Unmissable festive fun this Christmas in Wales and beyond (original) (raw)
All of the following businesses have paid to feature in this listicle: Dyffryn Gardens, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Tredegar House, Bryngarw House, Morgans Hotel, The Royal Mint, The Jockey Club, Gower Fresh, Luminate Margam, Fonmon Castle, Taliesin Arts Centre.
The holiday season is a special time of year when people come together to celebrate and create lasting memories. If you're looking to get into the Christmas spirit, there are plenty of venues in Wales that offer delightful Christmas-themed activities.
From festive markets to enchanting light displays, there's no shortage of activities to make your holiday season merry and bright, there are plenty of venues that provide the perfect setting for enjoying the magic of Christmas.
This listicle will guide you to some of the best places to enjoy Christmas activities, ensuring that your festive season is filled with joy and wonder. So bundle up and get ready to explore these magical venues that bring the spirit of Christmas to life.
Christmas at Dyffryn Gardens
Dyffryn Gardens (Image: National Trust Images/Aled Llywelyn)
From Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, January 5 enjoy a festive family experience at Dyffryn Gardens. Discover merry scenes nestled in the gardens, decorate a family of snowmen and put on a panto in the puppet theatre. Get competitive with a game of snowman hoopla, a “snow and spoon” race, or a game of giant Kerplunk or Nutcracker Skittles.
And don’t forget to swing by the second-hand bookshop where lots of jolly events will be taking place throughout December and the Christmas holidays including children’s crafts. This is a free event (normal garden admission applies), and no booking is needed.
Find out more: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/dyffryn-gardens
Christmas Fair at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre (Image: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre)
Flock to WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre for a magical array of festive events and fun for all the family. The Christmas Fair is on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, with a special admission price of £5. The fair’s indoors, but don’t miss your chance to explore beautiful wetlands and meet the fabulous resident birds.
Father Christmas will be at the fair, and then every weekend until Sunday, December 22. In his grotto with stunning views over the wetlands, you can enjoy a stress-free personal appointment with Santa with a great gift included.
Find out more: Visit www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/llanelli
Unwrapping 500 years of Christmas at Tredegar House
Tredegar House (Image: National Trust Images/Aled Llywelyn)
Visit Tredegar House from December 6 for a Christmas of sparkle and cheer. Discover how the festive season was spent throughout the centuries - from Tudor feasts to Victorian traditions, the 1950s and beyond.
With twinkling lights, a magical atmosphere and more than 80 decorated trees, explore the magic of the season. Look for hundreds of festive lights throughout the gardens, and beautiful decorations in the mansion house and embark on a discovery of Tredegar House at Christmas. Enjoy special evening openings from December 13 to 23 until 8pm.
Find out more: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/tredegar-house
Step into Christmas at Bryngarw House
Bryngarw House (Image: Bryngarw House)
Join the team this festive season to make Christmas memories to last a lifetime! Enjoy a festive afternoon tea and Storytime with Santa on Sunday December 8, or go along for Sunday lunch with Santa on Sunday December 15.
Father Christmas will listen to all your Christmas wishes and if you’ve been good this year, he’ll have a special gift just for you to take home!
Find out more: Visit www.bryngarwhouse.com/events
Have a magical time at Morgans Hotel
Morgans Hotel (Image: Morgans Hotel)
With hundreds of sparkling lights adorning the hotel throughout the festive season, Morgans Hotel is the most magical place at Christmastime. This year the hotel is offering a range of events -including officially opening the Swansea Christmas Parade that starts alongside thehotel with the Light Switch On.
Enjoy the parade, Christmas Light Switch On and Family Fun Day which is taking place at Morgans Marquee on November 17 from 1pm to 8pm. It is free entry and no booking necessary.
Or book for a Christmas Wreath Workshop on December 1 or 5. The workshop will guide you step-by-step through crafting a bespoke Christmas wreath. Arrival is 6pm for 6.30pm start and it costs £60pp., to include a glass of mulled wine and mini mince pies
For further details or to book your space for a Christmas Wreath Workshop call 01792 48 48 48.
