As the hustle and bustle of the summer end, the Isle of Wight does not close its doors. It transforms into a winter Wight wonderland with lots of festive activities and sights. For a relaxing Christmas getaway, why not head to the Isle of Wight? For a winter Wight wonderland Christmas, don’t forget to pack your favorite knitwear and festive jumpers.
There are many things to do and see in the area. The Isle of Wight offers a wide range of activities during December. Check out the list at the bottom to see a selection of amazing events happening this year.
For those last-minute Christmas gifts, you can explore the villages and towns of the Isle of Wight, where you will find a variety of shops selling products and gifts made there. It is known for its excellent local produce, making it the ideal Christmas gift hamper.
Enjoy the Cold
The stunning scenery of the Isle of Wight is one of its most striking features. You can explore all types of countryside here – grassy hills, fields, chalk cliffs, pebbly coves, and vast sandy beaches. In addition, the Isle of Wight is a master at preserving cool, crisp winters in rural areas.
Take a walk along the coastal footpaths and don a warm jacket. You will see the best of the Isle of Wight. You can top it all off with a delicious meal at one of our fantastic pubs or restaurants right next to a cozy log fire.
Walking On The Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is an island paradise for walkers. We are one of the UK’s most picturesque places to enjoy the outdoors. Every year, thousands of walkers visit the Island to explore our 68-mile long coast path and our network of footpaths.
Walking enthusiasts won’t be able to miss the Needles chalk stack. It is one of the most photographed and famous landmarks on the Isle of Wight. These jagged, tall rocks are located at the western tip of the Island. They can be seen rising from the rolling hills of Tennyson Downs along the southwest coast. Ramblers who are looking for a challenge will love the Freshwater Bay to Needles circular hike.
Our Island has more than half of its area designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This beautiful scenery offers breathtaking views everywhere you look. The island’s southern beaches provide a wonderful place to relax and a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric reality of dinosaur life was on the island.
The Isle of Wight offers a variety of walks, whether you are looking for a quick stroll or a more challenging walk. Every year, the Island hosts its famous Walking Festival. Here you tempt with a wide range of guided walks, from scenic hikes to historic trails.
The Coastal Path
You can split the Isle of Wight Coastal Path into six sections, and it will take you around the entire circumference of the Island. You will pass busy ports in sailing towns, sandy beaches on award-winning beaches, and wildlife havens in serene nature reserves.
Walk To The Needles
The Isle of Wight is rich in culture, history, music, and the arts. It includes Queen Victoria’s holiday home, evidence of dinosaur life, and even Queen Victoria’s holiday home. So there’s something for everyone, whether you like to go back in time, learn about fossils, or admire literary heroes.
Walking Tours For Families On The Isle of Wight
You will find plenty of places on the Isle of Wight for your children to enjoy walking in a safe, fun environment. You can choose to walk along the shore or through the woods.
Traveling To and Around The Isle Of Wight On Foot
It’s easy to reach the Isle of Wight as a foot passenger. Once you get there, you’ll be able to move around easily. Red Funnel and Wightlink offer high-speed foot services, and Hovertravel has excellent bus connections to Island terminals. You can also travel to Ryde by train from the Pier Head if you are traveling there.
New Year Celebrations & Events
You can extend your Christmas Wight wonderland vacation into the New Year by staying on the Isle of Wight. Many amazing New Year’s events and celebrations on the Isle of Wight are well worth spending a few extra nights.
Where to Stay
There are many options for accommodation on the Island. From luxury hotels to holiday cottages right by the ocean, there is something for everyone. Check out our accommodation page to see all the options. For more information about how to get there, visit our travel page. We are just three and a quarter hours from London (door-to-door), making us the ideal destination for winter escapes.
Christmas Offers Galore!
It’s a unique experience to take a Christmas vacation to the Isle of Wight. There are fantastic offers that will make your Christmas celebration even more memorable.
1. Santa Specials on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Santa will be making Havenstreet his Christmas home this year and is looking forward to seeing you.
Havenstreet station is always filled with festive music and entertainment. Santa will bring a special gift for you if you are good! So relax in your steam-heated cabin as one of our steam locomotives takes you on a 10-mile round trip through Island’s winter landscape.
Santa at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway has a gift shop full of Christmas gifts, so a visit to Santa is a great way to start your Christmas with your family!
Santa Specials A Fantastic, Surprisingly and Captivating Day Out For All The Family… With all included in your tickets!
* Santa’s Grotto: A magical, private visit with Santa for you and your family. Santa will ride in one of our Victorian carriages.
* Santa Claus will give every child a high-quality gift.
* A festive warming glass of mulled grape wine and mince pie for all adults, as well as light refreshments for children.
* Take a ride on the steam train, which is cozily heated.
* Visit the Train Story Discovery Centre.
Guide Prices
Please visit the Isle of Wight Steam Railway website for more information – https://iwsteamrailway.co.uk/events/.
