- ABERGAVENNY
- BARRY
- BRECON
- BRIDGEND
- CARDIFF
- CARMARTHEN
- CHEPSTOW
- CRICKHOWELL
- EBBW VALE
- GROSMONT
- MERTHYR TYDFIL
- NEATH
- NEWPORT
- PEMBREY
- PONTARDAWE
- PONTYPOOL
- PONTYPRIDD
- RAGLAN
- RHONDDA
- SWANSEA
- TALBOT GREEN
- TREORCHY
- USK
- 20 THINGS TO DO ON CHRISTMAS EVE
- ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS DAY
- MAKE A SNOW GLOBE
- A LETTER FROM ‘YOU KNOW WHO’
- FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONGS
ABERDARE
SANTA SATURDAY’S
Santa Saturdays will take place in Aberdare Market from 10am and 2pm on the 9th & 16th of December!
Come and visit Santa in his Grotto!
The Grotto will be a £8 entry. This will include meeting Santa, having a photo taken, a free gift and one free £5 voucher to spend in the town at participating retailers!
For details on both those events in Aberdare, go HERE.
ABERGAVENNY
ARTISAN FARMERS CHRISTMAS MARKET
This year Monmouthshire Markets are bringing two amazing Christmas Markets to Abergavenny Market Hall on Sunday Sunday 10th December from 11am – 4pm.
While you shop to pick up your amazing local crafts and Christmas gifts, you can also grab some scrumptious Street Food and make a day of it.
For more details on the ARTISAN CHRISTMAS FARMERS MARKET go HERE. Remember, admission is FREE.
BARRY
FONMAN CASTLE CHRISTMAS
Fonman hope you have a magical time as you wander through the Illuminated Gardens and Dinosaurs and enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas.
Santa shows will run throughout the evening and can be found just in front of the castle entrance.
Experience a magical festive time as you wander our estate through acres of illuminated walks and meet costumed characters along the way.
The Gold Christmas Experience gets you a private meet and greet with Santa Claus and his elves and enjoy a “Special Tea Party” with your child.
Your child will have a personal experience with Santa Claus and will receive a gift from the “Jolly Man” himself, make forever memories at Fonmon Castle.
- Private meeting with Santa
- Tea Party with Santa’s Elves
- A Gift
- Access to the Festive Lights.
- Live Santa Show from the balcony of the Castle every half an hour from 5.30pm
- Live Music
- Costumed festive characters
- Photo points
- Festive themed “Story Trail”
- The Christmas Wizard alongside the Fairy Kingdom.
- Meet the Owls in the Medieval Farm.
- Meet Mrs. Claus
- Magician interaction
- Festive illuminated Dinosaur Walk
- Live Puppet performers
- Festive Shops
Your arrival time is 3pm, the Tea With Santa starting at 3.30pm and runs until 5pm.
Spaces are limited to 30 places in total, you will be able to access our festive castle before the rest of the public arrive for the evenings entertainment.
For food options and allergies, please email [email protected] and this information will be added to the notes against your order.
The Silver Christmas Experience gives you ……
- Access to the Festive Lights.
- Live Santa Show from the balcony of the Castle every half an hour from 5.30pm
- Live Music
- Costumed festive characters
- Photo points
- Festive themed “Story Trail”
- The Christmas Wizard alongside the Fairy Kingdom.
- Meet the Owls in the Medieval Farm.
- Meet Mrs. Claus
- Magician interaction
- Festive illuminated Dinosaur Walk
- Live Puppet performers
- Festive Shops
Your arrival time is from 4pm.
The estate opens at 4pm and closes at 9pm For details on festive events at Fonmon Castle, go HERE.
BRECON
BRECON SANTA SPECIAL
They have so many dates in the diary, with a variety of times, depending on the day you book. You can find Train Times: 10.30, 12.00, 1.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.30pm
Prices per adult are £22.50 and Children £19.75 Infants under 2 go FREE but no seat will be allocated for them.
What we can tell you is they are really popular and already some of the dates are fully booked.
They are dog friendly, however due to the busy trains we do not carry dogs on the Santa trains. Due to limited space, no prams or buggies can be taken onto the train but they can be left at the station at Pant. Wheelchairs Welcome/Free Car Par
BRIDGEND
SANTA’S GROTTO
Thanks to the lovely people at the Lions Club, Santa will be making an appearance at Carnegie House in Bridgend on the following dates…
- Saturday 9th December
- Saturday 16th December
A visit to see Santa will cost £8.00 for which children receive a quality gift and their family can take their own photographs. These visits have been very popular in the past. On line bookings will incur a 10% booking fee but this will ensure your booking.
They also take bookings on the day (subject to availability) by cash or chip & pin or Contactless card.
The grotto will also include a grand Christmas Hamper raffle.
