Your seasonal musts...
There are so many ways to celebrate the season in Surrey. Here are a few of my favourites...
Best for Carolling
Dates: Dec 15; booking essential; call 01483 444334
Head to the music room of the 18th-century country house at Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, for a family-focused carol concert.
Best for Festive baking
Date: Dec 14; booking essential, thelightbox.org.uk
Learn how to make a gingerbread house, complete with royal icing with Jacqui Kelly’s hands-on workshop at The Lightbox, Chobham Road, Woking
Best for winter walking
Set off on the 6.6-mile circular from the Jolly Farmer pub in Bramley (jollyfarmer.co.uk) through holloways, woodland and fields that give views across the Surrey Hills AONB. Then, on your return, enjoy a warm welcome and pint of one of the daily changing real ales sourced from British breweries.
Best for seasonal shopping
Dates: Dec 7-24; guildford.gov.uk
Give unique gifts this Christmas with the selection for sale at the Guildford House Gallery’s ‘Gifted in Guildford’ pop-up. All items, including ceramics, textiles, glassware, jewellery and more are crafted by local artists and makers.
Christmas crafting
Add a personal touch to your festivities with the crocheted nativity scene from My Little Crocheted Christmas: 25 Projects to Make the Season Bright by Dorthe Eisterlehner (£13.06, Dover Publications).