Winter Market – Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Winter Market will take place on the 21st and 5th of November 2021.
You will find many stalls selling gifts and items. There are many Christmas-themed items available at the event. Parking and entry are free, but donations are gratefully received.
2. Christmas Mezze Evenings at The Garlic Farm
Enjoy a Christmas dinner with your family, friends, or colleagues at our cozy restaurant. Beautiful Christmas food and drink, log fires. Easy parking on site.
3rd, 4th, and 10th Decembers, starting at 6.30 pm
Along with the Christmas Cocktails, Desserts, and our famous Christmas Mezze Sharing Plates, they also serve Christmas Cocktails.
Book essentials through their online booking system.
www.dishcult.com/restaurant/thegarlicfarmrestaurant
Carols on the Square
Yarmouth Square: Community Choir sings carols. We look forward to seeing you all in 2021.
With the uncertainty due to Covid, please follow us on Facebook for up-to-date announcements and diary changes @YarmouthCarnivalCommittee. The event is free.
3. POLAR at Robin Hill
Robin Hill is offering POLAR returns for Christmas. The winter woodland experience is a Christmas wonderland.
Take a walk through the immersive, illuminated forest and enjoy the stunning views. You must visit Pippa and Pop the polar bears when you enter the POLAR Hollow. This interactive, immersive walkthrough will give you a unique experience that brings toys to life.
This year, the popular Decoration Workshops will be back. Participate in the Treetop Snowball Fight at Jungle Heights, and then hop on the Big Red Express to experience a sparkling tractor ride. Of course, you can also enjoy your favorite Robin Hill rides. Live carols, delicious festive food, and drink are all available.
Tickets are available soon, check the website https://robin-hill.com/polar/ for more information.
4. Yarmouth on Ice
Yarmouth presents ice skating on the Square for the first time. It is a magical, unique Christmas experience unlike any other. Yarmouth on Ice is a new venture by Harwoods and Yarmouth businesses.
Local businesses felt the need to give back after a difficult Christmas 2020 and two years of uncertainty. All profits will go to local island charities.
We hope Yarmouth on Ice continues to be a popular destination on the Island in the years ahead. For a traditional holiday experience, head to Yarmouth, a charming harbourside town.
All-weather ice skating on the Square in all weather with skate rental included in the booking price
- Push along penguins for the not-so-sure
- Synthetic ice rinks using the latest technology
- For a magical experience, music, lights, and snow
- Late night shopping in Yarmouth’s independent shops on 18th and 22nd December will uncover hidden treasures.
- You can enjoy seasonal food and drinks at local pubs, restaurants, and cafes.
- Christmas decorations and lights throughout the town
- Mother and Father Christmas at Yarmouth Town Hall in their secret hideaway with special mementos for each little visitor.
- Carols in the Square will be held with the Salvation Army Saturday, 18 December at 6 pm.
Prices are listed on their website: http://yarmouthonice.com/.
5. Christmas Adventure Quest at Osborne
You and your family can join the festively fun adventure quest that will allow you to discover fun facts along the trail and revel in festive folklore. You will find clues all over Osborne.
Buy tickets online today. The standard admission price includes admission to the event (see below). Your ticket is free if you are a member. Although you don’t have to book in advance, you can always guarantee entry and a lower price.
Prices
| TYPE | PRICE |
| English Heritage members | Free |
| Adult | £20.90 |
| Child, 5-17 years | £12.60 |
| Concession | £18.90 |
| Family (2 Adults) | £54.40 |
| Family (1 Adult) | £33.50 |
New Year Retreat
Godshill Park Farm on the Island is a true retreat. There are rolling hills, alpacas in the fields, roaring fireplaces, and warm hospitality. This five-star accommodation offers the added bonus of a yoga studio in the barn and the possibility of an experience in a shepherd’s cottage.
Godshill Park Farm is a beautiful property that is used as a retreat. It has five-star rooms and ensuites. You can use the small sitting areas and paneled drawing rooms in the country house for reading or relaxing.
You can request local food whenever possible. They prepare healthy, nutritious, plant-based meals that provide balanced nutrition. They can accommodate food intolerances. Each afternoon, there is usually cake and healthy snacks.
Participants will deepen their practice of yoga, pranayama (breathwork), and meditation through the programs. These immersions are for people who are interested in deepening their yoga practice. Emma is a certified yoga instructor with a background in Sivananda and Iyengar yoga. Her style is fluid, precise, and relaxing, and her teaching is rich in yoga philosophy, poetry, and mythology.
We love to share the beautiful footpaths and peaceful corners of the Isle of Wight with yogis who enjoy windy runs or blustery walks.
How to Get Here
It doesn’t matter what you do or how you travel, and it’s easy to reach the Isle of Wight via Lymington (Southsea, Southsea, Portsmouth) and other locations. In addition, SWR has regular rail connections to the South Coast.
Because of our excellent transport links, including buses, trains, and hovercraft, can be made easy traveling as a foot passenger.