From carol singers to choirs to festive markets to kids’ events, Rhiannon Farr has compiled the best concerts, markets and events happening across Wales for Christmas 2023 – from November onwards. Compiled in conjunction with the Welsh Christmas theatre roundup, which you can read online here or in Buzz’s November issue.
MUSIC
CLASSICAL, CAROLS & BRASS
Swansea Philharmonic Choir
John Rutter and Vaughan Williams’ spectacular Christmas arrangements, as performed by Swansea Philharmonic Choir.
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Sat 2 Dec.
Tickets: £15. Info: here
Katherine Jenkins: Home For Christmas
Also in Swansea – home for Christmas, you could say – is superstar vocalist Jenkins, performing a set of classical favourites and Christmas songs.
Swansea Arena, Sat 25 Nov.
Tickets: £55. Info: here
Calennig
For those partial to a bit of jazz, head over to RWCMD on for a collaboration between students and renowned musicians Huw Warren and Angharad Jenkins, reviving ancient Welsh plygain carols.
Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff, Thurs 23 Nov.
Tickets: £7-£14. Info: here
ROCK & POP
The Elvis Years At Christmas
Monmouth’s Savoy has a special seasonal dose of the King – two hours of popular favourites in addition to some of Elvis’ own favourite festive tunes.
Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, Fri 17 Nov.
Tickets: £28. Info: here
Fairytale Of New York
Despite the St David’s Hall date being cancelled, you can still catch the Irish-inspired Christmas spectacular in early November up north. And yes, the eponymous Pogues song is on the bill.
Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Tue 7 Nov.
Tickets: £26.50-£29.50. Info: here
EVENTS
Swansea Winter Wonderland & Grotto
Open from late November up until Christmas Eve, catch Santa and his elves at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees this winter, and get a present from the big man himself.
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, Swansea, Sat 25 Nov-Sun 24 Dec.
Tickets: from £6.95. Info: here
Victorian Christmas Grotto
As per usual, Greenfield Valley is transporting everyone back to Victorian times this Christmas, from meeting Santa to exploring markets and trails.
Greenfield Valley, Holywell, Sun 3 Dec.
Tickets: from £10. Info: here
Santa Dash
Calon Heart Screening’s annual winter fun run returns in the form of the Santa Dash – suitable for people of all ages and an energising way to raise money for charity this Christmas.
Roald Dahl Plas, Cardiff Bay, Sun 3 Dec.
Tickets: £10-£30. Info: here
Zipmas
I don’t know about you, but spending a festive day in an underground adventure centre beats your average overground, stationary experience. As well as a grotto, this one comes with a light maze, train, bauble crafting and Grotto Golf, too.
Zip World, Llechwedd, Fri 24 Nov-Sun 24 Dec.
Tickets: £20-£34. Info: here
Christmas Princess Ball
Bring the little ones (or yourself) to Theatrau Sir Gâr’s spectacular ballroom; be welcomed by your favourite princesses, indulge in an afternoon tea, get glitter tattoos and take a spin on the disco floor.
Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli, Sat 9 Dec.
Tickets: £12.50-£14.50. Info: here
Saturnalia
Find out how the Romans would have celebrated Saturnalia, their winter festival, at Caerleon’s National Roman Legion Museum. There’s also a nearby craft and food market held in the Town Hall, too.
National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Sat 9 Dec.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
Make Me An Elf workshop
We’ve all seen those elf apps your dad is obsessed with every Christmas, but Margam Park is making it a reality the first week of December.
Margam Park, nr Port Talbot, Sat 2 + Sun 3 Dec.
Tickets from £5.94. Info: here
MARKETS
Tretower Winter Market
Tretower Court & Castle, Sat 11 + Sun 12 Nov (info: here)
Late Night Shopping At Harlech
Harlech Castle, Sat 25 Nov (info: here)
Cardigan Christmas Fair
Cardigan Castle, Sat 25 Nov (info: here)
Tredegar Christmas Market
Bedwellty House & Park, Wed 29 Nov (info: here)
Aberglasney Winter Fair
Aberglasney Gardens, Fri 1-Sun 3 Dec (info: here)
Portmeirion Christmas Food & Craft Fair
Portmeirion village, Fri 1-Sun 3 Dec (info: here)
Llantwit Major Christmas Fayre
St Donat’s Castle, Sat 2 + Sun 3 Dec (info: here)
Le Pub Christmas Market
Le Public Space, Newport, Sat 9 Dec (info: here)
words RHIANNON FARR
