Winter Wonderland returns to The Royal Esplanade Hotel with a free festive day beside Ryde’s Esplanade. Bring the children to meet Santa and Mrs Claus, have a look around the gift market and make room for a seasonal treat. The hotel is bringing the event back after a three-year wait, with shopping and Christmas activities spread through the day.
Santa and Mrs Claus welcome visitors to their grotto between noon and 3pm. Buy grotto tickets on the day; free event entry does not include those tickets. Outside the grotto, the hotel’s snow machine adds another bit of winter fun. Local makers fill the gift market with presents and stocking fillers, while the Coffee Shop and Harry’s Bar offer Christmas specials. You can order mulled wine or stop for something to eat while you decide which stalls to visit next.
The whole event runs from 10.30am until 4pm, giving you time to browse before the grotto opens or stay after your visit. The Victorian restaurant serves Sunday roast from noon until 3.45pm as a separate meal, overlooking the Esplanade. Check meal availability with the hotel if lunch is part of your plan. You can keep the outing to a short Santa visit or give it more of your Sunday, depending on the children’s energy. Find more activities for children across the Isle of Wight for the weeks before Christmas.
Organised by The Royal Esplanade Hotel, Ryde