With Christmas decorations lighting up the whole island, a full programme of festive performances, local craft fairs and quirky Christmas shopping, Guernsey is a great destination for a pre-Christmas short break. The island promises a stress-free getaway as there's no need for a passport, and since Guernsey and her islands use the British pound, visitors don't need to worry about currency fluctuations so they can stick to their Christmas budget.

Here's a selection of Christmas events taking place across the island, along with some great festive holiday deals:

Christmas Craft Workshop

10 November (times tbc)

Sausmarez Park

Visitors can craft their own Christmas gifts, create decorations and make treats for the festive season at the Victorian Walled Garden Kitchen at Sausmarez Park. The workshop is run by the garden's volunteers, who will be armed with plenty of materials and ideas for festive creations. Contact info@walledgarden.gg  / www.walledgarden.gg / www.visitguernsey.com/event/christmas-craft-workshop

Castle Cornet Winter Fayre

18 – 20 November; Fri 16.00 – 20.00; Sat and Sun 10.00 – 17.00

A craft fayre, grotto, live music, and themed activities help to get visitors into the festive spirit at Castle Cornet, Guernsey's emblematic castle at the mouth of St Peter Port harbour. Entrance is priced at £2.25 for adults and £1.25 for children. www.visitguernsey.com/event/winter-fayre-castle-cornet     

Christmas Shopping on Herm

19, 20, 26 and 27 November, 3, 4, 10 and 11 December

Herm Island

On selected weekends in the run-up to Christmas, Herm Island's ferry service, Travel Trident, offers free crossings to the island from Guernsey. Day trippers can use the free crossings to do their Christmas shopping in Herm's gift shop, as well as enjoy the hospitality of the Mermaid Tavern and have a winter walk around Herm's stunning coastline. The free crossings are offered to passengers departing and returning on the same day and tickets are only available on the day of travel from the Travel Trident Ticket Kiosk at St Peter Port harbour. www.herm.com

Craft Markets in Market Square

Every Saturday from late November until Christmas

St Peter Port

Shoppers can find original presents made locally at Market Square's festive craft market in the heart of Guernsey's capital, as well as stock up on festive treats and decorations. Local crafts on offer include hand-painted plates, handmade soaps, Guernsey Lily motif hand-painted cushions and sheets, craft made door stops, Christmas hampers, and jewellery.

Ice skating at Le Friquet

1 – 31 December, Mon-Thurs 10.00 – 17.00; Fri and Sat 10.00 – 19.00; Sun 10.30 – 16.00

Le Friquet Garden and Lifestyle Centre

Guernsey's ice skating rink returns to the grounds of Le Friquet Garden Centre in December, set beneath a multi-coloured illuminated canopy that creates a magical atmosphere. For those that don't want to hit the ice, or for a well-earned rest, the Alpine Chalets alongside the rink are a cosy place to take in the skating action offering a variety of food and drinks. 45 minute sessions are priced at £8.50 for adults and £6.50 for children under 13, which includes skate hire. www.iceskateguernsey.com / www.visitguernsey.com/event/ice-skating-le-friquet

Christmas Lights Switch On

3 December from 16.00

St Peter Port

Father Christmas is the guest of honour for the annual turning on of St Peter Port's festive lights that adorn the shopping streets of the historic town centre. On Friday 2 December, he's also visiting The Bridge in the parish of St Sampson to switch on the lights in St Sampson town. 

Guernsey Christmas Lights Tour

12, 14, 19 and 22 December at 17.30

Starting at Liberation Monument, St Peter Port

Beginning at the Liberation Monument in St Peter Port, Island Coachways is offering twilight two-hour tours around the island to see the beautiful festive light displays around Guernsey's ten parishes from the comfort of a luxury coach. The price is £15 per person (group discounts are available). To book, call 01481 720 210 or email sales@icw.gg / www.icw.gg / www.visitguernsey.com/event/christmas-lights-tour

St James Christmas concerts

3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 16, 17 and 20 December (various times)

St James Concert Hall in St Peter Port will play host to a feast of Christmas music in December with a series of its ever-popular Christmas concerts and performances. The Guernsey Festival Chorus FESTIVA celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016, the Guernsey Choral and Orchestral Society, Guernsey Glee Singers, Guernsey Concert Brass and the Guernsey Chamber Choir will be among the local groups performing. For a festive family affair, the Disney Christmas Magic Concert on 10 December includes favourites from The Little Mermaid, The Jungle Book and Cinderella. For the full event calendar, visit www.stjames.gg. Tickets are available at www.guernseytickets.gg

HOTEL OFFERS AND PACKAGES:

One night winter warmer at The Farmhouse

The Farmhouse, a beautiful 14 bedroom, boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the picturesque parish of St Saviours is offering a one night 'Winter Warmer' package from £179 per couple. The package includes a night in a Superior Room, full afternoon tea with a glass of Prosecco by the fire, a three course dinner in its award-winning restaurant and full English breakfast. The offer is available for stays between 30 October and 22 December 2016 www.thefarmhouse.gg / www.visitguernsey.com/offers/1-night-winter-warmer-farmhouse

WinterFest in Sark

During the colder months, the island of Sark becomes a wonderfully tranquil and calm winter wonderland, with bracing walks by day or by night, and its legendary magical dark skies. Stocks Hotel offers an ideal island hideaway to curl up in front of a roaring log fire with a good book and a glass – or two – of Sark sloe gin, and hearty, wholesome winter fare. Its Winterfest rates in November and December start from £90 per night, based on two people sharing with breakfast. www.stockshotel.com   

Christmas celebrations at Le Friquet Hotel

The three star Le Friquet Hotel, set in an oasis of calm and tranquility in the Guernsey countryside, is offering four nights over Christmas from £290 per person. The Christmas Celebration package includes four nights' accommodation with a free upgrade if available from 23 December. Guests receive full Guernsey breakfast each morning, Christmas Eve welcome drinks with a four course dinner, traditional four course Christmas Day lunch and light evening buffet, Boxing Day gala buffet and quiz, and half a bottle of Taittinger Champagne and Guernsey fudge in their room. www.lefriquethotel.com / www.visitguernsey.com/offers/christmas-new-year-celebrations-le-friquet-hotel

Christmas at the Best Western Moores Hotel with GuernseyTravel

GuernseyTravel.com is offering a five night package to celebrate Christmas with 'home from home' comforts in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Best Western Moores Hotel from £521 per person. The five night Christmas package is based on half board, except Christmas Day which is full board, and includes a welcome champagne party on Christmas Eve, traditional Christmas lunch and festive buffet supper on Christmas Day, a day trip to Herm on Boxing Day, and a coach trip round the island on the 27th with stops for short walks, fresh air and photo opportunities. The price includes return ferry from Poole Harbour, departing 23 December, and is based on two people sharing. www.guernseytravel.com/travel-and-holidays/christmas-in-guernsey

Direct flights to Guernsey operate year round from London City, Gatwick and Stansted, as well as many regional UK airports with Aurigny (www.aurigny.com) and Flybe (www.flybe.com).

Return flights from London Gatwick to Guernsey with Aurigny are priced from £100 per person and flight time is one hour.

For more information on Guernsey, visit www.VisitGuernsey.com

-Ends-

For press enquiries please contact Jules Ugo or Georgina Oakley on firstname@wearelotus.co.uk or call the office on 0207 953 7470