THE DECEMBER LOWDOWN…
Posted by Francesca De Franco on 28 Nov 2024
Ho, ho, ho! It’s the December Lowdown. You’re spoilt for choice with plenty of festive shows, wreath making workshops, Christmas markets and of course church services and nativities.
Here’s what you’ve got to look forward to…
Epsom On Ice at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Head down to Epsom Downs Racecourse for Epsom On Ice for ice skating for the whole family – fun guaranteed!
It is open every day from now until January 5th, 2025 (excluding Christmas Day). Skating sessions are 45 minutes and sessions start at 10am (last session at 8pm).
Booking in advance is advised to secure your spot. Tickets will be available on the gate every day subject to availability. For further information and to book online visit: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/…/events…/ice-skating/
Bourne Hall’s Christmas Grotto
FREE EVENT: Santa will be in the Bourne Hall Christmas Grotto on Saturday, 30th November and Saturday, 7th, 14th and 21st December. Santa will be in the grotto on these Saturdays from 11am-12pm and from 1pm-4pm. On other days, visit the beautiful grotto and post him a letter in the Bourne Hall postbox.
Craft My Day Festive Craft Workshops
All of Craft my Day’s November and December workshops have a Christmas twist. Book now here for a fun filled experience!
4th Ewell ‘Nonsuch’ Scouts Christmas Tree Sale
With Christmas just around the corner, the 4th Ewell ‘Nonsuch’ Scouts Group is excited to host its annual Christmas Tree Sale. Choose the perfect tree in person or conveniently order online.
When & Where:
Friday, 29th; Saturday, 30th of November and Sunday, 1st December.
Friday, 6th; Saturday, 7th, and Sunday, 8th December.
See poster for timings.
4th Ewell ‘Nonsuch’ Scout HQ, 1 Bluegates, London Road, Ewell, KT17 2SA
For more information or to order online go to xmastrees.org.uk
All trees are grown in the UK, and proceeds go directly to support the Scout group.
Mayfield Lavender Glasshouse
Mayfield Lavender has so many wonderful Christmas events happening including wreath making workshops, Roz & The Heart & Soul Choir singing carols and late night shopping and Christmas bar events. See the full details for all of these and get the scoop on Mayfield Lavender’s festive afternoon tea in Kat’s post here.
Christmas Services at St Mary’s Ewell
St Mary’s, Ewell has Christmas services on Sunday, December 1st, Sunday, December 22nd, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day plus Advent Gatherings every Tuesday. See above for further details and head to the Facebook page for latest details.
Epsom Symphony Orchestra: Christmas Concert @ Epsom Playhouse
On Sunday, 1st December (3pm-5pm), it is the Epsom Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Concert at Epsom Playhouse.
Enjoy the musical pantomime, Beauty and the Beast from Richards. David Leonard, of Matilda fame, narrates with orchestral accompaniment arranged by the orchestra’s Musical Director, Darrell Davison. Delight in the wonderful melodies of Morning from Grieg’s Peer Gynt, Lehar’s Gold & Silver Waltzes, and the Strauss’ Cuckoo Polka. Feel your spirits lift with the exciting Polovtsian Dances from Borodin and Gopak from Khachaturian.
Or, simply get into the mood for Christmas with festive favourites including Anderson’s A Christmas Festival and The Snow Maiden Suite from Rimsky-Korsakov.
More information and booking here.
Leatherhead Theatre at Christmas
Check out Kalli’s round up of what’s on at Leatherhead Theatre throughout December including panto, music and comedy. More details here.
Epsom & Ewell Silver Band – Christmas Concert
On Sunday, 1st December at 7.00pm, Epsom & Ewell Silver Band will be holding its Christmas concert to provide a festive musical evening for all the family. Taking place at the beautiful St. Mary’s Church in Cuddington, the concert starts at 7pm, with an intermission with tea/coffee and a mince pie.
Tickets are £10, under 16’s free, which includes tea/coffee and a mince pie. This is a fundraising event in aid of St. Mary’s Church.
For booking go here. If you’re local to the Cuddington area, you can get tickets at Vale Road G&A Express newsagent.