For details and tickets to see the Big Man, go HERE.
TREE OF LIGHT
During December they are holding a Tree of Light at St Mary’s Church where anyone can sponsor a light for £5 in memory of a loved one or a special cause at Christmas. The tree will be displayed inside the Church foyer.
The Christmas Tree is decorated with hundreds of white lights and is set up under the canopy of the church in early December.
A short dedication service was held before the lights were switched on.
The Tree of Light is a point of focus for people who want to remember a loved one or a special cause at Christmas. Individuals can dedicate a light on the Tree for £5.00 and the name of your loved one(s) or cause are recorded on a board kept alongside the tree for all to read. Throughout the Christmas period the board is updated constantly as new names are added. Forms and on-line donations will be accepted right up until Christmas Eve.
The Tree has enabled them to raise over £8,000 which has supported not only local causes such as Heronsbridge School but has also contributed substantially to a Lions International project (Campaign Sight First II) which has helped to prevent blindness in more than 24,000,000 people in developing countries.
The Tree of Light will be located at St Mary’s Church. The service will be made available on YouTube.
Click here for more info: HERE
For more details, go HERE.
CARDIFF
CHRISTMAS AT BUTE PARK
Wales’ biggest festive light trail is back and bigger than ever this winter – with a specially composed soundtrack and a UK premiere in cutting-edge lighting design as its grand finale.
Organisers behind Wales’ premier festive lights trail are offering us a special ‘sneak peek’ of what to expect when the magical event opens its doors for a third time next month, as tickets for both On and Off-Peak slots for 2023 continue selling fast.
CHRISTMAS AT BUTE PARK is putting an all-new layout, live music and an extra half a mile of illuminations in place to create a never-before seen experience for all those visiting this year, including a brand new immersive light spectacular ‘Light of the Night’.
Those buying tickets to Christmas at Bute park also have the option to visit during a number of different time slots to suit those on a budget. As always, the event is fully accessible to those with wheelchairs and prams, aiming to offer an inclusive celebration of Christmas for all the family.
For more information or to book tickets visit HERE.
We have a couple of features so you can find out more……
CARDIFF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
One of the highlights of our South Wales festive calendar last year was the CARDIFF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL. It was all new, in a beautiful Spiegeltent. The shows we’re spectacular and delighted thousands of people, both young and old, during the run up to Christmas.
Produced by Cardiff-based live events company LIVE UNDER THE STARS, the Festival really does have something for everyone, of all ages. The shows will be performed in the ornate and intimate 550-seat Fortuna Spiegeltent, which is something really special in itself. This year, the setting is in the beautiful surroundings of Sophia Gardens and promises to transport us to a nostalgic and magical world.
The producers have given us more details on what we can expect this year, and I can tell you, Santa has lined up some real festive treats.
Best thing to do, is head over to our features below which have all the very latest information on each of the show with links to tickets.
CARDIFF CASTLE
Christmas at the Castle is always an exciting time and 2023 will certainly be no exception. With Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and an extended Ice Walk taking over the Public Square and the rumoured return of Santa to the Castle, there is plenty to look forward to!
Cardiff Castle will be open to paying visitors all through the festive period, during our winter opening hours. The only exceptions will be on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, when the Castle is closed.
From Thursday 16th November to Tuesday 2nd January 2024, the Public Square will be open daily, with extended opening hours to coincide with Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland skating times. Both Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland and the Public Square will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Also from 16th November, Cardiff Castle will be lovingly decorated in Victorian-style Christmas decor, adding an extra festive feel to your visit.
VISIT SANTA AT THE CASTLE
Father Christmas himself will once again find time in his hectic schedule to spend time at Cardiff Castle. A festive treat for the whole family, your group can enjoy a private tour of the beautifully decorated apartments and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions. Afterwards, meet Santa in the Castle’s Drawing Room and receive a gift, followed by some seasonal treats served in the Library. Don’t forget to stop by the Castle’s gift shop, where you will get a discount if you present your ticket.
| YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: |
- A private tour of the Castle Apartments where a costumed guide will lead your group and tell you all about a Victorian Christmas.
- A festive themed treasure hunt around the rooms.
- A private meeting with Santa in the Drawing Room, including a choice of gift.
- Complimentary mulled wine or soft drink and biscuits in the Library.
- A 10% discount* in the Castle’s Christmas Gift Shop.
| TICKET PRICES: |
2021 prices have been held for weekdays tours.
- Weekday Private Tour £70 (to include up to 2 Adults and 2 Children)
- Weekend Private Tour £80 (to include up to 2 Adults and 2 Children)
- Additional Child £15 (Maximum 6 additional)
- Additional Adult £10 (Maximum 4 additional)
To provide the best value, they are allowing groups to book additional tickets for family and close friends. This means each session can have a strict maximum of 6 Adults & 8 Children.
