Have a Dazzling December

The weather outside is never frightful here on the sunny Isle of Wight and there are always delightful things to do to make your winter a special one. There’s loads to do for kids and adults alike and if we’re talking Christmas, then read on…

Winter Adventures for Kids

Whether it’s trains, polar bears or searching for Santa, there are lots of great winter experiences on the Isle of Wight to make memories for you and your family.

All aboard the Santa Special at the Island Steam Railway! There’ll be Christmas music, a Christmas market and entertainment as well as a trip through the Island’s winter landscape on a steam locomotive and you’ll receive a present from Santa himself.

Walk through twinkly woods and go on an enchanting winter journey at Polar at Robin Hill. See the dazzling amphitheatre show which follows the tale of one boy’s Christmas come true – with dance and stunning acrobatics. You can also win a VIP family package by finding Pippa the polar bear.

A brand- new winter experience begins at Tapnell Farm Park with Tapland when children will receive a personalised letter from Santa inviting them along to visit him Sant’s fully trained elves will help children with stories, interactive puzzles and treats to enjoy and at the end of the adventure you’ll meet the man himself.

Get Your Party On!

Fancy some eating, drinking and being merry?

It’s party time at The Fishbourne Inn with great offers on two for one off the Christmas party menu, the community Christmas choir and raffle to boost your festive spirits. You can also end the year with a bang at the NYE party. Over at The Boathouse, you can also enjoy the two for one offer.

Enjoy a Christmas carvery on the 21^st at the Island Steam Railway. Begin with a glass of mulled wine, have a relaxing trip on the Festive Flyer and return for a three - course supper with carols.

Have a Mystery and Intrigue weekend break at Luccombe Hall and explore the myths, legends and frightful tales associated with the local history of Shanklin. On Saturday there’s a 3-course evening dinner involving murder and mystery presented by Caught Redhanded Productions where you can put your sleuthing skills to the test.

Puppetry and a Christmas quiz? Join puppet hosts at Ventnor Exchange and test your general knowledge and be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes in a surreal night of comedy and madness.

Have a Christmas celebration at The Grange and feel renewed with mindful walking by the sea accompanied by yoga along the way. Enjoy cosy wood fires with sensuous sound baths and gentle meditation.

Get a group of mates together and indulge in some Christmas cheese at the Age UK Isle of Wight Christmas Film Festival. This year it’s exclusive screenings of The Holiday, The Santa Claus and Elf and 100% of all proceeds stay on the lsland supporting the No One should Have No One Campaign. Or if you’re hankering for the race track, book your Christmas Karting Experience – great for a team outing. With bespoke catering and drink options available it’s your excuse to channel your inner Lewis Hamilton…

Making and Doing

There’s nothing nicer than a home- made Christmas decoration…

Practise your floristry skills at the George Hotel with a wreath making session. Dianne Wheeler from Bonne Fleur Florist will host this fun and informative morning and there’ll be a light two course festive lunch following the workshop. Or try Moocow for festive wreath making with a welcome drink, bowl of chilli and materials all included in the ticket price.

If you like to see how other decorate their trees then the Brighstone Spectacular Christmas Tree Festival is a must. With over two hundred and fifty theme decorated trees in eight venues plus children’s trees, carols, craft fairs, a mini market and a Winter Wonderland and Snowflake Disco – there really is something for everyone. There will also be some fantastic concerts taking place in St Mary’s Church Brighstone against the backdrop of the beautiful trees.

You could also pit your baking wits against the local Paul Hollywood hopefuls at The Great Boathouse Christmas Bake Off. Bring your yule logs, mince pies, Christmas puddings and Christmas cakes and let’s get baking!

New Year Wellbeing

Once the festive season is behind us, all thoughts turn to things more dietary and wellbeing. Here are a few ideas…

The Magnify Your Radiance Retreat weaves love languages into your life and desires for the year ahead through yoga, meditation, celestial communications, Qoya, dance, ceremony, soulful intention setting, nature, relaxation, massage, community and space to guide you to communicate with your divine life purpose and soul mission.

See in the New Year in a different way with a yoga retreat in Godshill in a positive, proactive way. Stay in five- star accommodation with wholesome food and instruction from Emma Spencer-Goodier.

Enjoy a bracing guided walk on Tennyson and West High Down spotting winter birds and looking at this fascinating landscape formed over millions of years. Lunch at the Old Battery tea rooms will set you up before the return journey.

Of course, there are lots of walks, cycles and adventures that you can have just by stepping out of your door during December. The beaches are full of blustery stomps and kids will still love to get out and about to get some all- important fresh air and vitamin sea.

Getting Here

Whatever you decide to do and however you’re travelling, it couldn’t be easier to get to the Isle of Wight via Lymington, Southampton, Southsea or Portsmouth. There are regular rail connections to the south coast via SWR.

Travelling as a foot passenger is simple due to our excellent transport links with trains, buses, foot passenger ferries and our hovercraft service.