La Fête dé Noué - Jersey's Christmas Festival

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Our mid-winter celebration derives its name from the local Jersey Norman-French language and translates as ‘The Christmas Festival’. What’s on your ‘Christmas List’? Fairytale Markets? Christmassy Films? Sparkling Parades? Winter Walks? Or just some retail therapy? Well, you must have been very good this year because 2011’s La Fête dé Noué has all this and a stocking load more!


From Christmas past to Christmas present - It’s time to launch the festivities with the lighting of the town’s Christmas trees. The evening begins in historic Royal Square, surrounded by its traditional architecture, as the lights on the old chestnut trees are illuminated. Then join a lively Samba Parade to St Helier’s newest open space, Weighbridge Place, to see the modern ‘tree’ of glowing spheres come to life from within the heart of The Spirit of Christmas Market. A firework display brings the evening’s festivities to a close. What: La Fête dé Noué – Launch night When: Thursday 1st, from 18:00 Where: From Royal Square to Weighbridge Place


Spirit of

Dip into the Spirit of Christmas Market to find a few of your favourite things; hand made presents, Christmas decorations and scrummy things to eat. Running for the entire 11 days of the festival, the Spirit of Christmas market is filled with beautifully decorated Christmas chalets and yurts where Genuine Jersey artisans and craft workers will be selling gifts and decorations. As you tick off your Christmas wish list, warm up with mulled cider, coffee and crêpes or delicious hot and spicy food. Enjoy street theatre and entertainment that’s sure to put you in the Christmas mood! What: The Spirit of Christmas Market When: Thursday 1st – Sunday 11th, 11:00 – 19:00 Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 18:00 Saturday and Sunday, Thursdays till 20:00 and Sunday 11th till 20:00 Where: Weighbridge Place, St Helier

Christ


mas Market

Indulge in shopping the way it used to be... Inside our covered Victorian markets there’s a wealth of glorious goodies from holly wreaths and mistletoe to clementines, chestnuts and warming spices. It’s been at the heart of local Christmas traditions for generations. Central Market and Beresford Fish Market, Beresford Street, St Helier Open daily to 17:30 except Sundays


On several evenings during the Spirit of Christmas Market there will be additional activities to keep you entertained. Monday

5t–h18:30

Five Gold Horns

Ringing through the night sky, enjoy festive favourites from the golden horns of the Acapella Brass quintet.

17:30

In a ‘Pair’ Tree

Pipers Piping

:00 – 19:00

Throughout Europe children awake on December 6th in the hope that the pair of shoes they left out the night before has been filled with sweets by St Nicholas, the patron Saint of children. Today, on his special day, Jolly Saint Nick invites all the good children to bring their shoes and pay him a visit at the Spirit of Christmas Market. Naughty children need not apply!

7 th

17:30 – 19

:00

The Jersey Pipe Band will take the chill out of the air with the magical sound of their pipes between 17:30 – 18:00 and then from 18:15 until 19:00 join Vicki Hudson of Jersey Cupcakes, armed with her piping bag, as she invites you to roll up your sleeves and put the icing on the cake in this sugary-sweet interactive demonstration. Children warmly welcomed.

Tuesday

th 6 16

Wednesday

Thursday

8t–h19:00

Drummers Drumming

18:00

Browse to the beat as we put the spirit into the Christmas market with infectious rhythms from quite a few drummers drumming!

Lords-aLeaping

Friday

9th

16:00 – 19:00

Let your imagination leap as our Lord of storytelling weaves tales of ‘once upon a time’.

Storytelling at the following times: 16:00, 16:40, 17:20, 18:00, 18:40


Don’t be alarmed if you find a festive fairy, a giant elf or a mischievous snowball following you as a whole bunch of performers hit the streets for your amusement.

Thursday

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Friday

2nd

Saturday

3rd

Saturday

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Sunday

4th

Wrong Size

Circo Rum Ba-Ba

Snow Stilts

Snowball Sprites

Beautiful Russian princesses, in glowing white costumes, add a touch of glamour to the winter season.

