Christmas has arrived on the Isle of Man and we're certainly getting into the festive spirit! If you are visiting friends this winter or wish to plan a family Christmas escape, here are some of the most magical experiences taking place this December.
.jpg)
Christmas Tractor Run
1st - 3rd December
The magic of illuminated tractors delights onlookers each year. This festive tradition by the Isle of Man Young Farmers, for the benefit of local charities, is staged over three days. The events starts on 1st December in the capital Douglas - two decorated tractors will be lined up for people to view the incredible lights and take pictures. The first of the tractor runs takes place the following night, Friday 2nd December, following a route around the south of the Island. On Saturday 3rd December the tractors set off on their longest route around the Island, meaning wherever you are staying the Christmas spectacle is within easy reach.
Click here for more event details.
Manannan's Winterfest No.5
9th December
Manannan's Winterfest, now in its 5th year, has become a firm favourite in the Island's festive calendar, providing all the magic of a truly Manx Christmas in the historic Gaiety Theatre. Billed as a contemporary and unique variety concert inspired by Manx traditions, the event is a collaboration of the Island’s finest exponents of classical, folk, brass and choral music – topped with local humour and drama.
The brainchild of local musicians David Kilgallon and Malcolm Stitt, the event this year will have music and song from the cast of ‘Once’, Emma Hill and Aalish Kilgallon from Matilda Jr. and much more. There is even merchandise available to kit the family out in matching wares. Tickets start at £16.
Click here for more event details and to book.
Steam Railway becomes THE POLAR EXPRESS™
17th - 22nd December
The Island’s much loved Steam Railway transforms into THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for six days leading up to Christmas. Perfectly frozen in time just like the 2004 motion picture, the railway is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain that still uses its original locomotives and carriages.
You and your family can dress in PJs and enjoy a fun-filled theatrical adventure as you make your way to the North Pole and meet the characters from the film along the way. Throughout your journey, you may tangle with the caribou and have the original story of The Polar Express told to you. Arriving at the North Pole, Santa will meet you on board and, if you are on the nice list, hand you your first gift of Christmas, a Silver Sleigh Bell.
Click here for more event details and to book.
Alternatively, the Steam Railway run the Santa Express and the Steam into Christmas events which can be viewed and booked here.
An alternative family train experience can be found in the south of Douglas, the Groudle Glen Railway Santa Train, where families can meet Santa and his elves and enjoy festive refreshments.
A 'Great Outdoors' Kind of Christmas
Throughout December
A mix of fantastic offerings by local guides and adventure companies is on offer to help you and your visiting friends or relatives to explore the beauty of winter in the Isle of Man.
-
Festive Family Forest Adventure, with Soul Adventures and the Happy Explorer, is a two-hour guided walk exploring the forest at night while searching for hidden Christmas trees and special lit up rope swings. Taking place on 3rd, 9th, 22nd and 28th December - for more event details, click here.
-
Walking Mann’s Christmas Ale Trail, taking place on 17th December, starts at Castletown and follows the best of the coastal footpath, the Raad ny Foillan, with refreshments stops in Port St Mary - for more event details, click here.
Wallabies in the Dark
27th, 28th, 29th & 30th December
Join walking.im walk leader Ken Harding on a family-friendly walk trying to spot wallabies in the dark! These 1.5 mile walks will quiety explore the Curraghs Wetlands for the sight of a wallaby or two roaming about after dark. Halfway through the walk, you will stop for hot chocolate and marshmallows, and talk all thinkgs wallabies - from how they arrived in the Curraghs (following their great escape from the Wildlife Park) to how they might influence their environment on the Island. Tickets are £20 per family (up to two adults and children).
Click here for more event details.
Hunt the Wren
26th December
Hunt the Wren is one of the most popular, and yet more unusual, Manx traditions in practice today. On St. Stephen's Day, or as we know it Boxing Day, communities come together across the Isle of Man to dance and sing around the streets. The practice, dating back to Pagan times, is centred on a wren, "the king of all birds," which is hunted and then danced through the streets on a special pole (the bird in the wren pole today is a replica!)
Join revellers around the Isle of Man for this fun tradition of Hunt the Wren through song and dance. Musicians, singers and dancers of all ages and abilities welcome!
Related
The Gaiety Theatre is the jewel in the Manx Heritage crown. Presenting a year round programme of entertainment, theater, film, arts and music, you'll be sure to find something entertaining to watch during your time on the Island.
Here at Walking.im we know that the Isle of Man has some of the best walking routes in the UK, from our magnificent heather-clad uplands with their far reaching views, to the stunning Raad ny Foillan; the islands 95 mile coastal footpath.
Comments
Leave a Reply