Our Christmas Festival on Sunday 29th November is full of great things for families to do, many of them free. To help you and your family get the most out of the day take a look at our itinerary to really have a festive and fun day out.
- Start at Pippbrook House and visit their Santa’s Grotto (pre-booking essential). Step into a magical festive journey with Santa’s friendly elves and Mrs Claus making sure your child is on the Good List before guiding you through to meet Father Christmas himself — ready for a cosy chat, a chance to take your own memorable photo, and a special gift to take home.
- After visiting Father Christmas head on over to Dorking Sports Centre where outside you’ll find a giant snow globe which you can hop in for a great photo opportunity.
- Then head up the High Street and check out the businesses who are running activities along the way including Patrick Gardner Estate Agents colouring competition.
- Downs Solicitors is a must stop every year as they transform their offices into a festive wonderland. This year they are offering free refreshments alongside Christmas crafts from Circular Dorking’s Eco Hub.
- Before continuing along the High Street nip into St Martin’s Walk. As well as Festive Market Stalls and music you’ll have an opportunity to decorate a bauble at Art K.
- Head into St Martin’s Walk Car Park to Benson’s Funfair. There is a charge for these rides but you’ll find plenty to keep all the family excited.
- Exit via St Martin’s Church who have children’s activities between 12 and 4pm with refreshments and music.
- Head back to the High Street to explore the market stalls and main stage entertainment, which includes a sneak peek of the Dorking Halls panto Robin Hood at around 3:15pm. You will also see our stilt walkers and bubbleologists throughout the day, and our town mascot Dorkers will be making an appearance too!
- Now head along West Street where you will find more street performances and at various times of the day a flurry of snow coming from above Mayflower Spa. Make sure to pop into the United Reformed Church where Dorking Nursery have games and refreshments and it’s your first opportunity to get a free face paint courtesy of Downs Solicitors. Before you leave do go and view the Festival of Christmas Trees in the church.
- Further down West Street you can enter a Winter Wonderland with a meet and greet with Elsa at Ralph James Estate Agents. Why not “let it go” and have a free glitter tattoo while you are there too.
- On leaving Ralph James head along Junction Road to Crossways Church where you’ll find a sensory room and soft play. There is also a carol singalong from 10:30am.
- If you haven’t managed to get your face painted yet then Seymours is a great stop with 2 face painters and plenty of festive cheer.
- Finally you’ll end up in South Street where you’ll find more entertainment in South Street Gardens and lots of stalls including many food and drink stalls to refuel.
Around the town our wonderful shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants will be open for you to refresh and revive, including an Après-ski style area at The White Horse, Coffee and Cake at Harts in the Courtyard, Hot Drinks and sandwiches at Burgundy and Black and Mullins Coffee Shop serving up coffee with a slice of history. There will also be a number of Mulled Wine stops throughout town – all will be on our programme. It’s easy to nip into the shops throughout town to get some of your shopping ticked off and many run special discounts on festival day.
On the day there will be programmes available throughout the town including a map, so you can explore at your leisure.
Enjoy a fabulous Dorking Christmas!
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