Your guide to Christmas and the New Year in Surrey

THERE is just a few weeks left now until Christmas and the New Year - but don't panic if you haven't got the festive season wrapped up yet, because it's all been done for you in our hand guide to Christmas and the New Year in Surrey.

From pubs and restaurants to Christmas carol concerts and pantomimes, Surrey has it all waiting for you to enjoy.

If the thought of braving the high street or the shopping centre at the last minute fazes you then don't fear - we have found independent shops stocking essential Christmas presents and also offering online ordering or mail order, so you can whiz through your present list and support local and independent shops at the same time.

Diana Roberts of Guildford Borough Council says that although Guildford and the surrounding areas can offer all the major brands to Christmas shoppers, local shops can still offer a variety of products that may not be available elsewhere - and variety is Guildford's unique selling point.

"Guildford has everything, all the expensive brand names as you walk down the high street, and we also have the new Westfield Shopping Centre," she says.

"But as you go down the side streets, you also have individual shops and local crafts and items you would not find elsewhere."

Guildford Borough Council is working to promote local shopping, with a late night shopping scheme launched on November 24 at the Christmas lights switch-on. Many businesses are also offering 10% off a whole range of products, making Christmas a little easier on the purse.

"It's very important to support local businesses and shops," says Diana.

"Not only for economic reasons, but also for shoppers to avoid the Christmas rush and busy roads at Christmas."

In Goldalming, The Gift Box, independently owned by Lorna Greaves, is a cornucopia of individual and collectable gifts and stocking fillers.

Lorna stocks more than 2,000 product lines in her shop in Church Street, Goldalming, and takes great care to supply individual items that larger chains might not. You can order by phone and items can be gift-wrapped, a service a larger store might not be able to supply.

Many of Lorna's customers are looking for unique gifts.

"Most of the time they are looking for something different, which is what we specialise in," says Lorna.

"Also this year, gifts under £10 - although we do cover the upper end of the gift market as well.

"We stock really nice gifts, and we gift wrap quite a lot. I make my own jewellery as well, and that sells really well, too."

The shop is currently so busy that The Gift Box is offering mail order by phone.

Next year the website will be revamped to reflect The Gift Box's extensive stock.

"It's something I want to build on," says Lorna.

"But if something is online, I don't like to let people down by saying it's out-of-stock."

This year, friendship balls and nightlights are racing up the best seller list, says Lorna, as well as everlasting glass nail files.

The Gift Box also offers paraben-free diffusers and toiletries, pearl jewelllery, stationery, cards and ribbons, candles and torches, chocolates, moneyboxes, plus pottery and figurines, to name just a few of the 2,000 products that can be gift wrapped.

Christmas shopping done and Christmas presents opened, you may reach the point when the thought of another turkey sandwich while parked on the sofa becomes too much to bear.

If so, pubs and restaurants across Surrey are gearing up to get you off that sofa and spice up your festive tastebuds.

The Old Thai House restaurants in Camberley has a special Christmas menu featuring dishes like crispy duck, says David Buddery, whose wife Preeya runs the business.

"We have a mini Christmas Special menu, including crispy quail with crispy corn and bacon," says David.

"We've stopped doing turkey because nobody really went for it cooked the Thai way, it doesn't cook all that well as Thai food.

"So we have also got King Prawns and scallops and roast duck, which is a Thai dish, as our Christmas set menu."

Customers will also be able to order takeaways from the Old Thai House, meaning you can add a little spice to your Christmas and New Year menu in the comfort of your own home.

So whether you are looking for a traditional pub this Christmas and New Year, or an unusual present, our handy guide will help you get your festive season wrapped up.

Very soon Christmas and New Year really will be behind you, so make sure you enjoy every minute.

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Surrey Shopping Guide - Christmas all wrapped up for you

• Spa Gift Vouchers

  Combine a Christmas present with a short break - spa vouchers make a glamorous present and are a special treat if the holiday budget has been cut for 2012. You can book a spa day or weekend directly from Grayshott Spa, voted Best UK Spa 2007 by Tatler magazine. Grayshott Spa also offers Christmas and New Year breaks, breaks for singles available from £520pp. Spa gift vouchers from £50, Spa Sunday Break £75.

