Laura Kerslake
24 October 2023
The Christmas season will soon be here and the Isle of Wight will transform into a sparkling winter wonderland, making it the perfect place for a festive staycation. There's plenty of festive fun to be had on the island, from Christmas events for the whole family and opportunities to meet Santa, to visiting the fantastic Christmas markets.
Combine your holiday with the chance to get all your Christmas shopping done and dusted. With an abundance of bustling markets to choose from across the island, this is a great opportunity to pick up some locally made gifts for someone special (or yourself!).
Whether you’d like to visit a big traditional street market or a smaller festive fair, don your winter woollies and head on over to one of these Christmas markets on the Isle of Wight.
And after all that Christmas shopping you'll need a cosy abode to rest and relax in. At Island Cottage Holidays, we have a huge range of properties to suit all needs. If you're bringing the children to experience the island's Christmas magic, take a look at our family-friendly holiday homes or if it's a romantic retreat to get you in the festive spirit see our cottages for couples.
I Love Wight Pop Up Christmas Shop and Market at The Garlic Farm
When: 10th November - 24th December 2023
Where: The Garlic Farm, Sandown
The Garlic Farm's hugely popular I Love Wight Christmas Pop Up Shop returns for 2023. Open daily from 9am - 5pm there's a wide range of produce from across the Isle of Wight perfect for Christmas presents for your nearest and dearest. On the 2nd and 3rd December they will also be hosting an Artisan Christmas Market at the farm. From bespoke handmade jewellery to wood crafts and leather goods, the stalls are bursting with beautiful gifts. Pick up a mulled wine to sip on your way around and be entertained by island musicians playing in the courtyard.
Stay nearby: Willow Shepherds Hut | sleeps 2
Northwood House Christmas Fair
When: 2nd - 3rd December 2023
Where: Northwood House, Cowes
Featuring over 40 stalls, Northwood House is an atmospheric venue for this classic Christmas fair in Cowes. Peruse quality fare from Isle of Wight producers to find one-of-a-kind stocking fillers and bring the children along to visit Santa Claus in his grotto. Four-legged family members aren’t left out of the festive fun either as Santa Paws will be making an appearance - you can even take home a souvenir photo of the experience. When you need a break from shopping, relax with seasonal refreshments in the café.
Stay nearby: Haven Hideaway | sleeps 8
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Christmas Gift Fair
When: 19th November 2023
Where: Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Wroxall
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary’s Christmas Fayre returns for 2023. A wonderful day out for the whole family, not only can you shop at the wide range of stalls, but you can also visit the donkeys. Why not make the kid's Christmas by treating them to a Donkey Experience or the chance to Pamper a Shetland Pony while you're there! There will also be festive food available to purchase and live music to keep you entertained while you browse.
Stay nearby: Wisteria Nook | sleeps 6
Mountbatten Gift Fair at Bembridge Sailing Club
When: 1st and 2nd December 2023
Where: Bembridge Sailing Club, Embankment Rd, Bembridge
Experience a range of high-end stalls and boutiques from the mainland and island, at the impressive Mountbatten Gift Fair. And even better whilst you’re doing your Christmas shopping you’re also raising money for a fantastic cause, the island’s hospice. With a ticketed preview event on the 1st and the main shopping event on the 2nd, there’s plenty of time to pick up extra special gifts for your extra special people.
Stay nearby: Larkspur House | sleeps 7
Santa’s Christmas Fayre at Arreton Barns
When: 17th December 2023
Where: Arreton Barns, Main Road, Arreton
Santa Claus will be making an early stop on the Isle of Wight this December, when he hosts a Christmas Fayre at Arreton Barns. The traditional fayre which will be held on the penultimate Sunday before Christmas, the perfect time to pick up those last-minute gifts for family and friends. Enjoy plenty of festive fun for the whole family, with stalls, live music and delicious food.
Stay nearby: The Hayloft Cottage | sleeps 3
Christmas Shops on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight boasts not one, but two shops dedicated to Christmas, and no festive shopping trip to the island would be complete without a visit to them both.
- The Christmas Imaginarium in Ryde is a world-famous shop selling everything you could dream of when it comes to festive magic and decoration. From spectacular snow globes and glittering ornaments to Christmas games and festive treats, there is something for everyone here.
- In Shanklin you'll find the Jingle Bells Christmas Shop, which is a feast of Christmas fun. Selling everything from mischievous elves to Christmas lights, it’s a must visit during the festive season. For a special reminder of your Christmas holiday on the Isle of Wight, pick up a personalised decoration whilst you’re there.
Cottages on the Isle of Wight for Christmas
Quaintways
Why not have a browse of our Christmas cottages on the Isle of Wight and start planning your Yuletide holiday? With many of our properties boasting roaring log fires, cosy blankets and well-equipped kitchens, you’ll discover the perfect setting to gather the family and celebrate this special time of year. Don’t forget to pack your Christmas jumper!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.