At the end of your tour enjoy the festivities in the grounds from our covered seating area with free glass of mulled wine for adults.
You can get more details HERE.
CARDIFF CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Cardiff Christmas Market is back on the pedestrian streets of St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes – the main shopping pedestrian areas in Cardiff City Centre, with yet another exciting and eclectic mix. There are both new and returning exhibitors as their original, hand made products are the essence of what makes the market so different and special every year.
This well established Christmas Market sited in the heart of Cardiff City Centre has been organised and successfully for almost 30 years. It is a unique visitor attraction and offers an alternative shopping experience as you are buying original work directly from the makers themselves. Each year they have an extensive rolling programme of over 200 individual businesses selling a wide variety of diverse arts and crafts interspersed with seasonal food and drink.
CARDIFF CHRISTMAS MARKET runs until Friday 23rd December. The trading hours will be: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm. If you’re in town, especially in the evening, it’s always worth a visit. To find out more, go here. MARKET
WINTER WONDERLAND
With an ice rink, seasonal activities, bars and food stalls, all against the backdrop of the iconic civic centre and spectacular lights you really don’t want to miss a visit (or two) to the WINTER WONDERLAND.
Split once again across two locations in the heart of the city centre, visitors will now be able to experience Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland at both Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawn.
It’s not just about the skating! Cardiff’s WINTER WONDERLAND has a funfair including a wide range of games and rides, including familiar favourite, the Big Wheel. The Sur La Piste bar has two floors and is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family over a mulled wine – or just sit back and relax on the sofas while enjoying a hot chocolate. The authentic wooden chalet is guaranteed to get everyone in the festive mood.
Family Funfair Attractions
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland just isn’t complete without its famous family funfair. As usual, you can enjoy the best view of the city from the Giant Wheel plus, there will be a great range of other attractions that are suitable for all ages and nightly entertainment.
Sur la Piste, Ski Lodge Bar
The ever popular two-story ski lodge, Sur la Piste, will be returning and this year it’s coming with a brand new, outdoor roof terrace.
The Ice Bar!
Chill out with your mates and enjoy a drink at the city’s coolest hotspot, the exciting new Ice Bar experience at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland! This is an Instagrammers’ heaven with sub-zero temperatures and yes, everything is made out of ice. To visit the Ice Bar, make sure you pre-book a timed slot.
Festive Food & Drink
Sit back and enjoy your favourite sweet and savoury treats in the Alpine Village’s covered seating areas.
It’s free to enter the WINTER WONDERLAND, but there is a charge for additional activities. To avoid disappointment it’s advised that you book ice skating tickets in advance at WONDERLAND It runs to Tuesday 2nd January 2024.
Cardiff’s famous and much loved Winter Wonderland. Split once again across two locations in the heart of the city centre, visitors will now be able to experience Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland at both Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawn.
AT CARDIFF CASTLE
The Ice Walk
This year, Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk will be set within the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle against the backdrop of the Norman Keep. The undercover 40m x 15m ice rink, with the 150m Ice Walk, is suitable for all ages and abilities. Accessible sessions are available every Wednesday afternoon between 1:30 – 2:30.
Skate Aids for Smaller Guests
The famous penguins will be making a come back and the colony has grown! There are now even more skate aids available for children who need assistance on the ice. Pre-booking is essential.
Festive Food & Drink
From hearty Yorkshire pudding wraps to toasted marshmallows, there will be plenty of options available within the Castle walls.
OPENING TIMES
| 16 November – 3 December | Opening | Closing |
| Monday – Thursday | 12:00 | 21:00 |
| Friday – Sunday | 11:00 | 22:00 |
| 4 December – 2 January | Opening | Closing |
| Sunday – Saturday | 11:00 | 22:00 |
| EXCEPTIONS | Opening | Closing |
| Thu 16 November | 17:00 | 21:00 |
| Christmas Eve | 11:00 | 20:00 |
| Christmas Day | CLOSED | |
| Boxing Day | CLOSED | |
| New Year’s Eve | 11:00 | 00:30 |
| New Year’s Day | 11:00 | 22:00 |
For more details on the Winter Wonderland events at the Castle – go HERE.
CHRISTMAS AT DYFFRYN GARDENS
Enjoy festive events and join in as we decorate Dyffryn ready for Christmas. Discover merry scenes nestled in the gardens, build a snowman (whatever the weather), add to our ribbon garlands, enjoy family games and help us fill the garden with Christmas cheer. Don’t forget to swing by our second-hand bookshop where lots of jolly events will be taking place throughout December and the Christmas holidays.
Decorate Dyffryn
Do you have what it takes to be a Dyffryn elf? This year we need help getting Dyffryn ready for Christmas. Start your visit by adding to our ribbon walk, then hop into Father Christmas’ sleigh for a festive picture.