• Pub, hotel and dining gift vouchers

  Many pubs and restaurants now offer their own gift vouchers, including The Kingswood Arms, listed in our Pubs Guide below. Or buy gift vouchers from the luxurious and romantic Great Fosters Country House Hotel in Egham, which is Grade I-listed and offers gift vouchers for short breaks, fine dining and even cream teas for two. You can add a message if the voucher is sent directly, postage is free and gift vouchers cost from £25 to £500, with afternoon tea for two costing from £42. The gift vouchers last for one year from date of purchase.

• Gifts

  The Gift Box in Godalming is a treasure chest of more than 2,000 product lines and is guaranteed to stock something for everyone this Christmas. You can order by phone and the items can also be gift-wrapped for you. If you have time to browse, the shop offers fantastic stocking fillers, as well as collectables, handmade jewellery, paraben free-toiletries, candles, chocolates and cards.

• Toys

  Toy Station in Richmond stocks a whole range of traditional and modern branded toys suitable for all ages, and you can either visit or order online. Some of the brands include Lego, Meccano and Airfix, plus toys for babies and toddlers. There are also dressing up costumes for children, educational and science toys, and parking nearby, convenient for Mother and Father Christmases everywhere.

• Jewellery

  Horton London is a bespoke jeweller that offers Christmas gifts under £300 for that special person in your life. Horton specialises in both antique and contemporary jewellery, and is a member of Lapada and the Gem Society. Men will appreciate the contemporary cuff links from £130 a pair, and for girls of all ages, there are some gorgeous pieces from £140, which are set with delicate stones like amethyst, moonstone, rose quartz and grey agate - guaranteed to make you popular this Christmas.

• Sports Equipment and Clothing

  These days almost everyone takes some form of exercise, or just likes the comfort and style of sportswear. Surrey Sports Ltd has a shop in Walton-on-Thames, or you can order online. If you are stuck for idea, browse the website, as there is plenty to suit every friend or relative, whatever their style or age.

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Surrey Pubs for Christmas and the New Year

• The Three Fishes

  35 Green Street, Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey TW16 6RE

  Tel: 01932 782133

  If tradition is what you are seeking at Christmas and New Year, The Three Fishes pub is thought to date back to the 16th century and may be one of the oldest inns in the county.

• The Hare and Hounds Inn

  Lingfield Common Road, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6BZ

  Tel: 01342 832351

  Pick of the Pubs, Good Food Guide 2010. Real and plus fine wines and à la carte fine dining in a beautiful rural setting.

• The Kingswood Arms

  Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood, Surrey KT20 6EB

  Tel: 01737 354 053

  Real ales and great food in the Conservatory Restaurant bookings for Christmas parties taken. Gift vouchers available.

• Queen's Head

  9 The Borough, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7NA

  Tel: 01252 726524

• The Royal Oak

  Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6PF

  Tel: 01306 730120

  Surrey Good Pub Guide. Real ales and an inglenook fireplace make this the perfect pub retreat at Christmas and New Year. Three en suite rooms are available if you need a pillow to rest your throbbing head. A full bar menu with bar snacks served all day is available.

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Surrey Restaurants for Christmas and the New Year

• Seafood: Bryce's Restaurant

  Staine Streeet, Ockley Surrey RH5 5TH

  Tel: 01306 627430

  Bryce's Restaurant not only serves up some of the best seafood in Surrey – you can take home fish and chips and there is a daily menu from £12.50 for two courses. There is also a lovely traditional bar which is just perfect for keeping the Christmas spirit going.

• Italian: Villa Bianca

  58-60 High Street, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7JF.

  Tel: 01276 62879

  Authentic Italian cuisine from a family-run business that offers freshly cooked Italian dishes. Excellent Christmas menu offering traditional turkey or a choice including roast pheasant or seas bass for £28.50 per person plus 10% service.

• Thai: Old Thai House

  125 London Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3JY

  Tel: 01276 21212

  Thai cuisine in the traditional Teak Room imported from Thailand to give an authentic atmosphere. Or dine in the Royal Palace Room, designed like a Thai Palace. Takeaway service also available. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

• Indian: Jai Ho

  The Coppingham Arms, 263 Balcombe Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 9EF

  Tel: 01293 782283

  Jai Ho at the Old Coppingham Arms in Horley is taking bookings for Christmas and New Year, and will be open from 12-5pm on Christmas Day. There is a separate bar area, and the restaurant is bright and welcoming. Suitable for vegetarians.

• Chinese:

  Green Water Chinese Restaurant

  48 Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BE

  Tel: 01932 569133

  A la carte and buffet menus of Cantonese cuisine and seafood specialities including King prawns, lobster, mussels and scallops, plus vegetarian dishes. Takeaway service available. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.