The festive season has arrived on the Islands of Guernsey, and we have a whole range of events to help you get into the holiday spirit. Whether you want to find unique gifts at our independent shops and Christmas Markets, want to celebrate with our Christmas events or enjoy a relaxing festive cocktail in themed surroundings, there is something for everyone.
Whether you are visiting family for an extended stay or are just here for a weekend getaway, there is plenty to explore. We've compiled a list of things to do in Guernsey this Christmas to help you plan your trip.
Festive Experiences
Don your skates, explore local independent shops, visit Winter Wonderland, enjoy some Island hopping or a unique foodie experience - there are plenty of festive experiences to enjoy on our Islands this year.
Ice Skating
Take a turn on Guernsey's ice skating rink and spin around the Christmas tree. You'll find the rink at Le Friquet Garden Centre, where you can enjoy a hot chocolate and snacks after your skate, and even take a turn on their Santa Sleigh Ride VR ride. Skate aids are available for younger visitors, just make sure to reserve one on your booking as they are very popular.
Alpine Lodge at the OGH
The terrace at the Old Government House is transformed into a stylish and cosy Alpine Lodge complete with snowy scenery and everything you’d want in an après ski experience. The bar is fully stocked with festive drinks including mulled wine, hot spiced cider, beer and a wide selection of schnapps and flavoured vodkas to get you into the Christmas spirit. There are also hot chocolates and platters of delicious food. You won't want to miss the Family Sundays, where children are welcome with festive activities and a chance to meet Father Christmas.
Late Night Shopping
Every year during the run up to Christmas, businesses in St Peter Port in Guernsey stay open until 9pm on Thursdays in December for visitors and locals alike to enjoy some Christmas shopping. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, or want to treat yourself, you’re guaranteed to find something. You can find some recommendations for Guernsey gifting in this guide.
Shops on The Bridge, St Sampsons, also open late during the festive season, with dates for this year to be confirmed soon.
Herm Christmas Shopping Trips
Sail over to Herm throughout November and December for the perfect pre-Christmas shopping trip and day out. The Herm Shop will have plenty of decorations, cards and ornaments, as well as beautiful and unique stocking fillers and gift ideas to make your Christmas extra special. Plus, bring your letters to Santa to post in the Puffin post box. After shopping, enjoy a walk around the island and tuck into a festive meal at the Mermaid Tavern.
Winter Wonderland
Soak up the Christmas atmosphere and enjoy the Christmas lights, Father Christmas, music, food, Elf Door Trail and a laser show. This event will be held at Les Ruettes Cottage in St Saviour by kind permission of Mr & Mrs P Bachmann. Free shuttle bus service from Specsavers and Le Rondin School. Entrance by ticket only. Kindly sponsored by Specsavers, Autism Guernsey and Lions Club Guernsey.
Christmas Escape Room - The Wish Factory
MTG Escapes, run by the Music Theatre Guernsey, invites you to a family-friendly, festive, escape room. This year's room is The Wish Factory. With only an hour left of the day, it is your mission to find all the wishes and get them safely into the wish machine - How many wishes can you help to grant?
Food & Drink Experiences
Mermaid Tavern Big Sunday Lunch
Join the Mermaid Tavern to savour their pre-Christmas Sunday lunch with great entertainment from DJ Janice’s festive disco.
Make your reservation now for a memorable Christmas celebration with friends or family.
Domes at the Duke of Richmond
The highly anticipated Domes at The Duke returned on 1 November 2024, with scenic views of Candie Gardens and the sea beyond. This unique setting is the perfect festive haven to enjoy the new party menu, afternoon tea, breakfast and an exclusive winter à la carte menu.
You can also enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival before you begin your meal.
Three domes are available for booking; two can accommodate up to 6 guests, while the third can comfortably seat eight.
Festive Afternoon Tea at the Duke of Richmond
Enjoy a seasonal twist on their locally famous cakes, sandwiches and scones, available in the Leopard Bar at the Duke of Richmond.
Santa Sunday Lunch at St Pierre Park
Indulge in a festive Sunday lunch, meet Santa in his grotto and watch children's faces light up as they receive their gifts. Head to St Pierre Park for a seasonal three-course full of festive joy.
