From Jersey’s dazzling Christmas parade to magical festive markets in Guernsey’s Market Square, the Channel Islands know how to celebrate the festive season in style.
If you’re looking for a short break this winter, why not experience the sights and sounds of Christmas on a neighbouring island? With regular sea and air travel connections between Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, and ferry services to Herm and Sark, there are winter wonderlands ready to explore on your doorstep.
Here’s our round-up of Christmas events taking place this year in Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark.
Jingle all the way in Jersey
Join Santa and his parade for a magical stroll through St Helier for the Christmas Lights Switch On on Thursday 21 November, 6 – 7.30pm.
Watch a colourful procession of twinkling, flowery floats through the streets of St Helier at the Jersey Battle of Flowers Christmas Parade on Sunday 8 December, 4.45pm to 10pm.
In the run up to Christmas, enjoy late night shopping on Thursdays and Sundays, starting from the 22 November. For more retail therapy, hit the Simply Christmas markets in St. Helier’s Royal Square, where there’ll be more than 40 of Jersey’s finest artisans selling beautiful gifts and tasty treats on the 5, 6, 7 December. There’ll also be French market vendors filling the Royal Square.
At Jersey Zoo, watch the animals get their Christmas presents from Santa at the Jingle in the Jungle event on 8 December.
Santa Claus is coming to Sark
This year, the Christmas lights on the Avenue will be switched on at 5pm on Friday 16 December. There’ll be refreshments and perhaps a glimpse of Santa.
Happy holidays in Herm
Pop across to Herm Island and pick up some unusual and quirky gifts on a Christmas shopping day trip. Tickets cost just £1 and the trips run every Saturday and Sunday from 23 November to 15 December.
Seasons greetings in Guernsey
Father Christmas visits both St Peter Port and The Bridge each year to collect letters from children and to turn on the festive lights. The fun starts around 4pm on Saturday 30 November in St Peter Port and at 4pm on Friday 6 December at The Bridge.
St Peter Port shops will be open for late night shopping every Thursday in December, and there’ll be locally-made produce and gifts for sale at the Market Square Christmas markets every Saturday from 30 November. There is also late night shopping on the Bridge on Tuesdays.
Plus, the Ice Skate Guernsey returns to Le Friquet Garden Centre on 7 December to 5 January 2020 and Winter Wonderland is returning to Guernsey once again this year on Wednesday 4 December, with tickets now on sale. Enjoy the Illuminate light display and enchanted forest walk at Sausmarez Manor on 28-30 November.
All is bright in Alderney
Browse Victoria Street’s boutique shops during an evening of late night shopping starting on Wednesday 6 November. On Friday 29 November, watch the Christmas lights switch on, 6pm – late. The Made in Alderney craft market is on Sunday 1 December and the Rotary Christmas Fayre takes place on Saturday 7 December.
Join Father Christmas and his helpers at the Alderney railway on Sunday 22 December on Alderney’s railway. The Santa Express will take you on a two-mile journey from Braye Halt to Mannez Quarry.