Experience Jersey’s festive fun this Christmas

Publish date: 17 Nov 2021

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

Latest news

21 Sep 2023

Visit Jersey Launches School Travel Writing Competition

Visit Jersey announces launch of new competition, inviting secondary school students to write about 'autumn in Jersey' for a chance to be published in the Jersey Evening Post and on Jersey.com.
20 Sep 2023

Hand Picked Hotels announce series of exclusive Wine Dinners this Autumn

Embark on a culinary journey to South Africa and South America this Autumn with Hand Picked Hotels' exclusive wine dinners, promising extraordinary dining experiences for globetrotting food enthusiasts.
15 Sep 2023

New Occupation release is food for thought at Jersey War Tunnels

Explore Jersey's wartime history and its survival through agriculture during the German Occupation in the intriguing new book 'The German Occupation of Jersey'.
Norman Market stall
13 Sep 2023

The Norman Market is back in town!

We are very happy to announce that the Norman Market is coming back to Jersey this week! Come enjoy the French atmosphere with a glass of cider in one hand, a crepe in the other and some quality smelly cheese in your shopping bag.
16 New Street Georgian House Exterior
12 Sep 2023

Trust Launches New Heritage Education Programme for Year One Students

The Trust is calling for Year One teachers to sign up to a new heritage education programme at 16 New Street that is linked to the literacy, science and history curriculum.
12 Bays of Christmas
12 Sep 2023

’12 Bays of Christmas’ confirmed for 2023

Hot off the heels of the ‘30 Bays in 30 Days’ which raised over £11,000 for the National Trust for Jersey and Jersey Hospice Care this summer, the ‘12 Bays of Christmas’ event encourages local sea swimmers who brave our chilly waters every day throughout the year to take part in this festive challenge.
National Trust for Jersey HQ at The Elms
12 Sep 2023

Heritage Open Day with National Trust Jersey

Heritage Open Day celebrates Jersey’s built heritage by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are not usually open. The event is part of the national celebration of architecture, history, and culture in association with the National Trust in the UK.
Roaming gardens at The Atlantic Hotel
12 Sep 2023

The Atlantic Hotel Joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s ‘Considerate Collection’

The Atlantic Hotel in Jersey is proud to announce that it has been accepted into Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) Considerate Collection, a group of luxury hotels that are committed to sustainability.
08 Sep 2023

Visit Jersey launches Trip Planner on Jersey.com

New tool designed to help travellers craft their own personalised island experience.
Point of Change Logo
30 Aug 2023

Jersey Surf Film Festival 2023

A celebration of Jersey’s unique surf culture, community and natural environment.
23 Aug 2023

Welcoming UKHA National Chair Kerry Adams to Seymour Hotels

Seymour Hotels are delighted to welcome Kerry Adams as Group Housekeeping Support Manager.
09 Aug 2023

BLUE ISLANDS SIGNS PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH SOUTHAMPTON FC

Blue Islands is partnering with Southampton Football Club in an exciting collaboration that will promote Jersey and Guernsey to the club’s fanbase and followers.