I've always had a sense of wonder and magic surrounding
Christmas (likely because I was born on Boxing Day). I love
wrapping up warm in a wooly hat and scarf and heading out to a
Christmas event or two. Having been in North Wales for 8 years now
I like to consider myself something of a festive event connoisseur,
so here's my list of some cracking Christmas events to pop on your
calendar this year.
North Wales Choral Festival-
Llandudno, Snowdonia. Friday 4th & Sunday 6th
November.
Venue Cymru holds some fantastic shows and events in the lead up
to Christmas (with the inevitable Panto, of course!); however this
is now the largest Choral competition in Wales and you can see acts
from all over Europe! There are choral battles in various
categories, culminating in a concert on the Saturday evening. See
the Venue Cymru website for full details.
Christmas Fayre -
Llandudno, Snowdonia. 9:30am - 6/7:30pm 17th - 20th
November.
Venture to this stunning seaside town to soak up some serious
festive cheer! The streets will be filled with wooden huts
jam-packed with interesting local crafts, sumptuous food and all
sorts of interesting goodies to take home with you (or give as
gifts, of course). The smell of freshly roasted nuts, coffee and
Christmas trees fills the air - bliss! You'll find around 180
stalls to browse, there will be entertainment around the town too!
Please don't blame me if you end up spending a small fortune -
trust me when I say it's easily done...easily one of my favourite
Christmas events of the year!
Insider's Tip: Llandudno has great public transport
links, so why not ditch the car so you can enjoy a few mulled wine
and mince pie combos? It would be rude not to, after all. There are
car parks if you'd prefer to drive, however.
Usually there's no charge for browsing the outside huts,
with a small fee to enter some of the larger craft and food
tents.
Christmas Fair - Plas
Newydd, Anglesey. Friday 2nd - Monday 5th December.
This is the highlight of the Christmas event season for my
family and I - we make sure we visit every single year! This year
they've extended it so that it's now over 4 days instead of just 2
(there were actually massive queues to even get in through the
doors in 2015!). This stately home is magical year-round but decked
out for the festive season and filled to the brim with stalls
selling hand-crafted products, gorgeous local produce and food,
locally produced spirits and ciders and all sorts of beautiful
trinkets...just take my word that it's a must-visit if you like
festive events. I often save some room in my gift budget because
I'll inevitably see unusual gifts here to give family and friends -
perfect for stocking fillers!
Entry is just £1 for adults unless you're a National Trust
member. Children get free entry.
Food & Craft Festival
- Portmeirion, Lleyn Peninsula. Friday 2nd -
Sunday 4th December.
Another annual event that just keeps growing! Portmeirion is
worth a visit without this event, but why not take a trip during
the run-up to Christmas to get even more out of it? There will be
over 90 exhibitors this year and celebrity chefs will give seasonal
demos in the pavillion using the best local produce. There is also
seasonal entertainment, mulled wine (yum!) and so much more to look
forward to. Father Christmas will of course be busy in his workshop
for the little ones.
Tickets are from £4.
Christmas Food Slam -
Menai Bridge, Anglesey. 12pm - 6pm Saturday 10th
December.
These 'Food Slams' have been growing in popularity over the past
couple of years (we've seen Menai Bridge, Llangefni and Benllech so
far this year already) and we've now got a festive-themed version
to enjoy on Prince's Pier in Menai Bridge, Anglesey. It's well
worth popping along to this event if you're in the area. Fab food,
dangerously delicious drinks and excellent entertainment await!
Entry is free.
Surf Snowdonia Christmas
Market - Dolgarrog, Snowdonia. 10am - 8pm
Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December.
The first event of it's kind, Surf Snowdonia will be hosting
this festive fayre. They argue it will be the 'coolest Christmas
market this side of Lapland' but we'll let you be the judge of
that! There will be plenty of good-quality stalls, a real ale tent,
acoustic music as well as a DJ and plenty of food to keep you
satisfied. Real ale, crafts, food and free entry - I'm definitely
going to be at this event!
Free entry.
Santa Trains -
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Snowdonia & Llyn
Peninsula. From Saturday 10th December.
If the idea of seeing Santa on a steam train piques your
interest, then this is the event for you! Hop on one of the many
'Santa Trains' running throughout December to make the most of this
fun festive treat - the kids will love it (taking children along
is, of course, optional!). Trains run between Porthmadog and
Beddgelert and also from Dinas. For full info, visit the Welsh
Highland Railway website.
Prices vary.
