Cardiff Castle at Christmas By Ben Salter - Flickr CC Licence.
Every year my little seaside town has a Christmas morning swim to raise money for local charities. Now over 1000 people join in the fun, so why don't you don the fancy dress (optional) and take part, or just watch the merriment from the sidelines? Tenby also have a Boxing Day Swim if you live in West Wales.
Porthcawl Morning Swim by John - Flickr CC Licence
St Fagans, also known as the Museum of Welsh Life, which is just outside Cardiff, has many events over the Christmas period that are free or under £5. You can make Christmas decorations, or sing along to traditional carols with the St Fagans Christmas Songsheet. Of course, a visit to Santa always makes the little one's day.
Swansea Waterfront Wonderland
Swansea's award winning attraction is available from Friday 14 November to Sunday 4 January and is based in the heart of the city. There is ice skating, a children's rink, a festive funfair and Santa's grotto. Lots for the whole family to see and do. Charges vary for activities on offer.
Swansea Winter Wonderland by *Nom and Mac - Flickr CC Licence
Caerphilly Castle Victorian Christmas
From the 13th to the 14th of December, Caerphilly castle hold a fabulous Victorian Christmas with ghost tales, Punch and Judy shows, a Victorian fairground and a Victorian tea room. Adults cost £5.50 for entry and children go free.
Cardiff Winter Wonderland
Take in the delights of the Alpine village where you can enjoy German snacks and drinks such as gluhwein and bratwurst, let the kids go on the rides at the funfair, listen to singers and bands and try out the ice rink. Charges vary for activities. Be sure to book the skating in advance as it can get busy.
Cardiff Winter Wonderland by Jon Candy - Flickr CC Licence
Watch The Turning On Of The Christmas Lights
Nothing feels more Christmassy than the turning on of the Christmas lights. Local celebrities and carol singers, and Christmas stalls can add to the festive fun. Cardiff and Swansea's lights were turned on this week and Barry's lights get turned on, on the 29th Of November, whilst for Llanelli, it's the 21st of November.
Cardiff Christmas Lights St Mary's Street by Mark Hesteltine - Flickr CC Licence
This was recommended to me by a number of friends. Ride the steam train to see Santa in his grotto. My son would have adored this when he was little! All adults and children receive a present whilst sherry and mince pies are served to the adults. Prices from £8.50 and under 3's go free.
Brecon Mountain Railway by Will Richards - Flickr CC Licence
So this is my pick of what to do in South Wales this Christmas. There are loads more to do in the area, from Christmas afternoon tea in the Vale Hotel or the Celtic Manor, to watching Santa feed the deer in Margam Park. Also, don't forget a panto, Cinderella is on at The New Theatre Cardiff and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is at the Swansea Grand ... but watch out, he's behind you!
Tell me do you have any tips or recommendations on what to do this Christmas in South Wales?
Some great ideas here. Definately going to try out Caerphilly castle
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great day out Esther. Let me know if you go and what it is like.
DeleteLots of great ideas! I wish I was closer to South Wales!
ReplyDeleteAre you doing anything near you?
DeleteSome lovely ideas here
ReplyDeleteThank you, I hope you will try them out.
DeleteSome great ideas - going to book mark this post as I often forget about all the amazing things to do in Cardiff - we love going to St Fagans at Christmas and did the Brecon Mountain Railway last year - so lovely
ReplyDeleteLaura x
Did you? I almost wish I had a little one to take!
DeleteThe Celtic Manor has a winter wonderland too, I'll be heading there x
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that, sounds great Gem x
DeleteIf you're in cardiff already, check out the bay area. #DoctorWho #TorchWood
ReplyDeleteGood tip. I've just written a post about Cardiff Bay that mentions The Dr Who Experience and the shrine to Ianto Jones :)
DeleteI love the winter wonderland at Cardiff, always feels very festive x
ReplyDeleteIt does feel lovely and festive , I agree.
DeleteWow, so much going on. I'd love to go and see the lights switched on in London (nearest to me) but it gets awfully packed.xx
ReplyDeleteHttp://www.itsalwaysdarkestbeforethedawn1.blogspot.co.uk
I bet it does Emma Louise, you should come and visit Cardiff. It is a lovely city.
DeleteThe winter wonderland looks amazing.I would have popped in if I lived closer.
ReplyDeleteBoth the Winter Wonderlands in Swansea and Cardiff are amazing, so festive!
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