Find out more: Visit www.morganshotel.co.uk/christmas-at-morgans
The Royal Mint Christmas Experience
Royal Mint (Image: Royal Mint)
The countdown is on for its best Christmas experience yet! With more immersive moments, more winter magic and even more festive fun, The Royal Mint Christmas Experience is a festive tradition you can’t miss.
New for 2024 - Meet the residents of the North Pole: On your journey to Santa, step through the portal to its secret substation and encounter some marvellous characters who will lead you to the big man.
Belly-laugh together at the festive pantomime, a hilarious and heart-warming live show. Adults can merrily laugh too, as this is all included in the price of your ticket! Join the festivities from Saturday, November 23 to Monday, December 23.
Find out more: Visit www.royalmint.com/christmasexperience
Apres Ski: A Jockey Club Christmas
The Jockey Club (Image: The Jockey Club)
Join the club for "Apres Ski: A Jockey Club Christmas," a festive 2024 celebration at the picturesque Racecourses. Experience the cosy charm of an alpine lodge, complete with a welcome drink, a delectable three-course meal, and spectacular entertainment.
Dance the night away in an atmosphere filled with warmth and holiday spirit. Don't miss out on this enchanting winter wonderland adventure—register now to secure your spot for an unforgettable evening of Christmas magic.
Find out more: Visitwww.thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets/christmas-parties
Illuminated trail at Gower Fresh
Gower Fresh (Image: Gower Fresh)
New for 2024! The team is excited to open a new spectacular illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. As darkness descends, join the enchanting journey, as you follow a captivating light trail weaved through the stunning farmland at the farm on the Gower.
Immerse yourself in the mesmerising kilometre-long walk, with stunning lighting installations in the Lavender Field, an enchanted forest with giant wildlife sculptures, a reindeer field and more. There is also a Christmas Food Court on the trail.
Find out more: Visit www.gowerfreshchristmastrees.co.uk
A winter adventure at Luminate Margam
Luminate Margam (Image: Luminate Margam)
Step into a magical wonderland this winter at Luminate Margam from November 23, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Explore a dazzling light trail in the stunning Margam Country Park as the landscape transforms into a glowing spectacle.
With captivating light displays, atmospheric music, and interactive elements, it's perfect for all ages. Enjoy festive treats and hot drinks along the way. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable winter adventure—book your tickets now.
Find out more: Visit www.luminate.live/tickets/margam-country-park/calendar
A festive escapade at Fonmon Castle
Fonmon Castle (Image: Fonmon Castle)
Exciting News! Christmas is making a grand return to Fonmon Castle for 2024! The estate will be lit up from 4pm to 9pm, offering you a truly enchanting festive adventure. Wander through acres of illuminated pathways, encountering festive characters along the way.
Experience the wonder of the festive lights extravaganza, live Santa show with special guests, live music to set the perfect holiday atmosphere, meet and greet with costumed characters, picture-perfect photo spots, embark on a festive “Christmas Welsh Folklore Story Trail”, journey through the Festive Illuminated Dinosaur Walk and festive gardens, and more to be announced. Secure your spot for a festive escapade like no other at the castle, which is next to Cardiff Airport.
Find out more: Visit www.fonmoncastle.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
A world of theatre at Taliesin Arts Centre
Taliesin Arts Centre (Image: Taliesin Arts Centre)
Looking to get into the festive spirit or for ways to keep the kids entertained? Taliesin Arts Centre has you covered! Enjoy traditional Christmas favourites like the Royal Ballet and Opera’s Nutcracker and Christmas film classic Elf on the big screen.
Experience Carols & Capers, with folk legends Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band; catch Dyad Theatre company’s reimagining of Dickens’ Christmas Carol live on stage, or be whisked away to the world of Dahl’s extraordinary tales in the interactive show ‘Roald Dahl and The Imagination Seekers’.
Whatever you need this festive season, Taliesin has something for everyone.
Find out more: Visit www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk