Your comprehensive holiday guide to Neath is here! Explore the best festive events and attractions with us. For Neath experts and beginners, this guide is your compass through the winter wonderland.
Among the festive highlights is the enchanting Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum, where visitors can stroll through beautifully decorated pathways and enjoy seasonal displays. The Caerphilly on Ice event promises a delightful experience with its glistening ice rink, perfect for families and friends to create new memories. And the Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a magical blend of festive markets and a splendid Santa’s grotto for the little ones. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Neath Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Neath
- Coral Welsh Grand National (Chepstow)
- Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto (Swansea)
- Caerphilly on Ice (Caerphilly)
- Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum (Cardiff)
- Luminate Wales (Port Talbot)
- Reindeer Lodge (Swansea)
- Mince Pie Special Trains at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (Welshpool)
- Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens (Newport)
- Cardiff Santa Dash (Cardiff)
- Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair (Portmeirion)
See these and even more events listed below!
Neath Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound spectacle with 500 LED orbs.
Description:
Christmas at Bute Park features a reimagined light trail with original audio compositions, dynamic choreography, and jaw-dropping illuminations across 15 distinct zones. Visitors can stroll through an illuminated world uniquely crafted by world-leading lighting designers, enjoying a truly mesmerizing journey around picturesque Bute Park.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum
Caerphilly on Ice
What to Expect:
Ice rink and winter activities in Caerphilly town centre.
Description:
Caerphilly on Ice is a festive event featuring an ice rink and various winter activities in the heart of Caerphilly, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for families and friends to enjoy together.
Where: Caerphilly | More Info: Caerphilly on Ice
Luminate Wales
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Explore a spectacular, illuminated trail at Margam Country Park, featuring stunning lighting installations and interactive elements set to music. Enjoy tasty treats and hot mulled wine along the way, with marshmallows for toasting at fire pits.
Where: Port Talbot | More Info: Luminate Wales
Neath 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 stalls, craft vendors, and family entertainment.
Where: Bargoed | More Info: Winter Food & Craft Fair 2023 at Bargoed Town Centre
Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Showcase of local Welsh produce and crafts.
Description:
The Portmeirion Food and 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 programme of entertainment to suit every taste.
Where: Portmeirion | More Info: Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair
Neath Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Santa Specials at the Teifi Valley Railway
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and festive treats.
Description:
Join us at the Teifi Valley Railway for a delightful Santa Special where adults enjoy train rides, tea, coffee, sherry, and a sausage roll or mince pie. Children visit Santa in his grotto and receive a present, while babies also get an age-appropriate gift. Large parties can travel together in their own carriage.
Where: Newcastle Emlyn | More Info: Santa Specials at the Teifi Valley Railway
Neath Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens
What to Expect:
Immersive historical Christmas celebrations with traditional decorations and activities.
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 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: Pontypool | More Info: Brunch with Santa at Llandegfedd Lake
Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
What to Expect:
Hands-on pumpkin carving for all ages.
Description:
Join us at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs for a unique Halloween experience where you can unleash your creativity and carve your own pumpkin masterpiece. The session will be supervised, and we ask that children are accompanied by an adult.
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:
Post-Christmas steam train trips with mince pies.
Description:
Enjoy a post-Christmas journey with your loved ones aboard steam trains, complete with mince pies in the carriages.
Where: Welshpool | More Info: Mince Pie Special Trains at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
New Year Walk In at Green Events - Llanwrtyd Wells
What to Expect:
Unique winter walking event in picturesque Welsh countryside.
Description:
Join the New Year Walk In at Green Events in Llanwrtyd Wells for a refreshing winter stroll through the beautiful Welsh countryside, taking in the scenic views and enjoying the crisp air.
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells | More Info: New Year Walk In at Green Events - Llanwrtyd Wells
Christmas Celebrations at Erddig
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas decorations and unique reverse grotto supporting a local foodbank.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Erddig with beautifully decorated rooms inspired by "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," festive outdoor decorations, and special activities like marshmallow toasting and storytelling.
