Talking Jersey

Many say the island comes alive at Christmas – with street parties, Christmas parades, lights, lanterns, music and food.

This year looks set to be bigger than ever before as Jersey Tourism has committed £70 thousand to transform St Helier into a winter wonderland this December.

That will include Christmas markets, lantern processions and extended trading hours for shops along King and Queen Streets.

Christmas Parade

They will all make up part the 2007 La Fete de Noue which runs from 1 December until 23 December.

With the new markets and increased festivities this Christmas, as well as providing a winter wonderland for islanders, it will also attract tourists from the UK and Europe.

This will see the island go head to head with more traditional festive destinations such as Prague, Vienna and Munich in a bid to draw visitors from the UK, France, and other Channel Islands.

Jersey Tourism along with the Chamber of Commerce has worked closely together to secure Sunday Trading permits for all four weekends before Christmas.

Donna Le Marrec from Jersey Tourism says it's a an event that will bring in visitors.

She told us "of all the festivals we do that was the number one for the French visitors and I think that’s key. It also attracts lots of Channel Islands visitors because I think, with respect to our neighbours in Guernsey; they quiet like coming here to do their Christmas shopping."

"it isn't just about the Christmas markets, it's about the whole experience coming to Jersey and having amazing retail outlets all in one little place - it's a really good place to come and shop."

The markets, parades and extended shopping hours will be there alongside the, now traditional, ice skating rink which is likely to be closer to the centre of town instead of the Waterfront as in previous years.

Over to you

So what else would you like to see done for La Fete de Noue in 2007? What are your thoughts on the islands Christmas lights?

Will you be going to see one of the pantos put on by the islands AmDram groups this year? Have you started getting ready for Christmas or is it all a bit to early for you?