Two sparkling Snowball Sprites whizz speedily round in a flurry of excitement, throwing handfuls of blizzard as they go.


Saturday

3rd

Sunday

4th

Monday

5

th

Tuesday

6th

Robin Fox

Victorian Magician

4th

Monday

5th

7th

Musical Ruth

Musical Ruth goes Jingle Jangle

Watch in wonderment as Robin performs street magic (with a Dickensian twist!) to mystify passers-by.

Sunday

Wednesday

Tuesday

6th

Here comes Sister Ruth, a madcap nun who spouts carols galore from her runaway grand piano with hilarious results!

Swank

Festive Frolics Introducing two irrepressible (and slightly round) fairies; they’re fullto-the-brim with Christmas joy and too many mince pies!

Wednesday

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Thursday

8th

The Flying Buttresses

Hodman Dodmanott & Sally Forth Meet Hodman and Sally, two captivating wayfarers who will bring you merriment and mirth as they travel their winter path.


Thursday

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Saturday

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Friday

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Sunday

11th

Flame Oz

Calvos

Creature Feature

There ain’t nothin’ like a Dame!

Enchanting, silver-skinned beings in shimmering white costumes encircle the crowds whilst contact juggling ‘ice crystals’.

Panto has been let loose on the streets in all its gaudy glamour and fantastic finery… Oh no it hasn’t! Oh yes it has!

Friday

9

th

Saturday

10th

Sunday

11th

Oyster Opera

Victorian Christmas Soaring arias, haunting duets and powerful performances combine as opera takes to the street in all its glory.

Saturday

10th

Sunday

11th

Strictly Dumb Prancing

Mother Christmas & Santa’s Biggest Helper Mother Christmas is keeping an eye out for anyone misbehaving and Brian the Elf has size 48 feet – you won’t miss them as they’re both 8 feet tall! What: Walkabout Street Theatre When: Thursday 1st – Sunday 11th Where: The Spirit of Christmas Market, Weighbridge Place and King and Queen St in St Helier


Join a local or do it yourself! Take a town tour, a rural ramble or join the Ghost of Christmas Past. With a charming selection of walks to choose from you’re sure to see Jersey from a different perspective; just think of the calories you can burn! And because you’ve been good all year, our daytime Christmas walks are free of charge for your enjoyment.

Seasonal St Aubin Head up the winding lanes of this pretty harbour town and enjoy stunning views across the bay. Hear the history of the old town as you walk over the cobblestones of the picturesque High Street, leading to woodlands overlooking Mont Plaisir. Visit the ‘Yurts’ on the hill and, as evening draws in, enjoy some mulled wine while looking down on the twinkling Christmas lights that decorate the village. When: Monday 5th, 14:00 – 16:30 Where: Old Court House Inn, The Bulwarks, St Aubin

Walking Up an Appetite for Christmas Enjoy a walk around Gorey Village and ‘over the hill’ to take in views of Mont Orgueil Castle and the harbour. Prepare the mind for inspirational shopping – or just tuck into delicious refreshments to give you strength to face the festive season. Stories of Gorey’s fascinating past will entertain you along the way. When: Tuesday 6th, 10:30 – 13:00 Where: Jersey Pottery main entrance (by car park), Gorey Village, Grouville

Here We Come A-Wassailing Walk through winding lanes to The National Trust’s headquarters at The Elms and discover the mid-winter traditions associated with apples and orchards. Visit the pressoir or CiderPress House for seasonal refreshments before returning to the Parish Church. At the end of your walk, why not pop into St Mary’s Country Inn for a well deserved Christmas drink or a hearty pub lunch by the fire. When: Wednesday 7th, 10:30 – 13:00 Where: St Mary’s Parish Church


