If present shopping and, well, just trying to get by, in general, these days has left you a bit cash-strapped at the end of this year, fear not! Elizabeth Morris has rounded up some Christmas things to do that are under £20, or completely free, in Wales this December.
FFABL: LIGHT AND LANTERN TRAIL
The Ffabl light and lantern trail focuses on Welsh mythology. Visitors can explore both the house and grounds of Cardigan Castle, immersing themselves in the storytelling and marvelling at the light displays.
Cardigan Castle, until Fri 30 Dec.
Tickets: £8-£11. Info: here
CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAIL
Head to Pembrey Country Park between 5pm and 8pm to see all the trees and sculptures lit with colourful light illuminations in a magical after-dark experience.
Pembrey Country Park, Llanelli, Fri 9-Thurs 22 Dec.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
SANTA AND THE OWLS
Meet Santa and the owls that deliver your letters to him at the British Bird Of Prey Centre. Explore the botanical gardens, watch a flying show and even hold an owl yourself.
National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Llanarthne, until Fri 23 Dec.
Tickets: £7.50 children; FREE adults. Info: here
CHRISTMAS AT NOAH’S ARK
See the reindeers, sing some carols, watch a nativity and pick up a ‘wonky’ Christmas tree at Noah’s Ark Zoo. Entry is free with the purchase of a festive lunch in the food barn.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Bristol, until Wed 21 Dec.
Tickets: £11-£20.85 or FREE with the purchase of lunch. Info: here
HAY CASTLE CHRISTMAS FAIR
Grab yourself a glass of mulled wine and explore the 40 stalls brimming with handmade gifts and treats. The little ones can even meet the Snow Queen in the Castle!
Hay Castle, Hay-On-Wye, Sat 17 + Sun 18 Dec.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
JINGLE BELL JOG
Jog in the 2.5k, 5k or 10k races around the National Botanic Garden of Wales to raise both festive spirits and money for Tenovus Cancer Care.
National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Llanarthne, Sun 11 Dec.
Tickets: £5-£10. Info: here
SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS
The BBC National Orchestra Of Wales are returning for their immensely popular Christmas celebration concert. Join them for classics such as Let It Snow and Winter Wonderland.
St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Thurs 15 Dec.
Tickets: £15. Info: here
LLANTRISANT CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
A Christmas festival for all the family with Christmas stalls, the Male Voice Choir singing carols, Father Christmas himself and a Christmas tree farm.
Bullring, Llantrisant, Fri 9-Sun 11 Dec.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
LE PUB CHRISTMAS MARKET
Le Pub in Newport is hosting a free Christmas market with bakes, jewellery, chocolates, zero waste goods and much more on offer.
Le Public Space, Newport, Sat 10 Dec.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
PEMBROKE DOCK FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER
The Pembroke Dock Harlequins Rugby Club are hosting a free christmas dinner for those who need it. A hot meal and good company will be kindly on offer on Christmas Day.
Harlequins RFC, Pembroke Dock, Sun 25 Dec.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
THE JOHN MOUSE CHRISTMAS PARTY
A night of music, readings and more from the likes of The Fashion Weak, Miki Berenyi of Lush and Getdown Services, at the ever-popular Clwb Ifor Bach.
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Fri 16 Dec.
Tickets: £10. Info: here
THE LION, THE B!TCH AND THE WARDROBE
Imagine Narnia but with drag artists, burlesque and musical theatre numbers… so not really Narnia but a queer parallel universe instead! Complete with all the memorable characters but a lot more fun and naughtiness.
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 8-Sat 31 Dec.
Tickets: £15. Info: here
words ELIZABETH MORRIS
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