To help conjure up the festive spirit there is a special Christmas celebration in Port Erin from 3pm to 7pm next Saturday (December 5).
The event, organised by Port Erin Traders’ Association, involves lots of seasonal activities such as roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, a Christmas market, Santa in his grotto and a ‘12 days of Christmas’ trail taking visitors around the shops with prizes. There are also giant puppets performing short Nativity plays around the village.
Entertainment is in the Falcon’s Nest (not Franklin’s showrooms, as originally advertised), and includes the judging of the fancy dress, with prizes for the best Christmas outfit. There are also performances by Southern Belles, Scoill Phurt le Moirrey dancers, Rushen Twirlers and Perree Bane. A vintage bus, with storytelling, is in the car park of the Haven Hotel. There is also a grand parade at 4pm.
A steam train leaves Douglas at 2.45pm and Port Erin at 6.30pm.