West Wales truly sparkles at Christmas and New Year’s. Cosy cottages, roaring log burners, festive markets, pantomimes, and candlelit services make this a magical season to explore. Whether you’re visiting Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, or Carmarthenshire, there’s something for everyone — families, couples, and friends alike.
List of Events
🎅 Santa & Family Activities
🎭 Pantomimes & Christmas Shows
💡 Christmas Lights & Lantern Parades
🎄 Christmas Markets & Craft Fairs
🏊 Boxing Day & New Year’s Swims
🎅 Santa & Family Activities
Ceredigion
- The Polar Express, Aberystwyth – Hop aboard this magical train journey with hot chocolate, cookies, live theatre, and maybe a visit from Father Christmas. Pyjamas encouraged!
📅 Selected dates in December 2025
🎟️ Tickets required; immersive train ride with Santa. Book here - Silver Mountain Experience, Llywernog – Explore Santa’s grotto, the Elves’ Workshop, follow treasure trails, decorate cookies, and meet Santa in person.
📅 7, 8, 14, 15, 21–23 December 2025
🎟️ Tickets required; festive activities and Santa visit. Book here
Pembrokeshire
- Folly Farm Santa’s Grotto
A festive family favourite with animal encounters and seasonal fun.
📅 8 November – 21 December 2025
📍 Begelly
🎟️ Tickets required; includes Santa visit and gift. Book here - Tenby Santa Run
Dress as Santa and run through Tenby town; a fun, family-friendly festive fundraiser.
📅 Saturday, 29 November 2025
📍 Tenby
🎟️ Registration required; includes Santa suit and medal. Register here
Carmarthenshire
- Santa Steam Train, Gwili Railway
A festive train ride with elves, hot chocolate, and Santa visiting children along the route.
📅 Selected weekends in December 2025
📍 Bronwydd Arms, near Carmarthen
🎟️ Tickets required; includes train ride and Santa visit. Book here
🎭 Pantomimes & Christmas Shows
Ceredigion
-Aberystwyth Arts Centre – Ballet screenings (The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker) 📅 10th,15th December 2025. Book here
Pembrokeshire
-Torch Theatre, Milford Haven- Rapunzel 📅 from 6th–28th December 2025📍 Milford Haven🎟️ Tickets required; family-friendly show. Book here
Carmarthenshire
-Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen – A Christmas Carol 📅from 28th November 2026–10th January 2026.📍 Carmarthen🎟️ Tickets required; classic panto. Book here
Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade / Festival of Light
📅 5 December 2025, at ~7:00 pm
Tenby Christmas Light Switch-On
📅 29th November 2025, lights, market stalls, DJ, Santa’s Grotto.
Aberystwyth Lantern Parade & Christmas Lights
📅 Parade on 30 November 2025, followed by tree lighting & carols.
Carew Castle Glow & Santa’s Workshop Trail
📅 From late November into December, the castle and gardens light up & host a holiday trail.
🎄Christmas Markets & Craft Fairs
Pembrokeshire
- Picton Castle Christmas Fair 📍 Picton Castle
Over 60 stalls of holiday gifts, local food and festive cheer.
📅 Weekend of 22nd–23rd November 2025
🎟️ Entry fee applies. See more - Llys-y-Frân Festive Fair📍 Llys-y-Frân
Bavarian-style market by the lake, with homemade crafts and food.
📅 6th–7th December 2025
🎟️ Entry free or small fee. See more - Pembroke Castle Christmas Market 📍 Pembroke Castle
Jewels, crafts, mulled wine — and Santa visits.
📅 28th, 29th, 30th November 2025
🎟️ Entry fee applies. See more
Ceredigion
- Cardigan Castle Christmas Fair 📍 Cardigan Castle
40+ artisan stalls, festive food, and Santa’s grotto.
📅 Saturday 29 November 2025
🎟️ Free entry; activities may cost. See more - Llanerchaeron Christmas Fair 📍 Llanerchaeron, near Aberaeron
Nature-rich setting, local crafts, carols, and seasonal treats.
📅 5–7 December 2025
🎟️ Entry fee applies (National Trust). See more
🏊 Boxing Day & New Year Swims
Why not embrace the festive spirit with a refreshing dip in the chilly waters of West Wales! These annual swims have become cherished traditions, offering fun, fundraising, and a splash of adventure for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a first-timer, anyone is welcome to take part.
🎄Staying in West Wales
Discover some of our beautiful properties all across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, perfect for a getaway to West Wales this festive season.
