The Isle of Wight always plays host to some the UK’s best events throughout the year, and Christmas is not different!
With two locations on the Isle of Wight, Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat and Woodside Coastal Retreat, both offering stunning accommodation and fantastic facilities, they make the best place to base yourself on the island this festive season to explore the many Christmas Markets and festive events taking place all over the island.
Shanklin christmas festival 2016
When: 3rd Dec
Shanklin Christmas Festival is a traditional festive fun day out for the whole family, Santa will be waiting in his grotto, in the town square, for you and your little ones, with a jolly laugh and even a present! There will be a variety of stalls offering handmade gifts, jewellery, clothing as well as plenty of festive food on offer. Street entertainment is at an all time high at the Shanklin Christmas Festival, including musicians, dancers, singers, a magician, dog shows (aww puppies), circus skills, shooting alley, a bungee trampoline and even a glimpse of a storm trooper! Phew! That is a lot going on, there is also a chance to win something on the tombola, get scared out of your wits on the ghost walk, plenty of games, crafts, competitions and tastings happening too! A must-visit festival on the island!
christmas at the Osborne House
When: 16th Nov – 22nd Dec
Osborne House is steeped in the history of the Isle of Wight, with over a months worth of Christmas events happening, there will be something to suit everyone! The festive guided tours around the house is the perfect way to discover how Christmas was celebrated when Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their 9 children were in residence at the house. You’ll be taken around by expert guides and the rooms will be decorated ready for Christmas, with the tables and trees glistening in the twinkling lights.
The Victorian Christmas experience at Osborne House is not to be missed, giving you the chance to experience the spirit of a traditional Victorian Christmas, an era where much of our traditions stem from. You can have a go at traditional games, take a ride on the beautiful carousel, and enjoy the jovial entertainers. Soak up the festive sounds of the season, smell the roasting chestnuts in the snowy courtyard and marvel at the extremely skillful Victorian Falconer, children will be able to make their own toys, meet Santa and even Queen Victoria!
A Servants Christmas at Osborne House is a huge hit every year, a night where you will join the staff members of the house and help prepare for Christmas. You can join the housekeeper and cook in the kitchens, cooking up a feast, then help to polish the silver fit for Royalty, and be free to explore the traditionally dressed rooms in the house.
arts & crafts christmas fair 2016
Located at Freshwater Bay this beautiful and unique fair offers fantastic arts and crafts from island makers. Including jewellery, photography, crafts and fine art, with many a festive tipple to be had and plenty of tasty treats on offer too, as well as a chance to win a luxury hamper!
make it christmas workshop 2016
When: 26th Nov
The Make It Christmas Workshop was a very successful event last year, and is being run again for those that love a crafty Christmas! The idea behind this workshop is instead of buying Christmas decorations and gifts, you can make your own, the workshop gives you the tools to create wreaths, sailing charts, driftwood Christmas trees and so much more! A wonderful chance to create a thoughtful, unique and loving gift for that special someone.
The Isle of Wight goes all out for Christmas Markets and events, with something for everyone and all ages!