Although the current balmy weather suggests otherwise, we’re officially on the downhill slope towards Christmas and Ocean Village has a packed programme of festive fun in store. With the full spectrum of meeting, dining and shopping experiences, there’s no need to look anywhere else for seasonal entertainment in Gibraltar.

Celebrations kick off at the end of November with a competition for the children. Entrants are invited to design and create some spectacular decorations for the oversized Ocean Village Christmas tree and there’s a very special prize for the two winners. In the company of Mickey Mouse and Father Christmas, they will be invited to officially switch on the Christmas lights on Wednesday 2 December and then be whisked off for a family meal, courtesy of O’Reilly’s and Pusser’s Landing. But there are no losers; all decorations will take pride of place on the tree.

Everyone is invited to the big Christmas light switch-on which will be held at 6pm on that first December Wednesday. Notre Dame School is kindly providing the traditional carol singing whilst mulled wine, mince pies, a Christmas market and an authentic Santa’s Grotto will add to the festive atmosphere. So no children miss out on a gift, Santa will take up residence in his Grotto again on Thursday 10, Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 December from 2pm to 5pm. Tickets are available in advance from retailers along the Ocean Village Promenade.

The marina is doing everything it can to help with the frantic Christmas present panic by extending opening hours and laying on some lively markets. Shops from Aftershock to Esprit will be open right through to 10pm on Thursday 10 and 17 December and again on Tuesday 22 December for last minute buys. The marina-side markets are scheduled for Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December and Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December running from 12pm through to 4pm and finally on Tuesday 22 December from 6pm ‘till 10pm.

The Calpe Band is doing its bit to create a Christmas atmosphere with performances at 8pm on Wednesday 9 and 16 December. Meanwhile all those with a penchant for a bit of fancy dress have two chances to indulge. Saturday 12 December sees a Santa Lookalike Competition to be held at 7pm on Leisure Island with some superb prizes on offer, whilst the same time on Saturday 19 December brings a Sexy Santa Competition – men and women may apply.

Ocean Village’s eateries

are all currently taking bookings for celebrations with family, friends or work colleagues.

All tastes and budgets are catered for from traditional Irish craic at O’Reilly’s to trendy club fayre at Savannah, Italian favourites at Pizza Express to Brazilian meats at Ipanema, a lively atmosphere at Celebrity Wine Bar to tasty Chinese cuisine at The Water Margin, world-famous KFC to Indian treats at Laziz, hearty dishes at Pusser’s Landing to snacks at Petit Café and Café Fresco. Not forgetting the high-tech All Stars Sports Café with its big screen live sport and of course Gala Casino on Leisure Island - the first Gala Coral facility to house a casino, bingo club and sports betting zone under one roof.

Ocean Village Programme At A Glance:

November: Ocean Village Christmas tree decoration competition for the children

Wednesday 2 December: Big Christmas light switch-on at 6pm with carols and market

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December: Marina-side Christmas markets from 12-4pm

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December: Marina-side Christmas markets from 12-4pm

Wednesday 9 and 16 December: The Calpe Band at 8pm

Thursday 10 December: Santa’s Grotto 2-5pm

Thursday 10 and 17 December: late night shopping ‘til 10pm

Saturday 12 December: Santa’s Grotto 2-5pm and Santa Lookalike Competition at 7pm

Saturday 19 December: Santa’s Grotto 2-5pm and Sexy Santa Competition at 7pm

Tuesday 22 December: Late night shopping ‘til 10pm and Christmas market from 6pm