The festive season is right around the corner, and there are plenty of events and activities happening on the Islands of Guernsey to help you get into the holiday spirit.
Whether you want to find unique gifts at our independent shops and Christmas Markets, attend a Christmas concert or enjoy a relaxing festive cocktail, there is something for everyone.
We've compiled a list of things to do in Guernsey this Christmas to help you plan your trip.
Family Festivities
Ice Skating & Santa's Grotto
Grab your skates (or borrow them!) and head to Guernsey's ice skating rink at Le Friquet Garden Centre. Spin around the Christmas tree, and then head to the cafe where you can enjoy a hot chocolate and some baked treats. Skate aids are available for younger visitors, just make sure to reserve one on your booking as they are very popular.
New for this year, Le Friquet also has a Santa's Grotto. Begin your adventure at the North Pole, where little ones can help mix the reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve, and then take a brand new, VR-enchanted elevator ride through to Santa’s living room for a one-to-one meeting.
The magic doesn’t stop there! In the Present Room, each child will choose a toy to take home from Santa’s carefully picked selection.
Winter Wonderland
This annual event sees a St Saviour’s garden, owned by the Bachmann family, turned into a festive wonderland. With lights, decorations, family activities, Christmas treats and Father Christmas himself, the event is dedicated to raising money for charitable causes.
This year's Winter Wonderland is 3rd December and tickets are on sale now.
Christmas Tractor Run
This popular annual event sees the island's tractors come out in force, decorated with everything from fairy lights and tinsel, to Christmas trees and inflatable Santas.
Sit on a coastal wall or head into town to cheer on the tractors as they pass, spreading Christmas cheer as they tour the island.
This year, the Guernsey Christmas Tractor Run is taking place on 13th December.
Christmas Escape Room - Elf Academy
MTG Escapes, run by the Music Theatre Guernsey, invites you to a family-friendly, festive escape room.
This year's room is the Elf Academy Escape Room. As an elf-in-training, you will need to solve puzzles, crack codes, and embrace your inner elf.
The escape room can accommodate 6 players at a time, although smaller teams of up to 4 adults are recommended for your enjoyment and comfort.
Christmas Shopping
Late-Night Shopping
Every year during December, businesses in St Peter Port stay open until 9pm on Thursdays, so that visitors and locals alike can enjoy some Christmas shopping and the friendly festive atmosphere underneath the town's twinkly Christmas lights. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or want to treat yourself, you’re guaranteed to find something special. If you need a bit of inspiration, you can find some recommendations for Guernsey gifting in this guide.
On both Thursday evenings and Saturdays during the festive period, local small businesses and stall holders also set up in the Market Square of St Peter Port, so there is even more to peruse. Often, there will be live music from various performers to get you in the festive spirit.
Herm Christmas Shopping Trips
Sail over to Herm throughout November and December for the perfect Christmas shopping trip. With plenty of decorations, cards and ornaments, as well as beautiful and unique stocking fillers and gift ideas to make your Christmas extra special, the Herm Shop is always full of treasures. You can even post your letters to Santa in the Puffin post box!
After shopping, enjoy a walk around the island and tuck into a festive meal at the Mermaid Tavern.
Festive Alderney
Spend an evening feeling festive in Alderney, browsing the boutique shops in Victoria Street and rounding off your night with a mulled wine or dinner in one of the island's cosy pubs. There's lots more happening, too - including walks, pantomimes and Santa train rides.
2025 Christmas Markets
The Islands of Guernsey have traditional markets all year round, but the fairs and markets during the festive season are truly special. From homemade goods to festive food and drink, these unique markets are not to be missed.
- Winter Fayre at The Peninsula Hotel – Sunday 9th November, 11am - 5pm
- Annual Christmas Markets at Les Cotils – Sunday 9th November, 10am - 4pm
- Oatlands Courtyard Christmas Market – Saturday 15th November, 1pm - 5pm
- Round Table Christmas Fayre at Beau Sejour - Sunday 16th November, 10am - 4pm
- Les Caches Christmas Market at Les Caches Farm - Sunday 16th November, 11am - 4pm
- Winter Market at St Sampson's High School - Friday 21st November 6pm - 7.45pm
- Christmas Fayre at St Pierre Park Hotel – Sunday 23rd November, 11am - 5pm
- Christmas Fayre at St Martin's Community Centre – Monday 1st December, 6pm - 8:30pm
- National Trust of Guernsey Christmas Courtyard Market at the Folk & Costume Museum - Monday 8th December, 5pm - 8pm (more details below)
The Victorian Christmas Shop at 26 Cornet Street, St Peter Port will also open on Friday 14th November until Saturday 20th December. Step through the historic green doors and bask in the glow of the fireplace, an overflowing sweet counter and festive tables stocked with vintage gift. On Thursdays in December, the shop is open until 8pm, offering mince pies and mulled wine.
Food & Drink Experiences
Alpine Lodge at the OGH
Each year, 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, hot chocolate, and a wide selection of schnapps and flavoured vodkas to get you into the Christmas spirit. There is also delicious food, including a cheese fondue and beef goulash.
You won't want to miss Family Sundays, where children are welcome to come along and enjoy festive activities, as well as meet Father Christmas.
Christmas Lunches at The Mermaid Tavern
Join The Mermaid Tavern for a festive party lunch!
This December, The Mermaid Tavern is offering a 3-course Christmas Party Menu, filled with festive favourites and island charm.
Bookings are available for just £37 per person, including return ferry travel.
Domes at the Duke of Richmond
The highly anticipated Domes at The Duke return this November, 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
Enjoy a festive twist on the quintessential afternoon tea experience, available from November to early January.
Find a cosy corner at the Old Government House Hotel and tuck into smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, as well as a brie and caramelised onion tartlet, before rounding off with a clementine parfait and eggnog custard tart. Tables are available from 24 November until 4 January.