Christmas Extravaganza & Tree Sale
On Saturday, 7th December (11am-2pm) 1st Cuddington (Warspite) Sea Scout group have their Christmas Extravaganza including sale of Christmas trees (9am-3pm on 7th) at their headquarters in Cunliffe Road, Stoneleigh. They are also selling trees on Sunday, 1st December and Sunday, 8th December.
Wreath making @ The Ginistry
Get into the festive spirit with Gin and wreath making!✨
Head to The Ginistry on Tuesday, 3rd December (6.30pm for a 7pm start) for a festive evening filled with creativity and holiday cheer.
For only £55pp you’ll be welcomed with a mulled gin and leaving with a fabulous wreath that will last the whole month and longer.
Limited spots available, so grab your tickets now here.
Good Company Community Carols @ St Barnabas
You are invited on Wednesday, 4th December at 6.00pm to join good company in singing some carols and hearing a special Christmas message connected to the work they do, which ensures everyone in our community can afford the essentials. This is an All Age candlelit service. The Ukrainian choir will be performing and there will also be a special visit from Father Christmas. Celebrate and support our community together.
To book your FREE tickets please click here.
Christmas Story Fun at Merland Rise
This December, join Merland Rise on Thursdays at 10.30am (5th, 12th & 19th) for a fun 30-minute session of the Nativity story and Christmas crafts!
Why not book a soft play session before or after, and grab a bite at the café? The perfect way to make it a lovely morning out! ️
No need to book for the craft session – and it’s completely FREE.
Festive Live Music Night @ The Derby Arms
Head down to The Derby Arms on Thursday, 5th December (7pm-10pm) for an evening of live music and festive fun with the popular singer Woody Wasey.
There will also be live festive music on Thursday, 12th and 19th. Check out socials for the latest updates.
Spaces available in the bar area for drinks, or come and enjoy their festive menu and join the party afterwards!
Further details here.
Banstead Community Junior School Christmas Fair with Fireworks
Come and enjoy some festive fun at Banstead Community Junior School with friends and family on Friday, 6th December between 5pm and 8pm (gates will close at 7pm).
There will be a BBQ, bar, fun and games plus external stalls, and fireworks will start at 7.30pm.
Tickets £10 on the door or cheaper via the QR code. Ticket sales close on Wednesday, December 4th at 4pm.
More details here.
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Memorial Ceremony
You are warmly invited to Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Memorial Ceremony on Friday, 6th December at 11am. This annual gathering offers the chance to honour the memories of loved ones at this special time of year. All are welcome.
Epsom Chapel, Epsom Cemetery, Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5BP
Free First Aid Course
Family Ministry at EMC have spaces available for parents and carers to join its First Aid course on Friday, 6th December (1pm-2pm).
Email Cara at emcnursery@hotmail.co.uk to book your space.
Merland Rise – Community Christmas Market
The Merland Rise Community Christmas Market is back! Head down on Friday, December 6th from 3:30pm to 6:30pm for a festive afternoon full of fun.
✨✨ Santa’s Grotto
️✨✨ Market stalls
️✨✨ Delicious food & drink from our café
✨✨ Children’s crafts & face painting
FREE entry for everyone.
Cheam Village Christmas Fayre
It’s the Cheam Village Christmas Fayre on Friday, 6th December (5pm to 9pm).
This great community event takes place on Station Way, Cheam, SM3 8SD and is the perfect way to celebrate the start of the festive season. There’ll be live music, great food and drink from local suppliers and businesses, stalls selling great gifts, Santa’s workshop, performances from Cheam-based performance groups and more.
Toddler Storytime with Santa @ Hobbledown
Give your little ones a Christmas story time to remember on Friday, 6th December as Father Christmas reads them a tale.
Aimed at under 5s, the ticket price includes: General admission into Hobbledown, transformed into Santa’s Secret Village – treat trails, twinkling lights, and more and the chance to meet Father Christmas as part of a group experience – then settle in to hear him read you a festive tale. Children will also get a token to claim their present
For more details and go here.
Ewell Yule
The lovely Ewell Yule returns on Friday, December 6th (5pm-8.30pm). There’ll be market stalls, children’s rides, late night shopping, festive food and drink and plenty of entertainment.
