Surrey Christmas light switch-ons, festive markets and family fun days you won't want to miss in 2024

As the Christmas season begins, it can be hard to keep track of the dates of the big festive events in the Surrey towns and villages that you live in. Locations across the county will be kicking off their festive celebrations with light switching-on ceremonies and Christmas fairs.

SurreyLive has put together a list of the events that you won't want to miss, so take your pick of which town or village you'd like to visit this Christmas season, and get the dates in your calendar.

The events below, including light switch-ons, Christmas Fairs and family fun days are listed in cronological order and kick off from this weekend (November 16/17).

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Farnham Christmas Lights Switch On - November 16

In Gostrey Meadow, GU9 7RN on Saturday between 1pm and 6pm, Farnham will be kicking off their festive season with their Christmas lights switch-on. This event will be ran by Farnham Town Council and will feature free live entertainment from schools, theatre groups, dance companies and local bands throughout the afternoon, ahead of the lights turning on in the evening.

Charming Cranleigh Christmas Fair - November 23

On Saturday November 23 between 12pm and 9pm, Cranleigh High Street, GU6 8AU will be hosting their Christmas fair. Cranleigh is a charming village just 20 minutes drive outside of Guildford. This festive event will include a selection of children's rides, local craft stalls, perfect for picking up unique gifts or festive treats, and a chance to dress up in festive Dickensian attire for photos. Not only this, there will also be live music from local talents until 7pm, a lantern procession starting at 5.15pm and Father Christmas himself turning on the Christmas lights at 6pm.

Guildford Free Festive Family Fun Day - November 24

Visit Guildford town centre on Sunday November 24 for an afternoon of free festive fun. Taking place on the High Street, Tunsgate, and Friary Street, Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford have teamed up to bring you activities, performances and magical moments all for free, or at a very low-cost.

On Guildford's High Street, you can enjoy a mulled wine, have a dance at the Christmas Disco or have a chat with the walkabout elves and other Christmas characters.

In Tunsgate Arch, there is an ice cave to explore, choirs to sing along your favourite Christmas songs with, and giant snow globe where you can take free photos. In the day, the Mayor of Guildford, along with the Rock Choir and Christmas characters, will lead a procession up the High Street to Tunsgate Arch where she will welcome everyone to the festivities.

Godalming Christmas Lights Switch On - November 24

Godalming Town Council invites you to join them in the festivities of this year’s Christmas Lights’ Switch-on which is being held as a separate event to the Christmas Festival at 5.00pm.

Godalming Christmas Festival - November 30

Godalming Town Council also be hosting a Christmas festival between 10am and 5.30pm on the final Saturday before December. This event will feature the beautifully decorated Godalming High Street, Church Street and Crown Court, these streets will be filled with festive stalls where you will find a range of crafts, Christmas decorations, festive food and drinks, along with an array of bits-and-bobs, perfect for gifts for all friends and family.

Ripley Christmas Fair - December 1

Visit Ripley on the first day of December for their Christmas festival, between 11am and 3pm on Ripley High Street and the green opposite. This event will feature a special visit from Father Christmas as well as an assortment of food and drink, gifts, arts and crafts and a raffle with some fantastic prizes donated by the Ripley community.

A DorKingdom Fairy-tale Christmas Festival - December 1

Between 11am and 5pm, visit Dorking High Street for a wonderful Christmas experience which will feature artisan market stalls, a Santa's grotto with face paints and glitter tattoos and a family funfair in St Martin's Walk carpark. Not only this, throughout the afternoon there will be live performances on the main stage from local bands, choirs, and singers, alongside special appearances by panto stars from Dorking Halls' seasonal show Sleeping Beauty.

Farnham Christmas Market - December 8

Visit Farnham town centre between 10am and 6pm on Sunday for a Christmas market which offers an impressive estimated 150 different stalls. This event has an emphasis on selling quality local products and you can expect to find a range of different, crafts, accessories, Christmas items, food, drink and more.

This of course, is only a selection of the Christmas fun on offer in Surrey. There are also a vast number of Christmas events being held by independent businesses and organisations. For more information on all the Christmas events taking place in Surrey this festive season, visit the Visit Surrey website here.

Find out more about things to do and activities in Surrey with our free What’s On email HERE.