It’s a special time of year. There’s a gentle nip in the air, people exchange cards and good wishes for the season ahead, and anticipation builds as everyone prepares for a day of celebration. But who says the joy must be reserved for a single day? Festive fun starts before 25th December, as communities come together to share the magic, and what better way to get ready than to visit a Christmas market? In this post, we list some of the best Isle of Man Christmas markets so you can shop for gifts (or for yourself).
North
The north of the Isle of Man transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland at Christmas. Quaint towns like Ramsey and Andreas are adorned with twinkling lights, frost dusts the hilltops, and towns come together to celebrate.
1. Milntown Christmas Market
Location: Milntown Estate, Milntown, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM7 2AB
Milntown Christmas Market is a showcase for local creatives. Pick up some new handmade ornaments or decorations for the tree, finish shopping for gifts (the jewellery and artwork are both standouts), or wrap up warm with some new cosy clothing. Even furry friends are accounted for, thanks to the pet treats.
Families with young children can help their little ones post their letters to Santa, while everyone will enjoy the winter-themed mini golf. Don’t forget to stop by the Milntown Kitchen when you’ve finished browsing. There are festive baps and a selection of hot and cold drinks, but the most popular item on the menu is crumble from the crumble bar – expect warm seasonal flavours to satisfy your sweet tooth.
2. Manx Festival Christmas Market
Location: Mountain View Innovation Centre, Jurby Road, Lezayre, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM7 2DZ
With over 60 stalls from local vendors selling arts, crafts and produce, it’ll take you a good while to browse. Live music creates a light-hearted atmosphere, as does an appearance from Santa Claus himself. There’s also festive food served at Babbages Bistro, which uses local produce from local suppliers whenever possible.
This market is part of the Love Manx Festival, a new festival which began in September 2025. It was created to showcase small Manx businesses and help them reach a bigger audience, with seasonal events four times a year.
South
The south of the Isle of Man has a rich history, which blends beautifully with the warmth of the festive season. Castletown, with its cobbled streets and nearby Castle Rushen, feels like a Christmas card, while Port Erin’s sweeping bay sparkles under the winter sun. Enjoy a walk along the cliffside or cosy up in a local pub or tearoom to escape the frosty air.
3. Castletown Christmas Lights Switch On
Location: The Square, Castletown, Isle of Man, IM9 1LG
Why simply switch on the Christmas lights when you can make an afternoon and evening out of it? Castletown’s Christmas Lights Switch-On starts at 12pm, when the market stalls open for business. Carols by candlelight follow at the nearby Arbory Street Methodist Church, before a lantern parade lights the way back to the Square and the Carnival Queen switches on the lights.
4. Erin Arts Centre Christmas Market
Location: Erin Arts Centre, Kerrin Victoria, Port Erin, Isle of Man, IM9 6LD
Part of Port Erin’s Countdown to Christmas, the Erin Arts Centre Christmas Market is free to attend, running from 11am till 4pm. It has plenty of craft stalls, there’s hot food and drink to buy, and you can also enter the raffle. There are often other events running on the same day, so you can make the festivities last longer.
East
The island’s capital, Douglas, becomes a hub of holiday cheer as the big day approaches, with a brightly lit promenade, Christmas music filling the air, and shops in Strand Street buzzing with gift hunters. The eastern villages offer a quieter but no-less-festive atmosphere, with community events bringing everyone together.
5. ManxSPCA Christmas Fair
Location: The Hub, Onchan Community Centre, School Road, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM3 1RD
The ManxSPCA Christmas Fair favours local wares, with stalls selling everything from handcrafted gifts and vintage homewares to festive decorations – just in time for Christmas. Visitors are encouraged to chat to the artisans and learn more about how they craft their products, and seasonal snacks and hot drinks are available to keep you refreshed as you browse. Any purchases you make support the creators and the ManxSPCA, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for animals.
6. The Hospice Christmas Fair
Location: The Roundhouse, Strang Corner Field, Ballaoates Road, Strang, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM4 4RE
This Christmas market is held at the community facility in Braddan, which is owned and run by Braddan Parish Commissioners, so there’s a real feeling of everyone coming together. The Hospice Christmas Fair has plenty of stalls selling crafts, gifts, and lots of delicious treats, as well as a raffle. Young children will love the chance to meet Santa in Santa’s Grotto, too.
7. Laxey Christmas Market
Locations:
- Working Men’s Institute, New Road, Laxey, Isle of Man
- Laxey Tram Shed, Laxey, Isle of Man
- Christ Church, Church Hill, Laxey, Isle of Man
- Village Square Market, Laxey, Isle of Man
Split across four venues, the Laxey Christmas Market has grown considerably over the fourteen years it’s been running, bringing Christmas cheer to residents all over the village and beyond. It began as a fundraiser for the Laxey Working Men’s Institute, expanding to become a key part of the village’s countdown to Christmas.
Each venue has a selection of stalls selling products made by artisans, local produce, gifts and other festive goodies. Live music from Onchan Silver Band, a local brass band, adds a cheery feel to the day. Head to the station to meet Santa in his grotto and look out for appearances by characters from the Laxey Mines Railway.
West
Steeped in natural beauty and community spirit, the west of the Isle of Man offers a charming Christmas experience. The narrow streets of Peel come to life as people get ready for the big day and the scent of seasonal treats wafts from local bakeries. Further inland, quiet villages exude their own serene festive charm.
8. Christmas Hygge
Locations:
- Artreach Studios, The Old Gasworks, Mill Road, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1AX
- House of Manannan, Station Place, Mill Road, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1TA
- Pilates Studio, The Viking Longhouse, Mariners Wharf, East Quay, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1AR
This event is named after hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’), the Danish art of taking time away from daily life to spend time with people you care about and enjoy relaxing. It’s informal, cosy and comforting, especially during the cold winter months.
The market is big enough to be spread across three venues, all within a short walk of each other. Independent local artisans like designers, makers, jewellers, ceramicists, candle makers, photographers, artists and food producers come together to set up stalls selling items you’re likely to find anywhere else.
9. Peel Christmas Lights Switch On
Location: Market Place, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1AB
More than just a Christmas market, the Peel Christmas Lights Switch On brings together a whole host of fun for families and the young at heart. Market stalls sell arts and crafts, mulled wine is served and, if you head a short walk away to the Transport Museum, you might just find Santa. There are also fairground rides and a lantern trail for those who’d like a little exploration and adventure. Live music and dance performances add some festive flair.
Set sail with Steam Packet Ferries
Want to travel to the Isle of Man in winter? You can reach the island easily with Steam Packet. Our winter ferry services are comfortable, convenient and offer excellent customer service.