Sarah
11 September 2023
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.
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Christmas markets in South Wales
Cardiff Christmas Market
9 November - 23 December 2023
Cardiff’s Christmas market spreads over the city from early November right through until a few days before Christmas, with plenty of 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.
Christmas at Bute Park is also a must-see with its magical light trail just waiting to be explored. This wonderful park is illuminated and transformed into a magical winter wonderland during December. Wind your way through a breathtaking spectrum of illuminations, sculptures and special effects!
Myddfai Christmas Craft Fair
7 December 2023
It's only a one-day event so don't miss out! This charming village craft fair is a lovely place to start your Christmas shopping.
Head to Myddfai Christmas Craft Fair for local gifts and crafts, as well as games and quizzes for a little fun on your shopping outing. Mulled wine and mince pies are also in abundance.
Christmas at Tredegar House
1 - 23 December 2023
There's a wide selection of wintery events happening for Christmas at Tredegar House in Duffryn on various dates, so there's sure to be a day you can visit.
The house is open every day, closing at 4pm, until 23 December for everyone to experience Christmas magic at this ancient house. Late-night events (until 8pm) take place on Friday 8 and 15, Monday 18, Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 December so you can enjoy enchanting evenings at this very special venue too.
For families, sing-a-longs are taking place and Father Christmas is stopping by Tredegar House on Saturday 9, Sunday 10, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December.
South Wales cottages
Ready to visit these fantastic Christmas markets? Find a magical place to stay with family and friends in our collection of South Wales cottages and begin planning an unforgettable getaway in the run-up to Christmas.
Christmas markets in North Wales
Llandudno Christmas Extravaganza
16 - 19 November 2023
Set in the heart of Llandudno, this is an epic event for a Christmas shopping experience this festive season.
The Llandudno Christmas Extravaganza is a family fun event with plenty of festive food, drink, gifts, funfair, entertainment and more.
Portmeirion Food & Craft Festival
1 - 3 December 2023
The town of Portmeirion is already famous for its beauty - with colourful streets that look as though they've been transported straight from a fairy tale - so imagine just how magical it becomes during Christmastime!
At the Portmeirion Food & Craft Festival, try artisan food, local Welsh crafts and select the perfect gifts for your loved ones with a whole host of small businesses and vendors to peruse during your visit.
Conwy Winterfest
10 December 2023
Conwy Winterfest is an exciting event that draws on the medieval era and has a parade with lit torches, a jester and armoured knights. There are also street entertainers, Morris dancing, and sword fighting all taking place throughout the town to give you a historic day out at Christmas.
Lots of the independently owned shops stay open late into the evening - there's an old toy shop, award-winning butchers, art galleries, boutique clothes and gift stores and even The Knight Shop where you can purchase your very own suit of armour!
North Wales cottages
We have a host of enchanting holiday cottages throughout the rugged North Wales landscape for you to discover - you're sure to find the perfect cottage for a Christmas getaway in our collection. Click the button below to begin browsing and get inspired.
Christmas markets in Mid Wales
The Royal Welsh Winter Fair
27 - 28 November 2023
In late November, the two-day Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Builth Wells 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.
Llanerchaeron Christmas Fair
1 - 3 Dec 2023
Llanerchaeron is an elegant Georgian villa managed and cared for by the National Trust and it's a beautiful place to enjoy some Christmas shopping!
Tuck into mince pies and mulled wine, and listen to live music at Llanerchaeron Christmas Fair between browsing the stalls here that are bursting with locally made crafts.
Hay Festival Winter Weekend
23 - 26 November 2023
The Hay Festival Winter Weekend is a seasonal weekend of wonder in beautiful Hay Castle, a newly renovated centre for arts, literature and learning.
Expect an eclectic mix of performers and speakers, candle-lit storytelling, comedy, music and fun family workshops.
Mid Wales cottages
Hide away in a holiday cottage in Mid Wales this Christmas. We have large holiday homes for group gatherings and cosy romantic retreats throughout the scenic countryside - find your ideal holiday let so you can visit these wonderful Christmas markets in Mid Wales.
Christmas markets in West Wales
Llandeilo Festival of Senses
17 - 19 November 2023
The Llandeilo Festival of Senses 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 experience 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.
Aberglasney Winter Fair
1 - 3 December 2023
The Aberglasney Winter Fair is a spectacular Christmas event. The fair sees the beautiful gardens transform into a Christmas shoppers’ paradise.
You'll find an abundance of exhibitors selling their hand-crafted goods. They are a hand-picked selection of talented artists, makers, crafters and designers.
Spend a day discovering unique gifts, handmade decorations, amazing art and beautiful homeware, and have your fill of delicious artisan food and drink.
Pembroke Castle Christmas Market
24 - 26 November 2023
Imagine an amazing Christmas wonderland with the backdrop of a spectacular illuminated castle! Well, you can experience this at the annual Pembroke Castle Christmas Market.
Expect wonderous stalls selling amazing gifts, toys, local produce, clothing and jewellery. Visit Santa in his grotto and browse the best Christmas gifts that Pembrokeshire has to offer along with musical entertainment from local school carol singers and musicians who will be performing throughout the weekend.
The highlight of this wonderful Christmas market will be the highly anticipated arrival of Santa at 6.30pm on Friday evening!
Picton Castle Christmas Fair
18 - 19 November 2023
At the Picton Castle Christmas Fair, Christmas trees and other festive decor are used to adorn this beautiful castle's state rooms and create a wonderful winter experience for visitors.
Plenty of fantastic stalls offer baked treats, handmade gifts and other stocking fillers so you're sure to make a few worthwhile purchases while you browse this bewitching space.
The Queens Hall Narberth Christmas Market
24 November - 26 November 2023
Enjoy Christmas shopping in this fantastic setting! The Queens Hall in Narberth is a music venue that puts on an annual Christmas market full of all the wonderful gifts, food and drink stalls you'd expect, and it's right in the centre of pretty Narberth town.
This venue is a delightful setting for getting into the Christmas spirit and discovering a range of festive goodies.
West Wales cottages
Escape to beautiful West Wales, famed for its rolling countryside and golden coastline. Whether you're looking for a cottage hidden away in a forest or farmland, or a holiday let with sea views to wake up to on Christmas day, you're sure to find something special in our collection of holiday homes.
Find a cottage for Christmas in Wales
The photos above are of The Hollies, a magical country cottage hidden away in the peaceful village of Old Church Stoke in Mid 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.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.