In the Cloisters and Log Stack play area you’ll find interactive Christmas scenes and games for all the family. Decorate a family of snowmen and put on a pantomime in the puppet theatre, or get competitive with a game of snowman hoopla, a “snow and spoon” race, a game of giant kerplunk or nutcracker skittles. Who will be the Christmas champion?
Christmas events
On Saturday 9th and Sunday 17th December we will be running children’s Christmas decoration workshops. There will be two sessions, one at 10.30am-12pm and another at 2.00pm-3.30pm in the Gallery. There’s no need to pre-book and no charge (normal admission applies).
On Tuesday 5th December Rhian from Wild and Fabulous Flowers will be running her popular wreath-making workshops. Tickets cost £50 for a two-hour workshop which includes festive light refreshments. Ticket release coming very soon.
Dyffryn favourites Louby Lou will be back and performing pop-up stories in the Gallery on Thursday 4th January. Booking is essential, stay tuned for the ticket release coming very soon.
We still have a few more Christmassy tricks up our sleeve so keep checking back here for updates to make sure you don’t miss any Christmas event announcements.
Christmas 2023 at Dyffryn Gardens is going to be a cosy, fun, family-friendly affair. From young to old, there will be plenty to delight every member of the family. Don’t forget to share all your photos with us on our social media channels – we love seeing families enjoy our festivities at Dyffryn Gardens.
For more details on what’s going on at Dyffryn go HERE.
ST FAGANS CHRISTMAS
They have a range of event at St Fagans this Christmas, here’s just a few of them……
Festive Afternoon Tea
Indulge in the elegance of our Festive Afternoon Tea. Step back in time and embrace the Christmas spirit, with an Amgueddfa twist! Enjoy a selection of homemade festive finger sandwiches and a variety of savouries and cakes. Served alongside your choice of Welsh Brew tea or freshly brewed coffee.
- 16th and 17th December – 11am, 12:30pm or 2pm
- Cost £25 per person
More details – HERE.
South Wales Makers Market at St Fagans
Browse our Christmas Market selling handmade gifts and crafts. The perfect place to find a festive gift or treat.
South Wales Makers’ Market showcases some exceptional local Welsh crafting talent. Stalls are varied and can change each day, featuring crafts such as pottery, handmade body products, jewellery and textiles.
The markets are on the 25th & 26th November. The 2nd, 3rd, 9th & 10th December between 10am and 5pm – admission is free. For more details, go HERE.
Father Christmas and Friends
Father Christmas and his Elves will be visiting St Fagans Museum once again this year, and you’re invited to a very special event in our festive setting at Llys Llywelyn, the Museum’s impressive reconstruction of a 13th century Princes Court. So make sure you book a place for your little ones to come and join the fun.
Each child will:
- Meet Father Christmas – he’ll meet each child individually and they’ll receive a gift. There will be an opportunity to have your photograph taken with Father Christmas during this meet & greet.
- Participate in an interactive storytime session with Father Christmas and the Elves.
- Get creative in a Craft workshop with the Elves – each child will make their own special decoration to take home.
The dates are the 2–3, 9–10 & 16–17 December between 10am-6pm. Within each of those slots you can choose a Welsh or English session. The cost is £14. Fo more information, go HERE.
Carols in the Chapel
There’s nothing like a bit of carol singing to get you in the mood for the festive season.
Join everyone in the Museum’s 18th century Pen-rhiw Chapel for St Fagans’ favourite sing-a-long. There’ll be lots of traditional tunes and a few more contemporary Christmas classics.
The dates are the 9–10 & 16–17 December, 11am-4pm. Again there’s a choice between English and Welsh session. Full details HERE.
For a full list of Christmas events at St Fagans, go HERE.
SANTA AT THE PRINCIPALITY STADIUM
This is the perfect gift for any Rugby fan who also love a bit of festive cheer. The Principality Stadium opens its gates for something really special for those who want a chance to see the magic behind the stadium, with some festive cheer thrown in for good measure.
SANTA AT THE STADIUM returns for 2023! Experience the magic of Christmas in one of the most unique settings in the UK from 25th November.
The tour once again returns to Principality Stadium’s historic Home Changing Room. A place where heroes gather has once more been transformed into Santa’s grotto. Visitors will follow in the footsteps of rugby legends as Santa and his team of busy helpers make Principality Stadium home for winter.
The SANTA EXPERIENCE runs through to Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December. Tickets £10 per adult, and £12 for U16s which includes a gift from Santa. Booking is online HERE.
Group Booking and Welsh Language Tours
For group bookings (20+ persons) please contact Tour Manager [email protected] or 029 20822308. There is a 20% discount on group bookings until 31/10/2023 also, one adult goes free for every 10 bookings.
