Celebrate the arrival of winter with the Islands of Guernsey.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or are simply looking to relax and recharge, there is plenty to do in Guernsey this winter. From hikes and spa days to a lively arts and cuisine scene, the cooler months bring out a cosier side of the island.
See below the upcoming events Guernsey has in store for you.
DECEMBER
1st - 30th December: Christmas Lights Tours
A trip for all the family, get in the festive spirit and jump aboard Victor the Petit Train for a tour of the wonderful Christmas lights display in St Peter Port.
Young riders under 2 do not need a ticket - they ride for free.
1st - 20th December: The Museum Christmas Shop
The Museum Christmas Shop at The Folk and Costume Museum is open from Friday 15th November – Friday 20th December.
1st December: 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.
1st, 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th December: Herm Christmas Shopping Trips
Sail over to Herm for the perfect pre-Christmas shipping trip and a magical day out.
The Herm Shop will be stocked with plenty of decorations, cards, and ornaments, as well as beautiful and unusual stocking fillers and gifting ideas to make your Christmas extra special this year, plus a Puffin post box for letters to Santa.
4th - 7th December: Adult Pantomime
This year, Musical Theatre Guernsey will be performing their adult pantomime, Sleeping With Beauty, at St James from 4th - 7th December.
It's the perfect event if you're looking for a feel-good adult show filled with rude songs, political satire and all the usual pantomime trimmings.
Age recommendation 18+
6th - 8th December: Guernsey International DanceSport Championships
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.
The event promises a weekend filled with dynamic performances, fierce competition, and the joy of dance.
9th December: Christmas Courtyard Market at the Folk and Costume Museum
A Christmas Courtyard Market set on a cobbled courtyard, surrounded by heritage buildings in the heart of Guernsey.
The popular and atmospheric National Trust of Guernsey Christmas Courtyard Market takes place on Monday 9th December between 5pm and 8pm – the Museum Christmas Shop is also open during the event.
The Christmas Courtyard Market has become a popular event for artisan crafters and food stallholders providing high-quality gifts and festive fare for visitors of all ages. Christmas magic is in the air and the whole evening embraces the spirit of Christmas with carols around the tree.
13th & 14th December: GCOS Christmas Concerts
GCOS welcomes you to an evening of seasonal songs.
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.
14th December: Christmas Tractor Run
Each year on Guernsey, tractors travel around the island adorned in Christmas lights in support of a chosen charity.
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.
14th December: Winter Fair Christmas Fun Market
Earlswood Garden Centre's final market of the year will be held on the 14th December from 10am to 4pm.
15th December: Homecoming Day
Homecoming Day is marked every year to commemorate the return to Alderney of the first group of islanders after WWII, following the mass evacuation of 1940. An important day in Alderney’s history, 2023 celebrates the 78th anniversary of Homecoming Day.
17th December: 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.
19th - 21st December: 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
25th 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.
26th December: Boxing Day Swim
Join thousands of islanders as they brave the cold and take a dip in the sea.
The Boxing Day swim is an annual event taking place at Cobo Bay, this year with a start time of 11am.
JANUARY
1st - 6th January: Ice Skate Guernsey
Ice Skate Guernsey is back at Le Friquet Garden Centre.
This year they have a 20m x 20m covered outdoor ice rink and over 400 pairs of skates to cater to all sizes.
You can also enjoy their on-site eateries, including Cafe des Amis and the NEW Vern's Cookie Cafe, near the rink side.
1st - 4th January: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood Pantomime
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.
1st - 25th January: The Fabric of Guernsey Exhibition
Art for Guernsey's current exhibition, The Fabrics of Guernsey, tells the history and stories of the 'guernsey' through a selection of commissioned artworks by Sally Ede-Golightly.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Art for Guernsey and Le Tricoteur, with each piece of artwork being paired with a unique "guernsey" (a traditional knitted jumper).
4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th January: Guernsey Parkrun
Guernsey Parkrun is a 5k run help every Saturday morning all-year round at Pembroke Bay. Most runners go to Pembroke Beach café for a coffee afterwards.
10th - 12th January: The Three Musketeers Pantomime
Class Act Productions will be hosting the famous story by Dumas given the panto treatment at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts
With the Three Musketeers sent to Egypt by Richlieu, three singers reluctantly stand in to protect the King and his new Queen from the machinations of Milady and Richlieu. They're helped by young D'Artagnan, newly arrived to become a musketeer.
18th January: Photo-Symphony
A collaboration between Guernsey Photography Festival and Guernsey Symphony Orchestra, Photo-Symphony is a programme of photography projections accompanied by a full symphony orchestra.
Be inspired and emotionally involved by a programme that has been specially curated by Jean-Christophe Godet (GPF artistic director) and Jean Owen (GSO Conductor).
The work of international and local photographers will be accompanied by composers such as Mozart, Britten, Tchaikovsky, Richter, Mendelssohn and many more.
Make sure to visit the What's On page to find out things to do on the Islands of Guernsey in future months.
