Celebrate the festive season in style in the beauty of the Surrey Hills
Countryside hotel Wotton House in the Surrey Hills has launched its new Festive Afternoon Tea as a stylish and sociable alternative to traditional Christmas parties and corporate lunches.
With hybrid working and tighter budgets shaping event decisions, the trend of scaling down or cancelling Christmas parties continues this year, leading UK companies to seek smaller, experience-driven alternatives that allow teams to celebrate without the formality or pressure of larger events.
Wotton House’s Festive Afternoon Tea offers a charming and more intimate way to mark the season, in a setting ideal for small team gatherings, client meetings, or end-of-year celebrations that focus on connection over scale.
The menu blends classic festive flavours with a modern twist – from turkey, bacon and cranberry sandwiches to smoked salmon blinis with beetroot and dill emulsion, and freshly baked cranberry and winter citrus scones. Guests can finish with handcrafted desserts such as a mulled wine mousse, feuilletine & white chocolate present. Each element is created to be both comforting and celebratory, with the option to add a festive cocktail or a glass of local Cuvee from the Surrey Hills.
Sharon Power, Director of Sales at Wotton House, said: “We are seeing a real shift in how companies approach the festive season this year. Teams want experiences that feel more personal and relaxed – a way to celebrate together without the intensity of large-scale events. Our Festive Afternoon Tea captures that spirit perfectly by being social, indulgent, and yet intimate.”
Ideal for corporate end-of-year meet-ups, client entertaining or team celebrations, the Festive Afternoon Tea at Wotton House combines the charm of a countryside retreat with the ease of an informal event, offering a fresh approach to corporate festivities this season.
Before you hang up your stockings and baste the turkey, there’s more festive fun to enjoy than you can shake your tinsel at!
Festive fun is firmly on the menu for all this month and next, so stop wrapping and start carolling!
Hampshire
Family fun
National Trust Images / John Miller
This Christmas, Mottisfont sets the stage for a festive pantomine twist on the classic tale of Cinderella as the house is transformed with a splash of seasonal sparkle. Step into the world of glittering ballgowns, lost slippers and larger-than-life characters. Nov 22nd-Jan 4th. Younger visitors can follow the family-friendly Cinders’ Magical Adventure trail.
National Trust Images / Oskar Proctor
Step into a gingerbread Christmas at the historic Winchester Mill, brimming with the delights of Christmas and strings of gingerbread characters, complete with green garlands, shiny baubles and stack of presents. See if you can spot some familiar friends between the branches! Nov 20th-Jan 4th.
Hinton Ampner also invites you into a world of pantos with twinkling fairylights shimmering their magic across the house. Bask in the glow of Aladdin’s lamp, see Jack’s magic beans and a glittering Cinderella slipper, discover Snow White’s forest feast and marvel at a quilted mountain of mattresses made ready for a sleepy princess. Nov 15th-Jan 4th. Booking essential, visit nationaltrust.org.uk & search for Hinton Ampner. Hop aboard the Christmas sleigh for the perfect photo op and pop into Santa’s sweetshop for traditional treats.
Explore The Vyne’s gardens and the ground floor of the house in a Christmas fairytale, Nov 22nd-Jan 5th. Sparkling trees laden with baubles will illuminate fairy tale inspired displays. Discover the realm of The Snow Queen, keep your eyes peeled for Little Red Riding Hood’s wolf lurking and elegant tea cups, teapots and clocks adorning the tree in a nod to Beauty and the Beast. Find Rapunzel’s golden braid cascading from one of The Vyne’s towers. Join Goldilocks and the Three Bears as they try to work out which bowl and chair is whose. Spot The Ugly Duckling transformed into a proud swan in the second-hand bookshop.
Explore a traditional Christmas at Uppark near Petersfield, Dec 7th-24th, and feel the thrill of glitz and glamour upstairs in the house where you’re welcomed with twinkling Christmas trees. Whilst downstairs is all about the hustle and bustle of preparations for the Christmas party with presents are stacked in heaps around the tree.
Step into a Christmas Enchantment on a midwinter journey through Petworth House drawing on the park and gardens taking inspiration from the Winter Solstice and the surrounding nature. As part of Christmas Enchantment, Brambley Hedge inspired by Jill Barklem’s Winter Story and The Secret Staircase, is coming to Petworth House with cosy scenes all around, Nov 29th-Jan 4th.
Experience the festive atmosphere of Petworth House after dark, with sparkling lights and a courtyard choir performing at 5.30pm on Nov 29th & Dec 20th, expect festive favourites to fill the air.
Visit Santa
Santa is back in the Planetarium for Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre, Dec 14th-23rd. Blast off on a live-action immersive festive space adventure for, meet the man in red and get a special Christmas gift. A live show, magical effects and an out-of-this-world journey through space on the Planetarium dome will come together as an original Christmas tale comes alive. Book at winchestersciencecentre.org/whats-on/cosmic-christmas
Create memories to cherish with loved ones as you meet Father Christmas in his magical Milestones Museum grotto tucked within the heart of the decorated indoor streets. Capture the magic with family photos and unwrap your special gift from Father Christmas, Nov 22nd-Dec 23rd. For more & to book visit milestonesmuseum.org.uk/fatherxmas25
Festive markets
The annual Christmas Cracker Fair pulls into Alton Community Centre on December 7th with more than 45 stalls selling crafts, homewares & gifts. Santa’s grotto, Christmas movies, mulled wine and Christmas cheer abound.
