CHRISTMAS IN GUERNSEY

Guernsey is an island rich in folklore and has many traditions related to the festive season.

Superstition has it, for example, that cattle kneel at midnight on Christmas Eve, while around the same time well water turns into wine.

One the oldest seasonal celebrations is ‘La Longue Veille’, which takes places on 23 December.

Historically this was a time for neighbours and friends to meet under one roof to prepare their knitting and needlework for sale, sing songs and tell stories.

The next day – Christmas Eve (called the 'surveille') – would see people sell what they’d made in St Peter Port, while others would buy chestnuts and oranges.

Today 'La Longue Veille' is still observed as an opportunity for family gatherings in some Guernsey households.

On these occasions guests traditionally enjoy a highly spiced and sweetened mulled wine (known as vin brûlé) alongside a mild cheese and a Guernsey biscuit (known as a galette).

In more recent years, Christmas would not be the same without Guernsey’s annual tractor run – a popular event that attracts thousands of spectators and sees a procession of farm machinery adorned with fairy lights, festive inflatables and tinsel travel around the island in aid of charity.

For the bravehearted, the Guernsey Swimming Club hosts a Polar Bear Swim in the chilly waters of La Vallette Bathing Pools on Christmas Day, while dive clubs hold an annual dive at St Peter Port Harbour. Groups search the seabed and find everything from fresh scallops to historical artefacts, which in 1982 included the discovery of a third century Gallo-Roman shipwreck.

CHRISTMAS IN JERSEY

Similar to its island neighbour, Jersey celebrates ‘La Longue Veil’ye’ – traditionally an evening of games, songs and the last-minute making of goods before families made their sometimes once-a-year trip to the parish of St Helier to sell their wares on Christmas Eve.

Another tradition was Lé Vièr Noué when some families followed the old Julian calendar and celebrated ‘Old Christmas Day’ on 6 January.

In Christmases and New Years past, children would also go door to door asking for food or small gifts while reciting rhymes in Jersey French (or Jèrriais).

Although this practice has long faded, you can still spot the island’s traditional language on gifts and cards, wishing you a Bouan Noué (Merry Christmas) or Paix et Jouaie (Peace and Joy).

When it comes to Christmas lunch, an alternative meal enjoyed by many islanders is roast pork (du Lard au Fou) instead of turkey, often served before a lighter Christmas pudding known as podîn d'Noué. 

Today, Jersey’s festive traditions include a seasonal mix of yuletide markets, carol concerts and Christmas light tours.

Among the most popular is the Simply Christmas Market organised by Genuine Jersey which showcases local artisans and food in St Helier’s Royal Square, while the annual Step into Christmas Fayre is an all-day celebration which attracts thousands of festive revellers. Several of the island’s smaller parishes also hold their own Christmas fayres promoting local producers.

For those who want some yuletide-themed entertainment, the Jersey Opera House hosts a seasonal programme packed with festive favourites, while hardy souls wanting to work up an appetite ahead of their Christmas lunch can take part in several Christmas Day swims in aid of charity.

With beautiful scenery, a rich history and strong local traditions, for buyers thinking of moving to Guernsey or Jersey there’s an enviable lifestyle ready and waiting to be unwrapped.

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Further information

Contact Nick Paluch or Geri O'Brien. 

Savills Guernsey

Savills Jersey