Christmas Markets and Festive Events Across West Wales

As the festive season twinkles to life and the familiar scent of chestnuts, hog roasts and mulled wine fills the air, many of us begin the annual hunt for the perfect Christmas gifts. But before you scroll endlessly through online megastores or rush to the nearest retail giant, consider this: what if your most meaningful gifts this year could be found just around the corner? Shopping locally for Christmas isn’t just a nostalgic nod to simpler times – it’s one of the most powerful ways to celebrate community, creativity and connection.

In West Wales, small businesses are the beating heart of our communities. They’re the cosy bookshop stocking local authors, the artist painting landscapes you know, the jeweller who handcrafts every piece with care and the family-run boutique where every item tells a story. Choosing to shop local this Christmas means choosing to support real people – your neighbours, your friends, your community.

The benefits ripple far beyond the till. Every pound spent in a local business circulates through your local economy, helping to sustain jobs and fund community projects. According to recent studies, for every £10 spent with a small business, up to £8.50 stays in the local area – compared to just a fraction when you buy from large chains or online giants. That means your thoughtful gift-giving directly helps keep your high street thriving and your community vibrant.

But shopping local isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also the more enjoyable way to shop. Step into an independent shop this December and you’ll find something the internet can’t replicate: a sense of discovery and delight. There’s the satisfaction of finding a one-of-a-kind handmade ornament, a locally roasted coffee blend for the caffeine lover on your list, or a bespoke piece of art that perfectly captures someone’s personality. Local makers pour their passion, skill, and soul into what they create, meaning your gifts carry a depth of authenticity that no mass-produced product can match.

There’s also something beautifully human about the experience. Local shopkeepers are more than salespeople—they’re storytellers, curators, and experts in their craft. They can tell you where an item came from, how it was made, and why it’s special. Shopping local reconnects us to that personal touch that’s often lost in the click-and-collect culture of modern retail. And let’s not forget the environmental impact. When you buy from local producers and independent stores, your gifts often travel far fewer miles—cutting down on packaging waste and carbon emissions. Choosing to walk into town rather than rely on multiple online deliveries is one small but meaningful step toward a greener Christmas. So this festive season, as you tick off your list, think local first. Wander through the many Christmas markets, explore independent boutiques, or visit your nearest makers’ fair.

Every candle, card, and handcrafted treasure you buy from a small business lights up more than just someone’s home—it keeps the spirit of community alive. This Christmas, let’s make our gifts count twice: once for the loved ones who unwrap them, and again for the local dreamers, makers, and shopkeepers who make our communities shine. Over the next few pages, we listed just some of the many markets, fairs and venues being held in West Wales for you to shop local and gift better this Christmas.

Aberystwyth Christmas Market: Menter Aberystwyth is organising a Christmas Market on Saturday, November 29. Cardigan Castle Christmas Fair: The annual Christmas Fair returns to Cardigan Castle on Saturday, November 29 - 30. It will feature local craft and food stalls, mulled wine, and Santa’s Grotto. Llanerchaeron Christmas Fair: From Friday, December 5, to Sunday, December 7. Llanerchaeron will host a festive fair with over 70 local food and craft producers. Santa is also scheduled to visit on Saturday and Sunday. Narberth Christmas Market: On November 28- 30, taking place at the Queen’s Hall. New Hedges: A Yuletide Fayre is planned for Saturday, November 29, at the New Hedges Village Hall. Great Wedlock Farm and Deer Park, near Tenby: The Makers Market will have festive stalls on the weekends of December 6–7 and December 13–14.

Christmas Fair, Llanelli Wetland Centre: On November 29–30, WWT Llanelli will host its annual Christmas Fair with craft stalls, local products, and Father Christmas. Dinefwr Christmas Fair, Llandeilo: The National Trust is hosting a Christmas Fair at Dinefwr with local food, crafts, and entertainment. Melin Tregwynt Christmas Fair: November 15-16, featuring stalls. St Davids Christmas Craft Market: Oriel Y Parc, November 29, offering unique handmade gifts from local artists. There will be tasty treats and you can even drop off your wish list the North Pole Post Box. Caban Pendine Christmas Fayre: Kick off the holiday season with a market featuring local crafts and unique gifts on /Sunday, November 30, from noon.