The Holly and the Ivy Discover country ways at Christmas with a visit to the ancient Church and the Parish Hall followed by a walk through some sheltered lanes in the pretty parish of St Lawrence, returning in time for refreshments at the local pub. When: Thursday 8th, 10:45 – 13:15 Where: St Lawrence Parish Church

Tinsel Town Tour Immerse yourself in the festivities of the town and hear tales of St Helier’s history as you wander through the Victorian markets and soak up the Christmas spirit with beautiful arrangements of fruit, flowers and decorations for sale. Pop into the Town Church along the way and don’t forget to say hello to our most famous local residents in West’s Centre, the bronze statues of the Jersey Cows. When: Friday 9th, 10:00 – 13:00 Where: Liberation Square, St Helier

Evening Ghost Walks Prepare yourself for a spine-chilling evening discovering ghostly stories of Jersey’s sinister past as you embark on a nerve-jangling journey through one of the disturbingly dim corners of the island. As the experience takes place in the dark, please bring a torch, wear sensible outdoor clothing/shoes and take care on footpaths. When: Monday 5th & Wednesday 7th, 19:00 – 20:30 Where: Meeting point to be advised when booking – Booking essential – Tel: 01534 448877 How much: £7 per person


Breathe in the sights and smells of Normandy with everything from home made crêpes and biscuits to saucisson and cider. Soak in the al fresco atmosphere as you browse our visiting traditional Norman-French market.

What: Lé Marchi Nouormand – Norman French Market When: Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th. Thursday 10:00 – 20:00, Friday – Saturday 10:00 – 18:00, Sunday 10:00 – 16:00 Where: Royal Square, St Helier


Get your skates on because the rink is back! Whether you’re a polished performer or a complete novice, you’ll love this opportunity to skate your socks off. What: Ice Skate Jersey – iceskatejersey.co.uk – Tel: 07700 878351

When: Saturday 10th December – Sunday 8th January 2012, 10:00 – 22:00 daily, reduced opening hours on December 24th, 26th, 31st & January 1st and closed Christmas Day Where: Parade Gardens, The Parade, St Helier How much: Adults £7, Child (12 and under) £6, Concessions (13 – 16) £6.50, Family ticket £22


During the Festival there are many other events taking place, here are a couple of our favourites, for your enjoyment.

Creative Christmas....

A Georgian Christmas...

Children can make decorations, cards and gifts at the craft workshop and there’ll be a visit from Santa. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies and Jersey Heritage members receive a 20% discount on everything in the museum gift shop and 10% in the Merchant House Brasserie.

Pop along and see the National Trust for Jersey’s newly restored and furnished Georgian town house. Built circa 1730, these special Saturdays give you the opportunity to step back in time to see how the Jersey gentry lived in Regency times, brought to life through the sounds, smells and costumes of the era. The National Trust shop also offers a unique range of well priced and carefully sourced items that are perfect for Christmas.

What: Craft with Jersey Heritage When: Saturday 3rd, 12:00 – 18:00 Where: Jersey Museum, Weighbridge, St Helier How much: Adults £8, Seniors £7, Children £4.50 Web: jerseyheritage.org

What: The National Trust for Jersey’s Georgian House Museum When: 10:00 – 17:00 every Saturday in the run up to Christmas, except Christmas Eve Where: 16 New Street, St Helier How much: Adults £5, Children (under 10) Free, Children (10 18) £2 and Trust Members - Free


Christmas Collectables Including vintage fashion, antiques, linen, home-ware, tea and cakes, and art inspired by the past. This fair is the perfect opportunity for Christmas shoppers looking for something a bit different to give their loved ones. What: Vintage and Arts Fair When: Sunday 4th, 11:00 – 17:00 Where: St James, St James Street, St Helier

