11 Best Days Out for Christmas on the Isle of Wight
Do you want to celebrate Christmas on the Isle of Wight? Here are some of the best days out on the Isle of Wight for Christmas, so you can plan your perfect trip for the festive season…
There are so many great places to spend Christmas on the Isle of Wight it’s hard to decide which one to recommend! Here are some of our favourites, from drive-in cinemas and gorgeous gardens, to stunning illuminations and fun Santa experiences.
If you’re planning on doing Christmas on the Isle of Wight, then you’ve got a lot of fun festive activities to choose from. We’d say number 11 is an absolute MUST DO – but read the rest first!
1. Visit the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Christmas
This zoo on the Isle of Wight has animals from all over the world for you to visit. It’s sort of funny to imagine them going over on the ferry – they must have at some point!
There are plenty of fun activities for kids year round, but at Christmas this year the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is offering a chance to find out what goes on with their animals over the festive season while making animal themed Christmas decorations.
For more details on this Isle of Wight attraction at Christmas check out the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary website.
2. Have a festive day out at the beach
Why not head to one of the many stunning beaches on the Isle of Wight for some fun in the (maybe) winter sun? There are loads of great beaches on the Isle of Wight but we’d recommend donning your Santa hat and hitting Ventnor Beach or Ryde Beach.
The beaches here make for one of the best days out on the Isle of Wight year round, but at Christmas they’re pretty much deserted, and just that little bit more special.
Wrap up warm and head down to the beach for some winter-appropriate beach activities, such as a (very) cold water swim, some beach photography, or wildlife spotting.
3. Catch a Christmassy show
Head to one of the theatres on the Isle of Wight in December and watch a show.
Try Bar 74, The Shanklin Theatre and the Medina Theatre for Christmassy listings.
4. Enjoy some Christmas illuminations
Check out the Christmas celebrations at Tapnell Farm for some epic Christmas lights and festive cheer.
This immersive journey promises even more enchantment and magic than in previous years, and kids can meet fun-loving characters along the way.
There’s always lots of fun and laughter when visiting Tapnell Farm, but at Christmas it’s extra special.
READ MORE: Check out our Isle of Wight Quiz!
5. Jump on a steam train ride
The Isle of Wight Railway runs annual Santa’s Special trains where you can meet Santa, and enjoy a voyage into the countryside.
Board one of their historic steam trains at Havenstreet Station for an atmospheric ride through wintery woodland inside the heated and beautifully restored carriages. Children receive a free chocolate bar and juice, while the grown-ups get a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine!
Feel like you’re travelling in style as you and your family will have your own compartment for your exclusive use, meaning pre-booking is absolutely essential for this Christmas activity on the Isle of Wight.
6. Watch a Christmas movie at the drive-in cinema
If you fancy enjoying a Christmas activity while doing a good deed, this year’s drive-in cinema is in aid of the Wessex Cancer Trust, helping Islanders affected by cancer.
Get cosied up in your own car and head to the drive-in for a movie night on a giant LED screen. In previous years there have been hot snacks and drinks on offer, and you can simply tune in to hear the film soundtrack through your car radio.
7. Visit Santa on the Isle of Wight
No matter what your age, a visit to see Santa is always magical and on the Isle of Wight at Christmas there are plenty of ways to make this festive tradition even more special. Some of the best places to visit Santa on the island include:
- Tapnell Farm
- Havenstreet Steam Railway
- Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
- Polar at Robin Hill
Choose the perfect setting for you and your family, and plan an amazing Christmas day out meeting Santa. This is always a fantastic day out the kids will love, and a memory the adults will cherish.
8. Shop at a Christmas market
What’s better than some Christmas market shopping!? A great way to tick those gifts off the list while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
There are a few Christmas markets open around the island. Some have traditional Christmas gifts, while others focus on seasonal foods. Browse local arts and crafts while sipping on mulled wine and munching on roasted chestnuts, and shop for unique gifts while taking in the stunning views.
Here are a few of the best markets the Isle of Wight has to offer:
- I Love Wight Christmas Market at the Garlic Farm
- Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Christmas Gift Fair
- Mountbatten Gift Fair
- Northwood House Christmas Fair
9. Go for a chilly coastal walk
If you’re spending Christmas in the Isle of Wight, how about taking a winter walk along one of the island’s many scenic walking routes?
A walk is a great family-friendly activity that will let you see more of the island’s scenery while enjoying the festive atmosphere that only comes at Christmas.
Take in the beautiful views that look so different to other times of the year, and visit one of the island’s great pubs at the end of it to warm up your hands and bellies!
10. Visit Osborne House
Visit Osborne House, former home of Queen Victoria, and see it decorated for Christmas – it’s the most magical time of the year to see this beautiful historic house.
They often have special Isle of Wight Christmas events but keep an eye on their listings to find out what’s in store for this year.
11. Be amazed at the Christmas Imaginarium
The Christmas Imaginarium is an absolute must for a day out at Christmas on the Isle of Wight. It’s a two storey shop that’s busy year round, but at Christmas the queues out of the shop wind round the streets, and for good reason. This is heaven for Christmas lovers on the Isle of Wight – it’s the number one place to be!
The shop in Ryde was set up by author and illustrator, Russell Ince, after the success of his book ‘Santa Claus: The Book of Secrets’.
He is everything Christmas and you need to visit his store to pick up a souvenir Christmas decoration, buy the book, or just share your love of Christmas on the Isle of Wight.
Christmas on the Isle of Wight
You can enjoy a great day out on the Isle of Wight any time of year, but Christmas is particularly magical!
Any more fun activities for Christmas on the Isle of Wight you think we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below!
Quick List: Christmas on the Isle of Wight
- Visit the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Christmas
- Have a festive day out at the beach
- Catch a Christmassy show
- Enjoy some Christmas illuminations
- Jump on a steam train ride
- Watch a Christmas movie at the drive-in cinema
- Visit Santa on the Isle of Wight
- Shop at a Christmas market
- Go for a chilly coastal walk
- Visit Osborne House
- Be amazed at the Christmas Imaginarium
- 7 Christmas Markets in London You Should Definitely Visit - 7 October 2025
- 7 Best Hotels Near the Tower of London: Picks for Every Budget - 29 September 2025
- 7 Best Hotels Near Windsor Great Park to Suit Every Budget - 26 September 2025
