We’ve gathered a feast of ideas to tick off your Jersey Christmas list. From markets to merry-making and meeting the big man himself, with so many things to enjoy ‘yule’ be spoilt for choice.
Get festive at The Central Market.
Our historic Victorian market is a hive of activity throughout the year but at Christmastime, when the tinsel is hung and the string lights are twinkling, it shines at its brightest. Fruit and veg stalls are packed with colourful clementines, chesnuts and parsnips ready for roasting whilst happy shoppers stop for a bite to eat at one of the many cafes that call the market home. Pick up artisan cheese from Relish or the fabulous Italian deli, treat yourself to some decadent chocs from Leonadis and browse the jewellers and gift shops to find that perfect Christmas gift for loved ones at home.
The 12 bays of Christmas.
If you’re planning to spend a good chunk of time on the island throughout December, why not make like some of our sea-loving locals and take part in the 12 bays of Christmas, a festive cold-water swimming challenge raising money for The Jersey Hospice and the National Trust for Jersey? Jingle all way to Ouaisne, rock around Rozel Bay, and see how many of our 12 beautiful bays you can tick off during your visit.
If you’re spending Christmas on the island then head to a beach on Christmas morning and you’re sure to witness an island tradition that goes back generations, the Christmas Day Swim. We can’t think of a better way to kick off festivities than with a bracing dip in the sea! Why not join an organised swim with a bunch of welcoming locals down at St. Ouen’s Bay or Grève de Lecq to truly embrace Christmas the Jersey way?
So, don your Santa hat and swimmers, and dive in.
The Christmas Day swim at St. Ouen's Bay. Photographer: Dave Fergusson
Eat drink and be merry.
Gather your nearest and dearest for a Christmas getaway and be transported to a world of festive cosiness and cheer at the Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa and L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa. Spend a magical evening enveloped in a Scandinavian inspired Winter Dome on the Grand Hotel’s terrace overlooking St. Aubin’s Bay. Snuggle up in faux fur, sip on a Christmas cocktail (or two) and while away the evening together in Jersey. Meanwhile at L’Horizon, dine in style in a glittering ice white winter wonderland with views of St. Brelade’s Bay. Don’t be left out in the cold, booking is essential for both experiences.
A Traditional Jersey Christmas.
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at Hamptonne Country Life Museum. Dating back to the 15th century, the house and farm are perfect for discovering Christmas traditions of days gone by. You may even find old St Nick warming his boots by the fireside in Hamptonne House…
Christmas crafts at aMaizin! Adventure Park.
Big and little kids will love the festive fun waiting for them at the aMaizin! Adventure Park. Join their team of Santa’s little helpers on Christmas themed imagination street shops for a day of creative play. Paint your own nativity scene bauble to decorate your tree for years to come and rock around the Christmas tree at the festive fun inside area.
Christmas markets.
We’ve got a Christmas getaway all wrapped up here in Jersey. Explore one of our festive markets to find the perfect presents to bring some Christmas cheer to your loved ones this year. Wander the stalls of the Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas Market and uncover some unique gifts or say ‘Joyeux Noël’ at the Norman-French Market, where you’ll find the finest fancies from our French neighbours.
Go on, give the gift of Jersey this Christmas.
Deck the halls with handmade gifts.
Create a keepsake to bring joy to the hearts of loved ones this Christmas at the Love Bird Pottery Studio. Choose a design and give it your own unique touch to make something truly unique to put under the tree this year.
Catch a Christmas show.
For 12 days in December the world famous Salon Perdu Spiegeltent will take pride of place at Les Jardins de la Mer. The tent’s classy oak interior, combined with dark red velvet and golden touches makes every evening inside a very special occasion.
Catch Killer Queen performing a jam packed show full of all your favourite Queen hits or see The Definitive Rat pack croon all those Christmas classics you love like White Christmas, Baby it’s cold outside and Let it Snow. If you’re more in the mood for some modern day magic then Claptone will be spinning an epic set whilst Newton Faulkner will be delivering his soulful blend of folk pop – sure to be a mesmerizing evening of music.
With a 'ho ho ho'...
... Father Christmas lands in Jersey.
Not even Father Christmas can resist a jolly old break in Jersey. He always finds time out of his busy schedule to pay the island a visit at the most wonderful time of the year. You can meet the big man in person at 16 New Street, a gorgeous Georgian house, lovingly restored and cared for by the National Trust for Jersey. You can also catch him at Reg’s Garden, a tranquil place to wander a while and discover some quirky finds along the way.
Glorious Garden Centres.
For a small island, we are blessed with a glorious number of garden centres. Whilst we love a wander around a good garden centre at anytime of year, we especially love them at Christmas when the decorations are out and there’s a little magic in the air. Take a wander around family run Ransoms and then stop for a spot of tea and cake at The Potting Shed Tea Room, or pop into St. Peter’s Garden Centre where you’ll find an eclectic selection of gifts, homeware, plants and pet products to browse. The Hidden Garden is also worth a visit – and make sure to grab a bite from Wild Health on Fridays and Saturdays to enjoy in their pretty, decorated Greenhouse.
The Hidden Garden and The Potting Shed Gift Shop at Ransoms.