Festive Friday Bar Night @ The Horton
The Horton Cafe-Bar will be open late for a festive Friday Bar Night on Friday, 6th December (6pm – 11pm).
Enjoy a great range of drinks and treats with great music in the atmospheric setting of The Horton. Free Entry.
Find out about all of The Horton’s events here.
Christmas at Ashtead Garden Centre
The festive family fun continues at Ashtead Garden Centre. Check out Dee’s post here for full details.
Bourne Hall Artisan Market
The next Bourne Hall Artisan Market is on Saturday, 7th December (10am -2pm).
A showcase for local businesses, products and producers, you’ll be treated to an array of goods including: wooden hand crafted gifts and toys, art, decor and vintage items; homewares, honey and beeswax products, handmade jewellery, fresh pastries and artisan breads; speciality coffee, award-winning preserves, herbs and spices; ladies clothing and accessories; handmade soap, body butters and vegan skincare products, bamboo eco-friendly products and more!
There’ll be plenty of stalls and ample opportunity to kick start your Christmas shopping.
Epsom Vineyard Christmas Extravaganza at Epsom Social
On Saturday, 7th December (2pm-4pm) you can visit Father Christmas, take part in Christmas craft & activities, have festive face painting and lots more all for free.
Lego Club at Tattenhams Library
Tattenhams Library’s next Lego Club is on Saturday, 7th December (1.30pm -3pm).
This is a popular club so pre-book a space at reception to avoid disappointment.
Santa’s Christmas Cracker at Epsom Playhouse
Santa and his friends are coming to the Epsom Playhouse this December from Saturday, 7th to Tuesday, 24th. Join him, Dotty the Elf and Dasher the Reindeer for a 45-minute fabulously festive adventure and receive a cracking present from the man himself.
Last year’s show sold out, so get your tickets for Santa’s Christmas Cracker soon. More information and booking here.
Rotary Epsom – Routes for Tilly at Christmas 2024
Here are the starting places and routes for Father Christmas and Tilly the train for the Christmas Collections rounds. Timing is not yet finalised but it will be around 5pm/6pm start.
Keep up to date here.
Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club – The Romans
The next Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club is on Saturday, December 7th (1pm to 2.30pm).
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back two thousand years in time, to when the whole known world was ruled by the mighty Roman Empire?
Have you ever wondered how their food tasted, the feel of wearing their clothes, what their language sounded like, and the look—and smell! of their buildings?
A visit from the Butser IX Legion will bring the Roman world alive for you. Find out what a Roman schoolchild had to learn, try on Roman armour, and if you are tough enough, undergo Roman army training: all orders in Latin – we will teach you!
Cost: £6 per child. Contact: David Brooks, Bourne Hall Museum, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey, KT17 1UF. Tel 020 8394 1734. Email dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
The Wells Community Centre Christmas Market
The Wells Community Centre Christmas Market will take place on Sunday, 8th December (11am to 4pm) at the Wells Community Centre, Spa Drive, Epsom, KT18 7LR.
This year, they are holding a market selling all manner of Christmassy goodies from local craftspeople and vendors. There will also be hands on activities like kids crafts and cracker making. You can also get into the Christmas spirit by partaking of some mulled wine, or other foodie goodies in the lounge area, all while listening to some carols.
The Jam Place Charity Christmas Market & Grotto
“Join us at The Jam Place an afternoon of Christmas fun on Sunday, December 8th from 12pm – 3pm.
This year, as well as stalls from wonderful local businesses, a raffle, an auction for a signed Liverpool Football Shirt, we have a gorgeous grotto.
All money raised goes towards our dance sessions for children with special educational needs and disabilities”
Booking for for Santa’s Grotto is here.
Find out more about The Jam Place here.
Family Santa Dash
Join Auriol Junior School for a fun-filled morning featuring a 5km run and/or a 1.5km walk on Sunday, December 8th at 9.00am. Perfect for all ages and abilities – bring your family and friends to spread the holiday cheer.
Runners doing the 5km run should arrive at 9am to start promptly at 9:30am. Those doing the family walk will start soon after at 10am.
