Have you shopped til you dropped in the Black Friday sales? We’re now full steam ahead towards Christmas and many of you are planning where to see Santa on the Isle of Wight.
We’ve broken down a few places to see santa or have a festive experience this December.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway – Santa Specials
3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 21 – 24 December (booking essential)
With Christmas Eve sold out and other dates booking fast, check out the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s festive offering.
For a traditional Christmas adventure that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. With guards and drivers in traditional dress you’ll feel like you’re part of a Polar Express or Harry Potter film.
With ticket in hand, board the majestic steam train for a magical journey through wintery woodland. All in the comfort of a heated carriage that’s exclusively for you and your family.
Back at Havenstreet, make your way to Santa’s North Pole station, where the seasonal Station Master and his helpers are waiting to greet you. There will be live entertainment to keep you occupied while you wait to see the man himself before one of Santa’s helpers lead you to his cosy, Christmassy carriage. Every child visiting Santa will receive a beautifully wrapped high-quality gift.
Wait there’s more… make your way to the main events barn for magic shows, a traditional carousel and pop up stores selling unique Christmas gifts. There are a few more Christmas treats with your tickets too. Enjoy a complimentary chocolate bar and juice for little ones while grown-ups can indulge in a complimentary mince pie and a warming glass of mulled wine (or a hot-chocolate if you prefer).
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway gift shop will also be open for any last-minute Christmas presents, and the cafe will be serving hot meals and snacks for you to refuel. Now that’s a Christmas experience!
If you don’t have little ones to see Santa but still want a festive steam train ride look at the Railway’s Mince Pie and even New Year’s Specials.
Christmas at Tapnell… saving Santa’s Sleigh
26th & 27th November, 2nd-4th, 8th-11th, 15th-18th & 21st-24th December
One of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions, Tapnell Farm Park, is inviting you back to its award-winning Christmas event with new characters and adventures for 2022.
This year the Tapnell Farm Park team will take you on a Christmas adventure around the world to help save Santa’s Sleigh!
With fully immersive and interactive events around the site it’s a world where Christmas imagination comes to life. It’s a fun event for all the family where little ones will make memories to last a lifetime and adults can feel like kids again too… because if you can’t at Christmas, when can you?
There are both day and night time sessions to fit around busy schedules. Day time sessions are a combined ticket with the Christmas Experience and Farm Park Admission. Whereas Evening sessions are stand alone events which take place when the Farm Park is closed. Evening sessions are available on Thursday 8th & 15th December and Friday 2nd, 9th & 16th December.
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is going all out this year with three festive events and all are completely FREE to enter.
Winter Market 20th November
Head to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall (a few minutes from Ventnor, Shanklin and Godshill). Wander round the festive stalls, enjoy live music and the festively decorated barns, plus there’s a traditional funfair, a festive menu in their Grazers Café and of course Santa’s Grotto.
This year there will be a change to allow for more room for festive activities. Car parking on site will be limited to blue badge holders. Visit their website for details on how to get to the sanctuary.
Donkey at Christmas 4th December
Sure to be a popular event in the calendar, Donkeys at Christmas includes lots of festive fun such as a Care for a Donkey Xmas Special, a tasty festive menu in their Grazers Café, adoptions and more. Further details on this event will be on the Sanctuary’s website soo.
Carol/ Nativity 10th & 11th December
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary’s annual carol/nativity concert returns this December.
Enjoy the Carol/Nativity Concert with local schools taking part, alongside seeing Santa in a Stable, festive fun, adoptions and more. Further details on this event will be on the Sanctuary’s website soo.
Wild Heart Animal Sanctuary
Christmas Market 26th and 27th November
Let us hear you roar as once again Wildheart Animal Sanctuary will be hosting a variety of wonderful Christmas Markets this year. Browse a beautiful, bespoke collection of festive stalls from a myriad of local Isle of Wight designer makers and artists.
The man himself, Father Christmas, will be launching his wonderland grotto. There will also be carol singing, tasty food and a glass of mulled wine or two to warm you up.
It’s a great way to kick off your Christmas shopping and if you’re stuck for a gift for a difficult to buy person, have you considered adopting one of the animals at the Sanctuary?
Normal admission prices apply.
