Christmas on the Isle of Wight

About Christmas on the Isle of Wight

By the ULTIMATE Brighton Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

The Isle of Wight keeps a gentle, old-fashioned Christmas: steam trains with Father Christmas on board, a bus decked in tinsel touring the lights of the island’s towns, Christmas markets and fairs, Queen Victoria’s Osborne in its winter setting, and brave souls in the sea on Boxing Day.

A short ferry ride from Portsmouth, Southampton or Lymington, the island feels a world away in winter: quiet roads, empty beaches and towns lit for Christmas.

Steam and a lights bus

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway runs Santa Specials through December, through the winter countryside around Havenstreet, and Southern Vectis runs a Christmas lights bus tour, the bus hung with tinsel and lights, with festive music and Santa behind the wheel. Both sell out: book through their own sites.

Cross for a weekend in December and ride the Santa Special.

Osborne in winter

Osborne, Queen Victoria’s seaside home at East Cowes, is cared for by English Heritage, which in recent years has held festive family days and Christmas afternoon teas through December. Check english-heritage.org.uk for this year’s dates.

Markets and fairs

Christmas markets, fairs, concerts and wreath-making workshops take place across the island through December. Visit Isle of Wight gathers them on its Christmas page.

Boxing Day and New Year

Boxing Day swims are an island tradition, run by local clubs and charities at several beaches, and there are New Year’s Day dips too. The organisers publish the times in December; only swim at an organised event, with safety cover.

Our advice: book your ferry early for the Christmas weekends, and bring boots for a winter walk on the downs or out to the Needles.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Christmas on the Isle of Wight before you go.