You will be given a Santa’s hat before the race and a medal when finishing.
Enjoy hot food and drinks throughout the event to keep the festive spirit alive.
Auriol Junior School, Stoneleigh, KT19 0PJ (Both the 5km run and the 1.5km walk will start and finish in the Auriol Junior School Field (Newbury Gardens).
Big Dreams Nursery Mum and Baby Wreath Making Workshop
Big Dreams Day Nursery is teaming up with Briars Patch Floristry for a delightful morning of wreath making with your little one on Monday, 9th December (10am-12.30pm).
You’ll learn to craft a stunning hand-tied wreath for your home (all materials are included) while staff are on hand to take care of your little one and you can enjoy a hot drink prepared just for you and treat yourself to some delicious pastries.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite here.
Big Dreams Nursery – Christmas Carols
Join Big Dreams Nursery for Christmas Carols at the nursery on Monday, 9th December at 4pm. Treat yourself to mince pies and mulled wine by the tree while celebrating with classic Christmas carols. Bring your holiday spirit and a cozy scarf to make festive memories with your child.
Contact via email or telephone if you would like more information.
Epsom Beaumont Care Home – December Events
Epsom Beaumont Care Home has a number of events coming up in December, kicking off with its Cheese and Wine evening on Tuesday, December 10th (starts at 6.00pm). Every Tuesday in December at 11am they are holding a Festive Coffee Morning followed by:
- Thursday, 12th December – Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Beaumont- 3pm
- Friday, 13th December – Christmas Mum & Baby Group with Baby Boppers by Bella and Boo – 2:00pm
- Friday, 27th December – Fish & Chip Club – 12:30pm
For more details, visit: https://www.facebook.com/BarchesterEpsomBeaumont
Short Stories Tall Tales – The Night Before Christmas 2024 at The Horton
Head down to The Horton on Tuesday, 10th December (11.30am & 1.30pm) for a festive live, sensory first theatre experience from Short Stories Tall Tales.
Hannah Summers brings classic, modern and original stories to life. Immerse your little ones imaginations through live performance, fully interactive role-play, props, music and creative drama. An exciting adventure into stories and exploration through the senses.
The Night Before Christmas
Adapted for Storytelling written and told by Hannah Summers, illustrations by Miranda Summers. Inspired and adapted from the 19th Century tale by Clement Clarke Moore.
A family stay at Granny’s chocolate-box cottage for Christmas. The children and your little ones soon discover everything that is exciting about this time of year with festive interaction through an imaginative re-telling and they’ll play and sneak a peak at the jolly chap who might visit with presents, if, they’re all good boys and girls.
A wonderfully high-spirited spin on an old favourite that will inspire even the most ‘bah humbug’ curmudgeons. You and your little one will love this feel good Christmas story.
45 minute show suitable for 0-5s.
For more details and booking go here.
Winter Wonderland Immersive Photo Experience at The Horton
Tuesday, December 10th – Tuesday, December 24th, 10am – 3pm (closed Sundays and Mondays).
Take your place in a magical scene going through the wardrobe into a winter wonderland. With echoes of Narnia, take a furry coat and pose for your own very special family snaps.
Please note this is a self-guided experience where you will be able to take photos using your own camera phone. The Horton is not selling photographs. It is a drop-in and time-slots are not bookable.
This activity is FREE but donations to the charity are welcome (suggested charity donation £3 per person).
https://thehortonepsom.org/events/winter-wonderland-immersive-photo-experience/
The Amber Group Christmas Celebration
The Amber Group would love for you and your families to join them at their Christmas Celebration on Thursday, 12th December from 4pm until 6pm to spread some festive joy.
Please kindly RSVP by December, 3rd via email enquiries@theamber-group.co.uk
Ewell Grove Christmas Fair 2024
On Friday, 13th December (4-6pm), it’s the Ewell Grove Christmas Fair and the whole local community is warmly invited to come along and join in the festive fun.
There will be games and competitions, a delicious barbecue, mulled wine, a TREEmendous selection of prizes to be won in the Christmas Raffle, and more! There are even rumours of Santa himself opening the fair on his way into the Grotto, and that there might even be some extremely localised snow flurries on the playground.
