Ventnor is gearing itself up for a month of celebration as Christmas approaches.
This Sunday (24th November 2024), Ventnor Cricket Club will play host to a Winter Wonderland indoor market.
Featuring more than 30 stalls, including vintage, pre-loved, new items, arts and crafts, food and drink, lucky dip and a raffle. Free entry between 11am and 3pm.
Organisers reminder shoppers that ‘cash is king’, so don’t forget to visit the cashpoint beforehand.
VAC Christmas Exhibition
Between Thursday 28th November and Sunday 1st December (10am and 4pm each day), Peer Studios will be hosting the Ventnor Artists Collective Christmas Exhibition.
The exhibition promises an eclectic mix of artistic expressions. Their work spans painting, mixed media, drawing, sculptural ceramics, photography and linocuts. In addition to larger artworks, the exhibition will include decorative wall hangings and small Christmas-themed items, making it an ideal stop for festive shoppers and art enthusiasts alike.
Celebrating Ventnor Exchange
On Saturday 30th November, not a Christmas celebration as such, but time to congratulate Ventnor Exchange on their tenth birthday.
There’ll be lots of things going on all day, including their £10 for 10 years raffle (with lots of great prizes), live music, spoken word and even a Silent Disco in the evening.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday 7th December is Small Business Saturday, a national scheme to encourage shoppers to ditch the large chains and support small businesses. Many of the independent shops are planning to have special offers on the 7th December. More details to follow once the IW council confirm parking arrangements (they usually allow free parking from midday).
Late night shopping
There’ll be late night shopping in Ventnor on Thursday 12th December with many of the independent shops staying open until 7pm.
Expect buskers, mince pies and mulled wine and support your local shops.
Friends of Ventnor Library Fundraising
On Friday 13th December there’ll be a Friends of Ventnor Library fundraising event at Ventnor Library (7-11pm). Join others for a Christmas Quiz and Sensational Seasonal Singalong with The Ventnor Darlings.
If you can, please support Baby Box IW this Christmas by taking along an unwrapped gift for a child or teenager. Tickets are £10 per person. Bring your own drinks. There will be raffle tickets on sale. For tickets contact Amy Milford-Wood on Facebook Messenger.
Christmas Markets at Ingram’s Yard
Saturday 14th and Saturday 21st December see the return of Christmas Markets at Ingram’s Yard, Ventnor.
Spearheaded by Ventnor Exchange, the markets will feature local traders and artisans, street food, coffee, bakers and a bar along with buskers and live music. 10am to 3pm both dates.
St Catherine’s School Christmas Market
Saturday 14th December sees St Catherine’s Church, Ventnor host the St Catherine’s School Christmas Market from 10am to 4pm. Join others for surprise guests throughout the day. Expect Christmas gifts and market stalls. Free entry.
You’ll even be able to post your letter to Santa! Listen to live music, the church choir and see local artists, plus a chance to visit Grinch’s Grotto!
Light up Ventnor
On Saturday 21st December Ventnor Carnival presents Light up Ventnor.
From 11am you can look forward to Market stalls at Ventnor Baptist Church, Santa’s Grotto and kids’ activities at St Catherine’s Church, live music in Spring Hill Gardens, Lantern parade and carols at Ventnor Park and even a Santa dash on the beach (midday on the beach).
For more info contact [email protected]
Boxing Day Swim
And of course don’t forget the iconic Ventnor Boxing Day Swim. Organised by Ventnor Carnival and collecting for the carnival and local charity, PATCH (People’s Approach to Cancer Help).
The whistle blows at midday. Dress up for a festive Boxing Day dip and stay in town afterwards to help support the cafes and bars.
Find out more
All information gathered from This Christmas in Ventnor Facebook Group, run by Pascale from Blue Labelle (a beautiful shop worth popping into).
You’ll be able to find the latest information or any changes by joining the Facebook Group.
Please feel free to leave a comment below if you know of other Christmas Ventnor events taking place in the next 4-5 weeks.
Article edit
11.45am 24th Nov 2024 – Added section about SBS and changed Ingram’s Market time to 3pm close.
