Every week, Express presents a selection of exhibitions, performances, workshops, events and other historic, creative and delicious content to help islanders get their weekly dose of culture.
Here’s this week’s (festive) offering…
Ouaisné Christmas Day Swim
Brave islanders are being invited to swap slippers for swimwear this Christmas morning as the Ouaisné Christmas Day Swim returns on Thursday 25 December.
The festive dip will take place at 10.30am at Ouaisné Slip, bringing together swimmers and spectators for a bracing start to the day.
Those taking part can warm up afterwards at The Old Smugglers Inn.
The event is being organised by The Edwin Group, with all proceeds going towards Jersey Hospice Care and the St Brelade Youth Project.
Whether you’re plunging in or cheering from the shore, the Christmas Day Swim promises seasonal spirit, community support and a refreshing way to give back.
You can find out more about the event here.
Christmas Parkrun
Runners, joggers and walkers are being encouraged to lace up their trainers this Christmas morning for a special festive edition of Parkrun at Les Quennevais.
The 5km event will take place at the Les Quennevais Cycle Track on Thursday 25 December, offering a relaxed and inclusive way to get moving before the day’s celebrations begin.
Participants briefings will start at 8.50am, with the run getting underway at 9am.
Open to all abilities, the Christmas Day Parkrun welcomes anyone keen to walk, jog or run their way into the festive spirit.
You can find out more information about the event here.
Jersey Hospice Christmas Day Swim
Islanders looking for an invigorating start to Christmas Day are being invited to take the plunge at the Grève de Lecq Christmas Day Swim in aid of Jersey Hospice.
The festive dip will take place on Thursday 25 December at 11am, with participants heading into the sea for a quick and bracing swim before warming up in time for Christmas lunch.
The event is being organised by St Ouen’s Football & Sports Club, with proceeds raised going to support Jersey Hospice.
Spectators are also welcome to come along and cheer on the swimmers, adding to the community spirit of the morning.
You can find out more about the event here.
Boxing Day fancy dress 10km
Runners are being invited to don their best fancy dress and work off the festive indulgence at the annual Boxing Day 10km run, taking place on Friday 26 December.
The race will start at 10am from the JSAC clubhouse at FB Fields, following a circular route that heads towards the coast road before looping back past St Clement’s Church and Le Rocquier School and finishing with a sprint back into FB Fields.
Check-in will be open from 9.30am, with free entry available for JSAC club members and a £5 entry fee for non-members. Participants are asked to bring their club number on the day.
Prizes will be awarded for the best fancy dress, along with a selection of spot prizes, all presented in the clubhouse once the race has finished.
Hot drinks will be available as runners gather to warm up and celebrate.
Further information can be obtained by contacting roadrunning@jerseyspartan.com.
You can find out more about the event here.
Jingle all the Waves – Boxing Day Swim
Islanders are being invited to blow away the Christmas cobwebs with a Boxing Day dip as Jingle All the Waves returns for a refreshing start to 26 December.
Taking place at the Healing Waves Surf Therapy Centre, participants can choose between a quick sea dip or heading into the surf for a festive wave or two.
The group will meet at 10am, with a photo planned for 10.15am before entering the water at 10.30am.
Those taking part are encouraged to bring warm clothing and a hot drink to enjoy afterwards.
Organisers have reminded participants that all swimmers and surfers enter the water at their own risk, and that updates will be shared via Healing Waves’ channels should the event need to be postponed or cancelled due to weather or swell conditions.
Donations to Healing Waves can be made here, with more information about the event here.
Elf Party
The Annual Elf Party returns for the fourth time this year, promising an evening of folk music, poetry, festive sing-a-longs and plenty of ‘Twixtmas’ cheer for friends and family in aid of Mind Jersey.
The event is taking place on Saturday 27 December from 5.30pm at the Blue Note Bar.
Tickets are available in advance online, and the event is hosted by What the Folk! in partnership with Mind Jersey.
Last year’s gathering raised over £1,000 for the mental heath charity, adding a feel-good twist to the festivities.
The evening is suitable for all ages, with children encouraged to attend alongside an adult and enjoy live music, seasonal songs, and a warm, festive atmosphere.
Tickets start from £7. You can find out more about the event here.
Bouley Bay Hill Climb
Runners are being invited to take on a short but testing festive challenge at the Bouley Bay Hill Climb on Saturday 27 December.
The roughly one-mile uphill race will start from the Bouley Bay pier at 2.30pm, finishing near the gravel car park at the top of the hill, offering a sharp and scenic climb between Christmas and New Year.
Participants are asked to park and check in at the gravel car park from 2pm, before jogging down together to the pier as a warm-up ahead of the start.
Entry is free for all runners, who are reminded to bring their club number.
Any under-15s taking part must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the race.
Further information is available by contacting roadrunning@jerseyspartan.com.
You can find out more about the event here.
Almost New Year Family Rave
Day Disco Kids returns to Watersplash Jersey on Sunday 28 December from 3pm to 5pm for their Almost New Year Family Rave.
The daytime event promises big energy, smiles and a party atmosphere for children and grown-ups alike.
Tickets cost £15 and include a DJ playing family-friendly rave favourites, glitter-ball stage production, lasers, glow sticks, dance-offs, glitter face painting and a meet-and-greet with a special festive guest, and adults can enjoy the fully licensed bar.
The event is recommended for children aged four and over, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Child tickets apply up to age 16, with optional extras like drinks and face painting available on the day.
You can find out more about the event here.