Christmas on the Isle of Wight

Be enchanted by the magic of a Wight Christmas with a whole programme of festive events on the Island: unique Christmas markets, children’s entertainment, pantomimes, live music, Christmas lights, festive food & drink, special events and much more!

There's lots to see & do

Whether you’re looking for a festive staycation, family fun activities, a romantic escape, or a Christmas shopping day out, the Island has something for you this festive season!

Click here to find the attractions and activities that are open over Christmas.

Festive fun for all the family

While the whole family will enjoy carols and festive food & drink at attractions around the Island, little ones will have lots of opportunities to meet Santa in his wonderland grottos as he visits Tapnell Farm, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, and Arreton Barns.

The festive season wouldn’t be complete without a good pantomime, and the hilarious ‘Cinderella’ at Shanklin theatre will definitely give you that Christmassy glow!

Walk up an appetite afterwards at the family-friendly illuminated sleighbell stroll in Ventnor Botanic Gardens, or on the many beaches on the Island, pretty much deserted at this time of year, then enjoy a delicious festive feast together.

Shanklin Village at Christmas

A couples getaway

Get in the Christmas spirit, savouring festive food and mulled wine at the many Christmas markets around the Island, or unwind with a Christmas concert - from classical recitals to country music.

For something a little bit different, the hilarious Jack and the Beanstalk adult-only pantomime will certainly be a memorable occasion!

Enjoy a bracing winter walk by making your way to one of the highest points of the Island, and be rewarded by the stunning views, or take a wander on a wide deserted beach. Treat yourself with an afternoon tea in a cosy spot to warm up, or with a pint in front of an open fire.

For those that need a bit of rest and relaxation, book yourself a luxurious spa treat at Lakeside Spa or Bembridge Coast Hotel. End your day enjoying live music in one of the many pubs and inns on the Island or watching a stunning romantic sunset.

Last-minute Christmas shoppers paradise

The Isle of Wight has a huge variety of independent shops so it’s easy to find Christmas presents that are just that little bit different. You’ll also find a wide selection of local artisan products at the Winter Markets hosted at the Donkey Sanctuary, Briddlesford Lodge Farm, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, and the pop-up shop at the Garlic Farm.

Treat yourself to the ultimate Christmas retail experiences of ‘The Christmas Imaginarium’ in Ryde and the ‘Jingle Bells Christmas Shop’ in Shanklin and purchase a special tree decoration to remind you of this year’s trip to the Island!

Tuck into a crave-worthy Christmas dinner

On the lead-up to the big day, why not book into one of our many eateries for a pre-Christmas treat? Including The Pointer Inn in Newchurch, The Caulkheads in Sandown, The White Lion in Niton, or The Woodvale in Cowes. For a full list, head to our eat and drink page.

If you’re planning on spending Christmas Day on the Island, eateries serving Christmas lunch include The Lakeside Park Hotel, The Fishbourne, The Boathouse Seaview, The Fountain Inn in Cowes, the Folly Inn, The George, Ryde Castle Hotel, The Taverners in Godshill, Hare and Hounds in Newport, and The Birdham Bembridge.

For those wanting Christmas dinner to be brought to their accommodation, take advantage of the Christmas dinner deliveries from The Hungry Bear in Brading.

Later night sailings

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city this December and sail over to Cowes for a festive day out. Discover a high-street lined with independent shops offering toys, books, homeware, art, antiques, fashion, wine, jewellery and more! THE place to find a unique and personal present for loved ones, you'll find plenty of great places for a drink and a bite too. Make a day of it with Red Jet sailings back to the mainland until 23:45pm daily. Sail across from Southampton on foot from just £12.30pp when two or more people travel together after 11:00am, just ask for the Super Off Peak Day Return at terminals. Or why not bring the car and up to 7 people and go further afield for festive fun, with Red Funnel's vehicle ferry running daily over the Christmas period - including Christmas Day! Red Funnel timetables can be found here.

Head over to Ryde for a spot of shopping on Wightlink’s FastCat. You’ll find so much on the high street; vintage stores, art galleries and independent boutiques. Grab a gift for the foodie in your life at Pickle & Dill, Chocolate Apothecary or Sip & Smoke, a boutique cigar and whiskey shop. You can stay for a meal and a glass of mulled wine, too – Wightlink’s evening sailings run until 23:10 every day. Travel over after 12 noon and foot passenger tickets cost from just £20.40 per person with the Afternoon Flyer deal. Go during the Christmas school holidays and Kids Go Free!

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and discover the charming small shops, eateries, and Christmas decorations right within walking distance of the hoverport. Late-night shopping will be taking place on December 8th & 9th, with stores staying open until 8pm. Enjoy by the Merry & Bright lantern parade on December 8th, from 6pm to 7pm, followed by captivating performances throughout the night. Hovertravel flights will be departing from Ryde until 8:15 pm, ensuring a swift return home in under 10 minutes, making it the quickest ferry route available across the Solent.

Where to stay

The Island has a fantastic range of accommodation; from holiday cottages by the sea, eco-pods, luxury hotels, and even James Bond’s submarine – there really is something for every taste & budget!

Take a look at our accommodation page to see what’s available and click on our travel page to find out how easily you can get here. We’re just a couple of hours from London, making the Island the perfect destination for a winter escape.

View all accommodation

New Year events & celebrations

Why not extend your Christmas break into the New Year? The Isle of Wight is host to some fabulous New Year’s celebrations and events, including a spectacular fireworks display on Sandown seafront.

Getting Here

Whatever you decide to do and however you’re travelling, it couldn’t be easier to get to the Isle of Wight via Lymington, Southampton, Southsea or Portsmouth. There are regular rail connections to the south coast via South Western Railway.

Travelling as a foot passenger is simple due to our excellent transport links with trains, buses, foot passenger ferries and our hovercraft service.

Say YES to Christmas on the Isle of Wight!

A Christmas getaway to the Isle of Wight is a special, memorable experience. Celebrate Christmas in style, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, and treat yourself to an early Christmas present with these fantastic offers. Don't forget to sign up to our email newsletter too, which is bursting with offers and news from around the Island.