Ewell Grove Primary & Nursery School, 29 West Street, Ewell, KT17 1UZ
Epsom Rotary Club – Christmas Quiz
It’s the Epsom Rotary 100 Quiz Night with Barb and Andy on Friday, 13th December (7pm start) at St Josephs Church. Includes mulled wine and mince pies. BYO drinks and nibbles.
Further details here.
Children’s Christmas Workshop – Grow Cook Enjoy
Create stunning, edible Christmas decorations with Grow Cook Enjoy on Saturday, 14th December (10am-12pm). This workshop offers a hands-on opportunity to decorate your own gingerbread house.
What to expect:
All-natural ingredients: Only the finest, high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious and wholesome treat.
Dietary considerations: Grow Cook Enjoy caters to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options.
Creative freedom: Unleash your inner artist and decorate your gingerbread house to perfection.
Expert guidance: Their experienced pastry chef will be on hand to offer tips and tricks.
For more details and booking here.
Cinderella at Epsom Playhouse
Saturday, 14th December 2024 to Saturday, 4th January 2025
Don’t be a pumpkin; grab your glass slippers and get ready to head down to Epsom Playhouse for this classic tale of Cinderella, a kind-hearted girl mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. With a little help from her fairy godmother’s magic and a bit of bippity-boppity-boo, she transforms for the royal ball, where she catches the attention of Prince Charming. But when the clock strikes midnight, the illusion fades, leaving only a single glass slipper behind.
Perfect for families, this enchanting production is generously dusted with heartwarming moments, tummy-tickling comedy, and glitzy costumes galore.
Find out more and get your tickets here.
Cinderella (relaxed performance)
On Friday, January 3rd, you can catch the same smashing pantomime, but with a relaxed atmosphere. If you need to move around, make some noise, and prefer less intense lighting and sound effects, then this is perfect performance.
Find out more and book tickets here.
Best of the 80s Live Band @ Bourne Hall
Saturday, 14th December (7pm-11pm).
Dust off those shoulder pads, get out your eyeliner and back-comb your hair to within an inch of its life and party with Andrew & Allan’s “Electric 80s” at Bourne Hall.
It’ll be a fabulous night of 80s music from this great party duo and will include the greatest hits from 1980’s legends such as Spandau Ballet, Dead Or Alive, Erasure, Human League, Wham, Tears For Fears, The Jam and many more. It’s the perfect Christmas Party destination!
Book here.
Santa’s Grotto and Traditional Craft Fair for Princess Alice Hospice
Come and meet the real Santa in his grotto at Princess Alice Hospice’s Traditional Christmas Market and Craft Fair on Sunday, 15th December (10am-2pm) at Sandown Park Racecourse.
Meetings with Santa cost £5 per child and you can book up to three children to meet Mr Clause at the same time.
Advanced booking recommended: www.pah.org.uk/santas-grotto/
More details about the Christmas Market here.
£2 per adult entry fee to the market still apply. All proceeds go to Princess Alice Hospice. More details here.
St John’s Stoneleigh – Christmas Services
St John’s Stoneleigh’s usual line up of Christmas services is extended in 2024 with an additional Crib and Christingle service. This has been such a popular event with families in recent years so they have decided to hold it twice (it will be the same service on Christmas Eve held at 3pm and 5pm). The Carol service is on Sunday, 15th December (6.30pm), Midnight Communion is on Christmas Eve at 11.30pm and Christmas Day Celebration is at 10am.
NEAT Christmas Party
Tickets are now live for the Epsom – NEAT party on Sunday, 15th December (1.00pm-4.00pm).
It promises Christmas fun for all families:
- Meet Father Christmas in the grotto and receive a gift chosen for you
- Sweet hunt
- Christmas games
- Food & drink
- Music
- Football match (kids vs parents)
and much more. For further information please message: neatoffice@yahoo.com
Carols by Candlelight at Christ Church Ewell
It’s the all age Carols By Candlelight Family Service at 4pm on Sunday, 15th December. This will be a child friendly service including making things, drama, animal and Lego videos, traditional carols by candle-light and narration. Based on the ‘Brick by Brick’ Christmas story, it will be suitable for all ages. Mince pies and refreshments to follow.
