From Santa specials on the steam railway to traditional pantomime productions, the Isle of Wight is certainly the place to be this December.
Here are 5 traditional Christmas events on the Island you won’t want to miss, with each guaranteed to bring some festive cheer and a spring in your step.
• Christmas Tree Festival, Brighstone
Fun for all the family, come and see over 200 beautifully decorated Christmas trees. So far, this charitable event has raised over £120,000 for local and national charities.
Although the main event is now over, 3 venues still have Christmas Trees on display – St Mary’s Church, Isle of Wight Pearl and The Methodist Church. Each venue is open between 10:00-17:00 until 31st December.
You can find out more information at https://www.fivechurches.org.uk/?page_id=6227.
• Shanklin Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty Production
From 22nd December 2018 until 2nd January 2019, Spotlight (IOW) Ltd will be putting on their fantastic, traditional Christmas pantomime twist on the magical story of Sleeping Beauty.
Their cast of 30 professional singers, dancers and actors will no doubt keep your family entertained with lots of laughs and lots of “Oh no it isn’t! and “It’s behind you!” to join in with.
Complete with a live band, lavish musical numbers, stunning costumes and an plenty of slapstick humour, this festive show promises fun for all ages.
Ticket prices: Adult £18 / Child £14. Click here to book now.
• Steam Railway Santa Special
One again, Santa is making an appearance at Havenstreet’s Steam Railway, and he promises a fun, festive atmosphere for you and your family.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a multi-award-winning railway with some of the most powerful, majestic engines around, with beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages.
Start the day by watching the elves bringing the Christmas presents on the North Pole Shuttle. Then, take a stroll through the seasonal festivities at Santa’s winter wonderland spectacular, complete with an undercover Christmas market and fairground rides. You’ll then arrive at his magical grotto, where every child will receive their own special gift.
And finally, wind down by taking a trip on the cosy heated steam train, where adults can enjoy a festive tipple and a mice pie, plus light refreshments for the kids.
Dates: 9th 15th, 16th, 21st -24th December.
Ticket prices: Adult £17 / Child £13 / Infants (under 5) £11 – except babes in arms. You can book your tickets online at www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk.
• Christmas Fossil Walk
The Dinosaur Isle Christmas Fossil Walk has become a popular tradition with locals and tourists. Located in Sandown, this yearly activity is great for families staying in the Isle of Wight during the school holidays.
Dinosaur Isle Museum displays over 1,000 of some of the UK’s finest fossil finds. Visitors can take a walk through time looking at the Ice Age and right back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Your journey will start at Dinosaur Isle Museum. From here, a guide will take you on a walk to search for fossils from the time of the dinosaurs and explore the eroding coastline. Children are encouraged to bring a small plastic bucket to collect their fossils.
This activity runs only on 29th December from 10:00-12:00 and is subject to weather conditions. Ticket prices are Adult – £5 / Children (3 to 15) – £4 / Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) – £16.50 / Family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children) – £19.50 / Concession (pensioner/student) – £4.
• Breakfast with Santa at Isle of Wight Zoo
On 2 very special weekends this December, Santa will be paying a visit to the Isle of Wight Zoo to have a festive breakfast with children and their families.
Families can then join one of Santa’s elves on a special tour around the zoo. You’ll meet several furry friends, get creative at the Christmas crafts activities and learn more about your favourite species at the festive animal enrichment sessions.
This very limited event runs from 15th-16th and 22nd-23rd December. Tickets cost £17 per child and £12 per adult, which includes entry to the zoo. Pre-booking is essential as spaces are limited. Once you’ve booked, you’ll be contacted to arrange a sitting (either 09:00 or 09:30).
You can book tickets here – https://isleofwightzoo.com/shop/products/breakfast-with-santa.
Why not look into staying locally at isle of wight holiday parks so you don’t miss anything?
