Spend the Festive Season in Pembrokeshire
Christmas Holidays in Wales
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
From quaint Christmas markets and one-of-a-kind pantomimes to firework displays over the Welsh waters, the festive season in West Wales is a truly magical time of year. There are plenty of festive things to do that are sure to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. A refreshing break to the Pembrokeshire coast is all you’ll need to immerse yourself in some festive fun.
Where to go Christmas Shopping in Pembrokeshire
For a pre-Christmas getaway, there’s plenty going on in October and November. Without a doubt, the best way to get in the festive spirit is to head to one of the Christmas markets. Wandering through stalls and picking out gifts and stocking fillers is a much more enjoyable way to shop for Christmas than staying home and endlessly scrolling through the web for gifts. The delicious smells wafting from food and drink stalls combined with the twinkling lights and the festive music is enough to get anyone in the festive spirit.
Pembrokeshire Christmas Markets
Kicking off the celebrations is the Melin Tregwynt Christmas Fair, which is taking place on the 15th and 16th November 2025. There will be 40 unique, local stalls to explore. Picton Castle Fair will run on the 22nd and 23rd of November 2025, and will see the 13th-century castle get fully kitted out in festive decorations. The stalls are free to enter for children.
The following weekend, from the 28th to the 30th of November 2025, a Christmas market will return to Pembroke Castle for another year of festive fun. The market is free to enter, with plenty of gift stalls. The same weekend as Pembroke Castle’s Christmas market is the Narberth Christmas market which takes place at the Queen’s Hall. Expect 3 storeys of shopping, a licensed bar, tasty treats, toasty tipples and free admission.
Christmas Events in Pembrokeshire
As the countdown to the holiday season begins, there are so many Christmas events in Pembrokeshire to take part in.
Pembrokeshire's Festive Fun Runs
A firm favourite is the Broad Haven Christmas Pudding Run, which is usually held in late December and sees crowds of fancy dress braving the cold in aid of charity. In 2025, the Broad Haven Xmas Pudding Run is set to take place on Sunday 28th December. There’s also the Tenby Santa Run, on Saturday 29th November 2025, which is a similar style charity event that takes place in the seaside town in the run-up to Christmas.
Christmas Pantomimes in Pembrokeshire
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 from in Pembrokeshire. Rapunzel will be performed at Torch Theatre in Milford Haven this year from the 6th December to the 28th December 2025. Theatr Mwldan in Cardigan are hosting Beauty and the Beast as their 2025 panto between the 21st and 29th December, while Carmarthen Lyric has chosen Snow White for their 2025 panto, with performances taking place between the 11th and the 29th December.
Head to the UK's smallest city to spend your Christmas at the Cathedral for a night of extra special magical festivities. Expect nativity services, choral evensongs and a midnight mass on December 24th.
Holiday Treats & Extras Christmas Dinner Hamper (Up to 4 People)
Our Christmas Dinner Hampers contain everything you need for the perfect family Christmas Lunch. (Suitable for up to 4 people)
Christmas Lunch in Pembrokeshire
For the big day, we offer a Christmas Dinner Hamper through our concierge service which has everything you’ll need for the perfect family Christmas Lunch. But Christmas is also a time for relaxing and rejoicing, so luckily, there are a range of places to eat out for Christmas Day lunch in Pembrokeshire. There’s The Castle in Little Haven, The Imperial Hall in Milford Haven, Cross Hotel in St Davids, Coast near Saundersfoot and Y Cerrig Glas near Pembroke just to name a few. If you're planning on dining out on Christmas Day, check out our guide on where to eat Christmas Day Lunch in Pembrokeshire.
Pembrokeshire's Boxing Day Swim
To make your Christmas in Pembrokeshire even more memorable head to the south of the county for the Tenby Boxing Day Swim. Taking place on North Beach from 11am, you’ll see a stampede head for the sea. Swimmers can look forward to the warmth of the beach bonfire and a bowl of hot soup on their return to the sands.
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!
New Year’s Eve in Pembrokeshire
What better way to celebrate the new year than being by the coast? Venture up north to Fishguard for their New Year’s Eve Street Party which sees live music from local bands, delicious food stalls and pubs to warm the masses. To finish the night, there’s a fabulous fireworks display to see in the countdown to 2026.
Down south in Tenby, New Year revellers will welcome 2026 in with a bang! This free event in Tudor Square will see large crowds gather to enjoy the countdown and watch the spectacular fireworks display in the heart of the town.
In the neighbouring village of Saundersfoot, there’s the New Year’s Day Swim which sees crowds head to the seaside village to either watch or take part in the fancy dress swim. A great way to blow out the cobwebs and start the new year afresh.
Coastal Cottages New Years Eve Breaks in Wales
Our New Years Eve Breaks range from romantic cottages for two to great family friendly properties where even your dog can have a New Years Break as well!
Post-Christmas January Blues
Pembrokeshire is not just for summer. It’s a wonderful destination to visit at any time of year. But for peace and solitude, January is the perfect month to visit. After the hectic Christmas and New Year period, the county empties out and the atmosphere quiets down. It may be colder, but it’s a spectacular time of year to visit.
Coastal Cottages Wales Cottage Holidays in January
Once the bustling Christmas season comes to an end, treat yourself to a relaxing getaway on the Pembrokeshire coast and a breath of fresh sea air.
Get your cosiest coat on, grab your family and friends, and explore some marvellous markets and enchanting events across Pembrokeshire this Christmas, then celebrate the new year in style by the coast!