There are also ‘Christmas Crafts’ (for primary age children) on Saturday, 7th December at 2pm, a Toddler Christmas Party (for regular attendees of the Thursday Toddler Group) on Thursday, 12th December at 9.30am, two Christmas Lunches – this first on Thursday, 19th December and then Churches Together Christmas Day Lunch on Christmas Day plus the regular Sunday services at 10.30am.
Epsom RDA & All Saints – Carols at the Stables
Head down to St Ebba’s Farm, Hook Road on Sunday, 15th December (from 5pm) for a seasonal celebration of carols, food and festive cheer.
See the website for details of how to book your tickets: https://www.epsomrda.org.uk/event/christmas-carols-at-the-stables/
Christ Church Ewell – Free Christmas Lunches
Are you alone at Christmas this year? If so, join in at one of these Christmas Meals. One is held on Christmas Day itself from 12:30 – 4.15pm (run by Churches Together In Ewell for further details please use the contact details in the left hand of the picture). Or if you are a senior citizen and would like to join with some others from their ‘Chat & Tea’ club then they are also running an earlier lunch on Thursday, 19th December.
Starstruck Dance Academy – Christmas Workshop
Starstruck Dance Academy’s Christmas Workshop is taking place on Friday, 20th December (10.30am-2pm) at Auriol Junior School, Stoneleigh.
Details on flyer. Please contact Laura on 07834 698704 to book your space.
Lego Christmas Story Trail @ Merland Rise
Bring the whole family for a festive adventure at Merland Rise on Saturday, 21st December from 3-6pm.
Explore the Lego Christmas Story Trail, packed with:
* Fun crafts
* LEGO builds
* Real animals
* Hidden AR LEGO animations bringing the Christmas story to life
Only £3.50 per child (adults FREE), book via the website: https://www.merlandrisechurch.org.uk/ ☕️ Cafe open with food & treats too!
Christmas Magic Shows Starring Ritchie Rosson
Come dressed in your best Christmas outfits and head down to Bourne Hall on Saturday, 21st December for an unforgettable evening of enchantment and wonder. This event is perfect for families looking to add a little magic to their festive celebrations.
This event is specifically designed for kids, offering a fun and interactive experience that will leave them on the edge of their seats. Ritchie Rosson, a talented children’s entertainer, will be showcasing his magical skills and performing jaw-dropping tricks that will leave the audience in awe.
Times:
Three shows at 11am, 1pm, 3pm (45 mins show time – £6 a ticket)
Book here: https://sessami.co/events/ritchierossonschristmasmagicshow
Giggles Christmas Party
Book a space for a two-hour Giggles Christmas Party on Sunday, 22nd December (10am-12pm and 1-3pm) via the website but hurry because there are limited spaces. There’ll be soft play, food, biscuit decorating, a gift for each child and lots of Christmas fun.
Bookings can be made here.
Disco Totz Christmas Disco and Party
Tickets are selling fast for the Disco Totz Christmas parties on Monday, 23rd December.
Party includes:
1 hour disco
Dance with Santa
Rainbow face paint
Disco dancing
Instruments
Rainbow parachute
Bubbles ticket
Photo opportunity with Santa
All children receive a present. There’s a 50% discount for siblings and no charge for adults!
️ Book tickets on the website: www.discototz.com
Nativity Festival at Epsom Methodist Church
Get into the spirit of Christmas with the perfect afternoon out on Monday, 23rd December (12pm until 3pm). There’ll be plenty to do and see, make and eat. Be the character in the nativity that you really wanted to be, hear the story of Christmas and belt out the familiar tunes. There’ll even be mini donkeys! Offered to you with love from the amazing team at EMC.
New Year’s Eve Party @ The Famous Green Man
Get ready for party of the Year! Celebrate in style at The Famous Green Man on NYE. All welcome and it’s free entry. A great night is guaranteed with their special guest DJ Barry
Kitchen opening hours are 12pm-8pm. Book a table now and stay after delicious food to cheer when clock strikes Midnight.
❄️ Have a fantastic Christmas, if you celebrate, and here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.
Fran x
