Last updated: 11 November 2024
Experience the joy of the season in Ryde with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide helps you enjoy the festive season in Ryde.
One delightful highlight this Christmas is the Santa Specials on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, where families can enjoy scenic rides aboard vintage trains with festive decorations and a special visit from Santa himself. Another enchanting experience is the Christmas at Osborne House, where visitors can explore the beautifully adorned rooms of Queen Victoria’s holiday retreat, complete with seasonal displays and activities for all ages. And don't forget the Tapnell Farm Christmas Experience, where various interactive attractions and festive fun await young and old alike. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Ryde Holiday Markets and Shopping
Northwood House Christmas Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique gift shopping with local artisans and seasonal treats.
- Description
- The Northwood House Christmas Fair features over 40 local gift exhibitors showcasing art, craft, and produce. Visitors can enjoy a Christmas tea room with mince pies and seasonal mulled cider. Children can meet Father Christmas in a snow cave and take photos with Santa Paws for dogs. The event supports the Northwood House Charitable Trust.
- Where
- Ryde | More Info : Northwood House Christmas Fair
Christmas Imaginarium
- What to Expect
- Extensive collection of festive and unique Christmas products.
- Description
- The Christmas Imaginarium offers an exquisite range of Christmas decorations, including snow globes, collectible figures, and moving, light-up, and musical items. The store features a variety of products to make your holiday season special, from Christmas cards and wrapping items to toys and games.
- Where
- Ryde | More Info : Christmas Imaginarium
Jingle Bells Christmas Shop
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas shop with a variety of festive gifts.
- Description
- Jingle Bells Christmas Shop in Shanklin offers a wide range of festive gifts and seasonal items in a charming, traditional setting.
- Where
- Shanklin | More Info : Jingle Bells Christmas Shop
Christmas Fair at Briddlesford Lodge Farm
- What to Expect
- Local artisanal gifts and dairy products.
- Description
- Briddlesford Lodge Farm's Christmas Fair offers a variety of handcrafted items, local dairy products, and seasonal treats in a traditional farm setting.
- Where
- Briddlesford | More Info : Christmas Fair at Briddlesford Lodge Farm
Ryde Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Elf: The Musical at Shanklin Theatre
- What to Expect
- Full-scale musical production of Elf.
- Description
- Elf: The Musical at Shanklin Theatre brings the holiday classic to life with a spectacular live production featuring Broadway legends Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, and an original score by Matt Sklar and Chad Beguelin. This show is sure to warm your heart and fill you with holiday cheer.
- Where
- Shanklin | More Info : Elf: The Musical at Shanklin Theatre
Sleeping Beauty Pantomime at Shanklin Theatre
- What to Expect
- Interactive pantomime with a new take on the messy scene.
- Description
- Spotlight IOW Ltd presents a brand-new production of Sleeping Beauty at Shanklin Theatre, featuring captivating musical numbers, colourful routines, and hilarious twists. This interactive adventure is packed full of everything you'd want in a pantomime, including the return of the messy scene in a new and exciting way. The show is guaranteed to entertain the whole family with its lively performances and engaging storyline.
- Where
- Shanklin | More Info : Sleeping Beauty Pantomime at Shanklin Theatre
Christmas at Osborne House
- What to Expect
- Interactive Victorian Christmas activities and performances.
- Description
- Schools and music groups are invited to perform in the Durbar Room at Osborne House, participate in Victorian Christmas craft activities, and take a guided tour of the ground floor. Performances can include new music hub Christmas songs and any prepared Christmas concerts.
- Where
- East Cowes | More Info : Christmas at Osborne House
Christmas Comedy Night at Shanklin Theatre
- What to Expect
- Laughter-filled evening with top comedians.
- Description
- A hilarious comedy night featuring renowned comedians, offering a night of laughter and entertainment at Shanklin Theatre.
- Where
- Shanklin | More Info : Christmas Comedy Night at Shanklin Theatre
Victorian Butlers at Osborne House
- What to Expect
- Hands-on activities with Victorian butlers.
- Description
- Join Victorian butlers at Osborne House for lively stories, entertaining plays, and hands-on activities, including creating your own traditional Christmas cracker.
- Where
- East Cowes | More Info : Victorian Butlers at Osborne House
Christmas Classics at Newport Minster
- What to Expect
- Local artists performing Christmas classics and festive readings.
- Description
- Join us at Newport Minster for a night of Christmas classics and popular songs performed by local talent, raising funds to support people affected by cancer. Enjoy the sounds of IOW Highland Pipes and Drums, festive readings, and classic Christmas hymns led by our Organist.
- Where
- Newport | More Info : Christmas Classics at Newport Minster
Ryde Other Holiday Activities
Santa Specials on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
- What to Expect
- Historic steam train rides with festive entertainment and a visit to Santa's North Pole station.
- Description
- Join the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a traditional Christmas experience featuring historic steam trains, festive entertainment, and a visit to Santa's North Pole station in the Train Story Discovery Centre. Enjoy traditional Fairground Rides and refreshments at the NEW Barn Cafe.
- Where
- Havenstreet | More Info : Santa Specials on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Tapnell Farm Christmas Experience
- What to Expect
- Immersive Christmas adventure with interactive elements and Santa meet-and-greets.
- Description
- Tapnell Farm's Christmas Experience offers a 40-minute immersive adventure for families, featuring storytelling, interactive puzzles, and amazing scenery. Every paying child receives a high-quality gift from the Elf Emporium, and there is a chance to have a family photo taken with Santa.
- Where
- Yarmouth | More Info : Tapnell Farm Christmas Experience
Santa’s North Pole Station at Train Story Discovery Centre
- What to Expect
- Personalized visits with Santa Claus in a historic train carriage.
- Description
- Santa's North Pole Station at Train Story Discovery Centre is a charming destination where children can meet Santa Claus in a beautifully restored train carriage, decorated with twinkly lights and a tree. Each child receives a special, high-quality gift from Santa, and the station offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for families to share their Christmas wishes.
- Where
- Havenstreet | More Info : Santa’s North Pole Station at Train Story Discovery Centre
West Wight Chilly Hilly Run
- What to Expect
- Spectacular winter views and historical landmarks.
- Description
- The West Wight Chilly Hilly is a 10-mile multi-terrain race starting and finishing at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre. The event offers spectacular winter views over the Solent, historical landmarks, beaches, and footpaths through stunning Freshwater countryside. Participants can enjoy a warming mince pie and mulled wine on their return.
- Where
- Freshwater | More Info : West Wight Chilly Hilly Run