Christmas Events in Pembrokeshire
Take part in one of Pembrokeshire's unmissable festive events this Christmas
Pembrokeshire is pretty magical all year round, but it's even more special at Christmas when the county is decorated with twinkling fairy lights and festive trees. The last two months of the year are jam-packed with some great community events, all put together to help you embrace that festive spirit and celebrate with some Christmas cheer.
Pembrokeshire Pantomimes
Christmas just isn’t complete until you’ve got the whole family together for a group outing to see a panto, and there are usually a few to choose between in Pembrokeshire. Practise your best "He's Behind You" and head out to the Torch Theatre in Milford for this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
This local show sells out fast every year. Alternatively, you could head to Cardigan’s Theatr Mwldan to watch a stunning performance of The Nutcracker or The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen to watch Jack and the Beanstalk.
Tenby Boxing Day Swim
Boxing Day doesn't ever feel quite right without a dip in the sea so why not brave the cold seashore for Tenby’s infamous Boxing Day Swim? This fantastic annual event gets all of the community involved with many people joining in with the swim and crowds supporting those brave enough to do so.
Each year, hundreds of swimmers take to the seas to raise money for charity, some 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!
There will be a traditional beach bonfire and hot soup to warm you up afterwards. Head to North Beach where the event begins promptly at 11am.
Tenby's Boxing Day Swim
Fishguard New Year's Eve Street Party
Often regarded as one of the top NYE 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 morn, with a countdown and fireworks to celebrate the new year! Show your support and buy a wristband entry ticket in advance (raffle ticket included with your ticket), proceeds go back into the fund for more fantastic community events.
2023 musicians include the Sorted Ska Band who will be starting the party, followed by the awesome Essential 80s Band. What a way to count down to 2024!
Fishguard's Annual NYE Street Party
Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim
If you can’t make it to Tenby for the Boxing Day Swim, you’ll have a second chance to brave the cold Welsh waters at Saundersfoot for their Annual 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 61 charitable and worthy causes, including HOPE, Trallwm Animal Sanctuary and Martlett’s Hospice.
In 2024, it’s back and promises to be better than ever before! Full details have yet to be announced so keep an eye on their website where sponsorship forms can also be downloaded. This brilliant event usually begins mid-morning with live music and warm-ups, followed by a swim around lunchtime.
Saundersfoot New Years Day Swim
Christmas at the 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. The 2nd of December is when it all kicks off for 2023, with a charming indoor Christmas Market.
Browse the Christmas Markets
Who can resist a Christmas market in the run-up to the busy season? Well, Pembrokeshire certainly has some of the most scenic festive fayres in all of Wales. Cardigan Castle is hosting a Christmas Fair on the 25th of November with craft stalls and mulled wine along with a chance to meet Santa in his grotto of course.
Once again, Pembroke Castle is also hoping to bring back their much-loved Christmas Market on the last weekend of November (24th to 26th).
Other events to look out for include Christmas Markets at Manorbier Castle and Oriel Y Parc in St Davids, Picton Castle’s Victorian Christmas Fair and Winter Wonderland in Carmarthen. Details have yet to be announced but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that they’ll be back for 2023.
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!
Festive-Themed Fun Runs
One of the most popular festive events in the area is the Tenby Santa Run which runs annually 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.
The Broad Haven Christmas Pudding Run usually takes place in late November. Held on the 10th of December, this event is also in aid of charity with proceeds going towards Green Acres Animal Rescue this year. Fancy dressed is encouraged and entry is taken on the day, plus there's 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.
