It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With festive events ringing in Christmas cheer all over the country, Christmas in Wales is crammed with yuletide fun to keep you going right up until the big day. We’ve picked out the very best Christmas markets in Wales to keep you in the festive spirit – now all you have to do is choose where to go! Need somewhere to stay too? We have suggested some cottages close to these events but you can also browse our full collection of Christmas escapes too.
14 – 17 November 2019
A Dickensian atmosphere awaits in Llandudno, with the four-day Christmas fayre kick-starting Christmas in mid-November. Unique gifts and crafts will be available in abundance and with over 150 stalls and plenty of Welsh traditions taking on a festive feel, you are sure to enter into the Christmas spirit. Don’t miss the World Bara Brith Championships!
Stay in a cottage nearby: Boutique Townhouse, in Llandudno
14 November – 23 December 2019
Cardiff Christmas Market, @canuckrunningamuck via Instagram
Cardiff’s event spreads over the city from early November right through until a few days before Christmas, with over 200 stallholders showcasing their goods. A huge variety of food, gifts and crafts will be available, with sellers switching throughout the festive period to keep the market fresh and exciting even for those visiting more than once.
Stay in a cottage nearby: Jack’s Barn, 25 miles
15 November 2019 - 5 January 2020
Swansea is transformed into a winter wonderland from mid-November, all through Christmas until early January. The city features an array of Christmas entertainment including a funfair, ice skating, Santa’s grotto and a Christmas market featuring over 40 stalls packed with food, gifts and crafts for you to take home and enjoy or pass on as Christmas presents.
25 – 26 November 2019
In late November, the two-day Royal Welsh Winter Fair returns with a combination of agriculture, horticulture, gastronomy and handicrafts, all enveloped in a yuletide ambience that will have you jingling all the way to Christmas! Hundreds of trade stands, demonstrations and exhibitions will provide something for every kind of visitor.
Stay in a cottage nearby: Skylark Lodge or Siskin Lodge
28 November – 1 December 2019
Hay Festival - Sam Hardwick
The Christmas light switch-on transforms Hay into a winter wonderland ahead of a weekend of festive cheer. This mini-festival offers an array of events that take place around the town in different venues and includes talks and performances from authors, musicians and comedians, as well as plenty of activities for kids, Christmas shopping, carol singing and delicious local produce.
Stay in a cottage nearby: Grooms Barn, 1.5 miles
28 November – 1 December 2019
This pre-Christmas event is a sure way to get you into the festive spirit through your senses. Smell the spices of a warm mulled wine, taste delicious local delicacies, indulge in treats for yourself, and hear and see a whole schedule of events. Held in its town centre with shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants, this yuletide event brings Christmas magic to this West Wales town.
Stay in a cottage nearby: Beacons Hot Tub Retreat, 6 miles
29 November – 1 December 2019
Aberglasney Gardens, Nigel McCall
The Aberglasney Winter Fair is a spectacular Christmas event. Set up in two giant marquees in the glorious gardens in early December, there will be over 100 stands for you to buy distinctive gifts and sample the delights of Welsh cuisine. On Saturday and Sunday, there will also be live Christmas music for you to enjoy along with a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine.
8 December 2019
The Abergavenny Food Festival takes place in early December, and if there’s one piece of advice we can give you, it’s go on an empty stomach – you’ll need all the room you can get for the gastro-delights you’ll find there! Over 85 producers will be selling their seasonal sensations, alongside chef demonstrations, kids’ workshops, and musical entertainment.
Stay in a cottage nearby: The Old School House Cottage, 2 miles
More Christmas Markets, Fairs & Events in Wales:
Find a cottage for Christmas in Wales
Looking for somewhere to stay over the festive period? We have picked out some of our cosiest cottages for Christmas in Wales, whether you are planning to get the family together or to escape for a quiet break, just the two of you. You can also browse our full collection of cottages for Christmas in Wales.