Your Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Wales
The Christmas season is all about giving and what better way to spread joy to your loved ones than with a thoughtfully chosen gift? One of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit and indulge in some festive retail therapy is to visit a Christmas market, packed with artisan craft, food and drink stalls.
If you’re looking for the perfect handmade gift this Christmas, we’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas markets in towns, cities, and magnificent properties throughout Wales. You’ll be dashing through the snow to visit these fabulously festive fayres.
From large, traditional Christmas markets to festive castle fayres, our top Christmas markets are sure to make your spirits bright.
Cardiff Christmas Market
Christmas comes but once a year and with it, Wales’ capital city’s unique and vibrant Christmas Market. Running from 14th November - 23rd December, Cardiff city centre is transformed into a traditional winter wonderland with 70 wooden stalls housing a selection of fine art, crafts and seasonal food and drink from a range of independent makers.
When you’ve had your fill of festive delights, head to the nearby magical Winter Wonderland with ice skating, an Ice Bar and a family funfair.
Getting there: There are numerous car parks across the city but if you prefer public transport, there are regular park-and-ride buses. Cardiff Central train station is a convenient 5-minute walk from the market.
Newport Christmas Market
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas by visiting the Newport Christmas Market. Taking place on December 21st, the high street comes alive with independent stallholders offering a wide range of handmade crafts and local produce.
Newport Winter Wonderland is open throughout the festive season and offers a range of festive food stalls, an ice rink, fire pits and fairground rides.
Getting there: Parking is free in council-owned, city centre car parks between 16th November and 31st December. Buses and trains run frequently to and from Newport.
Swansea Christmas Market
One of the prettiest Christmas Markets in Wales, Swansea’s festive offering runs from 23rd November to 22nd December. Festive wooden chalets line Oxford Street and Portland Street, offering a range of beautifully made gifts, delectable treats and beautiful decorations.
The Caroler’s Cabin provides entertainment from local schools and choirs for the duration of the market. The nearby Waterfront Winterland boasts food stalls, a giant wheel, a funfair and an undercover ice rink.
Getting there: There are several car parks near the Swansea Christmas market, park and ride options and a conveniently located High Street railway station.
Hay Festival Winter Weekend
Enjoy a cultural Christmas market at the Hay Festival in Powys from 28th November to 1st December. Filled with sparking stories, music, comedy and fine shopping, you’ll be jingling all the way.
Hay-on-Wye’s annual mini-festival includes author events, performances, the Hay Food Festival and an outdoor vintage flea market selling clothing, jewellery and collectables.
Getting there: There is a car park opposite the festival or you can hop on a bus. The nearest railway station is at Hereford.
Aberdulais Christmas Fair
Explore the beauty of this ancient tin-working village and waterfall whilst picking up some gorgeous gifts this Christmas. National Trust-owned Aberdulais is transformed into a magical wonderland on 14th December where you can find a range of artisan stalls filled with ornaments and decorations, candles, gifts and deliciously festive food and drink.
There’s a Santa’s grotto and a range of festive activities for little ones, including paper snowflake making and ornament decorating.
Getting there: You can park onsite at Aberdulais, entry to the village is free of charge. The nearest train station is 3 miles away at Neath.
St Donat’s Castle Christmas Fayre
One of the most impressively located Christmas markets in Wales, St Donat’s Castle enjoys a magnificent clifftop location and welcomes over 70 stallholders from 30th November to 1st December.
Wander through the castle grounds, arts centre and gardens and grab a mulled wine or hot cocoa while you browse stalls filled with handcrafted gifts and delicious street food.
Children can enjoy meeting Santa and there’s a free magic show too. Tickets for the Fayre and Santa’s Grotto can be booked online, pre-booking is advised.
Getting there: Parking is available in adjoining fields or a short walk from the castle. You can also catch the bus or train, Llantwit Major is the nearest train station.
Stay at Court Colman
After all that shopping, a delicious meal and a comfortable night’s sleep is definitely in order.
Treat yourself to a stay at the luxurious Court Colman Manor Hotel where comfort and joy are our priority.
Situated just outside Bridgend, we provide the perfect base for exploring all South Wales has to offer. Join us for one of our Christmas events, enjoy dinner in our award-winning Bokhara Brasserie and feel refreshed after a rest in one of our well-appointed rooms.
All our recommended Christmas markets in Wales are within easy reach of Court Colman Manor Hotel. Book your stay today, we can’t wait to welcome you.