The Santa Experience at Principality Stadium lasts approximately 60 mins, and includes stadium tour highlights such as President’s Box, Away Dressing Room, Tunnel and the Ray Gravell Press Conference Room.
You can take a look at our feature HERE.
CARMARTHEN
CHEPSTOW
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Chepstow Choral Society present a selection of festive music and readings at Chepstow School Arts Hall on the 13th December at 7pm.
Chepstow Choral Society was formed in 1979, and has been performing live music in the town regularly ever since. Currently directed by Graham Bull, Head of Performing Arts at a leading Gloucestershire school, it has about 65 members in total, of all ages & abilities.
Tickets are £10 per adult, U18s and students free, includes light refreshments.
Tickets available from HERE Chepstow Bookshop, or on the door.
CRICKHOWELL
EBBW VALE
MERTHYR TYDFIL
NEATH
WINTER FEST AT TRAGO
Back for the second year in Merthyr Tydfil. This time a bigger and better covered Ice Rink at 25m x 12.5m plus an additional rink where you can ride our “Ice Bumper Cars”.
Prices per 45 min Session:
Adult – £11.95
Child (14 & Under) – £9.95
Skating Aids – £4.99 (Limited Availability)
Join in the festive spirit at South Wales’ No1 shopping destination. Enjoy as always free parking. Make sure to get a bite to eat from the festive food and drink huts. Why not roast a marshmallow or two?
Trago has always been focussed on bringing something extra to the community and after a successful summer events campaign, and listening to our customers, we have decided to take it up a notch.
This year, they are supporting HELP FOR HEROES.
The Winter Fest runs to 31st December, all the details you need are in the poster below, or from HERE.
LUMINATE WALES
This is definitely one of those, wrap up warm, grab the family, pack your camera and get out and have an amazing time events.
Following a sell-out debut year in 2019 and once again last year, LUMINATE WALES returns to Margam Country Park and Castle this Winter. A spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses.
The spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses.
As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the stunning, historic gardens of Margam Country Park and Castle. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising mile long walk, with stunning lighting installations and fabulous interactive elements for the kids (and big kids!) to play with.
They will have tasty treats and hot mulled wine available near the start of the trail, and then marshmallows for toasting on our fire pits and hot food caterers in the cafe courtyard halfway around.
The trail is open nightly until 31st December (closed Christmas Day). Tickets must be pre-booked, online in advance.
The trail starts just off the car park, near the Orangery where you will follow the route through the Gardens, ascending up to the Castle and the Castle Courtyard and Cafe, pass in front of the Castle and descend back down, finishing back at the Orangery. The trail is approx one mile long.
Warm up by the fire pit, where you can toast marshmallows (purchase your marshmallows on site or bring your own marshmallows and skewers) and indulge in some of the hot food and snacks available to purchase from the Courtyard cafe (approx 3/4’s of the way around the walk, closes at approx 9pm), and small drinks and mulled wine huts along the route.
The trial starts right from the car park, there are no shops/food drink in this area, only toilets so please only arrive at the time of your booked slot.
For more details, and to book tickets, go HERE.
NEWPORT
CHRISTMAS AT TREDEGAR HOUSE
They have so much going on at Tredegar House over the festive period, there is simply too much to mention. So, we’ll go through the highlights and point you in the direction for more details.
Christmas can be a busy time for everyone so why not them us for a quieter get-away to experience the sparkle of Christmas with some festive piano serenades and yuletide spirit. The first weekend, 1-4 December and all weekdays that they are open are perfect for a quiet walk-through Tredegar’s gardens and house, to surround yourself in rich history and the calming festive atmosphere of Christmas.
Christmas sparkle
To start the Christmas season off, look for festive lights throughout the gardens and beautiful decorations in the mansion house from 1 December and embark on a cheery discovery of the Tredegar House Christmas scene.
Winter Walks
Wrap up warm and take a stroll through Tredegar’s frosty grounds. Be careful not to slip, take in the surroundings of the formal gardens and immerse yourself in the long past festive celebrations enjoyed by the Morgan family through the centuries.
In the parkland, the lake often freezes at this time of year and on a frosty day the paths glisten making the garden and park a magical wintery wonderland to explore.
Family festive weekends
Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December are lively and busy festive weekends for families to get involved with the spirit of Christmas. Join in with Christmas singalongs, festive choirs and look out for two very special guests – Ebenezer Scrooge and Father Christmas himself, who will be wandering throughout the gardens and House.
Late night christmas openings
On Friday 8th and 15th, Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th December they are open until 8pm so everyone will have a chance to enjoy a magical Christmas at Tredegar House, but if these dates don’t work for you, don’t worry, as they will be open until 4pm on our other open days Friday 1st -Monday 4th December, Saturday 9th – Monday 11th December, Saturday 16th – Saturday 23rd December. The Brewhouse and the Volunteer Bookshop will also be open on the late nights until 8pm, so come along and experience Christmas cheer after hours.
