Experience Jersey’s festive fun this Christmas

With Christmas on the horizon, Jersey reveals its top festive activities for visitors to enjoy this year.

From unique Christmas markets where you can find Christmas treasures to fresh local produce perfect for cosy meals to bracing Christmas swims and restorative trails, the nine-by-five-mile Channel Island is the perfect destination to enjoy a winter escape to get in the festive mood.

Less than one hour away from UK airports, Jersey is accessible from all corners of the country from Southampton to Edinburgh via easyJet, Blue Islands, British Airways and Loganair. Alternatively, those looking for slow travel options can hop on a ferry from Poole via Condor Ferries to enjoy a sail down to the British Isles.

Traditional festivities

Christmas Light Switch On
18 November: Kicking off the season, Jersey’s Christmas lights will light up the streets of St. Helier, transforming into a glittering hub of festiveness. Following popular tradition, the Christmas parade is led by Santa Claus himself from Millennium Park to the Royal Square.

Christmas Market – Genuine Jersey 
25 November: Showcasing over 50 of Jersey’s finest artisans, give the gift of Jersey this Christmas and enjoy festive food and live music, the perfect place to buy unique gifts.

Merry dining experiences

07 December – 26 December: Enjoy Christmas dinner with a side order of entertainment – “A Christmas Carol: the Immersive Dining Experience”. Located at L’Auberge du Nord, St. John, the show is brought to you direct from the West End, featuring a feast designed by MasterChef winner Natalie Coleman.

26 November: If you like the sound of dining with entertainment, but fancy being more central on island, the Only Fools & 3 Courses Christmas Special is evening of farcical mayhem and a good old-fashioned knees-up. The comedy night is professionally produced and performed by Comedy Dining UK.

Festive fitness

Christmas Day Swims
25 December: Join brave revellers for a Christmas Day sea swim at the Havre des Pas Lido. Feel refreshed, revitalised and take the plunge in one of the oldest sea swims in Britain, dating back more than 100 years. Just turn up with swim wear and a dose of festive courage. Head down to Ouaisne Slip for 10:20 on Christmas morning, or The Splash Surf Centre for an early dip before your festivities begin.

Durrell Dasher
5 December: Run the Durrell Dasher this December to support Durrell’s vision for a wilder, healthier, more colourful world. With a choice of a 6k or 12k route, the Durrell Dasher road race starts and finishes at the world-famous Jersey Zoo, and the virtual element allows runners across the globe to “do it for Durrell” closer to home.

Seasonal history traditions

National Trust Jersey Christmas Celebrations
11 December: Step back in time and meet Father Christmas dressed in traditional green at the Georgian House in St. Helier.

14 December: Join the Living History team for a nostalgic Christmas Candlelit Tour of 16 New Street – with traditional Georgian refreshments served in the dining room and live music upstairs.

27 December: Finally, come and enjoy the stillness of the midwinter on this seasonal walk around The Elms, an attractive 18th century Jersey farm complex. End with a warming glass of mulled wine to take off the chill.

If you’re looking to get creative, the National Trust host a variety of festive workshops including Christmas card making, candle making and their popular Garland and gin workshop.

For more ideas for a festive getaway in Jersey this Christmas, please see here: www.jersey.com/guides-features/christmas-and-new-year-in-jersey