Season Greetings from Jersey

If you're planning to visit Jersey this festive, there is plenty to keep you and your travel companions amused from ice skating, a shopping spree, Christmas films, workshops, concerts and more.

Protected from the elements in Fort Regent's Queen's Hall, the Ice Skate Jersey rink is open from 5th December - 11th January. On the weekends from the 12th December, live DJs will be in session taking the party to another level. Head to the popular Ice Café for a snack and refreshments whilst taking a break from the rink. The Jersey Coffee Car and Jersey Cupcakes are there to offer Belgian Waffles, tasty cupcakes, hotdogs and soup to warm you up.

There is no better way than to get into the festive spirit than by snuggling up and watching Christmas or heart-warming movies. At Jersey Arts Centre, why not drop by and watch 101 Dalmatians, Bridget Jones's Diary or the ultimate seasonal film, Love Actually. These afternoon matinees take place on the 20th-22nd December at 2pm.

St. Helier offers great retail therapy opportunities and is the place to make sure you have all your gifts ready for Christmas. From department and high street brand stores to boutiques and markets, you can find everything you need. The most popular areas include King and Queen Street and Bath and Halkett Street, all of which are pedestrianised. For ideas and presents, why not visit one of the delightful gift shops at one of the garden centres.

In December, most of the shops conveniently offer late night shopping and are open until 21:00, as well as having Sunday opening. For a shopping experience where everything is under one roof, visit Liberty Wharf, Jersey's only covered shopping centre, conveniently located in the centre of town. Here you can pay Santa a visit, or visit the Christmas Vintage Fair on the 13th and 14th December.

It's hard not to get into the Christmas spirit when visiting St. Helier, especially when you see all the Christmas illuminations and lovely window displays. As part of a charitable event, many retailers take part in a shop window competition with a 'twelve days of Christmas' theme. Make sure you take time out from your shopping to appreciate the charming displays.

Ideal for families, bring your young kids along to meet Santa Claus in his Grotto and find out where he makes his toys. At Ranson's and St Peter's Garden Centre, the entrance fee includes a gift if you have been good. Visit the Georgian House at 16 New Street where the kids can step into a world of fairy tales and adventure in a story-telling session with Santa himself, as well as sample traditional Georgian recipes.

Across St. Helier, there are an array of concerts and events happening to guarantee getting everyone into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas Wreath Festival takes part from the 15th-21st December, and included wreath-making workshops all in aid of charity, or take part in festivities at The Harbour Gallery. Join Jersey's Symphony Orchestra for a special Christmas Concert, Diva Opera's ‘A Merry Little Christmas' if you enjoy classical music. Alternatively, join the Celtic Fayre and the Cannon O'Rafferty School of Irish Dance, or sing your favourite Christmas Carols in The Royal Square or at Durrell's Wildlife Park, just a short drive away. These are just some of the events taking place in the next few weeks leading up to Christmas. For a full schedule of events, visit jersey.com.

There are plenty of dining out opportunities but if you need to warm up in the winter months, the Cock and Bottle at the Royal Square is a traditional Jersey brasserie worth visiting. Try a glass of hot mulled wine before heading for a meal at Ormer, an elegant seafood restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin, situated on Don Street. The restaurant's Christmas menu is available from 1st December and includes mouth-watering Jersey lobster ravioli, and creamy crab cannelloni.

The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Jersey is the perfect place to experience Christmas in the Channel Islands. It offers stylish rooms within close proximity of St. Helier's attractions, festive events, shops, cafes and restaurants.