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Events in St Davids

Which of these great celebrations will you join in with?

St Davids Pembrokeshire

For such a little city (the smallest in the UK in fact), the St Davids events calendar is a busy one. There’s something to suit everyone with music festivals, food festivals, sporting events, agricultural celebrations, seasonal markets and more.

This handy guide has all you need to know about St Davids, Pembrokeshire events and for accommodation, we’ve got you covered. Simply head over to browse our St Davids holiday cottages and we’ll find you somewhere to stay in no time.

St Davids Day Celebrations

This undersized city shares its name with the Patron Saint of Wales so it’s no wonder that 1st March aka St Davids Day is filled with celebrations. Expect several events in St Davids either on the day or over the nearest weekend in honour of Dewi Sant (Saint David’s Welsh name).

Read our guide to St Davids Day weekend in St Davids to learn all about the impressive dragon parade throughout the centre of the city and how you can get involved. Of course, no matter what you end up doing to celebrate – the traditional Welsh dress is always encouraged!

Other celebrations often include historical exhibitions courtesy of St Davids & Dewisland Historical Society, choral recitals and concerts in the Cathedral and pilgrimages to/from St Non’s Chapel which was the birthplace of David.

Ras Dewi Sant

An alternative way to celebrate is by taking part in Ras Dewi Sant. This sporting event is traditionally held during St Davids Day weekend (whichever is nearest March 1st) and offers three different run distances; a full marathon, a half marathon and a 10k. 

Taking place in 2025 on Saturday 1st March, the full-distance event of Ras Dewi Sant begins just outside St Davids Bishop’s Palace and follows some 6 miles of country roads before joining the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. You’ll certainly be spoilt for views with this St Davids sports event passing by Abereiddy Beach, Carn Llidi, St Justinians, St Nons and Caerfai Beach.

St Justinians near St Davids

St Justinians

St Davids Arts Festival

If seeing an open-air theatre performance of Shakespeare is on your bucket list, this is the festival to help you check it off. Around the end of July and early August, you can book tickets to see a fantastic theatre group act out one of the Bard’s well-known plays in the spectacular setting of St Davids Bishop’s Palace, located in the valley just behind the Cathedral.

This evening event is open-air so bring along a blanket and a picnic to make the most of this incredible event. Chairs are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. You may also want to bring some small change for a hot chocolate in the interval.

The Shakespeare performances at St Davids Arts Festival take place every other day or so for a couple of weeks and on the days when these performances aren’t taking place, you can head to Mathry Community Hall where the same acting troupe take on a play aimed more directly at children.

St Davids Bishop's Palace & Cathedral

St Davids Bishops Palace [left] and St Davids Cathedral [right]

St Davids Cathedral Events

St Davids Cathedral is a must-visit landmark when in Pembrokeshire as it marks the only city within the county, and it’s a tiny one at that. Alongside being open daily for general visiting, this historic house of worship hosts a busy calendar of events that are well worth a visit so make sure to check out the St Davids Cathedral events listings before planning your trip.

St Davids Cathedral Festival

Held annually each May, St Davids Cathedral becomes the stunning backdrop for a ten-day musical celebration. With a programme of classical and contemporary performances, this wonderful St Davids Cathedral festival of music is a favourite for those near and far.

Take a seat in the incredible and architecturally beautiful building underneath the unique wooden nave ceiling and soak up the sounds of the magnificent organ alongside the angelic songs of choirs and musicians. Past performers have included acts such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and the Cambrian Consort of Viols.

It’s recommended to buy your tickets in advance as this successful festival is popular year after year. Visit the St Davids Cathedral Music Festival website to purchase yours.

St Davids Cathedral Festival

St Davids Cathedral

St Davids Cathedral Summer Concert Series

If enjoying live music in stunning historical buildings is one of your favourite pastimes, then this summer series of St Davids Cathedral concerts is definitely one for the diary.

As the name suggests, this event runs annually throughout the summer between July and early/mid-September with concerts taking place weekly on Wednesday evenings. Details for the 2025 St Davids Cathedral Summer Concerts have yet to be announced, though they always tend to start at 7:30pm.

