Maybe we are a little biased, but we think Christmas in West Wales is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories. Enjoy a long walk on the beach, wrapped up warm and then return to snuggle up beside the fire to warm up. Throughout Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, you will find fun for the whole family this festive season. So let us take you through some of our favourite things to do, from Christmas markets, lantern parades and panto, to ensure you have the best Christmas in West Wales!
Christmas Lights and Lanterns
The true start to the festive season is when the Christmas lights switch on. Let us take you through a few of our favourites to get you in the mood for the big day.
Christmas light switch on – Tenby
Santa arrives early on November 25th for the Christmas light switch on in Tenby.Â
There will be plenty of festive fun as Tenby RNLI, Tenby Firefighters and Tenby Coastguard come together to launch Christmas. Starting at 1pm, DJs will play some Christmas classics alongside the Salvation Army. Local groups will provide dancing and singing before the main event. At 3.45pm, the RNLI lifeboat will launch to collect Santa from a secret location at sea.
A blue light parade will bring Santa through town as snow falls in the square and finally the lights on the Christmas tree at St Mary’s church will shine. What a great way to start the festive season!
Aberystwyth Christmas Lights & Lantern Parade
Aberystwyth hosts the Lantern Parade on 25th November 2023.
With festivities starting from early afternoon, market stalls will provide mulled wine and mince pies, with entertainment to keep the whole family entertained.
The Lantern Parade will take place at 5pm followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree. If all this didn’t put you in the mood for Christmas, the day will end with a open air carol service. Wrap up warm!
Christmas lights switch on – Carmarthen
Santa and his elfs arrive in Carmarthen on 18 November 2023.
With elf stations around the town, Santa will make a special appearance with his reindeer in Notts Square. Entertainment will come from Côr Seingar, the Piano Man, Carmarthen Symphonic Wind Band, Rock Choir, Forge Drama, Class Act, BOW Productions – the cast of the town’s upcoming Cinderella, Centre Stage Theatre, Celtique Twirlers and Samba Doc.
St Catherine’s Walk is also holding festive entertainment and turning its Christmas lights on the same day. It will also have its Christmas cabins which will sell a range of festive themed gifts and food. The day will finish with a spectacular fireworks display, so wrap up warm and get in the festive mood.
Christmas Markets
West Wales has some of the most charming Christmas markets in some of the most beautiful locations. You can find them all around Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. You can fill your bellies with delicious sweet treats whilst taste-testing local independent gins, vodka and mulled wine. How perfect.
Christmas markets in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire has a wide range of Christmas markets.
Picton Castle Christmas Fair is another that is loved by many. With over 60 stalls, selling everything from baked goodies to stocking fillers, it is perfect for gifting your loved ones something they will love whilst also supporting small local businesses.
Llys-y-fran lake for a Bavarian style Christmas fair with plenty of home made Christmas gifts and plenty of walks to enjoy after you have had a feast in their cafe. Open Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December 2023.
Pembroke Castle will 80 stalls offering festive buys. The castle will be lit and filled with festive tunes, and even Santa is due to attend. Open 24-26 November 2023.
Christmas markets in Ceredigion
Ceredigion is home to stunning Christmas markets. Take a trip to Cardigan for a magical day at Cardigan Castles Christmas fair. Their annual fair is back with over 40 craft stalls, festive food, mulled wine and Santa’s Grotto. A day at this Christmas fair gives you the opportunity to find the perfect stocking fillers and your children an experience at Santa’s Grotto they will never forget! Fancy staying at the Castle? Take a look at the accommodation on offer.
Feel the warmth of a festive family day out at Llanerchaeron’s Christmas market. Explore the grounds of the estate and discover stalls showcasing local produce, food and music. It is a fun Christmassy day for the whole family.
Christmas markets in Carmarthenshire
Why not grab the chance for some unique Christmas shopping & browsing with a selection of ‘not on the high street’ retailers, each housed in wooden Winter Christmas Market cabins, situated in the busy St. Catherine’s Walk in Carmarthen. You’ll find local, hand crafted, one-off items including fine, award winning produce and other goodies to sample.
At Aberglasney’s Winter Fair you’ll find an abundance of handpicked exhibitors who are artists, makers, crafters and designers. Spend a day finding unique gifts, handmade decorations, art, beautiful homeware as well as artisan food and drink. Try some decadent chocolate, festive spirits, Welsh cakes and chutneys, there will be something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds.
Pantomimes
If you are looking for an activity you know your children will love, then a pantomime is the perfect activity. Pantomimes are loved by many and are seen as a Christmas staple. Get ready for a night of fun, laughter and a lot of singing.
The Big Pembs Panto is back for another exciting festive season. Dick Whittington will be showcased at The Boulevard Theatre, Milford Haven, with Eastenders star Laila Morse to play the Queen Rat. Join the exciting cast for an evening that will have you laughing, cheering, and tapping your feet!
Join The Lyric Theatre for a GIANT of a pantomime this Christmas with Jack & the Beanstalk. Theatrau Sir Gâr will have all the ingredients for a full-of-beans family panto, with a dastardly villain, a hapless comic, and a hilarious panto dame, as well as magical musical numbers and bags of slapstick fun.
Cardigan Theatre invite you to Sherwood Forest for this year’s swashbuckling panto adventure, Robin Hood! Featuring jokes and slapstick galore, songs from across the decades and much more!
Featured Properties
Discover some of our beautiful properties all across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, perfect for a getaway to West Wales this festive season.
