Christmas is growing closer so now is the perfect time to make plans for magical days out with friends and family.
Whether you’re looking to head inside to explore historic houses and iconic Welsh castles decorated in the style of Christmases gone by or wrap up warm to enjoy the crunch of frost underfoot on a walk in a world-class winter garden, escape into the heart of Christmas with National Trust Cymru.
Here’s your guide to hundreds of special moments just waiting to be enjoyed this Christmas at places across Wales. From breathtaking light projections and magnificent rooms twinkling with decorations, to festive markets and special visits from Father Christmas.
Normal admission charges apply (National Trust members enter free). Some events including Father Christmas are bookable and may have an additional charge. Please check the website to plan your visit: HERE
SOUTH WALES
TREDEGAR HOUSE – NEWPORT
See Tredegar House sparkling this Christmas. The house and gardens glisten with over 80 Christmas trees decked with hundreds of twinkling lights, and the warm glow of lanterns guide the way through the gardens where a giant 250-year-old Cedar tree shines in the twilight.
To kick the festive season off, step back in time through the generations to unwrap 500 years of Christmas. Explore the significance of toys, feasting and travel throughout the rich history of Tredegar House. From the Morgan family celebrations during the Tudor period, the 1950s when Tredegar House was home to St Joseph’s school, and up to the retro decorations and Boxing Day buffet of the nostalgic 1980s era.
During special family festive weekends on 9, 10, 16 and 17th December, a magical atmosphere awaits. Grumpy old Scrooge returns to Tredegar House to cast his disapproving eye over the festivities, but there will be plenty of carol singing from local choirs and singalongs to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, and a roaming Father Christmas makes his guest appearance to greet visitors and spread joy to all.
Unwrap 500 years of Christmas at Tredegar House is open daily from 6-9 December and 13-23 December. Opening times vary, please check the website. Stay a little longer with late-night opening until 8pm on 8, 15, 18, 19 and 20 December. Brewhouse café and parkland are open daily. The house and gardens are closed from 24th December – 8th February.
Plan your visit – HERE
DYFFRYN GARDENS, NEAR CARDIFF
Gather up the family, wrap up warm in your best festive jumpers and head to Dyffryn Gardens for an outdoor Christmas adventure with a difference. Find a Christmas assortment of festive scenes and family games nestled throughout the Edwardian Garden.
In the Snowman Zone, play snowman hoopla, a giant snowball kerplunk and decorate the snow family. Inspired by the classic Christmas tale, ignite young imaginations in the Nutcracker Zone. Create your own Christmas story in the puppet theatre, bowl a strike at nutcracker skittles, race marbles in the mini marble run and perfect your aim by throwing the most sugar plums at the lollipops. Don’t forget to hop into Father Christmas’ sleigh for a family photo or pose under the giant Christmas tree in front of Dyffryn House.
On weekends in December, children’s craft workshops take place in the Gallery café to make Christmas decorations. No need to book just turn up! Christmas stockings hang from the café ceiling and a fireplace created from second-hand books is a novel place to cosy up with a luxury hot chocolate.
For older children and adults, local florist Rhian from Wild and Fabulous Flowers hosts her popular Christmas wreath-making workshops on 5 and 6 December. Learn the tips and tricks to create a beautiful Christmas wreath using greenery and foliage gathered from the garden and take a little piece of Dyffryn home with you. (Booking essential).
Christmas at Dyffryn Gardens is open daily from 7 December – 5 January, 10am-4pm. Closed 25-26 December. Plan your visit – HERE
DINEFWR, CARMARTHENSHIRE
Put the date in your diary for the annual Christmas Fair, on 22, 23 and 24 November 10am-4pm when Newton House becomes the atmospheric backdrop for a festive marquee and stalls selling a range of local wares from handmade jewellery to tasty preserves.
Carol singers, choirs and brass bands provide the Christmas soundtrack to your day as you sip on a luxury hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine. A park and ride service will be running for the event from Home Farm. Parking for blue badge holders is in the visitor car park at Newton House.
On weekends from 23 November and daily from 16 December – 5 January, a warm festive welcome awaits inside Newton House. Wander the rooms, delightfully decorated for Christmas. The grand staircase and fireplaces twinkle with fairy lights and the dining table is laid for an eccentric nature-themed ‘Woodland Banquet’.
The growing tradition of the ‘Creatures of Dinefwr’ Christmas tree takes pride of place in the Outer Hall. The handmade decorations are crafted by talented artist Bettina Reeves, inspired by the variety of creatures who live on the Dinefwr estate. Eight new creatures will be added to the Christmas tree this year. Can you spot the sparkling freshwater muscle and Little Egret?
Visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto in the Drawing Room on special Santa Sundays (booking essential) and join in with the community carol singing in the Dining Room on the 19 December for an evening of music and joy.
