Snow may not be falling, but visiting Guernsey in December is guaranteed to provide the winter wonderland experience. With nature boasting a twinkle of frost, the town’s streets come alive with glistening lights, and festivity is in the air. If you celebrate Christmas, December is the perfect time to visit Guernsey, welcoming markets and yuletide cheer to the island. However, outside of Guernsey’s seasonal offerings in December, there is still so much to see and do throughout the month that this Channel Island is an incredible destination for a winter retreat.
Is Guernsey Worth Visiting in December?
European cities become extremely busy throughout the month of December with tourists flocking to explore the Christmas markets and festive events. However, one destination that is typically overlooked as a great place to visit in December is Guernsey. Nestled in the English Channel between the UK and France, Guernsey is an island that is a breathtaking melting pot of British and French culture. Boasting all the charm of the French festive season with the excitement of British influence, Guernsey is a unique location to explore in December. Across the island, there are a variety of events popping up throughout the month that spread the joy of the season while Christmas markets in the capital of St Peter Port are an undoubted highlight. By day, the island sparkles as frost and ice enhance the beauty of the island while come nightfall, pops of colour can be found on every corner as Guernsey lights up with its festive displays of lights and decor. A quaint destination to experience Christmas cheer without all the crowds, Guernsey is the place that will get you in the mood for the festive season.
Although many destinations are popular in December, Guernsey continues to remain a relatively hidden gem. This off-peak tourism season welcomes fewer visitors, resulting in a more peaceful island experience. Lower crowds allow you to explore the island and visit attractions with zero stress, while prices for the likes of accommodation are much more affordable. With fewer people arriving on the island over the winter, hotels and guest houses typically slash their prices to compete for the guests that are visiting Guernsey. If a budget-friendly trip is what you are in search of, Guernsey is a great option.
December can be a stressful time for many, and if you find you need a spontaneous break, Guernsey is a top choice. Just a stone’s throw from the UK, with short and convenient travel times, you can plan a last-minute holiday to the island without the need to dedicate much time to travel. As part of the Common Travel Area, there is also no passport requirement for British citizens, and you can still enjoy an impromptu trip to the island even if your passport has expired.
Guernsey Weather in December
In December, Guernsey offers similar weather conditions to the UK but due to its more southerly location, boasts higher temperatures. For the majority of the month, the climate remains relatively mild with average daily temperatures between 6°C – 10°C. While it rarely drops below zero in December, it is a possibility during this colder month and is important for visitors to be prepared, dressing in layers. Mornings and evenings experience much lower temperatures and with early sunsets, it is likely you will be exploring Guernsey a little by nightfall, especially if you are popping by the Christmas markets. The winter solstice arrives just a few days before Christmas, marking the shortest day, so you can expect limited hours of daylight when visiting Guernsey in December. The sun typically sets around mid-afternoon so if you are planning to explore the coastal trails and country lanes that Guernsey has to offer, make sure you head out early.
December is typically one of the wettest months for Guernsey, with an average of 15 days of rain throughout the month. Heavy downpours do occur, but most days experience short showers instead. Snow is rare on the island, but again, it is always a possibility if the temperatures dramatically drop. Coastal corners of the island are rarely affected, but countryside locations further inland are likely to experience more snowfall.
Things to do in Guernsey in December
If you are looking for festivity, you are guaranteed to find an extensive list of things to do in Guernsey in December. However, aside from seasonal events and activities, the island still has great attractions, coastal spots and country trails to explore.
St Peter Port Christmas Market
The St Peter Port Christmas Market is a festive highlight in Guernsey, bringing seasonal charm to the heart of the island. Held in Market Square, this traditional market features wooden chalet-style stalls offering a variety of gifts, crafts and artisan foods. While browsing this idyllic market, the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and festive treats fills the air with live music and carol singing, providing some entertainment. Held every Thursday evening and Saturday from the end of November, this is a great opportunity to explore local cuisine and support local businesses with a touch of Christmas cheer.
Guernsey Christmas Tractor Run
A popular Channel Islands festive tradition, the Guernsey Christmas Tractor Run is a favourite family-friendly event on the island. Adorned in Christmas lights and festive decorations, tractors travel the island in a charming yuletide parade. Families line the streets to catch a glimpse of this agricultural convoy as it tours through the parishes of Castel, Vale, St Martins, Forest, St Pierre du Bois and St Saviour.
Alpine Lodge at the Old Government House
Indulge in an apres-ski experience without leaving the island when you stop by the Old Government House in December. The hotel’s terrace is transformed into a charming and stylish alpine lodge with snowy scenery and festive tipples. Enjoy this alfresco winter experience, admiring the landscape with a glass of mulled wine, a warm spiced cider or hot chocolate. Family Sundays are also a great festive experience with activities for the children and the chance to meet Father Christmas.
Tuk Tuk Tours
Take a 25-minute tour of the streets of St Peter Port as you explore the festive lights by tuk-tuk. A journey on your private motorised sleigh, enjoy the refreshing winter air as the roofs come down offering you the best view of the capital’s Christmas scenery. With special 45-minute editions of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, you can also enjoy a more luxurious tuk-tuk experience when this leisurely ride is accompanied by champagne.
The Little Black Bus
For an alternative experience of touring the island’s Christmas lights, book The Little Black Bus. With more warmth than a tuk-tuk tour or exploring on foot, The Little Black Bus can accommodate parties of up to 8 for the festive edition of their private island bus tours.
St Peter Port Harbour Diving
From the 25th of December, divers can explore beneath the surface of St Peter Port Harbour for one day only. With fewer movements in the port as boats take the day off, diving at St Peter Port Harbour on Christmas Day has become somewhat of a festive tradition. While there are many dive sites to explore around the island throughout the year, this is your one and only chance to explore the underwater workings of the island’s busiest harbour.
Winter Wild Swimming
While the sea temperatures may have significantly dropped in December, the local waters continue to be busy as people enjoy wild swimming throughout December. With many opportunities to get involved, from the challenge of the 12 Bays of Christmas to the famous Polar Bear Swim on Christmas Day at La Vallette Bathing Pools and renowned Boxing Day Dip, if you are brave enough to participate, enjoy the exhilaration, wellness benefits and community spirit of winter wild swimming in Guernsey.
The Guernsey Coastal Path
During the month of December, you can explore the 39-mile circular route of the Guernsey Coastal Path with fewer crowds. Admire the breathtaking winter landscapes as you navigate the clifftops, catch sight of the winter wildlife that inhabit the nature reserves and encounter Guernsey history as you find war fortifications and batteries along the way.
