As we approach Christmas, you might be getting in the festive spirit and looking forward to celebrating with your loved ones.
In the lead up to the big day, there are countless Christmas markets, pantomime shows, and other yuletide events to enjoy with the whole family.
Read on to learn about five of the best Christmas events in the local area.
1. Chobham Adventure Farm Christmas event
Chobham Adventure Farm hosts all kinds of excellent family events throughout the year, and their Christmas offering is one you won’t want to miss if you have young children.
Throughout November and December, your kids can meet real-life Reindeer, learn about their care, and get a chance to feed them at the Reindeer Lodge.
From 30 December until Christmas Eve, Santa himself will be meeting children to hear their wish list and give them a gift of his own.
Alongside these main attractions, the whole farm will be filled with festive games, elves, soft play areas, and animals so there is plenty to keep everybody entertained for the whole day.
If you’re looking for a brilliant family-friendly Christmas event this year, Chobham Adventure Farm is a must.
2. Ripley Christmas Fair
Christmas fairs and markets take place up and down the country, offering festive food and drink, games, and stalls selling wonderful handmade gifts.
There are countless events you could attend, but the Ripley Christmas Fair on 1 December 2024 is one of the best local options.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy 100 stalls with food and gifts as well as music, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, and a raffle.
At the end of the day, the Ripley Christmas Fair will finish with the Grand Procession and a ceremony to switch on the lights.
The festive period can be expensive, so this excellent free event could be the perfect way to celebrate with your family without overspending.
3. The Native Journey at Wintershall
The Nativity is a festive tradition that sometimes gets lost among all the presents and indulgent food, but sharing in the original Christmas story could be great fun for the family.
The Nativity Journey at Wintershall in Guildford is a unique, immersive theatre experience. You can walk through the different stages of the Nativity, enjoying a blend of traditional scripted scenes and interactive sections where you can meet characters. The many theatre events at Wintershall also include a family of real-life animals.
The Nativity Journey has been running for many years and is a favourite festive event, attracting thousands of visitors every year. If you haven’t experienced it before and want to do something a little different, it’s worth attending this Christmas.
4. Pantomime at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking
Pantomime has become a Christmas tradition for many families and theatres around the country will be putting on shows throughout December.
If you’re planning to see a Pantomime this year, you might consider Sleeping Beauty at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. This wonderful take on the classic fairytale is fun for all ages, and features pantomime royalty, Christopher Biggins. The show also stars the puppeteer Richard Cadell with his most famous creations, Sooty and Sweep.
Sleeping Beauty is running from 6 December 2024 all the way through to 5 January 2025, so if you don’t have a chance to catch it before Christmas, you can still see it in the new year. You may want to buy your tickets soon, though, as the pantomime is in high demand over the festive period.
5. Windsor Great Park Illuminated
As the big day approaches, you might be searching through the garage, getting ready to put up your own Christmas lights, if you haven’t already. Towns and cities everywhere will also be preparing for their switching on ceremonies.
If you’re a fan of Christmas lights, Windsor Great Park Illuminated is a brilliant event that you won’t want to miss. It’s returning for the fourth year in 2024, bigger than ever.
The beautiful park is the site of a dazzling light trail through the trees, with some incredible displays, as well as music and even the chance to spot some wildlife along the way. You’ll find traditional Christmas lights but also some amazing projections, bringing the festive scenes to life.
At the end of the trail, you can enjoy a nice warm cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate as you enjoy the rest of the park.
The event runs from 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, and it’s very popular so you may want to buy tickets soon to avoid missing out.
Which of these fun Christmas events will you be attending with your loved ones?