Feel the festive buzz in Merthyr Tydfil! Discover all the top holiday events and activities with our guide. Whether Merthyr Tydfil is your permanent address or your holiday destination, this guide maximizes your festive fun.
Popular Events: Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Brecon Mountain Railway – Santa Special, where families can enjoy a scenic train ride with Santa himself, bringing joy to all ages. Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum offers a delightful experience filled with twinkling lights and seasonal displays, making it a perfect backdrop for festive strolls. And the Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring captivating decorations and family-friendly activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Merthyr Tydfil
- Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum (Cardiff)
- Brecon Mountain Railway – Santa Special (Brecon)
- Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto (Swansea)
- Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens (Newport)
- Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs (Cardiff)
- Caerphilly on Ice at Caerphilly (Caerphilly)
- Brunch with Santa at Llandegfedd Lake (Cwmbran)
- Dark Run - Ty Hafan Children's Hospice @ Cyfarthfa Park
- Coral Welsh Grand National (Chepstow)
- Garden of Wales Winter Light Trail, National Botanic Garden of Wales (Llanarthne)
See these and even more events listed below!
Merthyr Tydfil Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound experience with 15 distinct zones.
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 local artisan traders offering top-quality food and drinks. Visitors can enjoy a truly mesmerizing journey through an illuminated world uniquely crafted by world-leading lighting designers, set against the backdrop of historic Cardiff Castle and picturesque Bute Park.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum
Caerphilly on Ice at Caerphilly
What to Expect:
Temporary covered ice rink and festive activities.
Description:
Caerphilly on Ice transforms Owain Glyndwr Playing Field into a vibrant winter destination with an undercover ice rink, Alpine Ski Bar, festive food and drink stalls, and various attractions.
Where: Caerphilly | More Info: Caerphilly on Ice at Caerphilly
Luminate Wales, Margam Park
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and ambient music.
Description:
Luminate Wales at Margam Country Park features a spectacular, illuminated trail through historic gardens and castle, with stunning lighting installations and interactive elements set to ambient music.
Where: Port Talbot | More Info: Luminate Wales, Margam Park
Merthyr Tydfil Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Food & Craft Fair 2023 at Bargoed Town Centre
What to Expect:
Local artisans and food vendors showcase their wares.
Description:
The Winter Food & Craft Fair at Bargoed Town Centre features a variety of food, craft, and gift 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:
Showcasing local Welsh produce and crafts.
Description:
The Portmeirion Food & Craft Fair is a family-friendly event celebrating diverse local food and crafts. It features artisan stalls exhibiting the best Welsh produce, along with a full program of entertainment to suit every taste.
Where: Portmeirion | More Info: Portmeirion Food & Craft Fair
Merthyr Tydfil Other Holiday Activities
Brecon Mountain Railway – Santa Special
What to Expect:
Steam train ride to Santa's grotto with festive entertainment.
Description:
Travel by steam train from Pant Station to Pontsticill to meet Santa in his grotto, where every child receives a special gift. Enjoy festive refreshments and entertainment by 'Gizmo' amidst the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park.
Where: Brecon | More Info: Brecon Mountain Railway – Santa Special
Dark Run - Ty Hafan Children's Hospice @ Cyfarthfa Park
What to Expect:
Spooky fun run with glowing elements and family-friendly atmosphere.
Description:
Join Ty Hafan Children's Hospice for a family-friendly 2.5k spooky fun run at Cyfarthfa Castle, offering stunning views of the lake and a spooky yet enjoyable experience.
Where: Merthyr Tydfil | More Info: Dark Run - Ty Hafan Children's Hospice @ Cyfarthfa Park
Trago Merthyr - Bike & Trike - Monthly Event
What to Expect:
Monthly gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Description:
Join motorcycle enthusiasts at Trago Merthyr for an exciting evening of bikes and trikes, a monthly event where enthusiasts can meet and share their passion for riding.
Where: Merthyr Tydfil | More Info: Trago Merthyr - Bike & Trike - Monthly Event
Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens
What to Expect:
Historical mansion decorated with 500 years of Christmas traditions.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Tredegar House & Gardens with twinkling lights, over 80 decorated trees, and a journey through 500 years of festive traditions.
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 lakeside setting.
Description:
Brunch with Santa at Llandegfedd Lake offers a delightful meal amidst stunning lake views, perfect for families to enjoy quality time together.
Where: Cwmbran | More Info: Brunch with Santa at Llandegfedd Lake
Mince Pie Special Trains at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
What to Expect:
Post-Christmas train journey with mince pies.