Sero’s wreath making workshops
With workshops run by Lucy Coco Floristry, It’s time to switch off and get creative with a festive botanical workshop in the gorgeous Laundry building at Tredegar House. Workshops will be taking place on 1st and 3rd December, between 10am – 12:30pm or 1:30pm – 3:30pm, and cost £55 per person.
Christmas at TREDEGAR HOUSE is always special, and a lovely place to visit anytime. To see everything they have on offer, go here – TREDEGAR.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CELTIC MANOR RESORT
Even if you only go for a walk through and a drink at the CELTIC MANOR RESORT you will feel incredibly festive when you leave, they always do Christmas very well and this year is no exception. To get you in the mood, take a look at the video below.
It’s difficult to go through everything, but here’s a few highlights……..
SANTA’S TEA PARTY 26th NOVEMBER – 24th DECEMBER
Join us for a magical festive experience, where grown-ups and children alike will be enchanted into a whimsical wonderland, as they step into our captivating Caernarfon Suite, to meet the main man himself – Santa Claus!
A magical experience for all the family. Get in the Christmas spirit with our festive Afternoon Tea, in magical surroundings, packed with treats and festive cheer & a chance to meet the man himself – make this Christmas one to remember.
During this special occasion, children will receive:
- Afternoon tea with sweet and savoury treats
- A surprise gift from Santa
- The chance to share their wish list with the best gifter in the world
Due to popular demand tables of 1 – 3 guests are now sold out for this event. Tables of 4 or more guests are still available to book online.
PRICES
9th December
Tea times: 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
£38 adults, £28 children
3rd & 10th December
Tea times: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm
£38 adults, £28 children
16th December
Tea times: 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
£42 adults, £32 children
17th December
Tea times: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm
£42 adults, £32 children
20th & 21st December
Tea times: 4pm & 5pm
£34 adults, £24 children
22nd December
Tea times:4pm & 5pm
£42 adults, £32 children
23rd December
Tea times: 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
£46 adults, £36 children
24th December
Tea times: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
£48 adults, £38 children
For more details on the Tea Party go HERE.
DRINKS AT THE DOME
The Celtic Manor Resort are bringing us a magical winter wonderland at its festive dining pop up, DRINKS AT THE DOME.
New for this Christmas the instagrammable igloos overlook the treetops, offering an intimate and unique dining experience for us to celebrate with our nearest and dearest throughout the festive season.
Dining under the stars, we get to enjoy a night to remember whatever the weather, staying toasty and warm in the heated dome, while sharing delicious grazing boards and decadent desserts such as chocolate fondue and churros.
Take a look at our feature for all the details HERE.
S K A T E AT ICC WALES
Get your S K A T E on this Christmas and feel festive with ICC Wales. The indoor ice rink is the perfect activity for all the family.
Glide across the smooth synthetic ice and take in the sights and sounds of Christmas. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or beginner, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
After working up an appetite, eat, drink and be merry at our festive food and drink stalls. From next-level street food to a festive tipple or two, we’ve got something for everyone to create those magical memories this Christmas. Looking for the perfect gift? Look no further than our Christmas gift stalls. With a wide variety of unique and festive items, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list.
Glice (synthetic ice)
Traditional ice skating with a twist, Glice is much kinder to the environment. Looks like ice, feels like ice, but isn’t ice. At ICC Wales, sustainability is at the heart of our venue. Therefore, we are proud to be bringing you the first ever eco-friendly Glice rink to South Wales. 0% additional emissions, 100% fun.
Tickets from £8
Skating aid from £4
S K A T E runs from the 15th Dec through to 4th January next year. For more details, go HERE.
CINDERELLA ON ICE
The world-renowned Imperial Ice Stars bring their spectacular new adaptation of this enchanting fairy tale to ICC Wales this festive season.
In a novel twist on the timeless tale, discover the magical story of Cinderella, a humble dancer who is thrust into the spotlight as a beautiful ballerina thanks to her mysterious Fairy Godmother who uses her magical powers to transform Cinderella and send her off to the palace ball. Cinderella’s graceful performance at the royal ball captivates the handsome Prince, but in her haste to leave before spell breaks and the clock strikes midnight, she loses one of her jewelled skates.
The prince is determined to find this mysterious dancer and owner of the skate so travels far and wide and despite attempts by her jealous stepsisters to claim the skate is theirs and steal the Prince’s heart – true love eventually triumphs and Cinderella finds happiness ever after.
With state-of-the-art animated scenery, dazzling costumes and original music and songs from Tim A.
CINDERELLA ON ICE also runs from runs from the 15th December through to 4th January next year. For more details, go HERE.
PEMBREY
Pembrey Country Park & Beach is always a hive of activities throughout the year and this festive season is no different.