Alternatively, head to the Leopard Bar at the Duke of Richmond. From 1 November, enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches and savoury snacks, including turkey and cranberry, brie and figs, and pigs in blankets. Finish your afternoon with a selection of homemade treats, including a chocolate log, 'irresistible bauble' and mini mince pies.
Visit the Christmas Lights
Christmas Lights Switch On
Join in the Christmas Lights Switch On in St Peter Port on Saturday 29th November, where Santa Claus will be travelling through town to greet children, before turning on the lights.
He is expected to start at the Model Yacht Pond before heading through town to Market Square, where he will host the official light switch-on for the town.
Petit Train Tours
Get in the festive spirit and jump aboard Victor the Petit Train for a tour of the wonderful Christmas lights in St Peter Port.
These evening tours take place on various dates between 30th November and 23rd December.
Christmas Lights Tuk Tuk Tours
This Christmas, book a ride in your own motorised sleigh!
Tuk Tuk Guernsey will be running their annual Christmas Lights Tours again this year, starting from the Albert Pier.
Tours are 30 minutes long, with bookings available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, from the 7th December - 23rd December.
To give you the best view possible, the Tuk Tuks will have their roofs down, so ensure to wrap up warm! Each Tuk Tuk seats 2 passengers.
Age requirement: 6+
2025 Christmas Shows and Concerts
22nd November: SOPM Christmas Concert - Matinee
Join SOPM at Beau Sejour for a heart-warming celebration of their students’ hard work and progress this term.
This special matinee marks the first time the 'Minis' and 'Risers' will take to the big stage — joined by a selection of other young performers — for a joyful mix of festive favourites and music they’ve been perfecting since September.
It’s part of SOPM’s Beau Sejour Takeover Weekend, which also features the Under 18s Battle of the Bands, Corporate Battle of the Bands, and the Music for Everyone show.
Come and cheer them on, share the moment, and kick off the festive season.
25th November: Royal Ballet: Cinderella
Enjoy a live screening of Cinderella by the Royal Ballet at The Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts.
Stuck at home and put to work by her spoiled stepsisters, Cinderella’s life is dreary and dull - but everything changes when she helps a mysterious woman... With a little bit of magic, she is transported to an ethereal new world – one where fairies bring the gifts of the seasons, pumpkins turn into carriages, and true love awaits.
This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founding Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family.
6th & 7th December: 'Where in the world is Rudolph?' Music Box Pantomime
With over 50 characters and an original script, the usual colourful costumes, grand scenery and talented Music Box House Band, this year’s Music Box Pantomime is not one to be missed.
Perfect family entertainment with something for all ages to get you in the Christmas spirit!
11th - 13th December: The Big Band Collective: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
What better way to get into the swing of the festive season than joining The Big Band Collective for an evening of all your favourite Christmas songs.
Featuring some of the best musical and vocal talent on the island, including a 25-piece Big Band, enjoy songs like It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Step Into Christmas, Santa Baby, White Christmas, Fairly Tale of New York, Jingle Bell Rock and many more. It really is an evening not to be missed.
All in aid of the Dementia Friendly Guernsey and kindly supported by Ravenscroft Capital.
Doors: 6.30pm | Show: 7.30pm
14th December: Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
Enjoy a live screening of The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet at The Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts.
Follow the story of magician Herr Drosselmeyer, his nephew Hans-Peter (who has been turned into a Nutcracker and needs to be saved) and his potential rescuer, young Clara, whom Drosselmeyer meets at a Christmas party. With some magic, a cosy Christmas gathering turns into a marvellous adventure.
Featuring Tchaikovsky’s most familiar melodies and brought to life by Julia Trevelyan Oman’s exquisite designs, The Nutcracker is sure to be a festive firecracker for all ages.
19th - 20th December: Guernsey Choral and Orchestral Society Christmas Concert
Come along to this family-friendly, festive concert with choir and audience carols, plus a selection of seasonal music and a children’s choir from the Guernsey Music Centre.
Doors 6.30pm | 7.30pm
23rd December: Guernsey Chamber Choir and Instrumentalists: A Ceremony of Carols
Celebrate Christmas and the 40th anniversary of St James with an unforgettable evening of music, marking the grand finale of the year’s celebrations.
The choir will be joined by accomplished instrumentalists, a string orchestra and a guest harpist, ensuring a rich and festive musical experience.
Highlights include:
- A performance of Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols
- Choruses from Handel’s Messiah
- Fantasia on Greensleeves for flute, harp and strings
- A mix of traditional and modern carols and Christmas songs, catering for a variety of musical tastes
Doors: 6.30pm | Music: 7.30pm
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 enjoyed by many islanders. You can head down to any bay you wish and take a dip, or you can get involved in one of the festive swimming events happening across the islands.
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 great way to catch 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 Hospice will be holding their launch of the event at La Vallette Bathing Pools on Saturday 29th November (8am - 2pm), so you can tick it off your list and grab a free hot drink kindly sponsored by Advisory Services. It will be particularly festive this year with the log burner fired up and The Bathing Pools Christmas market upstairs in the Swallow Pavilion too!
Registration for the event is £15 for adults and £5 for under-18s.
The Polar Bear Swim
The Guernsey Swimming Club will hold their annual Polar Bear Swim on Christmas Day at La Vallette Bathing Pools.
This year taking place from 9:30am - 11am, the event is open to all, boasting a wonderful atmosphere for all ages.
Boxing Day Dip
Join thousands of islanders as they brave the cold and take a dip in the sea on Boxing Day.
Taking place at Cobo Bay, it is an extremely popular annual event which supports the upkeep of a vital local charity, The Guernsey Cheshire Home.
