The festive season is upon us once more and here at thebestof Guernsey we have been compiling a wide range of local events for our What's On guide to keep you informed.
So, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, allow us to steer you through the wide range of fun local events over the festive season in this blog, with links to our events section in case some of these events catch your eye.
Throughout The Season
Get your skates on this December and hit the ice rink at Le Friquet Garden & Leisure Store for Ice Skate Guernsey.
Why not treat yourself to a Festive Afternoon Tea at Guernsey's only five star hotel, The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, or alternatively visit her sister hotel, the Duke of Richmond, for a similar treat. La Grande Mare Hotel also has festive menus in effect for the whole of December.
The Duke of Richmond Hotel also has a very special festive fayre feast menu that will be running in the Leopard Bar and Restaurant for the whole of December, while the OGH have transformed their Terrace into a unique Alpine Lodge for the festive season until 5th January 2019.
The Kiln are offering a variety of options from Christmas canapés available for parties of over 40 guests, or their Christmas Dinner menu which is a list of dishes from which to create your own personalised Christmas menu!
Pantomimes & Shows
Why not book tickets for a night of Christmas music on 3rd December 2018 at St James, being entertained by the Guernsey Choral & Orchestral Society Children's choir and orchestra?
Children of all ages are sure to enjoy the St Stephen's Players pantomime this year on the 8th & 15th December 2018, which is Cinderella, at St Stephen's Community Centre.
Tin Whistle Productions tells the magical tale of The Chronicles of Sarnia at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts from 7th December to 22nd December.
GADOC tell the adventures of Dick Whittington at Beau Sejour from 26th December 2018 to 5th January 2019.
Bringing you the classic tale of Robin Hood with an unusual twist is Music Box on 8th & 9th December with Robin Hood & His Merry Christmas.
Before Christmas
Watch Santa and his helpers arrive in Guernsey for the Switch On Parade in town on Saturday 1st December. With a new finishing location of Market Square it's set to be a magical afternoon.
For the first time, there is an Accessible Christmas Lights and Shopping evening on Monday 3rd December designed to encourage as many people into town as possible.
If it's shopping with a view you are after, take advantage of the £1 boat fare Herm Christmas Shopping Trips on each Saturday and Sunday this December.
Take a tour of St Peter Port's illuminations on Le Petit Train Christmas Trips. Great for adults and kids who love twinkly lights and Christmas.
If you need to lose some weight before Christmas to make room for all the festive food, or you just want to help a good cause, then the Santa Fun Run for Aid Reaching Children takes place on 16th December.
The National Trust Guernsey Christmas Shop is open until 20th December 2017 featuring Victorian confectionery and traditional children's toys and games.
If it's a traditional Christmas you and your family enjoy then take a visit to the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden on Saturday 8th December for their Victorian Christmas event where you will enjoy a market, musical entertainment, refreshments and children's activities.
Santa is in his Grotto at Le Friquet Garden Centre from 2nd-24th December on various dates and times, so book a visit on their website so that your kids can tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
Afternoon Tea with Santa at Le Friquet Garden Centre is a great opportunity to meet the big man during December in the Terrazzo restaurant.
Late night Christmas shopping in Town will take place on Thursday 6th, 13th and 20th December, with street entertainment and many shops opening late into the evening giving the main streets of St Peter Port a very special feel that you cannot experience year round. Not to be left out The Bridge has their late night shopping on Tuesday 4th, 11th and 18th December, so hurry on down St Sampson for those last minute bargains.
Support local sellers at the various Christmas Markets taking place throughout December.
If you are feeling crafty this Christmas and want to make your own table centrepiece to add your own personal festive touch, why not book on the Iris & Dora workshop.
Until 30th December 2018 take advantage of the Festive Experience at the Duke of Richmond Hotel with a relaxing stay to recharge your batteries ready for the big day.
Christmas Eve & Day
Why not treat the family to a special Christmas Day Lunch at The Duke of Richmond? Alternatively the OGH are also serving up a Christmas Eve & Christmas Day menu with all the trimmings. La Grande Mare also have both Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Day Lunch menus.
Visitors to the island, and locals too, can take advantage of special festive package offers at both prestigious hotels if they would like to spend a relaxing Christmas in the island being served and cooked for in the lap of luxury (link for Duke of Richmond Hotel, link for Old Government House Hotel & Spa).
if you are feeling brave and want to start your Christmas Day off with a refreshing dip, why not take part in the Polar Bear Swim at La Vallette Bathing Pools.
Boxing Day
2018 will see the 19th annual Boxing Day Dip in aid of Guernsey Cheshire Home, so if you are feeling brave and want to take part in what is now a festive tradition for the island you are very welcome to attend. Just take note that this year's dress code theme is Fireman Sam, so dress accordingly, or at least wear something red!
Or, if you don't fancy getting wet and want to take it easy, then relax after Christmas and let the expert chefs at La Grande Mare cook up your Boxing Day lunch. The chefs at the Duke of Richmond Hotel will also conjure up a delectable Boxing Day roast dinner, again matched by an equally delicious menu being offered that day at the OGH.
New Year's Eve & Day
The Doghouse, Guernsey's home of live music, is seeing in 2019 with great pub food and an Oasis tribute band Oasis Maybe providing live entertainment, so rock your way into 2019 and remember to book in advance if you want to partake in the meal, although drinking-only tickets will be sold on the door on the night.
Alternatively see in 2019 with a night of live entertainment and a fantastic meal in the opulence of the Regency Room at the OGH and stay overnight, or enjoy a great night of food at the Duke of Richmond. Why not stay overnight after your New Year's Eve dinner for two and enjoy a lie in before their New Year's Day lunch.
La Grande Mare are holding their usual fabulous gala dinner for New Year's Eve, a five course feast fit for royalty, then follow it up the next day with a special New Year's Day lunch.
See our full listing of Christmas events HERE.
Offers
Check out our Christmas and New Year offers and save yourself some money with our business members this festive season.
Here at thebestof Guernsey we wish you all the very best wishes for the season and a happy new year.