Featuring a wide variety of traders and service providers: Mobile Phones & Repairs, Domestic Appliance Spares Florist, Jewellery, Hand Made Leather Belts Food and Drink Stalls—retail and takeaway Home Wares and Decorative items, Original Arts and Crafts, Crystals & Incense, Antiques and Collectables, Children’s Toys, Wool and Haberdashery, Wax Candles, Glass Art Giftware, Cards, Books and Souvenirs, 3D Models, Hair Salon, Clothing, Cafe, Variety of Pop Up Stalls, Public Toilets and Lift to/from Car Park And so much more....

As well as the Christmas fairs and markets that will be taking place over the next few weeks, there are also plenty of fun family events and activities to enjoy. Whether it is a visit from Santa, a panto, a street party or a walk in the woods, there is so many festive activities taking place it would be impossible to list them all, so here are just a few that caught our eye.

Christmas markets across the region

Breakfast With Santa: The Harbour Inn, Solva, will be hosting Father Christmas at breakfast throughout December.

Polar Express Train Rides: The magical Polar Express comes to Aberystwyth on the Vale of Rheidol Railway with a fully immersive theatrical live show that re-creates scenes from the famous Christmas movie. The 20-minute rides will be running from late November right up until December 24.

Tenby Santa Run: A 3k run through the town centre, with participants pulling on their beards and Santa suits, is scheduled for Saturday, November 29.

Theatre in Milford Haven will host a performance of Rapunzel from December 6 to December 28.

Winter Solstice at Castell Henllys: The Iron Age village near Newport will hold its winter solstice Boxing Day Swim: The annual charity dip at Tenby's North Beach will be held on Friday, December 26.

Fishguard New Year's Eve Street Party: A street party featuring local bands and fireworks is planned for Wednesday, December 31.

Father Christmas Visit, Pembrey Country Park: Children can visit Father Christmas at the park between December 6 and December 21, with sensory-friendly visits available on December 9 and 16.

Llanelli Christmas Parade: A parade featuring Santa, princesses, and bands will kick off at Ffwrnes Theatre on Saturday, December 6.

Christmas Show, Ffwrnes Llanelli: The show Step Into Christmas, featuring all your favourite festive songs, will take place on December 17.

Christmas Spectacular, New Cross Hands Working Men's Club: A Christmas spectacular featuring the musical legacy of Diana Ross will be held on December 20.

A wider perspective

Boxing Day Swim, Aberporth: The traditional Boxing Day swim will take place in Aberporth on Friday, December 26.

Dechreuwch eich siopa Nadolig gydag anrhegion unigryw wedi'u gwneud â llaw gan wneuthurwyr lleol dawnus. Mwynhewch gerddoriaeth fyw a danteithion blasus a gollwng eich rhestr ddymuniadau ym Mlwch Post Pegwn y Gogledd – mae Siôn Corn yn aros!

Kick-start your Christmas shopping with unique handmade gifts from talented local makers. Enjoy live music, tasty treats, and drop your wish list in the North Pole Post Box – Santa’s waiting!

cathedral is a magical place to visit during Christmas, with nativity services and carol performances.

festive tradition returns to Carew Castle this winter, as Santa sets up home in this iconic Pembrokeshire attraction for three weekends of Christmas magic. Hidden within the Castle itself, the Grotto will be open every Saturday and Sunday from November 29 to December 14, from 10am to 4pm. Children will receive a gift as part of their visit, with each Grotto ticket also including free daytime entry to the Castle. This year’s Grotto promises an extra helping of festive cheer, with luxury hot chocolates and mulled wine available from Nest Tearoom, and the Castle decorated throughout for the season. Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “Santa's Grotto has become a much-loved Christmas tradition here, and we're really pleased to welcome families back again this year.

