Christmas Events in Pembrokeshire
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, we’ve put together some of our favourite festive things to do in Pembrokeshire.
Saundersfoot Coastal Christmas
December is just one big Christmas extravaganza in the coastal village of Saundersfoot. There are lots of family-friendly events going on throughout the month from live events to parades and fireworks. Exact dates are yet to be announced but at the beginning of the month, there’s the switch-on of the Christmas tree and lights in the Sensory Garden where children from the local primary school gather to sing carols. Throughout the rest of the month, food and drink lovers will be well catered for with the row of Christmas-themed cabins that will make an appearance selling food and gifts. Exact dates TBC.
Christmas Pantomimes
You can’t beat a classic Christmas pantomime! This year, for one night only on Sunday 3rd, Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is putting on a charming and joyful production of A Winter’s Woodland Tale. Later in the month, this will be followed by a tale as old as pantomime with Beauty and the Beast running from Friday 15th to Sunday 31st December. Both performances promise to have something for everyone. There will also be a showing of Robin Hood at Theatr Mwldan and Jack and the Beanstalk at Carmarthen Lyric.
Winter Solstice at Castell Henllys
The longest night is happening Thursday 21st December, so, why not celebrate by taking yourself on a winter walk through the woods of Castell Henllys? Have a go at prehistoric crafts and listen to ancient tales and songs next to the crackling yule fire.
In the darkest months of the Welsh year, a white horse appears, the mysterious, menacing Mari Lwyd. At the setting of the sun (weather permitting), there will be a small bonfire in the village with a chance for you to meet the Mari Lwyd!
Festive-Themed Fun Run
One of the most popular festive events in the area is the Tenby Santa Run which runs every year in early December. This annual 3k sees a crowd dressed in Santa suits (included in your entry) take to the streets in this open-road event which runs throughout the heart of Tenby town. Organised by the Tenby Round Table, this event is a fantastic family-friendly fundraiser that we would highly recommend.
There’s also the Christmas Pudding Run in Broad Haven which is happening on the 10th of December this year. This charity run will see money raised for this year's nominated charity, Green Acres Animal Rescue. Expect crowds of festive fancy dress. All runners will get a Christmas Pudding and a lovely wooden medal – and – as always – there will be a prize for the Best Dressed Runner!
Wreath Making Workshop
The Grove in Narberth will be hosting two Christmas wreath-making workshops on Sunday 3rd and Sunday 17th December both at 12.30pm. Test your creativity by creating an impressive centrepiece using natural foliage and woodland materials. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie as you get into the festive spirit.
Head to One of the Christmas Markets
There are plenty of Christmas markets in Pembrokeshire, taking place in some of the countys most stunning locations. Many have yet to be announced but they usually take place at Carew, Picton, Manorbier, and Cardigan Castles so make sure to keep an eye out for more info closer to the time.
Letterston Christmas Fayre
Start your shopping early at Letterston’s Early Christmas Fayre happening Sunday 29th October from 10.30am - 3.30pm at Letterson Memorial Hall. The event will see over 30 amazing stalls of local businesses and crafters. It’s free entry and there will be a raffle and plenty of refreshments.
Pembroke Castle
The annual Christmas market at Pembroke Castle will be returning once again. This year the event will be kicking off on Friday 24th November with Santa's arrival at 6.30pm. A magnificent sight at any time of year, this medieval castle is truly magical during their Christmas Market weekend with fairy lights twinkling and seasonal decorations throughout. Saturday & Sunday, Santa will be in his Grotto and there will be musical entertainment from local school carol singers and musicians for all to enjoy.
The castle will be illuminated at night to create a magical atmosphere. Inside the castle walls, you will find a fantastic selection of stalls offering handmade gifts, local produce and refreshments. Pembroke has even been known to conjure up snow, especially for this Christmas market!
Narberth Christmas Market
The annual Narberth Christmas Market is returning once again on Friday 24th Nov at The Queens Hall for 3 days. Browse the unique gifts, locally made crafts, and plenty of food and drinks for your Christmas shopping. Head to the bar for a glass of mulled wine and a delicious mince pie to get into the Christmas spirit. The event is free entry for all and they even have late-night shopping on the Friday until 6pm.
What Else is There to Do?
As well as all the Christmas magic in the air, there are a lot of great things to do in Pembrokeshire that aren’t holiday-related. It’s a gorgeous region of Wales no matter the season, although winter is the perfect time to…
Dog Walks on the Beach
Every day is dog day in Pembrokeshire during the winter months. The busy summer months are past us making it the ideal time to come on holiday with your dog as it means the beaches become quieter, are less crowded and the dog restrictions get lifted on nearly all beaches. This means the beaches become a dog-walker dream. Choose from wide expanses of golden sand such as Marloes and Newport Sands or secluded bays such as Broadhaven South.
Watch the Sunset from the Coast
On a clear evening, you can’t get a much more romantic sight than watching the sunset over the ocean. During the winter months, it happens early enough for you to then make the most of the evening. For uninterrupted sunset views over the waves, head to Whitesands where the striking cliffs and expanse of sands provide a stunning backdrop for a mesmerising sunset. Just make sure to bring along a flask and some blankets to stay warm and cosy.
Take a Dip in the Sea
This may sound like a summer activity, but taking a quick dip in cold water has a lot of health benefits and can be very invigorating. If you need some more encouragement there’s the Tenby Boxing Day Swim which is an organised event that sees crowds brave the cold waters at Tenby North Beach. Swimmers can look forward to the warmth of a beach bonfire and hot soup on their return to the beach.
Where to Stay for Christmas in Pembrokeshire
As much as a holiday is about having fun, it’s also about relaxing! So finding the perfect accommodation to kick back at the end of the day is key. All of our holiday cottages make for peaceful countryside retreats.
Coastal Cottages Christmas Cottage Breaks in Wales
Christmas is all about coming together and what better way to enjoy the company of friends and family, than organising your get-together in your own holiday cottage. Book your Christmas Staycation today!
