Looking for a winter escape? The Islands of Guernsey have plenty to offer this season, from crisp hikes and cool dips, to food festivals and festive celebrations!
Here are a few ideas to help you plan the perfect seasonal itinerary.
Shopping, Skating and Sea Views
Whether you want to find unique gifts at our independent shops and Christmas Markets, attend a Christmas concert or enjoy a festive cocktail, there is something for everyone across our Islands to enjoy this December.
With local shops, late-night shopping events and Christmas markets, there is plenty to browse on Island. In St Peter Port, you will find boutique gift shops, jewellers, book stores, clothing and accessories and more. On Thursday evenings throughout December, stores extend their opening hours and pop-up stalls appear in Market Square for evening shopping events. Peruse the selection and then enjoy a cocktail overlooking the twinkling harbour.
Throughout November and December, various festive concerts and shows will be taking place. Enjoy live Royal Ballet screenings of Cinderella and The Nutcracker, as well as Big Band Christmas concerts, Chamber Choirs, Orchestral performances and more to get into the spirit of the season!
If you’re visiting with little ones, a trip to Le Friquet Garden Centre is a must. Complete with an ice rink and Santa’s Grotto, enjoy an afternoon of skating and gift shopping, a trip to the cafe, and a private meet-and-greet with Santa himself. Wrap up your outing in the Present Room, where each child will receive an early Christmas gift!
Winter Feasts
From 1st October - 30th November, the annual Tennerfest takes place on our Islands. Hotels, restaurants, bistros, gastro pubs and cafes provide fixed price, low-cost menus, showcasing the best of their creations and local produce available. Whilst Guernsey’s traditional cuisine has an Anglo-French flavour, Chinese, Indian, Italian and other eateries also join the Tennerfest, offering their own specialities. Menus are fixed from 3 courses for £10 per head to £15, £20, £25 and over £30.
The Alpine Lodge also returns to the Old Government House this season, where the hotel terrace is transformed into a stylish and cosy après-ski lodge, complete with snowy scenery, a roaring fire and an array of warming cocktails. Mulled wine, hot spiced cider, flavoured vodkas and more await, as well as platters of canapés. If you’re visiting with children, you won't want to miss Family Sundays, with festive activities and a chance to meet Santa Claus.
The highly anticipated Domes at The Duke of Richmond also return this November, with scenic views of Candie Gardens and the sea beyond. Each Dome offers an intimate setting for festive celebrations with friends and family. With new interiors for the 2025 season, enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival, followed by lunch, dinner or afternoon tea in your private Christmas lounge. Three Domes are available for booking; two can accommodate up to 6 guests, while the third can comfortably seat eight.
Outdoor Explorations
Throughout the winter months, wild swimming remains a key staple on our Islands. Linked to lower stress, boosted dopamine levels and a stronger immune system, an Island holiday is the perfect time to take advantage of the open water on your doorstep. Make sure to prepare with warm layers, flasks of hot tea or hot chocolate, and check the tides beforehand. You can even rent a wetsuit for extra protection against the cold.
Various wild swimming events also take place throughout December, including the Polar Bear Swim, the Boxing Day Dip and the 12 Bays of Christmas.
Follow your swim with a trip to one of our saunas. Sauna bathing allows for detoxification, improved cardiovascular health, stress reduction and more. The Rock Box Sauna combines stunning west coast views with a Finnish-style experience. Housed in a converted vintage horsebox and heated by a traditional wood-fired stove, this is the perfect space to unwind with sea views. On the east coast, Hot Haus Sauna boasts views over Havelet Bay across to Herm and Sark. A traditional Nordic sauna, make sure to book in advance so you don’t miss out. Hot Haus is located next to the Bathing Pools, so you can go straight from your dip to the warmth!
Another great way to explore our Islands in the winter is to embark on a cliff path hike. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or more of a challenge, our five Islands all offer scenic trails for you to venture. Whilst you’re out, you could even try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.
Indoor Activities
If you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Head to Rebecca’s Chocolates to browse the handmade chocolate selection and have a go at making your own chocolates. At Guernsey Candles, you can make your own unique Christmas candle, or visit Iris and Dora for pottery throwing and painting.
Dive into our history by visiting some of our museums. Open throughout the rest of 2025, the Museum at Candie, the German Occupation Museum and the Guernsey Folk + Costume Museum are great options to add to your itinerary.
This season, MTG Escapes is hosting a family-friendly, festive escape room. This year's room is the Elf Academy Escape Room. As an elf-in-training, you will need to solve puzzles, crack codes, and embrace the spirit of Christmas to succeed! Up to 6 players at a time can be accommodated, but smaller teams of up to 4 adults are recommended for your enjoyment and comfort.
Although the weather may be blustery, sports remain front and centre. Enjoy a whole range of indoor sports, including tennis, padel, badminton, climbing, and bowls. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon relaxing at one of the on Island spas.
You could even enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring one of our country pubs, the perfect escape from the cold! With traditional pub food and locally brewed drinks, they are complete with roaring fires, warming interiors and friendly locals.
A Self-Catered Christmas: Festive Freedom
Experience the joy of a Guernsey getaway that feels just like home. Wake up to sea views, a leisurely breakfast in your own kitchen and the freedom to celebrate the holidays at your own pace.
Whether you’re planning a cosy couple’s retreat, a family trip, or a solo escape, Guernsey’s self-catered cottages, apartments and coastal hideaways offer the space and comfort to make Christmas on Island your own. Enjoy a festive feast with all your favourite foods, pour a glass of wine and discover the winter charm of Island living. With tranquil beaches and cobbled streets adorned with Christmas lights, you can even bring your four-legged friends! No schedules, no set menus, and no rush.
Adair Bungalows are cosy self-catering properties situated opposite Vazon Bay on the west coast of Guernsey, each with their own secure gardens. With fully equipped modern kitchens for Christmas cooking, they are ideal for a winter break. At Pembroke Bay, you will find The Bay. These four-star luxury apartments offer sea views and are complete with tennis and swimming facilities. There is even a beauty salon on-site and a nearby golf course.
For more of a country feel, try La Villette Farm Cottage or The Lodge at Bonne Vie. La Villette Farm Cottage provides spacious living areas and en-suite bedrooms. With a sun terrace overlooking the wildlife garden and pond, you are near the south cliffs, as well as several country pubs and bays. At The Lodge, you will find plenty of cycle lanes and even a private hot tub. A perfect choice for families or pet travel, you can request travel cots, highchairs and child crockery, as well as pet beds, blankets and bowls.
Explore more of our self-catered stays here, and discover where to shop for local produce and how to get around the Island.
December Deals
Take advantage of several festive deals this winter.
Enjoy a 4 night stay at Les Rocquettes Hotel between 23rd - 27th December, from £560pp. Including a 4 course wine-pairing dinner, after-dinner entertainment, a guided walk, Christmas lunch, a trip to Herm and a Gin Afternoon Tea!
Book a 3 night stay at La Barbarie between 24th - 26th December, from £313.50pp. Featuring a full English breakfast and buffet, dinner each evening in the award-winning restaurant, and traditional Christmas lunch.
Spend 4 nights at Le Friquet Hotel between 23rd - 30th December, from £479pp. With a full buffet and English breakfast, dinner each night, a Christmas Eve party with mulled wine and mince pies, Christmas lunch, a Boxing Day seafood buffet and chilled champagne on arrival.
Search more Christmas and New Years deals here.
