Winterfest 2025 has officially arrived at the University of Surrey! The festive vibes kicked off recently with the annual Surrey Switch On, complete with free mulled wine, mince pies, and that cosy Christmas feeling that makes campus instantly excited. If you missed the Switch On itself, don’t worry, the lights are on every night, so you can still wander to AP Pizza and soak up all the Christmas feels whenever you like.
The Switch On is just the start. The run-up to Christmas at Surrey is absolutely packed with events, whether you’re into crafts, chilled evenings with friends, big nights out, or full-on winter adventures. For anyone who loves a wholesome vibe, there are loads of sober craft sessions happening over the next few weeks. You can decorate gingerbread people (with varying levels of artistic success), make your own wreath, design Christmas cards, or even paint festive plates, perfect for gifting, or laughing at when you realise you cannot paint snowflakes to save your life. These events are super relaxed and great for taking a break from deadlines while still feeling productive.
If you’re more into entertainment than crafting, there are plenty of festive activities to just sit back and enjoy. The Christmas movie nights are a staple, giving you a guilt-free reason to rewatch all the classics you pretend not to love. There’s also the carol service at Guildford Cathedral, which is stunning this time of year and worth going to even if you’re not usually into carols. Add in the university’s Christmas concert, featuring student musicians and all the Christmas tunes, and you’ve got a solid line-up of cosy evening options.
For those who prefer their festive season with a side of alcohol, Surrey hasn’t forgotten you. There are Christmas cocktail-making classes where you can try mixing drinks that taste like December in a glass, plus sip-and-paint nights that somehow get funnier with every drink. And, of course, Rubix is getting in on the festive chaos with themed nights like the Après Ski Party and the Naughty or Nice Party; both perfect excuses to dress up, go out, and let the last-of-semester stress melt away for a bit.
If you’re craving something outside of campus, there are plenty of festive trips too. The university is running a day trip to the Winchester Christmas Market, which is full of fairy lights, handmade gifts, festive food, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you buy fudge you didn’t plan on buying.
Closer to home, Guildford town centre looks great during December, and if you’re up for a quick train journey, London is only about 30 minutes away and has some of the best Christmas lights in the world. Think Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden – basically a festive Pinterest board brought to life.
And for the students looking for a bigger winter adventure, the Students’ Union is running a trip to Finland in January. Expect Northern Lights, a visit to Helsinki, and even husky sledding. It’s basically the ultimate ‘start the new year right’ getaway.
Christmas at Surrey is one of the best times of the year. Whether you’re staying on campus right up until the break or just squeezing in a few festive moments between deadlines, there’s something for everyone. So grab your friends, wrap up warm, and enjoy everything the season has to offer, because a little Christmas magic is definitely deserved after a long semester!
