Enjoy the festive season in Bridgend with our ultimate holiday guide. From Bridgend old-timers to newcomers, our guide is your key to unlocking seasonal delights.
This year, Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum in Caerphilly invites you to explore its enchanting light displays and family-friendly activities that capture the spirit of the season. Featuring a sparkling ice rink, Caerphilly on Ice offers visitors a chance to glide beneath twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. And don’t forget the Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto, where you can immerse yourself in festive markets and meet Father Christmas. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Bridgend
- Cardiff's Winter Wonderland (Cardiff)
- Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto (Swansea)
- Caerphilly on Ice at Caerphilly (Caerphilly)
- Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum (Cardiff)
- Swansea Waterfront Winterland (Swansea)
- Coral Welsh Grand National (Chepstow)
- Luminate Wales, Margam Park (Port Talbot)
- Reindeer Lodge (Swansea)
- Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens (Newport)
- Royal Welsh Winter Fair (Builth Wells)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bridgend Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum
What to Expect:
World-class light trail with immersive audio and dynamic choreography.
Description:
Christmas at Bute Park features a reimagined light trail with original audio compositions, dynamic choreography, and jaw-dropping illuminations across 15 distinct zones. The event includes a Christmas Village with top-quality food, drinks, and festive music, making it an inclusive celebration for all ages.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum
Caerphilly on Ice at Caerphilly
What to Expect:
Vibrant ice sculptures and festive activities in a picturesque Welsh setting.
Description:
Caerphilly on Ice is a spectacular winter event in Caerphilly, featuring an array of festive activities and stunning ice sculptures.
Where: Caerphilly | More Info: Caerphilly on Ice at Caerphilly
Luminate Wales, Margam Park
What to Expect:
Interactive lighting installations and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Explore the stunning, illuminated trail at Margam Country Park, featuring mesmerizing lighting installations and interactive elements set to music. Enjoy tasty treats and hot mulled wine along the way, with marshmallows for toasting at the fire pits.
Where: Port Talbot | More Info: Luminate Wales, Margam Park
Bridgend Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Food & Craft Fair 2023 at Bargoed Town Centre
What to Expect:
Local food and craft stalls with family entertainment.
Description:
The Winter Food & Craft Fair at Bargoed Town Centre features a variety of local food and craft stalls, along with children’s funfair rides and family entertainment.
Where: Bargoed | More Info: Winter Food & Craft Fair 2023 at Bargoed Town Centre
Portmeirion Food & Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Celebrating Welsh produce and crafts in a picturesque Italianate village setting.
Description:
The Portmeirion Food & Craft Fair showcases the best of Welsh produce and crafts, featuring artisan stalls, live music, and a variety of local food and drink. The event offers a diverse range of entertainment to suit every taste, making it a family-friendly celebration of local food and crafts.
Where: Portmeirion | More Info: Portmeirion Food & Craft Fair
Royal Welsh Winter Fair
What to Expect:
Premier agricultural event with festive atmosphere and unique Christmas gifts.
Description:
The Royal Welsh Winter Fair is a premier agricultural event showcasing the finest prime stock in Europe, featuring livestock competitions, festive atmosphere, and a variety of trade stands offering unique Christmas gifts.
Where: Builth Wells | More Info: Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Bridgend Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa Specials at the Teifi Valley Railway
What to Expect:
Santa visits with presents and festive treats.
Description:
Join the Teifi Valley Railway for a festive celebration featuring train rides, visits to Santa's grotto, and delightful treats like tea, coffee, sherry, sausage rolls, and mince pies.
Where: Newcastle Emlyn | More Info: Santa Specials at the Teifi Valley Railway
Bingo with a Twist Christmas Meal
What to Expect:
Classic hits bingo with a three-course meal.
Description:
A twist on traditional bingo, this event features classic hits from the 70s to the 00s, a three-course Christmas meal, and DJ dancing. Enjoy a glass of fizz upon arrival and indulge in delicious starters and mains before marking off your bingo card to win prizes.
Where: Bridgend | More Info: Bingo with a Twist Christmas Meal
Bridgend Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens
What to Expect:
Historical mansion with 500 years of Christmas traditions.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Tredegar House & Gardens with over 80 decorated trees, twinkling lights, and a rich history of festive traditions spanning 500 years.
Where: Newport | More Info: Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens
Brunch with Santa at Llandegfedd Lake
What to Expect:
Brunch with Santa in a picturesque lake setting.
Description:
Join Brunch with Santa at Llandegfedd Lake for a delightful meal amidst stunning lake views and festive atmosphere.
Where: Pontypool | More Info: Brunch with Santa at Llandegfedd Lake
Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
What to Expect:
Seasonal festivities with speedboat events.
Description:
Join Speedboat Santa at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs for a fun-filled celebration with festive activities and seasonal delights.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
Mince Pie Special Trains at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
What to Expect:
Steam train journey with mince pie service.
Description:
Enjoy a delightful journey with mince pies on board, offering a warm and cozy experience amidst the autumnal scenery.
Where: Welshpool | More Info: Mince Pie Special Trains at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
Christmas Celebrations at Erddig
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas decorations inspired by a classic poem.
Description:
Erddig transforms into a festive haven with beautifully decorated rooms inspired by 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Enjoy Christmas crafts, storytelling, and seasonal treats amidst charming outdoor decorations and unique installations.
Where: Wrexham | More Info: Christmas Celebrations at Erddig
Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa meet-and-greets with festive surroundings.
Description:
At Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto, immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere with real reindeer, Christmas trees, and Santa's sleigh. Meet Santa in one of five chalets, explore the snowy kingdom, and enjoy various Christmas scenes.
Where: Swansea | More Info: Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto
Reindeer Lodge
What to Expect:
Unique blend of tree selection and festive attractions.
