🎄 Christmas in West Wales: Festive Markets, Events & Seasonal Stays
Your 2025 Guide by Great Welsh Escapes
As the year winds down and the winter chill settles over the rolling hills of West Wales, something magical begins to happen. Villages twinkle with fairy lights, coastal towns come alive with artisan markets, and ancient castles glow beneath festive illuminations. Christmas in West Wales is nothing short of enchanting – a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and cosy seasonal charm.
Whether you’re planning a family Christmas getaway, a romantic winter break, or a peaceful countryside escape, here’s your guide to the best festive markets, seasonal events, and Christmas stays across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.
✨ Magical Christmas Markets in West Wales
1. Pembrokeshire Christmas Market (Pembrokeshire County Showground) – Saturday, 13 December to Sunday, 14 December 2025
A favourite for locals and visitors alike, this bustling market brings together Welsh artisans, food producers, and makers. Expect everything from handcrafted decorations to artisan cheeses, mulled cider, and bespoke gifts — perfect for filling stockings with something special.
2. Llanusyllt (Saundersfoot) Coastal Christmas – Friday, 5th December to Sunday, 7th December 2025
Running for the whole of December and into the New Year, Llanusyllt’s harbour area is turning into an enchanting Christmas shopper’s delight. Local craftspeople, including jewellers, leather goods makers and boutique clothing designers will take up residence in specially built cabins.
3. Scolton Manor Christmas Market – Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2025
Stroll past the farm shop and the impressive Margaret steam engine to venture into the Green Barn where you’ll find an array of delights on display to purchase. Entry is free, though there is a fee to park.
4. Festival of Light and Giant Lantern Parade – Saturday 30 Nov 2024 – Friday 20 Dec 2024
Hosted inside the historic Guildhall and spilling out onto the High Street, Cardigan’s festive market offers a vibrant mix of crafts, jewellery, local produce, and seasonal treats. The perfect place to support small Welsh businesses.
5. Carmarthen Christmas Market (Nott Square & Guildhall) Sat 23rd Nov – Sat 21st Dec
The county town of Carmarthen puts on a wonderfully atmospheric Christmas market, complete with food stalls, handmade gifts, street entertainers, and a welcoming winter buzz.
6. Aberglasney Christmas Fair – December 5th to 7th
Visitors will 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
🎅 Unmissable Festive Events in Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire
1. Carew Castle Christmas Trail – From late November into December
The castle and gardens light up & host a holiday trail. Wind your way through this majestic castle on a festive themed trail. With stunning views across the millpond and the castle lit beautifully after dusk, it’s a great winter activity for all ages.
2. Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade / Festival of Light 5 December 2025, at 7:00 pm
As well as the magical Christmas lights and Christmas tree organised by Cardigan Town Council, there will be a Festival Light Trail linking the town.
3. Pembrey Country Park’s Magical Light Trail – 4th to 21st December 2025
is making a grand return, and it’s even BIGGER & BETTER this year with a Christmas Village!
Best of all, it’s absolutely FREE to attend (event parking fee applies), so gather your loved ones and join us for a magical experience at the mesmerizing woodlands of Pembrey and get ready for the incredible surprise of meeting Father Christmas in his cosy woodland cabin! – Booking and fee applies for Father Christmas visit.
Be sure to bring your festive spirit and a camera! Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.
🎅 Santa & Family Activities
- Folly Farm Santa’s Grotto -8 November – 21 December 2025
A festive family favourite with animal encounters and seasonal fun.
Tickets required; includes Santa visit and gift. Book here
- Santa Steam Train, Gwili Railway – Selected weekends in December 2025
A festive train ride with elves, hot chocolate, and Santa visiting children along the route.
Tickets required; includes train ride and Santa visit. Book here
- Santa & The Owls – December
1.5 hour interactive Christmas experience – The whole event is indoors
Get ready for a festive adventure that’s bursting with magic, laughter, and a little bit of owl sparkle!
Make your Elf name badge and a toy to take home in Santa’s workshop, Visit Santa/Sion Corn and receive a special gift, Enjoy a Christmas flying show, Hold a real owl (additional charge)
❄️ Seasonal Outdoor Activities
Even in winter, West Wales offers breathtaking landscapes and crisp, invigorating adventures:
- Coastal walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path — dramatic cliffs and winter wildlife spotting.
- Frosty woodland strolls around idyllic Carmarthenshire forests.
- Beach walks on miles of golden sand at Saundersfoot, Tenby, Pendine and Freshwater West.
- Star-gazing nights in some of the UK’s darkest skies.
Wrap up warm, grab a flask of hot chocolate, and enjoy the peace that only winter by the coast can bring.
🎁 Make Your Christmas in West Wales Extra Special
From festive markets filled with handmade treasures to castle illuminations, coastal walks and community celebrations, Christmas in West Wales offers a warm, welcoming, and wonderfully relaxing way to end the year.
Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for a last-minute winter escape, Great Welsh Escapes has a stay to suit every style of festive break.
For more information on Christmas events;
For last minute discounts on our December stays, please click here.