Victorian Christmas, Osborne House – On Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December Osborne House recreates Victorian times with a festive celebration. With music, roasting chestnuts, traditional games, jesters and a carousel, you can step back in time and enjoy entertainment, food stalls and carol singing. Stay until after dark and watch Father Christmas switch on the festive lights, the perfect start to Christmas.

Polar, Robin Hill – Book your tickets for an enchanting Christmas journey with a winter woodland walk through sparkling forests and a ride on the Big Red Express driven by Santa. Explore the festive Polar village with stalls selling mulled wine, warming hot chocolate and homemade food. The event takes place in the evening on four weekends during December and ends with a grand finale Polar show taking place in the amphitheatre.

Santa Specials, Isle of Wight Steam Railway on selected dates December – All aboard a festive trip for all the family. Head for the station at Havenstreet and enjoy the seasonal Christmas market and entertainment. Father Christmas will be waiting in his winter wonderland with a gift for every child. Then hop on board and delight in the winter landscape views during the ten mile round trip. Tickets are available online subject to availability throughout December.

Brighstone Xmas Tree Festival – Calling all Christmas fans, this festival has over 200 Christmas trees in seven venues all around Brighstone and Mottistone throughout December. Starting from the 5th December there follows various events including carol singing, hand bell ringing, craft fairs, Winter Wonderland Snow Grotto and concerts. Take a look at their website for a full list of event dates and venues.

Guided Walk, Squirrels and Mince Pies - Our friends at the National Trust have organised this guided walk on Friday 20th December though the magical Borthwood Copse from 10am – 12noon. Keep really still and you might even see an elusive red squirrel amongst the wintery tree branches. Wear suitable gear as it will be muddy and enjoy exploring this lovely woodland. Afterwards there’ll be mince pies and a warm drink provided. Booking is essential, the event is free with donations gratefully received to continue to protect red squirrels in Borthwood.

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop – Taking place at Moocow (great name) in Cowes in the evenings of Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th December, enjoy making your own Christmas wreath for your front door. The price of £35 includes a welcome drink and bowl of chilli. All materials are provided and booking essential.

We have lots of lovely self-catering holiday cottages available at Christmas so take a look and start planning your winter escape.