If you are considering treating yourself to a few days' holiday in the run-up to Christmas, Jersey is an excellent destination to choose. A fantastic seasonal festival and great shopping opportunities are just some of the things you can look forward to; find out more below.

Fete de Noue

Perhaps one of the most appealing things about going to Jersey for a pre-Christmas getaway is the chance to experience the island's splendid seasonal festival, the Fete de Noue. Celebrating the run-up to the big day, the festival will start on December 1st and run to December 16th, featuring everything from Christmas markets to film screenings.

The festivities begin in the Royal Square in St Helier, with the lighting of the town's Christmas tree. Once this has been lit, the Spirit of Christmas Market is open – and there is no better place to find a variety of unique gifts. As well as browsing handcrafted presents here, you can also indulge in some seasonal treats, such as mulled cider, to help get you into the festive spirit. Midway through Fete de Noue, a Norman French market will also open, selling Norman cider, crepe pans and much more.

Alongside the markets, there will also be street performers to keep you entertained and, to create the ultimate seasonal spectacle, a Christmas parade will take place on December 9th. If you plan to be in Jersey on this date, watching the parade is an absolute must; it starts at 17:00 local time at Maritime House on La Route du Port Elizabeth.

A great place to relax

The Channel Islands are home to some fantastic hotels, and Jersey is no exception. Combine this with the fact that Jersey as a whole has quite a gentle pace of life, and it is not hard to see why it is such as relaxing destination to visit.

As Christmas approaches, mini breaks in Jersey are, therefore, a great way to unwind and ensure you feel rested and ready for the big day. What's more, as there are so many festive events taking place, you cannot help but get into the spirit of the season.

In addition to getting your Christmas shopping done and treating yourself to delicious indulgences such as mulled wine, you can also enjoy lots of fun days out. For example, if you visit Parade Gardens in St Helier between December 7th and January 6th, you will be able to have a go at ice skating.

This is a great way to spend an hour or two, and the rink is open all day from 10:00 to 22:00 – with the exception of December 7th, when the action begins at 16:00. Skating at night, when the local scenery is beautifully lit up, is particularly likely to appeal.

Alternatively, if you would like to turn your hand to crafts, pay a visit to the Jersey Museum on December 1st. Do so and you can make homemade decorations, cards and gifts, while those travelling with children will be pleased to hear Father Christmas will also attend.

Meanwhile, between December 8th and 16th the Annual Christmas Tree Festival will be held in St Peter. The local parish church is set to be adorned with 70 Christmas trees, each individually decorated by local schools, groups and businesses. Free to enter, the event also includes the Christmas Concert on the evening of December 8th.