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 Shopping on Herm

18, 19, 25 and 26 November, 2, 3, 9 and 10 December

Herm Island

On selected weekends in the run-up to Christmas, Herm Island's ferry service, Travel Trident, offers day return crossings for just £1 to the island from Guernsey. Day trippers can use the 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 £1 return 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

Christmas Lights Switch On

25 November from 15:30

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. Entertainment in Church Square will start around 15:30 and the lights will turn on around 17:00. On Friday 1 December, he's also visiting The Bridge in the parish of St Sampson to switch on the lights in St Sampson town. www.visitguernsey.com/event/st-peter-port-christmas-light-switch  

Castle Cornet Winter Fayre

25 – 26 November, 12:00 – 20:00

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. There is a reduced entrance price over the weekend, at £2 for adults and £1 for children. www.visitguernsey.com/event/winter-fayre-castle-cornet    

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, 10:00 – 17:00; (10:00 – 15:00 on 24 and 31 December)

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 £9.00 for adults and £7.00 for children under 14, which includes skate hire. www.iceskateguernsey.com / www.visitguernsey.com/event/ice-skating-le-friquet

Alpine Lodge at the Old Government House

1 December – 6 January, from 17:00 (Weds – Thurs) and from 12:00 (Fri – Sun)

Old Government House Hotel

New for 2018, the Alpine Lodge at the five-star Old Government House hotel is Guernsey's newest Christmas party venue. The hotel's terrace has been transformed into a rustic winter wonderland, complete with snow scenery, a warming fire, barrel tables and sofas with chunky rugs and fleeces. Winter party-goers can get into the festive spirit with mulled wine, hot spiced cider, beer served in steins and a selection of schnapps and flavoured vodka. There will also be indulgent hot chocolate and food platters available. For passes and bookings, call 01481 724921 or visit www.theoghhotel.com/alpine-lodge

Guernsey Christmas Lights Tour

4, 6, 11, 13, 18 and 20 December at 17:30

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 £15.00 for adults and £10.00 for children, students and OAPs (group discounts are available). To book, call 01481 720 210 www.islandcoachways.moonfruit.com/christmas-lights-tour/4580468570

St James Christmas concerts

25 November and 5, 6, 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 this season with a series of its ever-popular Christmas concerts and performances. The Guernsey Bach Choir and Orchestra, Festival Chorus FESTIVA, Guernsey Glee Singers, Diva Opera, the Guernsey Choral and Orchestral Society and the Guernsey Chamber Choir will be among the local groups performing. Highlights include 'Let's Swing at St James This Christmas', presenting an evening of Big Band style Christmas music over two nights from the island's finest musical and vocal talent, and 'Only Fools and Donkeys' featuring carols from the island's choirs, community singing and refreshments while raising money for local charities. 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 29 October and 21 December 2017 www.thefarmhouse.gg / www.visitguernsey.com/offers/1-night-winter-warmer-farmhouse

Winter Offer at The Driftwood Inn

The Driftwood Inn is a popular pub / bistro with 18 rooms overlooking Perelle Bay on the west coast of Guernsey. Over the winter season, from 1 October until 24 March 2018, the inn is offering a special offer of £70 for all standard garden rooms and £75 for all sea view rooms, representing a discount of up to 42%. The rates are based on two people sharing with breakfast. www.driftwoodinn.co.uk /  www.visitguernsey.com/offers/winter-offer-driftwood-inn

Three-night pre-Christmas offer at Les Roquettes

Channel Islands Direct is offering a special pre-Christmas three-night package to Guernsey from £161, staying at the three-star Les Roquettes, including sea travel from the UK. Set on the outskirts of St Peter Port, the hotel is ideally located to enjoy the festivities, lights and decorations in the island's capital, while enjoying a delightful setting within extensive gardens. The offer is valid for stays between 1 November and 20 December, three nights' B&B accommodation and a cream tea on one day during the stay. The package also includes ferry crossing from Poole with Condor Ferries. www.channelislandsdirect.co.uk/special_offers/offers/oct_-_dec_17/3_nights_at_3*_les_rocquettes / www.visitguernsey.com/offers/3-nights-3-les-rocquettes-%C2%A3161-channel-islands-direct

Long winter weekend break at the Best Western Moores Hotel

GuernseyTravel.com is offering three-nights for the price of two at the Best Western Moores Hotel when arriving on a Friday during November and December. Set in a grand town house, formerly home to the influential local Saumarez family, the hotel has been run by the same family for over 60 years and offers 'home from home' comforts in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The long weekend package is valid between 1 November and 23 December and includes breakfast. The three-night package is priced from £466, based on two people sharing, with breakfast and return flights from London Gatwick, representing a saving of £102. www.visitguernsey.com/offers?keywords=&page=5&start_date=01/12/2017&end_date=30/12/2017 / www.guernseytravel.com

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

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