Browse and buy at a great variety of stalls from stylish bags, pyjamas, gifts, pottery, sweet treats and more while being entertained by live singers at the Rosemary Foundation Christmas Market at Churcher’s College on Nov 16th.
Step back in time and do your Christmas shopping the annual Milestones Christmas Market where you’ll find something a little bit different at over 40 stalls selling seasonal gifts and treats throughout the museum and the award-winning Milestones shop to visit, too. Dec 6th & 7th.
Shop at wooden chalets packed with treats and gems galore at Winchester Cathedral Christmas market, Nov 21st-Dec 22nd. Mulled wine and cinnamon will fill the air as you shop.
Find Christmas presents and a treat for yourself at Petworth House’s festive makers market full of high quality artisan gifts on Nov 29th & 30th. You’ll find a range of beautiful handmade products including jewellery, homewares, textiles and art.
Illuminations
Steam Illuminations returns to The Watercress Line (Nov 28th-Dec 28th for Christmas vibes and pop anthems party, Dec 29th-Jan 4th). Experience an incredible light show, thousands of coloured lights and LED wristbands, a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns, includes Canopy of Lights a sound to light show inside every carriage. More details & tickets at watercressline.co.uk
Follow the glow… and experience Hampshire’s most magical festive event with Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. The light and sound trail features a new route through the gardens, with eight reimagined zones. Marvel at animated projections, a new laser light show and immersive Bubble Zone, glowing sculptures and themed walkabout entertainment on selected nights. Nov 27th-Jan 3rd, book at lightuptrails.com
Follow the enchanted nature light trail through a magical world of new displays and interactive experiences at Glow Marwell, Nov 28th-Jan 3rd. Experience the natural wonders of fire, earth, air and water at the one-of-a-kind winter lights experience. Book tickets at marwell.org.uk/Christmas
Before you hang up your stockings and baste the turkey, there’s more festive fun to enjoy than you can shake your tinsel at!
Festive fun is firmly on the menu for all this month and next, so stop wrapping and start carolling!
Surrey
Family fun
National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra
The Snowdogs are coming to Hatchlands Park this winter. Inspired by the animated sequel to the late Raymond Briggs’ timeless picture book The Snowman™, visitors can follow a festive trail through the parkland to find Wild in Art’s 10 uniquely decorated sculptures of The Snowdog. There’ll be fun activities along the way, and even some games for your own pup! And on December afternoons the house will be open, beautifully decorated for a traditional country house Christmas.
Waddle into Claremont this festive season for A Very Penguin Christmas, Nov 22nd-Jan 4th, where you’ll find a group of adventurous penguins have travelled from the South Pole to the North Pole (aka Claremont) in search of Father Christmas. Join Captain Iceberg, Professor Snowflake and friends as they explore the garden with fun games and activities.
National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra
Get creative with local artist Sarah Rawlins and bring some Christmas cheer to your home on Dec 6th. Drop in to Dapdune to make your own festively decorated pompom snowman, Christmas keyrings or friendships bracelets. Free. Snowmen £4.50, bracelets and keyrings £3.50. Join a Christmas Family Wreath Making Workshop on 7th using natural materials, children can create their own simpler special version of a wreath. £49 per adult + 1 child. Additional children £12.50. Booking essential. nationaltrust.org.uk/riverwey.
Tumble down the rabbit hole into a world of wonder and delight this festive season at Polesden Lacey. Follow the White Rabbit inside the house to see rooms inspired by the story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Outside, follow the children’s trail around the grounds to win a prize and enjoy a range of seasonal treats. Nov 22nd-Jan 4th.
Discover the magic of the Nutcracker at Winkworth Arboretum, Nov 29th-Jan 5th. Follow Clara’s footsteps through the winter woodlands, uncovering storybook scenes and meeting life-sized nutcracker sculptures. Enjoy festive games along the trail and hop aboard the vintage carousel.
Step into a Christmas Enchantment on a midwinter journey through Petworth House drawing on the park and gardens taking inspiration from the Winter Solstice and the surrounding nature. As part of Christmas Enchantment, Brambley Hedge inspired by Jill Barklem’s Winter Story and The Secret Staircase, is coming to Petworth House with cosy scenes all around. Festive favourites will fill the air at Petworth House after dark, with sparkling lights and a courtyard choir on Nov 29th & Dec 20th. 5.30pm.
