A Christmas break in Jersey.

After the shops close their doors at around 8pm we’re sure you’ll be ready to pull up a seat at one of St. Helier’s many warm and welcoming restaurants, ready to welcome hungry shoppers with festive feasts and tasty tipples. You can’t go wrong with a comforting Italian for those cosy winter vibes. Just a few of our favourites include Pizzeria Romana, Pizzeria Famosa and Café Ristorante Italia. For hearty, home-cooked style food we adore Upstairs at Anley Street. For casual but utterly delicious pan-Asian cuisine, head to Awabi. For that extra special Christmas treat, consider the likes of Banjo, Samphire and Pêtchi. At Christmas time, especially, it’s worth booking ahead if you plan to eat out on the island.

The Hungry Man kiosk is a local institution, sitting on the edge of picturesque Rozel Harbour. Open pretty much every day of the year (although worth checking their Facebook page before you go, just to make sure) this is the spot to grab a bacon buttie and one of the legendary Hungry Man hot chocolates which, naturally, come with a generous serving of cream and marshmallows – the perfect post-walk fare. Find a bench seat and tuck in whilst you watch the harbour activity. Alternatively, cosy up at the Rozel Pub where you’ll find a warm welcome, a roaring fire and hearty food. If you parked a car at Bouley Bay, you can either walk back along the coastal path (one for the seasoned walkers!) or pre-order a taxi to drop you there.

After you’ve had a few hours to rest up after today’s walk, you might like to venture out in search of a cosy spot to while away the evening. For creative cocktails in a speakeasy setting, The Porter’s Store and The Blind Pig are both firm favourites. Botana serves up Spanish style tapas that’s perfect if you’re in the mood to try a few different things. For the wine lovers, head to The Watchmaker or Vinifera. At both, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of wine along with cheese or charcuterie platters which provide the perfect accompaniment.

If you’re visiting between the 25 November – 06 December, then we’d highly reccommend a visit to the Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas Market. The island’s Royal Square is transformed into a vibrant and colourful hub with live music and over 50 stalls showcasing Jersey’s finest artisans and local food and drink. Pick up some stocking fillers for loved ones and chat to the friendly stall holders. The Norman-French Market also arrives between the 04 – 10 December at Weighbridge Place. With traders selling crepes to cider, saucisson to soap, come and say ‘bonjour’ and ‘Joyeux Noel’ at this French festive feast for the senses. If you don’t happen to be here across any of these dates, simply head to the island’s Victorian Central Market, home to cheerful traders and shop-owners who are full of festive cheer.

Jersey has an array of luxury spa hotels to choose from. From cosy, historic retreats like the Cottage Garden Spa at Longueville Manor, city-chic hideouts like Spa Sirene at The Royal Yacht and the Ayush Wellness Spa at at the Hotel de France to seaside escape at the L’Horizon and St. Brelade’s Bay Hotel, a spa afternoon at one of these zen-like spas will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. After your treatment, make use of the spa facilities including saunas, steam rooms and more.

The island’s seaside villages always have a jolly feel to them in the holiday season with groups of friends and family out enjoying festive get-togethers and the bustling restaurants and bars. In Gorey, you’ve got some fantastic dinner options including the recently refurbished Moorings, Feast and Bass and Lobster. For a real taste of local life, head to the Dolphin Bar for a night cap after dinner. There’s an even bigger selection in St. Aubin, with local hotspots like the Salty Dog, The Boat House and The Old Courthouse all providing warm hospitality and delicious food over the festive period. As always, make sure to book ahead as places will get busy.