Tickets can usually be purchased on the door or you can contact St Davids Cathedral in advance to enquire about buying a season ticket for the summer series.

St Davids Cathedral: A Christmas Spectacular

If you fancy getting in the festive spirit come late November/early December, you might want to venture to this small city for one of the St Davids Cathedral Christmas events, such as their “A Christmas Spectacular”.

A truly magical event for the Christmas season, this event consisted of carol performances and popular Christmas songs with seasonal refreshments available to purchase. Keep reading for more whats on in St Davids at Christmas, including more St Davids Cathedral events.

More St Davids Cathedral Christmas Events

Attend carol services, advent processions, choral evensongs, communion and more in the lead-up to Christmas Day. For a particularly memorable night, attend the First Eucharist of Christmas service which takes place late on Christmas Eve.

They have also been known to host a Christmas market in early December so keep an eye on their website for event announcements.

Christmas in St Davids

St Davids is magical all year round, but visiting at Christmas-time is particularly special with twinkly lights decorating the streets wishing you a “Nadolig Llawen”, or “Merry Christmas”. Visit one of these festive events and stroll the nearby beaches of Caerfai and Whitesands in bracing winter weather, before stopping off for a pub lunch in front of the fire at one of the city’s cosy taverns.

Spend the day shopping at Oriel Y Parc’s Christmas Market to sample a mulled wine and browse handmade gifts, superb local produce and adorable trinkets. Head to City Hall for the Annual Festival of Trees where you can leaf through a whole selection of uniquely decorated trees before casting your vote for your favourite.

For more inspiration on Christmas festivities, discover whats on in Pembrokeshire at Christmas.

St Davids Christmas Tree

St Davids Christmas Tree

St Davids Christmas Lights Switch On

Often held on the last Saturday in November or the first Saturday in December is the St Davids Christmas lights switch on. A real Christmas tree takes pride of place in the centre of Cross Square with strings of multi-coloured lights hanging through the High Street and New Street.

Sounds of Christmas carols fill the air from early evening to mark the occasion and you can even pop into the City Hall to meet Father Christmas if you want.

New Year's Eve in St Davids

Spend New Year’s Eve in St Davids for a relaxing start to the New Year with understated celebrations on offer. There are no big parties or street celebrations here; just traditional pubs offering warm welcomes, hearty food and good beers.

Book a table at The Bishops or The Farmers Arms and waste away the hours with friends, dine out with your loved one at Blas Restaurant for something a bit special or delve into delicious Welsh cooking with a tasting menu at The Really Wild Emporium.

Or grab a blanket and flask (or bottle of champagne?) to countdown to midnight under the stars atop Carn Llidi. Talk about a romantic, relaxing and restful way to raise a glass to the year gone past.

Whitesands New Year’s Day Swim

Kickstart the heart and the New Year’s resolutions on the first day of the year by putting your bravery to the test in one of Pembrokeshire’s annual open water swims at Whitesands Beach. Many take to the shores in swimming costumes or even the odd fancy dress, but we won’t blame you if you need to don your wetsuit before you dive in – it’s definitely a little chilly! 

New Years Breaks
You might like this: New Years Eve Breaks in Wales

Whitesands Beach St Davids

Stay in St Davids

Book one of our St Davids holiday cottages today and pop one of these St Davids events in the diary when planning your next Pembrokeshire break or discover more of the great things to do in St Davids to plan a full action-packed itinerary.

There even more fantastic events happening across Pembrokeshire throughout the year including food festivals, sporting events, seasonal events and more. Make sure to check them out before you travel.

St Davids Holiday Cottages

Coastal Cottages St Davids Holiday Cottages

St Davids is the smallest city in Britain. It is located on the westerly peninsula of Wales and has what many consider to be the country's most lovely cathedral. Whether admiring its cathedral, walking the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast Path, or enjoying the city’s delightful local shops, pubs, and restaurants, our holiday accommodation in St Davids offers the perfect retreat after a busy day.

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