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With Christmas just four weeks away, islanders will be looking for presents for their loved ones - local festive markets provide just that, along with an opportunity to support local businesses.
From local produce to original creations made by local artists and creatives, this year’s Christmas markets promise to have something for everyone, along with live entertainment, tasty treats and a few other surprises.
Express has compiled a non-exhaustive list of upcoming markets to find the perfect gift to put under the tree...
‘A Victorian Christmas’
Jersey Heritage’s popular Victorian Christmas market, sponsored by Genuine Jersey, is returning on Saturday (30 November) and Sunday (1 December) from 10:00 to 17:00.
Pictured: A Victorian Christmas is sponsored by Genuine Jersey.
It will give islanders the chance to step back in time to a gentler pace of life and experience an unrivalled festive atmosphere.
“Anyone coming to A Victorian Christmas will be able to browse the gas-lit Victorian House at Jersey Museum and discover the perfect Christmas gift made by local artists and makers,” Nicky Lucas, Jersey Heritage’s Curator of Events, said.
Pictured: Father Christmas will pay a visit to the Victorian House.
“There will be lots of crafts for children to enjoy, Victorian-costumed characters to see and the chance to meet Father Christmas. There will also be a wonderful programme of music from Victorian College students, Jersey Premier Brass, Belissima and Le Cors Jèrriais Christmas Horns.”
Visitors will also be able to make baggywrinkles – traditionally a protective layer on a ship’s rigging in the ‘Make Space’, which is part of the Handmade Jersey exhibition, between 10:30 and 15:00.
Finally, Bergerac star, Sean Arnold, will be signing copies of his new book, ‘Anton Myst’ between 12:00 and 14:00. John Nettles will be there as a special guest and islanders who appeared in the popular ‘80s series are being encouraged to come to the Museum and have their photo taken with John and Sean.
A £1 donation includes entry to all of Jersey Museum’s galleries and exhibitions.
Jersey War Tunnels will be hosting its own Christmas market this weekend, between 10:00 and 17:00.
Pictured: This year's Christmas market will take place inside Vega Café.
This is the third time the Jersey War Tunnels are hosting a Christmas market but the first it will be hosted inside Vega Café, which launched earlier this year.
“We’re very excited to welcome islanders to our Christmas market where they can get into the spirit of the season and enjoy new stalls selling a wide range of items,” Kathy Bechelet, operations manager at Jersey War Tunnels, said.
Pictured: The Jersey War Tunnels exhibition will be especially open this weekend.
Entry to the Christmas market is free. While the Tunnels are closed until 17 February, they will be open for the weekend, especially for the Christmas event. Visitors will once again be able to take advantage of a special ‘two for one’ offer.
The Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas markets, which bring quality local products and festive cheer to the heart of St. Helier, are set to be bigger and better for their second year.
Video: Last year, the Simply Christmas stall holders got in the festive spirit for the camera.
Taking place from 5 to 8 December and 12 to 15 December, they will bring together 60 local producers, crafts people and artists showcasing their work in the Royal Square.
From tasty treats and homemade delicacies to bespoke jewellery and local art, there will be different exhibitors at each event so, Christmas shoppers can enjoy a wide range of quality goods over both weekends.
Pictured: There will be live entertainment on site throughout both weekends.
Bringing the square to life, will be street performers, local bands, choirs and musicians, as well as plenty of festive activities for families to take part in, including a Christmas scavenger hunt.
“The festive season and our local markets are a really special time of the year for our members, they are the perfect opportunity to get their names out there, see what products are popular and to make some sales,” John Garton, Chief Executive Officer of Genuine Jersey, said.
The event will be supporting Variety – the Children’s Charity of Jersey - through a raffle in which the lucky ones will get to take home some hampers and prizes donated by stall holders.
Red Houses-based coffee shop, ‘Common Ground’ will be hosting their Christmas market with local artists and creators on Sunday (1 December) between 10:00 and 15:00.
“Our space will be temporarily transformed to host loads of local artists and creators - all selling their gorgeous products to you, all in time for Christmas,” the café team said.
Hot drinks, cakes and mince pies will also be on offer.
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