Christmas brings many gifts not least pantos and you can take your seat for an early one at Chertsey Hall when Bridges Musical Theatre present The Wizard of Oz on Dec 16th & 18th-20th. Join Dorothy and friends as they take the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. Tickets at bridgesmt.org.uk/current-production
Discover the true meaning of Christmas with the telling of the Nativity in an immersive theatre experience. Stand with the shepherds, walk with Mary, Joseph and the donkey, journey with Roman soldiers and enter the stable to watch the miracle unfold with the Wintershall Nativity, Dec 18th-21st. Book at wintershall.org.uk/event/the-nativity-journey/
At West Horsley Place this festive season there is something for all: art, culture, heritage and, of course, Father Christmas! From Nov 21st–23rd, the Arts and Artisans Christmas Fair fills the historic buildings with hand-made jewellery, ceramics, textiles, paintings and more, alongside live music and seasonal delicacies – all entry costs to support heritage restoration. On select dates the Manor transforms into a winter wonderland for families: dress-up corners, biscuit decorating, storytelling, toy testing – and a chance to meet Father Christmas in his cosy study. Find out more at westhorsleyplace.org
Haslemere Museum is getting everyone into the festive spirit with Christmas events throughout November and December. There are evening Christmas craft workshops (the wreath-making workshop includes a glass of festive bubbly!). For children, there are decoration-making sessions, and a chance to visit Santa in his Victorian parlour. And don’t forget the Museum’s gift shop offers plenty of Christmas present ideas! See details on the What’s On page of the Museum’s website.
National Trust Images / Paul Harris
Celebrate the season with fun for all ages at Farnham Maltings. Browse handmade gifts at the Christmas Fair (Nov 19th&20th), enjoy live theatre with The Paper Dolls (Nov 29th&30th), and discover winter magic with family show The Snowsmith (Dec 12th–24th). Plus, experience a Traditional Christmas at the Museum of Farnham (Nov 29th&30th).
It’s Christmas Eve and Santa is about to set off on his deliveries but his sleigh has broken down, can you help him fix it? Santa’s on His Sleigh! is an exciting and interactive Christmas show with on screen Santa’s virtual little helper Head Elf Justy, played by Justin Fletcher. G Live, Dec 13th-24th. Book at trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford/en-GB/event/family/santas-on-his-sleigh-tickets
As we enter panto season, head to Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to meet Beauty and the Beast, Nov 29th-Jan 4th, expect spectacular songs, showstopping dances and panto magic in a beauty of a show you’ve got to see to Belle-ieve.
Visit Santa
Santa will also be popping up at Watts Gallery and at Squire’s Garden Centres at Badshot Lea, Frensham, Milford & Woking. Check websites for dates.
Travel with Mizens Railway on a picturesque journey on a winter evening with the site and trains illuminated by thousands of lights on Nov 29th and take a ride with Santa on Dec 7th, 14th & 21st. Booking essential at mizens-bookings.org.uk
Meet real reindeer in the Reindeer Lodge at Chobham Adventure Farm and join in the chaos with The Jingle Jesters. Book at chobhamadventurefarm.co.uk/christmas25
Festive markets
Premium Christmas trees available from 22nd November at Ramster Hall. Festive setting with mulled wine, seasonal treats and gift ideas. Post letters to Father Christmas. Ramster Christmas Market, Nov 22nd & 23rd, 10am-4pm, local artisan stalls selling handcrafted gins, ceramics, art, jewellery, and beauty products. Entry £2.50 (under 12s free) includes a donation to Shooting Star. Don’t miss festive gnome-making on Nov 30th and space-themed theatre with music and puppetry on Dec 14th, 3-8 yrs.
Find Christmas presents and a treat for yourself at Petworth House’s festive makers market full of high quality artisan gifts including jewellery, homewares, textiles and art, Nov 29th & 30th.
Guildford Cathedral’s shopping adventure boasts over 50 stalls with a stunning array of bespoke Christmas gifts, decorations, spirits, jewellery, accessories and more, Nov 21st & 22nd.
Illuminations
RHS Glow at Wisley is a sparkly Christmas adventure for the whole family from Nov 21st to Jan 4th when RHS Garden Wisley becomes a glittering wonderland bursting with festive fun for kids and grown-ups alike. RHS Glow runs on selected dates and tickets must be booked in advance at rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/wisley-glow
Explore the light installations around the 30-40 minute trail of Guildford Castle. Illuminate will transform the castle into a winter spectacle, Nov 15th-Jan 4th. Explore the historic grounds on a magical journey through several activations showcasing the castle and its beautiful grounds. Tickets at illuminateguildford.co.uk/
Gilbert White’s Eco Light Festival, a winter light show with a difference, starts on Nov 20th. With environmental consciousness at its heart, the light trail takes you on a magical journey through Gilbert White’s House where you can experience nature come to life through inventive sensory displays. Then weave your way into the garden where more magic awaits. The light festival is designed to have a minimal impact on the natural world, using renewable energy, solar power, UV (among others) to power it’s lights. The trail takes light pollution into account and does not up-light trees and keeps tight hours to ensure our wildlife is as undisturbed as possible. Where possible reusable or natural materials are used. This winter discover the magic of nature! More at gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
