What's on in December
With the festive season in full swing there's plenty of ways to enjoy the island over December. From Christmas markets and panto, to old Manx traditions, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
What’s on in December?
Manannan’s Winterfest No. 5
A great way to get a taste of the local talent, and the islands' live music scene!
Manannan’s Winterfest returns to the Gaiety Theatre in a unique concert celebrating Manx Christmas traditions through a collaboration of the Island’s finest exponents of classical, folk, brass and choral music, with a sprinkle of local humour and drama added to the mix!
The mighty sea-god Manannan invites you to get into the Manx festive spirit and join him for this very special evening of entertainment!
VIP Stalls include:
Fynoderee & Tonic (or 2 soft drinks) served in the Matcham Suite pre-show or during the interval
Preferred seating at the front of the stalls
Manannan's Winterfest № 5 (villagaiety.com)
Santa Trains at Groudle
Saturday 10th & 17th December, Sunday 11th & 18th December
Groudle Glen Santa Trains Board the steam train at the festive North Pole Halt, and travel to Santa's Halt to experience a magical day out for all the family.
This is a popular one so book early!
Isle of Man Young Farmers Christmas Tractor Run 2022
Thursday 1st Dec - Strand Street, Douglas.
Friday 2nd Dec - Run around the South of the Island
Saturday 3rd Dec - The BIG One! Around the whole Island
A Christmas spectacle for all the family! Come and see tractors decked with displays of Christmas lights.
Stay up to date on the routes/times on the Facebook page.
Isle of Man Young Farmers | Facebook
It's Panto Time!
Snow White & The Seven Dwarves
Saturday 3rd Dec - Saturday 10th Dec 2022
Join Peel Pantaloons for a classic panto in the West of the Island.
14:00/19:30 - Peel Centenary Centre
Peel Pantaloons Presents Snow White – Peel Centenary Centre
Wizard of Oz!
This magical pantomime features great songs, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and amazing special effects - it will be an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.
So, make sure you book your tickets for the fairest pantomime in all the land!
The Wizard of Oz (villagaiety.com)
Tynwald Mills Late Night Shopping and Christmas Market
Come and experience the magic of the markets, with a wide variety of traditional handmade gifts and Santa’s Grotto, there is something for everyone this Christmas at Tynwald Mills.
Late Night Shopping & Christmas Market – Tynwald Mills
Manx Christmas Traditions
Hunt the Wren
Monday 26th December
Hunt the Wren is a traditional custom carried out on the Isle of Man on the 26 December, St. Stephen's Day. It consists of groups of people going around villages and towns singing and dancing a traditional song and dance around a decorated wren pole.
To find out if you can see this fabulous tradition click the link below
Hunt the Wren | Culture Vannin | Isle of Man
Cammag & Manx Music
Monday 26th December
Cammag (Manx pronunciation: [ˈkʰamaɡ]) is a team sport originating on the Isle of Man. It is closely related to the Scottish game of shinty and is similar to the Irish game of hurling. Once the most widespread sport on Man, it ceased to be played around 1900 after the introduction of association football, though it has experienced a revival in the 21st century.
Head to St John’s to watch this exciting game! Right by Tynwald Hill. Warm up afterwards at The Tynwald Inn pub where there will find musicians playing all sorts of wonderful Manx music and songs. Everyone welcome!
Cammag | Culture Vannin | Isle of Man
The White Boys
The White Boys (Ny Guillyn Baney in Manx) is the traditional mummers' play of the Isle of Man.
The play and its actors are named because of the unusual white clothing they wear. The play is traditionally performed in public places close to Christmas, and it concerns knights fighting and killing one another before being resurrected by a doctor, after which there is a song and a dance. Historical scripts date back as far as 1832 and it is still performed on Manx streets each year.
To find out where you can watch this spectacle! Head to the Culture Vannin website...
The White Boys | Culture Vannin | Isle of Man
To find out about many more events in December you can also go to
What's on in IOM | Visit Isle of Man