On 31st December and 3rd January, join in the South Wales folk tradition of Mari Lwyd. Enjoy a warming drink and music while a mischievous Mari and her group jest their way to Newton House.
This family-friendly evening will be filled with Welsh language songs or wassails and a ritual called pwnco: an exchange of rude but playful rhymes. It is custom for the Mari to be cheeky, trying to steal things and tease the people she likes as she goes about her bidding. If the Mari and her gang are allowed entry into the house, she’s given food and drink, and the household is said to have good luck for the year.
Newton House, parkland and café opening times vary, please check the website. Plan your visit – HERE
TUDOR MERCHANTS HOUSE, TENBY
On Fridays and Saturdays only, from 29 November to 14 December, 11am-3pm discover how the Tudors have influenced Christmas celebrations at the Tudor Merchant’s House, a small historic house nestled in the streets of Tenby.
Step back in time and explore the house and its traditions, with two floors dressed in festive natural evergreens with the delicate scent of oranges and cloves filling the air, just as a wealthy Tudor family would have decorated their home.
The Christmas table is laid for a Tudor banquet and little ones can meet the ‘Lord of Misrule’ who is traditionally in charge of the Feast of Fools. Children will receive a free Tudor toy to take home while stocks last.
Plan your visit – HERE
NORTH WALES
CHIRK CASTLE AND GARDEN, WREXHAM
Explore the medieval fortress to find the guardians who protect the castle’s treasures. Step inside Cromwell Hall to discover the legendary dragon guarding its hoard of gold coins. Encounter majestic wolves as they prowl up the Long Gallery, inspired by the Myddelton family crest, and take a moment to reflect on what you treasure most during the festive season.
Wander through the beautifully decorated State Rooms, Servant’s Hall and climb the historic Adams Tower to capture special moments at festive selfie stations.
On weekends in December, meet Father Christmas between 10.30am-3.30pm at the unique Reverse Grotto and help those in need by donating essential items, supporting local charity Oswestry and Borders Foodbank.
On selected dates, join Father Christmas for a delicious Welsh breakfast or festive supper. Hear a heart-warming story and each child will receive a small gift (booking is essential).
Step outside for a winter adventure on a family spotter trail to discover hidden stars scattered in the frosted gardens. Join the Rangers for a workshop to craft your own wooden reindeer and enjoy scenic winter walks throughout the parkland.
Christmas at Chirk Castle is open daily from 30 November until 5 January, 10am-4pm. The castle rooms are open from 11am-4pm, with the last entry at 3:30pm (closed 25 and 26 December and 1 January). Plan your visit – HERE
ERDDIG HALL AND GARDEN, WREXHAM
Step into the magic of a traditional celebration where the sparkle of baubles and gentle glow of fairy lights twinkle throughout the beautifully dressed rooms of this 17th century mansion house. Inspired by ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, the decorations bring the famous poem to life. A family spotter trail reveals extra-special details like handcrafted mice, tables set with deliciously sweet treats, stockings hung by the fire and sugarplums dancing in the bedroom.
Outside in the garden, the festive decorations evoke a rustic, vintage feel with Christmas trees and greenery created by Erddig’s dedicated volunteers. Don’t miss the life-sized willow reindeer and Christmas carriage, the perfect spot to capture a family photo.
On selected days, tuck into a Welsh breakfast or supper with Father Christmas, and join in the festive cheer with songs and a magical story. After breakfast, Jake the Christmas Elf leads the storytelling, and each child will receive a small gift (booking essential). Warm up at the marshmallow toasting station and make your own Christmas ornament to take home.
Every weekend in December, meet Father Christmas at the unique Reverse Grotto and help those who need it most by donating essential items, supporting local charity Wrexham Foodbank.
Christmas at Erddig opens daily from 30 November to 5 January 10am-4pm. House opens 11.30am-3.30pm. From 16 to 19 December, stay a little later into the evening until 7pm.
Closed 24 and 25 December. Plan your visit – HERE
PENRHYN CASTLE AND GARDEN, BANGOR
Get lost in the true magic of Christmas as you explore the magnificent rooms throughout this 19th century castle. The castle sparkles with ornate decorations and a towering Christmas tree in the Grand Hall. Get into the festive spirit and join a special Christmas performance on 7 December by the Bangor Community Choir who will be singing traditional carols and modern classics showing off the beautiful acoustics in the Grand Hall.
Local groups have joined together to create a magical display in the castle gardens. Hundreds of hand painted wooden stars have been decorated and hang from the trees. Don’t miss the giant Christmas wreath in the Walled Garden for a festive family photo.
On selected dates there are family-friendly Christmas crafts, storytelling in the shop for the under 5s, a winter walk led by the Head Gardener and fascinating behind the scenes tours that reveal rooms of the castle not usually open to the public.
