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Isle of Wight christmas events

  • places to visit
November 10, 2018

The island is always buzzing with events all year round and Christmas is no different, there are various Christmas markets to explore all over the island…

With two beautiful locations in the Isle of Wight you will have no excuse not to head to the picturesque island for a spot of festive shopping and Christmas markets this year. Woodside Coastal Retreat offers breathtaking views of the Solent from it’s luxurious lodge accommodation, while Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat offers beautiful lodge style accommodation and quirky treehouse accommodation, which is only a few minutes walk from the shingle beach. Both destinations have unlimited access to the facilities available at Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat.

The Isle of Wight is packed with events all year round, there is always something fun to explore and discover, so with a whole host of Christmas markets available across the island, we’ve picked our favourite events so you don’t miss out. Read below for our top picks…


christmas market

Where: Woodside Bay, PO33 4JT / When: 12th Dec / Times: 3pm -7pm

Our very own Woodside Bay will be hosting a fabulous festive event themselves, with stalls filled with goodies from local makers and craftspeople where you can find that perfect handmade gift you wouldn’t find on the high street, as well as some delicious festive food on offer. Our fully stocked bar will be sure to have your favourite tipple to enjoy while enjoying the Christmas atmosphere, as well as a range of Costa Coffee drinks, so you can curl up on our comfy seating with a hot chocolate if you wanted to. Father Christmas will be making an appearance, so little ones can get in their last Christmas wishlist item to the big man himself, and the fantastic FUSION party band will entertain all ages with some live music from 5pm onwards. Why not make a night of it and book a table at our on park Bistro Restaurant, which serves family favourites for all ages to enjoy.


christmas indoor market

Where: Ventnor Winter Gardens, PO38 1SZ / When: 24th & 25th Nov / Times: 11am – 7pm / Prices: Free to Enter

Explore the beautiful Ventnor Winter Gardens and get into the festive spirit early this year with the fabulous Christmas Indoor Market event. The many craft stalls available to stroll around means you will be sure to find the ideal gift you’ve been searching for, with beautiful handcrafted items including gifts, jewellery, woodwork, handmade cosmetics and soaps, there will be something for everyone. The children will love the bouncy globe and the carol singers are sure to put even the biggest Scrooge in the festive spirit early this year.


victorian christmas fair

Where: Osborne House / When: 1st – 2nd Dec / Times: 12(noon) – 8pm / Prices: Adult £15.40, Child £9.90 / Booking Recommended 0370 333 1183

It’s only fitting for a wonderful Victorian Christmas Fair to be held at Queen Victoria’s summer home. Osborne House is surrounded by spectacular scenery, with the 2 day fair adding that festive cheer to the surroundings. There will be traditional sideshow games to enjoy, as well as a beautiful Victorian Carousel and Victorian music played throughout too. Stroll around the house and meet the Toy Maker, then head outside to watch the magnificent birds of prey take flight at the Falconry Display. Don’t forget to meet Father Christmas, and even Queen Victoria herself, as you tour the festive rooms in the house. Wander around the courtyard, ride the swing boards and see the entertainers and stalls, a truly festive day out for all the family!


i love wight christmas market

Where: The Garlic Farm, PO36 0NR / When: 24th & 25th Nov / Times: 9am – 5pm

Now in its 5th year, the I Love Wight Christmas Market is a popular event for residents and holiday visitors alike. Visit The Garlic Farm for a range of stalls offerings artisan products, including beautiful wood crafts, handmade leather goods, beautiful bespoke jewellery and stunning Christmas decorations, there really will be something for everyone at the markets. There will be local musicians delighting the crowds, as well as the onsite cafe offering fresh mince pies and warming mulled wine to get you in the festive mood.


Godshill christmas market

Where: Godshill Village, PO38 3HJ / When: 8th Dec / Times: 11am – 4pm

Visit the picturesque village of Godshill for some charming Christmas cheer at various locations around the village, there will be lots of mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy as you wander the variety of crafts stalls available that will be selling beautiful, handmade gifts and goods from talented local makers. This family event caters to all ages, with a wonderful children’s craft station, children’s treasure hunt, an array of vintage amusements and the traditional Santa’s Grotto to delight children of all ages.


Cowes christmas fair

Where: Yacht Haven, PO31 7BD / When: 17th & 18th Nove / Times: 10:30am – 4:30pm

There will be over 60 stalls available at the annual Cowes Christmas Fair, which is one of the islands most popular Christmas events! There will be a wide range of stalls offering handmade crafts and gifts for that perfect present, as well as a host of delicious refreshments on offer to keep you warm and fuelled for your shopping spree!


So whether you’re looking at staying at Woodside Coastal Retreat, or our sister park Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat, you will be perfectly placed to venture out and enjoy all the festive cheer that island has in store for you!

Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat hosts first class facilities, including a state of the art gym, Kellermans Restaurant serving mouth-watering food and the Woodside Bay Spa Lodge offering Aromatherapy Associates treatments in a relaxing environment. And best of all? Even if you’re staying at Woodside Coastal Retreat, you will still have unlimited access to these amazing facilities! Book your Christmas holiday with us now and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere around you.

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