Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind event to enjoy as a Christmas treat or if you’d prefer some Christmas magic that is more local to you, we have a variety of suggestions on how you can get into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Market (Cardiff) – 11th November – 23rd December
The Christmas Market is back at Cardiff with new and returning exhibitors selling unique items, along with food and drink stalls to get you in the festive spirit. The Christmas Market is located in St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street, and the Hayes.
www.cardiffchristmasmarket.com
Christmas at Bute Park (Cardiff) – 25th November – 31st December
Visit the biggest festive light display that Wales has ever seen at Bute Park. Full of dazzling light displays, interactive installations, a flickering fire area, an enchanting fairy tree forest, laser shows & mirror balls, as well as local street food and refreshments. You’ll need to purchase tickets to attend this event.
Christmas Adventures at Fonmon Castle (Barry) – 27th November – 31st December
Fonmon Castle Park and Gardens will be hosting a variety of Christmas fun for all the family this year, including a festival of lights, Santa shows, illuminated dinosaurs, festive fairy village, market traders, festive food and drink and much more. You’ll need to purchase tickets to attend this event.
Luminate Wales at Margam Country Park (Port Talbot) – 18th November – 24th December
Take a magical mile long walk through the gardens and around castle at Margam Park’s grounds, following an illuminated trail that is set to ambient music. There is food and drink available at stalls and a fire pit to roast marshmallows. You’ll need to purchase tickets to attend this event.
www.luminate.live/margam-country-park
Winter Wonderland (Cardiff) – 16th November – 3rd January
Winter Wonderland is back at Cardiff but at two locations this year. There is plenty of festive fun to be had inside the grounds at Cardiff Castle and at the usual location on City Hall lawn. There’s an ice rink and ice walk, food and refreshments, family attractions and games and more, spread across the two sites. You’ll need to purchase tickets for some aspects of Winter Wonderland.
www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com
Breakfast with Santa (Various Locations) – December
Many restaurants, garden centres and hotels are offering a Christmas treat of having breakfast with Santa for the little ones to enjoy throughout December. Prices may vary depending on the location but if you’re looking to switch up the traditional trip to visit Santa, check out your local venues to see what they are offering and book.
Nos Galan Virtual Challenge (Rhondda Cynon Taf) – December
This year, Nos Galan is taking place virtually where those competing can complete the 5km distance throughout the month of December. Trivallis is once again sponsoring the event and although spaces to take part are now full, don’t forget to support anyone you may know taking part. Good luck to all those running.
www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Events//NosGalan/NosGalanRoadRace.aspx
Christmas Pantomime (Various Locations) – December – January
A great Christmas treat for all the family is a trip to the theatre to see a pantomime. There are various pantomime’s taking place in theatres across South Wales that you can get tickets for, ranging in price. Check out your local theatre or a bigger theatre in a city near you to see what pantomime they are hosting this year.
www.bigpantoguide.co.uk/southwales.php
Local Christmas Events (Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff) – December
If you’re looking for other local Christmas events taking place in your community, visit your local council website to find out what they will be hosting. It may be a Christmas fare, a visit from Santa, turning on the Christmas lights or a Christmas fun day. Whatever it may be, keep a check on your local council’s website for the latest updates on what Christmas fun is being held near you.
Rhondda Cynon Taf: www.rctcbc.gov.uk
Cardiff: www.cardiff.gov.uk
Santa’s Toy Mine at Rhondda Heritage Park (Pontypridd) – 23rd November – 24th December
Enjoy festive fun by the sled-load, with a magical festive tour through the Toy Mine that includes a meeting with Father Christmas himself, gifts for the children and mince pies and hot drinks for adults, plus, if you want to add to your tour, festive arts and crafts and a chocolate making workshop are also available. You’ll need to purchase tickets to attend this event.
www.rctcbc.go.uk/EN/Tourism/RhonddaHeritagePark/Home.aspx
All information is correct at the time of posting, please check with event organisers before booking. You may need to provide a NHS COVID Pass to attend some of these events, check before attending if you do.
This piece is from the Winter 2021 issue of our Trivallis Valleys Magazine. To read the full issue, visit our Valleys Magazine page.