A Night at the Museum Step back in time to a Victorian Christmas in the Merchant’s House or use this opportunity to see the last of the 2011 exhibitions, Hidden Treasures – Modern Masters and All Our Yesterdays. Don’t forget your Christmas shopping; the gift shop is full of unique gift ideas and quirky stocking fillers and Jersey Heritage members receive a 20% discount on everything in the museum gift shop and 10% in the Merchant House Brasserie. What: Late night opening at Jersey Museum When: Thursday 8th, between 10:00 – 20:00 Where: Jersey Museum, Weighbridge, St Helier How much: Adults £8, Seniors £7, Children £4.50

Annual Christmas Tree Festival Walk into St Peter’s very own winter wonderland as the Parish Church is lit up by some 70 Christmas trees of every size and style. Each tree is provided and decorated by a local school, business, club or society – it’s a dazzling display. Pop along for the Christmas Concert on the 10th at 19:30 featuring The Cantabile Ensemble & the Usual Suspects; it’s a real festive treat! When: Saturday 10th – Sunday 18th, between 11:00 – 19:00 daily, Sunday Services excepted Where: St Peter’s Parish Church, Rue de L’Eglise, St Peter How much: Free of charge, but donations are very welcome – The Christmas Concert is £3 – £5


Shopped out? Take time out to re-charge your batteries and enjoy some of your favourite Christmas movies for free this weekend! It couldn’t be simpler: just phone or call into the box office to book a seat, turn up, relax and enjoy! What: Christmas Film Festival When: Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th, from 11:00 Where: Jersey Arts Centre, Phillips Street, St Helier Tel: 01534 700444

11:00 – The Polar Express 13:00 – Jingle All the Way 15:15 – White Christmas 17:30 – The Muppet Christmas Carol 20:00 – Joyeux Noël

Saturday

10

th

Sunday

11th

11:00 – A Christmas Carol (Disney) 13:00 – Fred Claus 15:15 – The Bishop’s Wife 17:30 – Nativity 20:00 – It’s a Wonderful Life


Get some retail therapy and hit the shops. St Helier boasts department stores, boutiques, big names and two Victorian markets (our historic eye candy!). Elsewhere, discover antiques, galleries and garden centres brimming with Christmas treasures. Most shops are open from 09:00 – 17:30 daily with the exception of Sundays, where there is usually only limited trading permitted, but during the run up to Christmas, you’re in for a treat as the majority of shops welcome you in for late night Thursday shopping until 21:00 and special Sunday shopping hours of 11:00 – 17:00. So whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, you won’t miss out!

Liberty Wharf has

Christmas Covered

Jersey’s only covered mall, Liberty Wharf offers a new and exciting way to shop this Christmas. Stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy major brand stores and unique, independent boutiques whatever the weather! Whether it’s for morning coffee, a light bite,

cocktails or a vibrant night out, Liberty Wharf is the new social hub from dusk ‘til dawn. For more information about Liberty Wharf and their Christmas programme of events and opening hours visit: liberty-wharf.com


It’s one of the highlights of La Fête dé Noué, so wrap up warm, brave the cold and cheer loudly as a colourful procession of floodlit floats covered in twinkling lights snakes past. Music and dancing brings everything to life and, with hot refreshments on offer, we hope you enjoy our Spectacular Christmas Parade – the culmination of La Fête dé Noué. What: The Spectacular Christmas Parade When: Sunday 11th, 17:20 – 18:45 Where: From Maritime House on La Route du Port Elizabeth, (The route heads east along La Route de Liberation, around Liberation Square and finishes along the Esplanade, adjacent to The Esplanade car park.)


Route Map S EA TON

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Parade Route

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Good Viewing Points

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Food & Drinks

For further information visit www.jersey.com/christmas Jersey Tourism, Liberation Place, St Helier, JE1 1BB Tel: +44 (0)1534 448877 Fax: +44 (0)1534 448899 Email: info@jersey.com www.theideaworks.com

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LIBERATION SQUARE

ALBERT HARBOUR

Information correct at time of print, November 2011• Designed by The Idea Works

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On th eM en u

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