Where: Wrexham | More Info: Christmas Celebrations at Erddig
Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive festive journey with Santa and animatronic animals.
Description:
Explore Swansea Winter Wonderland at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, where children can meet Santa and enjoy a festive journey through the snowy kingdom. The event features animatronic polar bears, penguins, and snowmen, as well as real reindeer and Christmas trees that spring to life. Children under 1 go free, and every child aged 0-8 receives a Christmas present from Santa.
Where: Swansea | More Info: Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto
Reindeer Lodge
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and festive holiday setting.
Description:
Visit the Reindeer Lodge at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, where you can meet live reindeer and explore a festive environment filled with Christmas trees and holiday decorations.
Where: Swansea | More Info: Reindeer Lodge
Cardiff Santa Dash
What to Expect:
5K festive run with free T-shirt and prizes for best dressed.
Description:
Join the Cardiff Santa Dash, a 5K festive run around Cardiff Bay, with registration starting at 10am and the race 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 best dressed.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Cardiff Santa Dash
Festive swims and dips
What to Expect:
Cold water swimming for charity and community.
Description:
Thousands of people in Wales participate in festive swims on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, often in fancy dress, to raise money for charity and enjoy the community and health benefits of cold water therapy.
Where: Various | More Info: Festive swims and dips
Coral Welsh Grand National
What to Expect:
Historic and challenging steeplechase event in Wales.
Description:
The Coral Welsh Grand National is a prestigious steeplechase event held at Chepstow Racecourse, attracting thousands of visitors and featuring some of the finest long-distance chasers in Wales. The race is steeped in history and tradition, with a demanding course that tests the endurance and skill of both horses and jockeys.
Where: Chepstow | More Info: Coral Welsh Grand National
Nos Galan Races
What to Expect:
Unique blend of athletics and Welsh heritage.
Description:
The Nos Galan Road Races in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, are a prestigious annual event celebrating Welsh runner Guto Nyth Brân. The races feature various categories, including elite men and women, fun runs, and children’s races. The event is known for its unique tradition of a mystery runner carrying the Nos Galan torch and igniting a beacon, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Where: Mountain Ash | More Info: Nos Galan Races
Mari Lwyd and New Year Walk In
What to Expect:
Torch-lit procession with traditional Welsh singing and challenges.
Description:
The Mari Lwyd is an ancient Welsh folk tradition where participants carry torches and a decorated horse's skull, known as the Mari, through the streets of Llanwrtyd Wells. The procession visits various establishments, where the Mari Lwyd sings verses and challenges the occupants to open the door, leading to a re-enactment of the Mari Lwyd tradition. The event culminates with refreshments and music at the Neuadd Arms Hotel.
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells | More Info: Mari Lwyd and New Year Walk In
Ghost hunt, Gwrych Castle
What to Expect:
Overnight ghost hunt in a historically haunted castle.
Description:
Join Haunting Nights for an overnight ghost hunt at Gwrych Castle, Abergele, North Wales. Explore the Grade I-listed fairy-tale castle, known for its paranormal activity, including sightings of Countess Winifred Cochrane and a playful servant girl. The event includes vigils, séances, and equipment use in various areas of the castle.
Where: Abergele | More Info: Ghost hunt, Gwrych Castle
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Briton Ferry (2 miles)
- Swansea (7 miles)
- Gorseinon (10 miles)
- Ammanford (12 miles)
- Coity (14 miles)
- Bridgend (15 miles)
- Tonypandy (15 miles)
- Rhondda (15 miles)
- Llanelli (15 miles)
- Aberdare (16 miles)
- Merthyr Tydfil (19 miles)
- Pontypridd (20 miles)
- Caerphilly (26 miles)
- Ebbw Vale (27 miles)
- Barry (29 miles)
- Cardiff (30 miles)
- Risca (30 miles)
- Penarth (31 miles)
- Pontypool (33 miles)
- Cwmbran (34 miles)
- Newport (35 miles)
- Barnstaple (42 miles)
- Weston-super-Mare (42 miles)
- Clevedon (43 miles)