Christmas Cheers Tuk Tuk Tours
Celebrate your Festive day with a unique 45-minute Tuk Tuk tour for 2 people with Champagne. Choose your pick-up & drop-off with a short stop to enjoy your complimentary 1/2 bottle of Champagne.
Santa's Christmas Workshop at Oaty and Joeys
Oaty and Joey's have got the perfect way to keep your little elves entertained! Join them on Tuesday 17th December or Thursday 19th December from 3:30pm until 6pm for an after-school Christmas extravaganza at Santa’s Christmas Workshop!
Visit the Christmas Lights
The lights around the Islands of Guernsey add a joyful atmosphere in the colder months. There are several switch-ons taking place around the Islands in the lead-up to Christmas.
Join in The Christmas Lights Switch On in St Peter Port on the 30th November, where Father Christmas will be travelling through town to greet children, before turning on the lights.
He will start at the Model Yacht Pond at 4pm before making his way around town to Market Square where the lights will be switched on at 5pm.
Watching the lights being switched on is a great experience, but if you can’t make the above date, the Christmas Lights are left on until January, giving you plenty of time to visit them.
To make seeing the lights even more special, from the 1st to 18th of December, you can book one of the Tuk Tuk Christmas Lights Tours. These Christmas lights tours take you around the streets of St Peter Port.
You could also book a tour on The Little Black Bus, singing along to Christmas classics as you travel across the Island to see light displays. The bus seats 8 people and you're welcome to bring drinks and snacks for the journey. Perfect for a festive evening out with friends or family. Departures are from the Albert Pier on Sunday and Wednesday evenings throughout December.
Island Christmas Traditions
The Islands of Guernsey have many traditions and events that happen every year that we love, and you can experience them too during your stay here.
Guernsey Christmas Tractor Run
The Guernsey Christmas Tractor Run, taking place 14th December, features tractors from around the Island covered in fairy lights taking a tour of the Island to spread festive cheer. You can sit on a coastal wall or head into town to cheer on the tractors as they parade the Island.
The Tractor Run will start at Beaucamps school at 6:15pm before making its way around the island. As with previous years, you can come and look at the display before they head off. The organisers of the event are looking to arrange a food van at Beaucamps School before the Tractor Run begins.
Christmas Markets and Winter Fairs
The Islands of Guernsey have traditional markets all year round, but the fairs and markets during the festive season are truly special. With attractions, stalls selling homemade goods and plenty of festive food and drink available, these unique markets are a must-visit.
- Shopping Events at Earlswood Garden Centre: 9th, 23rd & 24th November 10am to 4pm and 22nd November 5:30pm to 8pm and 14th December 10am to 4pm
- Winter Fayre at The Peninsula Hotel – 10th November 11am to 5pm
- Oatlands Courtyard Christmas market – 16th Nov, 2pm to 6pm
- Annual Christmas Markets at Les Cotils – 17th November 11am to 3pm
- Christmas Fayre at The Farmhouse – 17th November 11am to 5pm
- Christmas Fayre at St Pierre Park Hotel – 24th November 11am to 5pm
- Festive Fayre at Le Pommier Hotel – 30th November 11am to 5pm
- Christmas Fayre at St Martins Community Centre – 30th November 9:30am to 12:30pm
The Victorian Christmas Shop at 26 Cornet Street, St Peter Port will also open on Friday 15th
November.
Christmas Courtyard Market at the Folk and Costume Museum
The market will feature new and favourite artisan stallholders, warming winter food, carols around the tree and Christmas spirit. Taking place on Thursday 12th December and Friday 13th December, between 10am - 4.30pm.
Run by a dedicated and wonderful team, these shops have become a cherished tradition and the highlight of the year for both staff and visitors alike. Bursting with holiday spirit, they offer a magical selection of gifts, decorations, and seasonal delights that capture the essence of Christmas.
The popular Museum Christmas Shop will be open during the markets, it is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am until 4:30pm from Friday 15th Nov until Friday 20th December.
Christmas Markets in Market Square
Join local small businesses and stall holders in the Market Square of St Peter Port every Thursday evening and Saturday from the end of November. There will be live music accompaniment from various performers to get you in the festive spirit.
Christmas Shows and Concerts
You'll find plenty of pantomimes and concerts taking place across Guernsey this Christmas, from classic carols to modern shows, there's something for all tastes.
GADOC Pantomime - Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood
Experience Guernsey's local pantomime, performed by the Guernsey Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Club from 21st December to 4th January 2025.
