Ventnorville – Something a little different for Christmas

Ventnorville – Christmas Festivities in Ventnor

Happy Grinchmas

Happy Grinchmas

Wacky, quirky and somewhat crazy, Ventnorville isn’t your average Christmas seaside festival.

Father Christmas, yes. But, not always. Occasionally the Grinch throws Santa out of his Grotto.  The kids queue up to find a crazy green man with a sack of presents in the grotto instead. Making a pack with the Grinch, and wishing people a Happy Grinchmas is just a normal occurrence on a Saturday afternoon in Ventnor during Ventnorville weekend.

Traditional Christmas celebrations can sometimes be found during this crazy Isle of Wight weekend. Visit the pretty Festive Sheds and purchase some Christmas Presents.  Drink mulled wine whilst listening to a band.  Indulge in a mince pie whilst listening to Christmas Carols in Ventnor Park.  But, that’s where ‘traditional’ ends – Ventnorville turns them upside down and on their heads. Winter Carnivals, Lantern Parades, Fancy dress dog competitions and a Santa Dash on the beach are more the norm.

The Weekend

Everyone is encouraged to dress up. Cowboys, pirates and fairy princesses mix with drum playing Chewbacca’s, a Grinch who pops up everywhere and a variety of dogs dressed as elves and kids with green faces.

The Grinch

Only in Ventnor……

There are festive markets in the churches, tea parties and photo booths. Children meet at lunchtime on the beach, partake in a quick warm up with the Grinch and then ‘dash’ the length of the beach in Santa Hats. A medal awaits those who make it (running on shingle is not easy you know). A quick spot of lunch (the choices are plentiful) and then a visit to a pantomime at the Winter Gardens is in order.

The Winter Carnival commences at dusk.  The Lantern Parade and it’s many handmade lanterns and Ventnor’s very own Comic Jazz Band – entertaining in equal measures.

Christmas carols

Christmas Carols in Ventnor Park

Last stop, Ventnor Park.  One more glass of mulled wine whilst listening to the sweet, atmospheric family carol service.  There’s song sheets, snow, Father Christmas and presents galore (and not a Grinch in sight!).

Ventnorville is a blast, a Christmas weekend like no other. It’s different and fun – and makes for some great Island memories.

We Love y0u Ventnor 

Our Verdict – 9/10