The historic setting makes a wonderful backdrop for a festive day out, and as the Grotto always sells out quickly, we’d encourage families to book early to avoid missing out on this special experience.”, Advance booking is essential, and families are encouraged to arrive on time for their chosen slot, as Santa’s diary is filling up fast and he needs to be back at the North Pole in time for Christmas! All children must be accompanied by a valid Castle ticket-holder. Accompanying adult and child tickets are available online and must be booked in advance at events.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.

Llanelli Christmas Carnival Lights switch-on: Carmarthenshires largest annual community event will include a vibrant carnival parade and a spectacular aerial fireworks display on Friday, November 21. Pembrey Light Trail: Pembrey Country Park will feature a Christmas light trail from December 4 to December 21. Carew Castle Christmas Lights: Lights are on from November 28 to December 14, featuring new displays, a Snowman Trail, and live music. Cardigan Festival of Light and Giant Lantern Parade: Cardigan will host a Giant Lantern Parade on Friday, December 5, as part of the Festival of Light. Cardigan Festival Light Trail: A Light Trail featuring illuminated artworks and giant lanterns will be on display throughout Cardigan from November 30 to December 20. Carmarthen Christmas Light Switch-On: Saturday, November 22, at Guildhall Square. Haverfordwest Christmas Lights Switch On: Saturday November 29, from noon with the lights coming on at 6pm.

The Waterfront Gallery at Discovery Quay in Milford Haven has launched its very own Countdown to Christmas. The new Christmas Market is open from Wednesday to Saturday between 10.30am and 4pm, and will run until Saturday, December 20. and is open Wednesday to Saturdays. Shoppers seeking unique, hand-made presents for their loved ones – or even for themselves - are invited to go along and browse the original gifts lovingly created by the gallery’s resident artists and their maker friends. If you’re looking for unique and original gifts for your special someone, then look no further, with gifts available to suit all budgets. On Saturday, December 6, there will be a mince pie pop-in with mulled wine from 11am until 3pm. For last-minute shoppers, the gallery will also be offering a free gift-wrapping service on December 22, 23 and 24.

In addition to the market, the gallery exhibition is being refreshed by the resident artists with new fine art paintings, prints and drawings; ceramics and pottery; textiles; photography and jewellery. The Children’s Gallery on the ground floor will be featuring a new exhibition of work produced by grandchildren of artists exhibiting in the main gallery upstairs. This will include paintings, drawings, pottery and textiles. The Waterfront Gallery is housed in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, The Docks, Milford Haven. One of southwest Wales’s leading art galleries, the Waterfront Gallery is a registered charity and home to the Wales Contemporary Annual Competition. It is run by artist volunteers who exhibit at the gallery on a regular basis alongside featured guest exhibitions which change every two months.

Carole King: Handmade books, papers and boxes Carole and Miles Hovey: Driftwood clocks, words with driftwood, soaps from the sea, sea and postcard paintings Eiryl George: Pate de Verre Glass Bowls and small glass decorations Fiona Jenkins: Textile place mats and coasters Gaby’s Sketchbook: Handmade ceramic necklaces, printed linen tea towels, tote bags, felt friends and watercolours Gina Hughes: Resin cast and ceramic decorations Jason Wilkins: Wood Turning Julie and Helen Drake: Paintings and Drawings Julie Freeman: Knitted hats, Knee blankets and Cushions Liz Robinson: Fused glass items Lynn Stuart: Cat and Dog sculpted angels Mandy Freeman: Upcycled hats Mick Morgan: Practical pottery including bowls, mugs and jugs Nicola Schoenenberger: Landscape paintings Philippa Mitchell: Mono-printed Cards and Felted Christmas Items Philippa Sibert: Textile Jewellery/Wearable Art, Christmas Cards and Ornaments Ritta Sinkkonen Davies: Woven textiles Suzanne Nicholl: Christmas Baubles, original paintings Tina Raison: Christmas Tree decorations Toby Binstead: Carved wooden spoons, small tables/ bench Wendy Binstead: Dried Seaweed Pictures