Unmissable Christmas Events in Pembrokeshire
Take part in one of these fantastically festive Christmas events in West Wales
Pembrokeshire is pretty magical all year round, but Christmas in Pembrokeshire is even more special as the county is decorated with twinkling fairy lights and festive trees. The last two months of the year are jam-packed with great community events, all put together to help you embrace that festive spirit and celebrate with some Christmas cheer.
Festive-Themed Fun Runs and Charity Dips
Tenby Santa Run
One of the most popular festive Christmas events in Tenby is the Tenby Santa Run, which takes place annually in late November or 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.
In 2025, the Tenby Santa Run is set to take place on Saturday 29th November.
Broad Haven Xmas Pudding Run
The Broad Haven Xmas Pudding Run usually takes place in late November and is held in aid of charity. Fancy dress is encouraged and entry is taken on the day; there’s even a children's event organised by the Friends of Broad Haven School. Head to the YHA on the day. All participants receive a Christmas Pudding and a wooden medal, plus there are prizes available for best dressed.
The 2025 Broad Haven Xmas Pudding Run will take place on Sunday 28th December 2025.
Athletes in fancy dress for Broad Haven Xmas Pudding Run
Tenby Boxing Day Swim
As far as Boxing Day events go, this infamous charity dip is known to be one of the best Christmas days out in Pembrokeshire. Brave the cold for this annual event alongside hundreds of swimmers who take to the sea to raise money for charity, many of whom do so in fancy dress. Prizes are available for the likes of the Best Dressed, so make sure to put all your effort in for a chance to win!
Head to North Beach in Tenby, where the event begins promptly at 11am. This is the pinnacle of Tenby at Christmas as it gets all of the community involved, with many people joining in with the swim and crowds supporting those brave enough to do so. There will be a traditional beach bonfire and hot soup to warm you up afterwards.
This year's Tenby Boxing Day Swim takes place on Friday 26th December 2025.
Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim
If you can’t make it to Tenby for Boxing Day, you’ll have a second chance to brave the cold Welsh waters at the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. With over 1500 swimmers in past years, this event has managed to raise over an incredible £47,000, which has been shared between 60+ charitable and worthy causes, including HOPE, Trallwm Animal Sanctuary and Martlett’s Hospice.
Head to their website to download sponsorship forms. This brilliant event usually begins mid-morning with live music and warm-ups, followed by a swim around lunchtime.
The next Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim takes place on Thursday 1st January 2026. Find out more about other festive swims in Pembrokeshire to find out what other seaside events you can get involved with during your stay.
Saundersfoot New Years Day Swim
Pembrokeshire Pantomimes
Christmas isn’t complete until until the whole family has gathered for an outing to see a panto, and there are usually a few to choose from in Pembrokeshire. Get into the holiday spirit with one of these Christmas shows at the local, independent theatres and you’re sure to feel full of holiday spirit by the time the performance is over.
Practise your best "He's Behind You" and head out to the Torch Theatre in Milford for this year’s production of Rapunzel (6th to 28th December 2025). This local show sells out fast every year so book your tickets in advance if you don’t want to risk missing out.
Alternatively, visit Cardigan’s Theatr Mwldan to watch a performance of Beauty and the Beast (21st to 29th December 2025) or The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen to watch Snow White (11th to 29th December 2025).
Christmas Lights in Pembrokeshire
Across the county, you can expect pretty harbourside towns and quaint rural villages illuminated by the bright shine of fairy lights hanging overhead. Take a tour of the Christmas lights in Pembrokeshire one evening to wash away any “Scrooge” feelings you may be having, or pack a flask for a romantic evening drive with your sweetheart under the fairy lights.
Christmas lights in St Davids
Pembrokeshire's Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run
One of the largest and most unique Christmas events in West Wales is the annual Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run. Held in aid of charities, recently The Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance, this is certainly a night of Christmas cheer that should be a staple in your calendar of Christmas events in Pembrokeshire to attend.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC on a Saturday evening in December, you can expect a remarkable convoy of tractors and lorries decorated with twinkling fairy lights and more. Hundreds of illuminated vehicles take to Pembrokeshire’s roads for a 27-mile tour that takes in Maenclochog, Llys Y Fran, Crundale, Prendergast and Haverfordwest High Street before culminating at Withybush Showground in Haverfordwest.
Hundreds of supporters take to the streets across Pembrokeshire for sightings of the lengthy procession as it passes by - you might even spot Santa on his sleigh! Donations are taken via an online giving page with previous year’s events raising thousands of pounds. Dress warm and prepare for wet weather, because this event goes ahead whatever the weather. There’ll be tooting of horns, so you’ll hear the fleet (led by safety motorbikes) before you see it; pack ear muffs for the sound if your little ones don’t like loud noises.
In 2025, the Illuminated Tractor Run in Pembrokeshire will take place on Saturday 20th December 2025.