Description:
Enjoy a delightful post-Christmas journey with your loved ones aboard the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, complete with mince pies in the steam-heated carriages.
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 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Description:
Erddig transforms into a festive haven with traditional decorations inspired by 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Explore beautifully decorated rooms, enjoy Christmas crafts, festive storytelling, and seasonal treats. Meet Father Christmas in the unique reverse grotto and participate in special activities like marshmallow toasting and festive colouring.
Where: Wrexham | More Info: Christmas Celebrations at Erddig
Garden of Wales Winter Light Trail, National Botanic Garden of Wales
What to Expect:
Illuminated winter flower display in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
The Garden of Wales Winter Light Trail at the National Botanic Garden of Wales features a stunning display of winter flowers and illuminated pathways, showcasing the garden's beauty in a unique and captivating way.
Where: Llanarthne | More Info: Garden of Wales Winter Light Trail, National Botanic Garden of Wales
Santa Specials at the Teifi Valley Railway
What to Expect:
Festive train rides with Santa and treats.
Description:
Join Santa at the Teifi Valley Railway for festive train rides, tea, and treats. Enjoy train rides, visit Santa's grotto, and receive a present. Ground coffee and hot chocolate are available at a minimal charge.
Where: Newcastle Emlyn | More Info: Santa Specials at the Teifi Valley Railway
Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive festive scenes with Santa and his reindeer.
Description:
At Swansea Winter Wonderland, immerse yourself in a festive environment featuring polar bears, penguins, and snowmen. Explore the snowy kingdom, see Santa's sleigh being loaded, and meet Father Christmas. Enjoy interactive scenes and receive a Christmas present if you've been on the 'GOOD' list.
Where: Swansea | More Info: Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto
Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with special guests and festive feasts.
Description:
Join Speedboat Santa at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs for a unique holiday celebration featuring festive feasts and special guests.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
Nos Galan Races
What to Expect:
Unique blend of athletic competition and cultural celebration.
Description:
The Nos Galan Road Races in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, are a renowned annual event celebrating Welsh runner Guto Nyth Brân. The races feature various categories, including elite and fun runs, and attract over 1,700 competitors and 10,000 spectators each year. The event includes a memorial service, a mystery runner carrying the Nos Galan torch, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Where: Mountain Ash | More Info: Nos Galan Races
Mari Lwyd and New Year Walk In
What to Expect:
Unique blend of traditional Welsh folklore and community interaction.
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. They sing verses and engage in a series of challenges to gain admission, culminating in refreshments and celebrations.
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells | More Info: Mari Lwyd and New Year Walk In
Ghost hunt, Gwrych Castle
What to Expect:
Overnight ghost hunt in a haunted medieval-style castle.
Description:
Join Haunting Nights for an overnight ghost hunt at Gwrych Castle, where you'll explore the haunted grounds and encounter the spirits of former inhabitants, including the enigmatic Countess Winifred Cochrane and a playful servant girl.
Where: Abergele | More Info: Ghost hunt, Gwrych Castle
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, offer a unique way to boost mental health and community spirit while experiencing the icy Welsh waters.
Where: Various | More Info: Festive swims and dips
Coral Welsh Grand National
What to Expect:
Challenging winter conditions and historic names like Native River and Potters Corner.
Description:
The Coral Welsh Grand National is a prestigious steeplechase event held at Chepstow Racecourse, featuring high-quality racing and a festive atmosphere with wood-fired pizzas and a prosecco bar. The event attracts thousands of visitors and is a significant day in Welsh racing history.
Where: Chepstow | More Info: Coral Welsh Grand National
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Aberdare (4 miles)
- Rhondda (7 miles)
- Ebbw Vale (8 miles)
- Tonypandy (9 miles)
- Pontypridd (10 miles)
- Caerphilly (14 miles)
- Pontypool (15 miles)
- Risca (15 miles)
- Cwmbran (17 miles)
- Coity (17 miles)
- Bridgend (19 miles)
- Neath (19 miles)
- Newport (20 miles)
- Cardiff (20 miles)
- Briton Ferry (21 miles)
- Penarth (23 miles)
- Barry (24 miles)
- Swansea (26 miles)
- Ammanford (26 miles)
- Gorseinon (29 miles)
- Clevedon (31 miles)
- Portishead (32 miles)
- Weston-super-Mare (33 miles)
- Llanelli (34 miles)
- Nailsea (34 miles)
- Hereford (35 miles)
- Burnham-on-Sea (39 miles)
- Bristol (39 miles)
- Mangotsfield (42 miles)
- Kingswood (43 miles)
- Yate (44 miles)
- Chipping Sodbury (45 miles)