Christmas Wreath Making, Mulled Wine & Mince Pies
Create your very own beautiful Christmas wreath surrounded by aromas of pines and evergreen. All natural materials provided and included in the price along with a glass of mulled wine & mince pie.
Breakfast with Father Christmas
Join in a magical elf-tastic Breakfast with Father Christmas as he makes a special stop in Pembrey on his way to the North Pole.
The elves will be there to spread Christmas cheer and help Santa deliver presents!
Don’t miss this magical event filled with festive joy and excitement!
Bookings are for children and adults – We cannot accept non-booked guest inside sorry
£9.95 per person
Each child received a gift from Father Christmas
Please advise of any dietary requirements in comments on booking page
Dates: 9th, 10th, 23rd, 24th December @9am
Limited availability with all details HERE.
Christmas Light Trail
The Christmas Light Trail is making a grand return, and it’s even BIGGER & BETTER this year with the Christmas Village!
Best of all, it’s absolutely FREE to attend (Event parking fee applies), so gather your loved ones and join them for a magical experience at the mesmerising woodlands of Pembrey and get ready for the incredible surprise of meeting Father Christmas in his cosy woodland cabin! (booking and fee applies for Father Christmas visit)
Be sure to bring your festive spirit and a camera!
Well behaved dogs on leads welcome
Dates: 10th & 14th – 19th December
Time: 5pm – 9pm (last trail entry 8.30pm)
Father Christmas visits – £8 per child – Pre-booking required. There might be availability on the day but not guaranteed, queues possible. Pre-book on booking tab on right side bar. Non refundable
If you are hoping to visit Father Christmas on the day you must pay at Ski Centre before starting the light trail (availability not guaranteed)
* Christmas light trail may be cancelled at short notice due to adverse weather conditions. Check social media for updates
Event Parking fees apply – £8.00 per car – Free parking for all Parking Permit Holders. You can pay for parking on the day at any of the pay machines in the park. Please note, you cannot pay at the barrier. You can also pre-pay before you arrive online (Booking tab in side bar)
Details can be had HERE.
Toboggan by Night 9 – 22 December
Join in at the Ski & Activity Centre to ride the Toboggans around the magical Christmas light
Full details on all those events HERE.
PONTARDAWE
PONTYPOOL
PONTYPRIDD
RAGLAN
RHONDDA
SANTA’S TOY MINE
Santa and his amazing Toy Mine are returning to A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park for 2023.
The ever-popular event takes place from November 24th to December 24th, allowing visitors the chance to enjoy a festive tour and experience and meet the man in red himself!
As well as a magical tour filled with Christmas surprises, the event will also include themed activities, including write a letter to Santa, that will take place in small log huts scattered throughout the site.
A Christmas photo and gift shop will be open so you can choose the perfect gift or treat and the on-site Chocolate House and Craft of Hearts will also be offering workshops and sessions where you can make your own chocolate treat or get creative! (Book direct and separately with them).
Mulled wine will be sold on site and Caffe Bracchi will be open, serving a range of hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks – plus the odd mince pie or two!
Santa’s Toy Mine prices range from £4.00 to £11.50, but we need to tell you that it sells out really fast.
For more details and to book, go HERE
SWANSEA
WATERFRONT WINTERLAND
A Swansea Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Waterfront Winterland.
They’re back for 2023 – bigger and better than ever before! From 15th November until 2nd January 2024, you can join head along for the ultimate winter experience. You’ll be pleased to hear the festive favourites of the ice rink, fun fair attractions, and the Alpine Village food and drink area are making a return.
Ice Skating returns to Waterfront Winterland this year, with the ever popular covered rink now being accompanied by a magical Ice Walk which meanders through the trees – and skaters will have access to both during their skating sessions!
Opening Hours
- Monday – Friday: 13.00 – 22.00
- Saturday – Sunday: 11.00 – 22.00
- 4th December onwards:
- Daily: 11.00 – 22.00
- Special Opening Hours:
- Christmas Eve – 24th December: 11.00 -20.00
- Christmas Day – 25th December: Closed
- Boxing Day – 26th December: 13.00 – 20.00
- New Years Eve – 31st December: 11.00 – 20.00
- New Years Day – 1st January: 11.00 – 20.00
You can get more details on the WATERFRONT WINTERLAND right HERE.
SANTA’S GROTTO AT DAN-Yr-OGOF
Just 20 minutes from the M4, (junction 45), there is a Welsh mountain, with ancient caves, whose entrances are guarded by gigantic, but very friendly dinosaurs! But deep inside this mountain lie Wales’ only natural Christmas grottos… Fantastic!
The sights and sounds you will experience on our journey are not of this world! Vast colourful, hanging cave formations have all been transformed by the truly stunning Christmas decorations put up by Santa’s elves.
