon and evening services from 21st November – 30th December and this year is themed around “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. As well as illuminations at the stations, festive scenes are set up along the route based around the four seasons.
Alternatively, for the full Christmas experience, their Santa Specials are running on weekends from 28th November and on weekdays starting from 19th December. As well as a gift from Santa for the little ones, there is a Christmas fair at Horsted Keynes with seasonal stalls and classic fairground rides and attractions for a thoroughly festive day out.
Tickets are booking up quickly, so visit their website for more information and to book: SteamLights or Santa Specials.
Credit: Bluebell Railway Festive Specials
Christmas Family Fun Day at The Market Stores on Sunday 20th December from 12-4pm
For one day only The Market Stores will be transformed into a winter wonderland for a family fun day for all ages. Enjoy Christmas songs from a Christmas Choir, a Children’s festive face painting station, and meeting Father Christmas. There will also be a gingerbread decorating station and a kids Christmas craft table for children to unleash their creativity. No bookings required, you can find out more information here.
Credit: The Market Stores
Inspiration for Christmas gifts…
LUMOS Experience: Amy Winehouse Jazz experience at St Mary’s Church, Reigate on Sunday 29th January from 7pm
Join Lumos at St Mary’s Church in Reigate for an evening of Amy Winehouse’s greatest songs, reimagined by a live jazz band in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Church in the heart of Reigate. Each month Lumos support a different charity, so every experience enjoyed is helping to make a difference. Tickets start from £20 and can be purchased here.
Credit: LUMOS Experiences
4×4 Tours in France
Does your loved one own a 4X4 and are they passionate about off-roading? Give them a trip to remember with 4×4 Tours in Northern France. Guided by LANTRA accredited experts, you’ll have a choice of bespoke itineraries through French ‘Green Lanes’, exploring historic battlefields and stunning countryside. L’aventure awaits!
Credit: 4×4 Tours in France
Denbies Wine Estate
English wine has been enjoying a resurgence of late, and what better way to celebrate with the wine aficionado in your life than a tasting experience at our local, award-winning Denbies Wine Estate? The Denbies team offers a range of packages, with tastings from £16.95 per person and a food and wine pairing experience from £45 per person. For an extra special treat, you could gift the one-day wine enthusiast workshop at £130 per person, which includes a tour of the winery, a wine tasting and a two-course lunch. And we’re reliably told that no prior knowledge is needed!
Credit: Denbies Wine Estate
Mandira’s Kitchen: An Indian Cooking Experience
For the foodie in your life, or the friend who has everything, why not gift the experience of a delicious cooking workshop with Mandira’s Kitchen.
Situated on the Albury Estate, next to the Silent Pool in Dorking, Mandira’s Kitchen serves Indian street food, chai, coffee, cakes and Indian afternoon tea, on a menu that adapts with the seasons.
The Biriyani Magic Workshop is just one of many workshops to choose from. This 90-minute masterclass, for just £40, teaches the nuances of this dish, which varies from region to region. Find out more here.
Credit: Mandira’s Kitchen
Hive Design Studio
Give the gift of creativity with a voucher from Hive Design Studio. Run by two friends in Sanderstead, The Hive is a vibrant creative hub offering a wide variety of workshops, from pottery and drawing to watercolour painting, candle making, calligraphy and creative writing. With something to inspire all ages, it’s a gift that can bring friends and loved ones together to create lasting memories.
Credit: HIVE Design Studio
The Governor Escape Room – Gatwick
For family thrill seekers (aged 13+) head to the Gatwick Escape Rooms and see if you can beat The Governor.
Join a team of paranormal investigators as you explore the remains of HM Greenslade Prison. Then captured, handcuffed, blindfolded and locked in a cell – see if you can escape in an hour!
£33 per person – with a difficulty rating of 5/5. Dare you try it?
Credit: Gatwick Escape Rooms
Cruise to Foxton Locks with Union Wharf Narrowboats
Head a little further afield and enjoy a unique day out on a Union Wharf Narrowboats day boat. Gather your crew in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, and set off for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy easy cruising through the stunning Leicestershire countryside and a lunchtime mooring at the world-famous Foxton Locks. Their day boats are perfect for family days out and celebrations with groups of 2-12 people per boat, with all training included and no experience necessary.
Credit: Union Wharf Narrowboats
Behind the scenes at Silent Pool Gin Distillery
Instead of buying them a bottle, why not treat them to a tour and tasting experience at the Silent Pool Gin Distillery. Go behind the scenes, learn about the botanicals, and sample some excellent gin from their base in the beautiful Surrey countryside near Shere. As well as tours, Silent Pool offers Cocktail Classes, a G&Tea Party, and even a Bee Keeping Experience! Tours start from £25 per person.
Credit: Silent Pool Gin
Make your own chocolate with The Chocolate School
Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, The Chocolate School near Guildford hosts a whole range of classes to teach professional chocolatier skills to complete beginners. Learn how to make a variety of delicious chocolate products, from flavoured and filled truffles to decorated chocolate lollipops. With family workshops, gift-making, and a combined chocolate-making and afternoon tea experience, there’s something for everyone.
Credit: Canva