Introduction to 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
Cardiff Christmas Market runs from 14th November - 23rd December, transforming Cardiff city centre into a traditional winter wonderland with 70 wooden stalls offering fine art, crafts, and seasonal food and drink from independent makers. Nearby, the magical Winter Wonderland features ice skating, an Ice Bar, and a family funfair.
Getting there: Numerous car parks are available, and regular park-and-ride buses operate. 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 on December 21st, where the high street comes alive with independent stallholders offering handmade crafts and local produce. Newport Winter Wonderland is open throughout the festive season, featuring 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
Swansea’s Christmas Market runs from 23rd November to 22nd December, featuring festive wooden chalets along Oxford Street and Portland Street, offering beautifully made gifts, delectable treats, and decorations. The Caroler’s Cabin provides entertainment from local schools and choirs, while the nearby Waterfront Winterland boasts food stalls, a giant wheel, a funfair, and an undercover ice rink.
Getting there: Several car parks are available, along with 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 stories, music, comedy, and fine shopping. The annual mini-festival includes author events, performances, the Hay Food Festival, and an outdoor vintage flea market selling clothing, jewellery, and collectables.
Getting there: A car park is opposite the festival, or you can hop on a bus. The nearest railway station is at Hereford.
Aberdulais Christmas Fair
Aberdulais is transformed into a magical wonderland on 14th December, where you can explore this ancient tin-working village and waterfall while picking up gorgeous gifts. The National Trust-owned site features artisan stalls filled with ornaments, decorations, candles, gifts, and festive food and drink. There’s a Santa’s grotto and festive activities for children, including paper snowflake making and ornament decorating.
Getting there: Parking is available onsite, and entry to the village is free. The nearest train station is 3 miles away at Neath.
St Donat’s Castle Christmas Fayre
St Donat’s Castle, located on a magnificent clifftop, welcomes over 70 stallholders from 30th November to 1st December. Visitors can wander through the castle grounds, arts centre, and gardens while enjoying mulled wine or hot cocoa and browsing stalls filled with handcrafted gifts and delicious street food. Children can meet Santa, and there’s a free magic show. Tickets for the Fayre and Santa’s Grotto can be booked online, with pre-booking advised.
Getting there: Parking is available in adjoining fields or a short walk from the castle. The nearest train station is Llantwit Major.
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.