From late November through December, Waverley’s towns and villages, including Farnham, Godalming, Cranleigh and Haslemere, bring their unique charm and character to the festive season in south west Surrey. High Streets fill with local markets, music and community events, and families gather to enjoy everything from carol concerts to craft fairs and visits from Father Christmas. Whether you’re joining a lights switch-on, supporting local makers or simply meeting friends in town, Christmas in Waverley is a time to slow down, connect and celebrate what makes our communities special.
CHRISTMAS IN CRANLEIGH
This Christmas, the village of Cranleigh is set to come to life with festive cheer and community events. Cranleigh’s annual Christmas Light Switch-On takes place on Saturday November 29, 2025 at the High Street and Fountain Square, featuring live music, street entertainment, festive food and funfair rides. Cranleigh Arts hosts many festive events, including Christmas with The Queen’s Six, Cranleigh Community Choir Christmas Show and so much more. As well as these festive events, Cranleigh's independent shops make it a charming and festive destination for Christmas.
CHRISTMAS IN FARNHAM
Christmas is always a magical time in Farnham, and this year is no exception. Sponsored by Laithwaites, this year’s Christmas in Farnham promises to be one of the best yet. With more than 90 festive events planned, there is plenty to enjoy with family and friends from creative craft workshops and carol concerts to festive film screenings and traditional church services.
Farnham is also the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping. Whether you are browsing the independent retailers or well-known High Street names, you are sure to find unique and special gifts. As well as offering a fantastic shopping experience, there’s even more reason to shop in Farnham this festive season. Waverley Borough Council is giving shoppers a range of free parking offers
which include:
Buy one hour and get one free on every Wednesday in November, from 1pm to 10pm
Park for free after 2pm on Wednesday November 27
If you prefer to shop at the weekend, remember that it is free to park in Waverley’s pay and display car parks on Sundays.
On Sunday December 14, leave the car and catch the free hoppa shuttle bus to the ever-popular Farnham Christmas Market. Castle Street and The Borough will be closed to traffic to make way for dozens of stalls selling everything Christmas, from gifts, handmade crafts, jewellery, homeware, clothes and artisan food to local produce from the farmers’ market.
HIGHLIGHTS
Farnham Christmas Lights Switch-On - Saturday November 15, 1pm to 6pm
Farnham Christmas Market - Sunday December 14, 10am to 4pm
Farnham Farmers’ Market - Sunday November 23 AND Sunday December 14, 10am to 1.30pm
MAKE IT SPARKLE NUTCRACKER TRAIL
From Saturday November 15, follow the clues to find the nine nutcracker names in participating stores around Farnham. Begin your hunt at The Frame Centre, 17 Downing Street, and return your completed form to the final stop, Elphicks on West Street. Happy hunting! Free family fun in Farnham.
FARNHAM CHRISTMAS 2025 GUIDE
Farnham Town Council has produced a comprehensive Christmas Guide featuring ALL of Farnham's Christmas events, workshops and markets. You can read it online, here.
CHRISTMAS IN GODALMING
At Christmas, Godalming comes alive with lights, music and festive warmth – its illuminated historic streets make the town feel like something out of a film. In fact, it was: Godalming featured in the iconic Hollywood movie The Holiday.
The season begins with the Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 23 November 5pm, followed by the Christmas Festival & Market on Friday 29 November, when the town centre fills with artisan stalls, local produce and live entertainment, creating one of Surrey’s most atmospheric festive days out.
Throughout December, you can enjoy wreath-making workshops, pop-up wine tastings and musical delights ranging from elegant string quartets to the City Funk Orchestra and Choir Blast Does Christmas, where several local choirs come together for an uplifting evening of song.
There’s plenty for families too, including Santa’s Sitting Room – a unique theatrical grotto experience for children from babies to teens – and personalised Breakfasts with Santa and Mrs Claus at the local play café.
This year also brings The Great Godalming Stamp-ede – a town-wide festive campaign celebrating the quality and diversity of Godalming’s businesses. Simply collect six stamps from six different shops for purchases of £5 or more, and you could win one of three luxury hampers worth £500, £200 and £100, packed with hand-picked treats from across the town.
With its independent shops, cosy pubs, festive feel and community spirit – plus buy-one-hour, get-one-hour-free parking every Wednesday from 1pm – Godalming is the perfect place to soak up the season.
Another highlight of the festive season is Haslemere Christmas Market on Sunday December 7, 10am to 4pm. Held in the town centre, this bustling event features a variety of stalls offering everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats. Visitors can enjoy browsing through local artisanal crafts, sampling festive foods or sipping on mulled wine while soaking in the lively atmosphere. At Haslemere Museum, meanwhile, you can visit Santa in his Victorian Parlour from Friday December 19 to Christmas Eve. Children will be able to meet Father Christmas, share their wishes and receive a small gift. Booking is essential.
HIGHLIGHTS
Charities Fair at Haslemere Hall: Sunday 23rd November 10am-2pm.
Christmas market on the High Street: Sunday 7th December 10am-4pm
Christmas carols at Haslemere Museum: Thursday 11th December 6:30-7:30pm.
