Roll up for Christmas in Dorking

Hello Dorking is thrilled to unveil a spectacular line-up of festive activities, transforming the historic market town into a dazzling holiday destination for 2025. The celebrations officially begin in late November and run through the New Year, focusing on community fun and championing Dorking’s unique independent business scene.

The Grand Opening: Christmas Festival on Sunday 30th November
The season explodes into life with the highly anticipated Dorking Christmas Festival from 11am-5pm.

Under the theme “Roll Up Dorking! Circus Spectacular,” the town centre will host a carnival of colour and creativity, featuring:

• Spectacular Entertainment: Live music across four performance areas, street performers, and carol singing.
• Family Fun: Fairground rides, a giant snow globe, crafts, face painting, and the hugely popular Santa’s Grotto at Ralph James Estate Agents).
• Festive Markets from Surrey Hills Enterprises: Independent stalls packed with gifts, mulled wine, and seasonal food.

Focus on Shopping Small
Hello Dorking is encouraging residents and visitors to support local businesses throughout the crucial Christmas period.

• Small Business Saturday: On Saturday 6th December  (11am–2pm), the town celebrates local retailers with special events, including Santa’s Elf on patrol, carol singing by the Dorking Choral Society, a mulled wine stand, and voting for the popular Christmas Window Competition.
• Late Night Shopping: Dorking’s unique independent shops will open late on Thursday 11th December (until 8pm), offering a relaxed evening of shopping under the Christmas lights, complemented by Dorking’s fabulous array of pubs and restaurants.

Town-Wide Christmas Trail
A highlight for families returns with the Dorking Christmas Trail, running from Saturday 22nd November until Monday 5th January.

Children are invited to explore the beautiful town, spotting hand-crafted gingerbread men and sleighs made by the wonderful Dorking Men’s Shed, hidden in shop windows. Completed trail sheets can be returned to S C Fuller or Dorking Halls for a chance to win cinema tickets. The trail is kindly sponsored by Cunningham Eves Solicitors.

“Dorking is always magical at Christmas but this year it is going to be even better with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the unique mix of independent businesses and heritage our town centre brings,” says Jo McGowan of Hello Dorking. “This year’s schedule is designed to maximize festive cheer and provide multiple opportunities for our community to come together and support the high street. With the dazzling festival, dedicated shopping days, and the popular trail, Dorking truly is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas.”

Dorking Christmas 2025 – Key Dates