After the bustling summer season in Jersey and Guernsey has come to its end, the al fresco lobster lunches and evening drinks by the pool have long been finished, it’s easy to think of the Channel Islands going into hibernation, and waiting on the beginning of next year’s busy season.
Not so. The later months in Jersey and Guernsey see the Islands transformed into a wintry paradise, and the miles of golden beaches become the site of bracing autumnal seaside walks, warming up afterwards with a hot chocolate in one the harbour cafés. In the evenings, the same restaurants that enjoyed late sunsets all summer are the perfect place to enjoy hearty meals, looking out over the twinkling lights across the English Channel.
Tennerfest – October/November
Tennerfest arrives in Jersey and Guernsey – the phenomenal Food Festival in which local cafés and restaurants enthusiastically compose their best menus using local produce, traditionally for £10. When the event began 22 years ago, this was less of a feat than it is today, but to their enormous credit, many establishments maintain the Tennerfest ethos. The festival has grown enormously since its beginning, and every year, hotels, bistros, gastropubs, restaurants and cafés enthusiastically gear up for this 6 week celebration of the best food and produce that the Channel Islands have to offer. This event runs from October into November.
Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets visit the Islands’ capitals of St Peter Port and St Helier which sparkle with festive spirit and visitors can enjoy extended late-night VAT-free Christmas shopping, with the streets beautifully decorated and lit, with live music, street vendors, locally hand-made gifts and carol services.
It’s a happy fact that this wonderful time in Jersey and Guernsey is the best time to take advantage of the lowest fares. The best hotels have their best offers during these Autumn and Winter months, and the packages including flights and car hire are at their year-round lowest costs. If you’ve visited Jersey and Guernsey during the hot Summer months, you owe it to yourself to experience the magic of Winter in the Channel Islands.
Read more about Guernsey during the festive season
Read more about Jersey during the festive season