This year, GADOC will be performing Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, with tickets going on sale from 1st November.
Guernsey International DanceSport Championships
This competition will be held from December 6th to 8th at the Beau Sejour Leisure Centre in Guernsey. Over three days, dancers from across the globe will showcase their talents in various styles and categories, competing for top honours and the admiration of dance enthusiasts.
BWCI Guernsey Camerata Family Concert: Winter Wonderland
Alasdair Malloy mixes wintry music, familiar favourites, seasonal surprises and a scattering of singalongs with some festive spirit.
GCOS Christmas Concerts
A selection of seasonal music, including choir and audience carols, joined by young voices from the Guernsey Music Centre and featuring “To be a Light” a Christmas choral work by the local composer, Chris Claxton.
Guernsey Chamber Choir Christmas Concert
Guernsey Chamber Choir brings the seasonal carol concerts at St James to a close with the choir’s own favourite annual performance.
The choir will be joined by talented instrumentalists for an evening of traditional and modern carols and Christmas songs providing something for all musical tastes.
Big Band Collective: All I Want For Christmas
This Christmas come and join The Big Band Collective for three evenings of all your favourite Christmas Songs to get you in the festive mood
The 25-piece Big Band, singers and choir, will be perming songs including All I Want For Christmas, Step Into Christmas, Santa Baby, White Christmas, Fairly Tale of New York, Jingle Bell Rock and many more
Festive Dips and Swims
Year-round wild swimming has been growing in popularity on The Islands of Guernsey over the past few years and is something that many Islanders enjoy. You can head down to any bay you wish whenever you like and take a dip, or you can get involved in one of the many festive swimming events happening across the Islands.
Just remember, swimming outdoors in the winter is particularly cold, so you will need to prepare - grab your fluffiest hats, flasks of tea and lots of layers before heading to the beach.
The 12 Bays of Christmas
This important fundraiser for Les Bourgs Hospice is a fun way of catching up with friends and family over the Christmas period. All you have to do is take a dip in 12 festively themed bays around the island between 1st - 31st December.
The Polar Bear Swim
The Guernsey Swimming Club are holding the annual Polar Bear Swim on Christmas Day at La Vallette Bathing Pools.
This event is open to everyone of all ages and always has a great atmosphere.
Boxing Day Dip
Join thousands of islanders as they brave the cold and take a dip in the sea. The Boxing Day swim is an extremely popular annual event taking place at Cobo Bay, with a start time of 10.30am. Funds raised go towards the upkeep of a vital local charity, The Guernsey Cheshire Home.
Winter Walks
The milder climates on The Island of Guernsey mean that we can enjoy being outside for much longer. Nothing is better than wrapping up warm and taking the family out for a walk. Whether you want to stroll along Guernsey's coast, hike along cliff paths or explore the winding country lanes, there is a walk that everyone can enjoy.
The VisitGuernsey App has trails throughout the island to enjoy. With audio accompaniment and an interactive map, as you walk your chosen route, the app tracks your steps and highlights points of interest along the way. You can filter by difficulty and duration to find your ideal hike.
Find out more about walking on The Islands of Guernsey here.
Festive Menus
Guernsey is well known for its gastronomic scene, with countless award-winning and highly acclaimed restaurants across our Islands. With a focus on using fresh and local produce and ingredients wherever possible, restaurants in Guernsey pride themselves on serving high-quality dishes in beautiful settings.
Over the Christmas season, many of our eateries adopt a festive menu, with dishes specially designed to warm the soul and bring Christmas cheer. From hot soups to full turkey roast dinners and everything in between, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Many of our bars and restaurants also have Christmas-themed cocktails and mocktails to enjoy, so make sure you ask for their drinks specials.
Click here for a full list of restaurants, bistros, bars and cafes on The Islands of Guernsey.
Local Tips
- Make sure you book your activities and dining in advance as Christmas is a busy time for the Islands of Guernsey. Booking ahead of time will help you have a more relaxed and fun holiday experience.
- For transport options, taxis can get quite busy at Christmas so try to book in advance where possible, or check the Night Bus timetable. There is also a local service called Home James that returns you and your car to your residence after an evening out.
You can find out more about what's on each month on the Islands of Guernsey here.
Main image © Martin Sarre
