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 in West Wales
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 in Tenby
Santa arrives early on November 30th for the Christmas light switch on in Tenby.
Tenby is filled with all the festivities of the season for this traditional Christmas curtain raiser, including A DJ providing live entertainment. There are also market stalls, a children’s ride in the town centre and the famous santa run during the day.
Once santa switches on the lights, he will be say in his grotto to say hello to all the children – a perfect day of yuletide cheer!
Aberystwyth Christmas Lights & Lantern Parade
Aberystwyth hosts the Lantern Parade on 30th November 2024.
With festivities starting from early afternoon, market stalls will provide mulled wine and mince pies, with entertainment to keep the whole family having fun.
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 an open air carol service. Wrap up warm!
Carmarthen Reindeer Day and Christmas Light Switch-On
Santa and his elfs arrive in Carmarthen – the date is TBC but it’s expected in the last weekend in November.
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 around the same time. 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 in West Wales
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 one 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. This Fair is open on the weekend of 23rd and 24th November 2024.
Head to Llys-y-Fran lake for a Bavarian-style Christmas fair with lots of homemade Christmas gifts and plenty of walks to enjoy after you have had a feast in their cafe. The Fair is open on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2024.
Pembroke Castle’s Christmas Market has 80 stalls offering festive buys. The castle will be lit and filled with festive tunes, and even Santa is due to attend. The market is open from Friday 29th November to Sunday 1st December 2024.
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! The date for this Fair is Saturday, November 30th.
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 Fair. Explore the grounds of the estate and discover stalls showcasing local produce, food and music. It is a fun Christmas-y day for the whole family and is open from the 6th to the 8th December 2024.
Christmas markets in Carmarthenshire
At Aberglasney’s Winter Fair you’ll find stalls filled with artists, craftsmen and designers selling unique wares, perfect for a spot of Christmas shopping. There will also be plenty of wonderful food and drink to try, including festive spirits and Welsh cakes. The Winter Fair runs from 29th November to 1st December.
Christmas Pantomimes in West Wales
If you are looking for an activity you know your children will love, then a pantomime is just the ticket. 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.
Jack and the Beanstalk at Milford Haven
“Fee, Fie, Fo, Fum….. I smell the blood of a West Walian!”
One of the most-loved pantomimes for the Christmas season is coming to Pembrokeshire again in 2024. Jack and the Beanstalk at the Torch Theatre promises to be a wonderful afternoon of songs and laughter for all the family. The panto is playing from 13th December all the way through until 29th December.
Cinderella at the Cardigan Theatre
Cinderella at the Cardigan Theatre promises to be an enchanting night of pantomime fun for all the family.
Featuring plenty of local talent, this is a classic panto experience filled with hilarious jokes, audience participation, and songs new and old that children and parents will love. Performances are scheduled for most days from 21st to 30th December 2024.
Featured Properties
Discover some of our beautiful properties all across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, perfect for a getaway to West Wales this festive season.