Pembrokeshire Christmas Tractor Run
Christmas Markets in Pembrokeshire
Easily one of the most popular Christmas activities is shopping for gifts, so we’d recommend hitting up some of the Christmas markets in Pembrokeshire - a selection of which we have outlined below. Not only can you browse unique and handcrafted trinkets, but you can often meet Santa and tuck into local delicacies and seasonal favourites. Expect plenty of mince pies and mulled wine!
Pembroke Castle Christmas Market
The annual Christmas market at Pembroke Castle kicks off on Friday 28th November 2025 with Santa's arrival at 6.30pm. A magnificent sight at any time of year, this medieval castle features twinkling fairy lights, seasonal decorations and even snow, making it a true winter wonderland in Pembrokeshire.
With musical entertainment from local school carol singers and musicians, Santa’s grotto available all weekend and a fantastic selection of stalls offering handmade gifts, local produce and refreshments, it's a must for the diary.
Cardigan Castle Christmas Fair
Alternatively, you could call into Cardigan Castle for their annual winter fair on Saturday 29th November 2025 between 10am and 4pm. Set in the centre of the town, it is within easy reach of the pretty shops and stores of the high street. Cardigan has even been named in recent years as one of the prettiest places to spend Christmas, making a visit here a no-brainer.
A stallholder at Cardigan Castle Christmas Fair
Narberth Christmas Market
The annual Christmas market in Narberth is returning on Friday 29th November 2025 at The Queens Hall for three 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.
Christmas at St Davids Cathedral
Head into the smallest city in the UK on a crisp, clear Christmas night for an extra special evening at St Davids Cathedral, followed perhaps by a glass of wine at The Bishops afterwards. The events calendar at the Cathedral is always filled with magically festive occasions that you won’t want to miss.
Whilst full details have yet to be released, you can usually expect family-friendly nativity services, choral evensongs by candlelight (particularly recommended!) and midnight mass here in St Davids on December 24th. Complete your night with a stroll along the streets under the fairy lights and take a picture at the central Christmas Tree, which pops up at Cross Square for the season.
Wreath Workshops in Pembrokeshire
Roch Castle Wreath Making Workshop
Venture to the magnificent Roch Castle on December 6th 2025 to learn how to make your own festive wreath for just £60. Opt for a morning session from 10:30am or an afternoon session from 1:30pm, and sip on tea and coffee topped off with a mince pie as you practise your craft. These intimate sessions welcome up to 8.
Wreath Workshop and Cream Tea in Narberth
Nestled in the rural countryside of Pembrokeshire lies The Grove, where you can enjoy a delightfully relaxing festive afternoon, creating your own bespoke wreath using natural materies. Once you’re produced your masterpiece, dine on mulled wine and mince pies in the lounge. This event takes place on 13th December from 1pm and costs £75 per person.
Winter Solstice at Castell Henllys
Embrace the winter solstice at Castell Henllys Iron Age Village near Newport with their annual event held every year on the 21st December (which falls on a Sunday in 2025). Expect a day of storytelling by the fireside and festive crafts before a bonfire gets lit in the village at dusk.
You’ll also have the chance to experience an age-old Welsh tradition, with the meeting of the Mari Llwyd. This ancient folk custom is said to grant good luck to the households that allow this horse-like figure inside after an exchange of Welsh sing-songs.
Fishguard New Year's Eve Street Party
Often regarded as one of the top New Year's Eve events in Wales, Fishguard is known to host a memorable street party every year. Each year, Fishguard and Goodwick Community Events Association shut down the town square for a party like no other in Pembrokeshire.
Local bands take to the stage on what is usually the main square with a party starting early in the evening and continuing right through to the early hours of the morning, with a countdown and fireworks to celebrate the new year. Show your support and buy a wristband entry ticket in advance; proceeds go back into the fund for more fantastic community events like the following year's New Year celebrations.
This year's Fishguard New Year's Eve Street Party takes place on Wednesday 31st December 2025.
Fishguard's Annual NYE Street Party
Newcastle Emlyn Victorian Evening
This annual event takes place in the depths of the Pembrokeshire countryside, with the rural village of Newcastle Emlyn playing host. Taking on a Victorian theme for the eve, attendees have the chance to enjoy late-night shopping, carol singing and festive market stalls throughout the district. Highlights include Shire Horses to see and Victorian fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes for the best-dressed.
This year's Newcastle Emlyn Victorian Evening takes place on Friday 28th November 2025 from 4pm.
Where to stay for Christmas in Pembrokeshire
These Pembrokeshire Christmas events are an excellent way to add an extra sprinkling of festive fun to your Christmas holidays in Wales. To find the perfect accommodation for your Christmas getaways and New Year’s Eve breaks, browse our cosy cottages in West Wales and enjoy a fireside retreat or choose one of our large cottages for a big family get together.
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!