Description:
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees offers a variety of Christmas tree selection options, including pre-cut trees and pick-your-own trees. The farm also features a Winter Wonderland attraction with Santa's Grotto, live reindeer, and an illuminated light trail through the stunning farmland.
Where: Swansea | More Info: Reindeer Lodge
Cardiff Santa Dash
What to Expect:
5K festive fun run with free T-shirt and prizes.
Description:
Join the Cardiff Santa Dash, a 5K festive fun run around Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay, featuring registration from 10am and a race start at 12pm. Tickets are £12 per person or £40 for a group of four, with children under five free. Participants receive a free T-shirt and prizes for the best-dressed.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Cardiff Santa Dash
Festive swims and dips
What to Expect:
Immersive cold water therapy with community participation.
Description:
Cold water swimming events in Wales, including festive swims on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, offering a unique way to boost mental health and community spirit.
Where: Various | More Info: Festive swims and dips
Coral Welsh Grand National
What to Expect:
High-quality racing with challenging winter conditions.
Description:
The Coral Welsh Grand National is a prestigious steeplechase event held at Chepstow Racecourse, featuring some of the finest long-distance chasers in Wales. The race is known for its challenging conditions, including cold temperatures and soft or heavy ground, which test the resilience of the equine competitors. The event attracts thousands of visitors and offers a variety of ticket options, including hospitality packages and food vendors.
Where: Chepstow | More Info: Coral Welsh Grand National
Nos Galan Races
What to Expect:
Unique blend of running, mystery runner, and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Nos Galan Road Races in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, are an annual five-kilometre road running event held on New Year's Eve. The event celebrates the life and achievements of Welsh runner Guto Nyth Brân and features a mystery runner, street entertainment, and fireworks. It attracts over 1,700 competitors and 10,000 spectators.
Where: Mountain Ash | More Info: Nos Galan Races
Mari Lwyd and New Year Walk In
What to Expect:
Torch-lit procession with traditional Welsh folk custom challenges.
Description:
The Mari Lwyd is an ancient Welsh folk custom where participants carry a decorated horse's skull on a pole, accompanied by torches, to visit homes and establishments in Llanwrtyd Wells. The procession involves singing verses and challenging the occupants to open the door, leading to an exchange of banter and eventually gaining admission for refreshments. The event culminates with drummers drumming in the New Year and live music at the Neuadd Arms Hotel.
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells | More Info: Mari Lwyd and New Year Walk In
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on crafting of unique Christmas wreaths with expert guidance.
Description:
Join us for a fun and creative Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Llanharan Welfare Hall & Fields. Our expert instructors will guide you through the process of crafting your very own unique Christmas wreath, ensuring it turns out beautifully. This festive afternoon is perfect for unleashing your inner artist and spreading some holiday cheer with your handmade creation.
Where: Llanharan | More Info: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
Ghost hunt, Gwrych Castle
What to Expect:
Overnight ghost hunt with paranormal activity and historical significance.
Description:
Join Haunting Nights for an overnight ghost hunt at Gwrych Castle, where you'll explore the eerie hauntings and paranormal activity of this historic North Wales castle. Witness the ghostly apparitions of Countess Winifred Cochrane and other spirits, and experience the castle's dark and dismal past.
Where: Abergele | More Info: Ghost hunt, Gwrych Castle
Cardiff's Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Unique ice skating experience with illuminated reindeer sculptures.
Description:
Cardiff's Winter Wonderland features an undercover ice rink and ice walk at Cardiff Castle, along with a themed frozen ice bar, Sur La Piste Alpine Bar, and a family funfair with a giant wheel. Enjoy festive food and drink, accessible sessions, and various attractions suitable for all ages.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Cardiff's Winter Wonderland
Swansea Waterfront Winterland
What to Expect:
Undercover ice rink and unique audio-visual Ice Jet ride.
Description:
Swansea Waterfront Winterland offers an array of attractions including an undercover ice rink, Alpine Bar, and funfair with a giant wheel. The event is set in the National Waterfront Museum, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, providing a variety of festive activities and dining options.
Where: Swansea | More Info: Swansea Waterfront Winterland
Willow Reindeer Workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on willow weaving for reindeer sculpture creation.
Description:
Create your own reindeer sculpture using living willow, learning traditional weaving techniques in a fun and hands-on workshop.
Where: Bridgend | More Info: Willow Reindeer Workshop
Festive Afternoon with Santa
What to Expect:
Themed teas and Santa visits.
Description:
Join us for a delightful afternoon with Santa, featuring themed teas and activities for all ages.
Where: Bridgend | More Info: Festive Afternoon with Santa
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Coity (1 miles)
- Tonypandy (10 miles)
- Rhondda (12 miles)
- Pontypridd (12 miles)
- Briton Ferry (14 miles)
- Barry (15 miles)
- Neath (15 miles)
- Aberdare (15 miles)
- Caerphilly (16 miles)
- Cardiff (17 miles)
- Swansea (18 miles)
- Penarth (18 miles)
- Merthyr Tydfil (19 miles)
- Risca (22 miles)
- Gorseinon (23 miles)
- Ebbw Vale (25 miles)
- Newport (26 miles)
- Cwmbran (26 miles)
- Ammanford (27 miles)
- Pontypool (27 miles)
- Llanelli (28 miles)
- Weston-super-Mare (28 miles)
- Burnham-on-Sea (31 miles)
- Clevedon (31 miles)
- Portishead (35 miles)
- Nailsea (36 miles)
- Bridgwater (36 miles)
- Barnstaple (36 miles)
- Taunton (40 miles)
- Bristol (42 miles)
- Bideford (43 miles)