Ventnor is enchanting at all times of the year – but at Christmas, it’s magical.

On Saturday 14 December, the town will be transformed into a Victorian/Dickensian winter wonderland, with the shop keepers dressed in period costumes and traditional entertainments for all ages.

Don’t miss:

• 1pm-2pm: David Thornton playing Isle of Light and festive classics at Church Street Motorcycles.
• Plus FREE mulled cider, mince pies, pop-up stalls, a prize draw,festive bargains and lots of surprises!
• 2.15pm At Sarah’s House – A Dickens and mince pie treat with readings by the innovative Original Theatre. For the rest of the day, they’ll have a ukulele playing and there’s even some fake snow – we love this place!
• 3.30pm The mighty HENTAI BABIES (yes really!) at Church Street Motorcycles. This pop rock band is gaining worldwide acclaim and they’re always on the BBC nowadays.
• Free gift wrapping on all purchases from the fabulous Oh So Vintage, Ventnor’s award-winning vintage emporium. Plus there’s a lucky number game (£2 a go) to win a £100 voucher to spend in the shop with proceeds going to Diabetes Research. And best of all, a sale rail of party frocks. See you there!
• Browsing in the shop windows – there’s a window display competition, so have a good look around as the standard is usually extremely high (the smart money’s on Church Street Motorcycles).
• Two of our favourite shop keepers will be dressed as elves… can you find them?
• A mime artist will perform outside our fave sweets and crafts shop, The Candy Man and Random Remnants. Inside, you can buy raffle tickets (in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care) for a hamper of handmade goodies donated by the local artists. Plus there’s free hot chocolate with marshmallows!
• A choir will be singing between the Candy Man and Luchelle (the lovely dress shop).
• The Father Christmas grotto at The Spar, Victoria St, Lower Ventnor. The store will also be hosting a food and wine tasting event. You won’t be able to miss the Spar as a marching band will be playing on their forecourt!
• 
  Father Christmas in the window of Antiques & Collectables, opposite the Central car park – Santa (and the Ventnor Lions) will be giving out pressies to children.
• Phileas Fogg himself from Phileas Fogg’s wandering through the streets with festive nibbles and restaurant-related gifts for your lucky loved ones.
• Traditional carol singing in the Central Car Park (opposite Tesco) from the Ventnor Rotary Club.
• Hot roasted chestnuts outside our favourite Five A Day.
• Festive fun and games at the Ventnorian (ethically sourced toys and health food).
• There’s a special delivery box here for kids to post their letters to Santa – and all letters will be answered if you supply your address! Plus there’s a lucky dip which we know is going to be great. This place is a hidden gem, so don’t tell anyone else about it ;)
• A raffle around town for the chance to win ‘A sumptuous Christmas hamper’.
• 4.45pm: The traditional town parade, led by the Ventnor Carnival Queen float, and the children’s lantern parade (a beautiful sight).

Join the procession as they make their way to Ventnor Park for 5.30pm – where they will be met by Father Christmas and (hopefully) some animals resembling reindeer.

The newly formed Rew Valley Singers will lead everyone in the singing of Christmas carols around the Christmas tree.

Hot chocolate, soft drinks and snacks will be available from the Putting Green Kiosk. Plus the Ventnor Enhancement Fund will be selling mulled wine and mince pies… and we can’t wait!

Thank you very much to the Ventnor Enhancement Fund for organising this year’s Christmas fun.

Information sourced from the brilliant LoveVentnor Website

Image: calliope under CC BY 2.0