6 Fantastic Festive Events in Surrey and the South East 2023
Are you looking for something fun to do with the Children this Christmas? Then the following 6 fantastic festive Events in Surrey and the South East 2023 might be just what you need! You can just read on for lots of ideas to get you feeling festive.
Watercress Line – Steam Illusions
When?
24 NOVEMBER – 23 DECEMBER 2023
Where?
Trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and complete a round trip, back to the starting station.
The Railway Station,
Alresford,
Hampshire,
SO24 9JG
OR
Alton Railways Station
Station Road
Alton
GU34 2PZ
What is it?
The Watercress Line Steam Illusions is an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of fully controllable colour mixing LED lights and LED wristbands. This makes the train look magical both inside and out! This year there will be some Christmas Cracker tunes to enjoy, find out more here.
How much are tickets?
Children – Under 2 Free
Seating for 2 people off peak £59 (if you want to book for 4 people do 2 x seating for 2) Peak £79.
Compartment for up to 6 people off peak £250 peak £270
Where to book?
To book click here, this is very likely to sell out soon so go go go!
There are loads of Santa Trains up and down the Country, have a look here at 80 (!) of your best options.
Wisley RHS Gardens – Wisley Glow
When?
24 November – 2 January
4pm to 9pm. There is no Glow on 24-26 December.
Where?
RHS Garden Wisley,
Woking,
Surrey
GU23 6QB
What is it?
Explore the enchanting trail around the garden to see some of Wisley’s iconic sights in a new and dazzling light. Venture through Seven Acres, the Rock Garden and Wisteria Walk, as well as other garden areas. The Wisley Glow is getting bigger and better every year.
How much are tickets?
| Price | |
| GLOW – NON MEMBER ADULT | £19.95 |
| GLOW – NON MEMBER CHILD (5 -16) | £12.95 |
| GLOW – UNDER 5 | £0.00 |
| GLOW – RHS MEMBER GUEST ADULT | £10.45 |
| GLOW – MEMBER GUEST CHILD | £5.45 |
Where to book?
To book tickets click here. They have already sold out of several slots so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Legoland at Christmas
When?
Selected dates from 25th November 2023.
Where?
Legoland Windsor
Winkfield Road
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 4AY
What is it?
This Christmas Legoland will transform into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, snow dusted trees, and of course…a sprinkling of LEGO® magic!
You can book to meet Santa (extra ticket required) or catch him as he rides around the Park in his magical sleigh.
There is also a fun DUPLO Puppet pantomime and lots of little Christmas Scenes hidden in Miniland.
And of course, the rides and attractions will be available for all the family to enjoy together.
How much are tickets?
In advance prices:
£34 per person Legoland at Christmas Theme Park Only includes parking
£20 child plus one adult, £5 per extra adult for the Father Christmas visit Upgrade – this doesn’t include entry so that must be booked separately. It costs £15 for Annual Passholders.
Where to book?
If you’d like to book click here.
Christmas at Drusillas Park
When?
25th November to 23rd December 2023.
Where?
Drusillas Park
Alfriston
East Sussex
BN26 5QS
What is it?
Watch little eyes twinkle with wonder as they experience the glistening magic of Drusillas Christmas! Come and meet Santa snuggled in his cosy cottage, get nose-to-nose with our cuddly huskies, join in with our jolly singing reindeer, stroll through twinkling decorations, and marvel at our spectacular 24ft Christmas tree. Tickets to visit Santa will need to be added on alongside entrance tickets.
How much are tickets?
Pre booked tickets are £23.60 per child (over 2) and adult.
To add on a Santa ticket costs:
One child £18.00
Two children £36
Three children £54
Four children £72
Remember, you must buy entrance tickets along side Santa tickets.
Where to book?
To book click here.
Bluebell Railway – Steam Lights and Santa Special
When?
25th November to 24th December
Where?
Sheffield Park Station (TN22 3QL) or East Grinstead Station.
What is it?
- Get into the mood with some Christmas music while having your tickets checked
- Board your Santa Specials from one of two starting stations. You can join our services from either Sheffield Park (compartment trains) or East Grinstead (open seating trains). PLEASE CHECK CAREFULLY which station of departure.
- Chocolate coins for you on board will be given out during your journey.
- Drinks trolley will be available onboard these services.
- Enjoy the trip to Horsted Keynes through the winter countryside.
- Visit Santa in his parlour with an opportunity for a photo.
- Collect your special present from Santa- Follow your special route to Santa’s Parlour where you will meet him and get your present. Photos will be possible.
- Enjoy the traditional inclusive amusement attractions.
- Take time for a glass of delicious Mulled Wine on sale in the Pantry & The Buffet at Horsted Keynes. Festive treats will be available too.