You’ll see Santa’s ever-faithful elves helping nearby and even get a chance to speak to Santa, and take pictures with him.
The Santa visits start at 10.15am and run throughout the day until 3.15pm – please check the online booking page for available times to see Santa.
If you book an afternoon visit, you are welcome to come along earlier to see the other attractions – but REMEMBER, you MUST be ready to see Santa at the time you have booked. The Coffee Shop will be open from 9.30am, the Rock and Dino Shop opens at 10.00am, and the Shire Horse Centre and Farm will be open from 11.00am. The attractions start to close from 3.00pm.
In the meantime, you can head to their site for more information and to book, go here. SHOWCAVES
TALBOT GREEN
TREORCHY
USK
20 THINGS TO DO ON CHRISTMAS EVE
- Spend Time With Loved Ones
- Sing Christmas Carols
- Go For a Walk To Look at Christmas Lights
- Close The Curtains and Turn On The Christmas Lights
- Take Pictures and Post Them
- Open ONE Pressie
- Make a Special Meal
- Dress Up Like It’s a Special Evening (which it is)
- Get Snuggled Up On The Sofa
- Watch A Festive Movie
- Follow Santa – There are Apps Which Let You Track His Progress
- TV Off, Christmas Music On
- Leave a Mince Pie For Santa & Carrot For Rudolph
- Drop In On The Neighbours
- Bake. Whatever You Make, It’s A Great Time to Get in the Kitchen With the Kids
- Go To Church – If That’s What You Do, Plan It Into Your Evening
- Make A Hot Chocolate With All The Extras. It’s Christmas After All.
- Build A Snowman (If We Have Any Snow That Is)
- Prepare What You Can For Christmas Dinner
- Go To Bed Early
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS DAY
Go For a Dip In The Sea
On Christmas Day, all across South Wales and indeed up and down the country, people are putting on their Santa hats, maybe fancy dress, or unbelievably, a swimming costume. They then race into the freezing sea for fun and charity. Like the lovely folk in Tenby.
Get Out On Your Bike
If you get a bike off Santa, or maybe you have one collecting dust in the shed, Christmas Day (weather permitting) is the perfect time to take your two-wheeler out on the streets.
Go To A Christmas Service or Concert
If you’ve had enough of the TV and kitchen, then one of the many services and Christmas concerts are a really good thing to do. It’s sociable and incredibly festive. And really no one minds if you can’t sing, just join in.
Help Others
There are so many charities in need volunteers all year round, but especially at Christmas. If you have a few hours free and want to do something different and very good, why not offer to lend a hand. It could even be dropping in to a neighbour who is alone on the day.
Tour South Wales
I know what you’re thinking, how ridiculous. Actually, there is no better day to tour this amazing region of ours. Very few cars, relatively empty streets, what’s not to enjoy? Our parks, beaches and countryside are all yours (almost).
Borrow a Dog
If you don’t have your own, trust us, a friend will gladly lend you theirs. While they veg-out, you can lead-up their pet and get out for a long walk in the fresh air. The dog will love you for it and you’ll probably love yourself enough to have another mince pie.
Pamper Yourself
This is precisely what it says on the tin. If you don’t want to leave the house why not flip things on their head and instead of pigging out in front of the TV, pamper yourself. Nice bath, music, candles, the whole works. All day Christmas PJ’s are so last year.
A LETTER FROM YOU KNOW WHO
We don’t know if these will help but we’ve added them for you to do as you please. We’re sure you know what we mean………
You can download them to your device for editing on the link below…..
MAKE A SNOW GLOBE
The shimmering magic of snowfall is always transfixing, whether it’s outside your window or inside this classic toy. Homemade globes let you create a wintry scene straight out of your own imagination. Thanks to Martha Stewart, here’s a simple way that you and the kids can make your own globes. They are really easy too. HERE.
FREE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY PACK
FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONGS
CHRISTMAS TOP TEN
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a good old festive tune. Noddy Holder has made a pension out of it for goodness sake. We walk into a shop and the same old favourites will be ringing out, but no matter what you think, I can guarantee you’ll be singing along to every one of them/
Here at SOUTH WALES LIFE we’ve been around the music game for a lot of years, and I mean a lot. While we would never disagree with any favourite festive song list, we think ours are real classics…….
- LONELY THIS CHRISTMAS – MUD
- MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE – SHAKIN’ STEVENS (Had To Really)
- DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS – CHRIS REA
- STOP THE CAVALRY – JONA LEWIE
- SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN – BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
- MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY – SLADE
- I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERYDAY – ROY WOOD & WIZZARD
- STEP INTO CHRISTMAS – ELTON JOHN
And to finish off, here are 20 Christmas Favourites to enjoy. Just press play and away you go……..
CHRISTMAS RECIPES
COMING SOON………