Round off your visit with a hot drink and festive treat from the Stables café where you’ll find a selection of family favourite board games to play.
Christmas at Penrhyn Castle opens on weekends only from 30 November to 22 December, then daily from 27 December until 1 January. Closed 24 and 25 December.
If you prefer to escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy festive season, enjoy a quieter visit on weekdays between 16-20 December.
Plan your visit – HERE
PLAS NEWYDD HOUSE AND GARDEN, ANGLESEY
Put on your dancing shoes this Christmas, everyone’s invited to a silent disco in the Music Room. Follow in the footsteps ofHenry Cyril Paget, fondly known as the ‘Dancing Marquess’ who once held his own Christmas party in this very Music Room over 100 years ago.
Dancing styles may have changed since the early 20th century when the 5th Marquess of Anglesey enjoyed a song and dance, but through the ages the Music Room remains an inviting space for everyone to enjoy music. Whether you’re known for your dad-dancing or just love to groove, this is sure to be a fun-filled celebration for the whole family.
From 90s pop to Christmas hits, put on your headphones and choose your music channel to dance the afternoon away under a rainbow of disco lights. All ages welcome and Christmas party outfits are encouraged. (Booking essential).
After all the excitement of the disco, grab a festive drink and a mince pie from the Old Dairy café before taking a peaceful winter stroll in the garden to unwind on the shores of the Menai Strait.
Tickets for the Plas Newydd Christmas Disco ae available from 30 November and every weekend in December at 11am-12pm, 12.30-1.30pm or 2-3pm. Plan your visit and book tickets – HERE
BODNANT GARDEN, CONWY
Escape the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and blow away the winter cobwebs at Bodnant Garden. Head out on a festive stroll through the accessible winter garden with its sensational display of foliage, flower, and scent, or follow the longer route around Furnace Hill. Spot the first snowdrops peeping through, offering a glimpse of the warmer days ahead.
With intimate corners, sweeping lawns and grand terraces surrounded by hardy winter plants and evergreens, the garden offers a refreshing and uplifting way to embrace the season. A peaceful stroll here is just what’s needed to shake off any winter blues and dogs on a lead are welcome every day until 31 March.
The garden and tearoom are open daily in November and December. Closed 24-26 December. Plan your visit – HERE
MID WALES
POWIS CASTLE AND GARDEN, WELSHPOOL
The magical multimedia Christmas experience returns to Powis Castle for another year, with even bigger and more mesmerising light projections than before. From 13-23 December at 4.30-7pm, step into the courtyard at dusk to see the castle lit up with a colourful lighting display which illuminates the grand high walls of the 13th century castle.
Step through the castle doors to be transported back in time into a charming Victorian wonderland inspired by a Dickensian Christmas. Flickering candles, evergreen garlands and classic holiday scenes bring the spirit of Christmas to life as you explore the twinkling castle rooms.
On selected dates join Father Christmas for breakfast and a fun festive morning in the café and library. Enjoy magical stories, delicious treats, and create unforgettable memories. (Booking essential).
A Dickensian Christmas is open daily from 30 November-5 January,10am-4pm.
Christmas Illuminations is open from 4.30-7pm, 13–23 December.
Tickets for Breakfast with Father Christmas are available on 30 November, 1 December, 7 December, 8 December and 15 December, 8.45-10.45am. (Booking essential).
Plan you visit and book tickets: HERE
LLANERCHAERON, CEREDIGION
Put the date in your diary for the annual Christmas Fair at Llanerchaeron, 6-8 December, 10am-4pm. There are over 70 stalls celebrating all things festive with local artisan food, beautiful crafts and unique Christmas gift ideas. Enjoy a mulled wine and warm mince pie as you look for the perfect stocking filler for your loved ones.
Little ones are invited to meet Sion Corn (Santa Claus) in his grotto on 7-8 December, from 11am–3pm. For older children and adults, Gardener Meg hosts her festive wreathmaking workshops on 29 and 30 November and 1 December. She will share all her expert tips to create a gorgeous Christmas wreath from natural materials found on the Llanerchaeron estate (booking essential).
The resident cats, Eira, Mwg and Tom are fond favourites with visitors at Llanerchaeron and take centre stage for this Christmas visit with a difference. For two days only (6-8 December) during the weekend of the Christmas Fair, step inside the front door of the Georgian Villa and let Eira show you a cat’s eye view of Christmas. With the rooms of the Villa dressed in festive decorations themed around each of the popular cats, will Eira be able to enchant Mwg with the magic of Christmas?
The gardens, farmyard, lakeside walk and second-hand bookshop are open every weekend from 9 November – 29 December. Plan your visit – HERE