- Rejoin your train to return to Sheffield Park or East Grinstead
- Pick up Christmas gifts in our shops
Sparkle, glow and shimmer on a magical steam train covered by thousands of colourful lights. illuminate the dark landscape as you journey and feast your eyes on an amazing light show along the way. With festive displays, music and narration, this is a steam train experience not to be missed!
How much are tickets?
| TICKETEAST GRINSTEAD TRAINS(BOOK PER SEAT) | TRAINS 25TH NOVEMBER –10TH DECEMBER | TRAINS 16TH – 24TH DECEMBER |
| OBSERVATION CAR- ADULT | £37.00 | £40.00 |
| OBSERVATION CAR- CHILD | £25.00 | £28.00 |
| 3RD CLASS- ADULT | £33.00 | £36.00 |
| 3RD CLASS- CHILD | £20.00 | £23.00 |
| 1ST CLASS- ADULT | £37.00 | £40.00 |
| 1ST CLASS- CHILD | £25.00 | £28.00 |
| TICKETSHEFFIELD PARK TRAINS(BOOK PER COMPARTMENT) | TRAINS 25TH NOVEMBER-10TH DECEMBER | TRAINS 16TH-24TH DECEMBER |
| 3RD CLASS COMPARTMENT(UP TO EIGHT PEOPLE) | £170.00 | £190.00 |
| 1ST CLASS COMPARTMENT(UP TO SIX PEOPLE) | £210.00 | £230.00 |
| TICKETWHEELCHAIR PASSENGERS(FROM SHEFFIELD PARK) | TRAINS 25TH NOVEMBER-10TH DECEMBER | TRAINS 16TH-24TH DECEMBER |
| 3RD CLASS ADULT * | £43.00 | £46.00 |
| 3RD CLASS CHILD * | £25.00 | £28.00 |
| 3RD CLASS CARER * | £25.00 | £28.00 |
| W/C PASSENGER- ADULT * | £43.00 | £46.00 |
| W/C PASSENGER- CHILD * | £25.00 | £28.00 |
Where to book?
To book click here. There is good availability for this at the moment but judging by previous years this will get booked up quickly!
Hampton Court Palace – Ice Rink
When?
17th November 2023 to 7th January 2024 (excluding Christmas Day) between 10:00 and 20:45 (20:00 last skate)
Where?
Hampton Court Palace
East Molesey
Surrey
KT8 9AU
What is it?
Located in front of the spectacular palace, the stunning ice rink offers something for everyone, from novices to ice skating experts. Enjoy a daytime skate, followed by a visit to the palace, or soak in the ambience of an evening session, when the historic palace is bathed in multi-coloured lights.
Skating is hungry work and visitors can experience the Ice Rink Café and Bar, which will be serving up hearty winter warming platters, indulgent sweet and savoury treats and a wide range of festive beverages. Everyone is welcome in this relaxing festive spot, whether you’re a skater or a spectator.
How much are tickets?
Adult/Teen 13+ £19.00
Children (age 3-12, under 3’s aren’t permitted to skate) from £14.00
Family ticket from £53.00
Child Skate Aid £5.00 – Advance booking is recommended due to limited numbers. Children skate aids are only available whose height is a maximum of 120cm (127cm max including skates)
Where to book?
To book click here. If you’d like to book to go into the Palace as well this needs to be purchased separately.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading our 8 Fantastic Festive Events in Surrey and the South East 2023. If you’d like some more ideas for what to do with kids in the South East, how about reading our 10 free things to do in London with Kids?
12 Comments
Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.
The Wisley Glow is so enchanted. I can picture little ones with mouth open look around in awe. Well, I will be like that, too. I think they will enjoy the ice rink at the Hampton Court Palace as well.
Totally enchanting!
I love how so many of these are child-friendly! I already knew about the legoland lights and the beeautiful Kew gardens, but it is great to see there is so much more to get you feeling festive in the South East!
So festive! I think more and more things appear every year, so much fun!
All those places sound like so much fun!! What a great list. I especially like the sound of Bluebell Railway. Makes me think of the movie The Polar Express!
I would love to do the Bluebell Railway, totally reminds me of the Polar Express too!
I wish I lived closer so that I could just explore some of these activities each weekend. They all look like great fun.
They’re so much fun! Thanks for reading!
Definitely don’t need kids to do these activities, I would love to do them as well! Haha! The Legoland look unbelievable, I would love to see this close up! Also, Wisley Glow looks so magical with the lit trees!
Absolutely! I did a lot of them before I had kids as well!
I am loving all of the sparkly, lit-up train options! How festive and fun!
so much fun! Thanks for reading!