Create your holiday schedule in Pontypool! Our guide features all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a Pontypool local or a globetrotter, this guide unlocks the city's festive potential.
One enchanting highlight this season is Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum, where the stunning displays of lights transform the lush greenery into a winter wonderland. Experience the historical charm of Cardiff Castle, adorned with dazzling decorations and hosting festive events that capture the spirit of the season. And don't forget Luminate Wales, where captivating light installations provide a magical backdrop for your holiday stroll. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Pontypool
- Christmas at Cardiff Castle (Cardiff)
- Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum (Cardiff)
- Fonmon Castle Christmas (Barry)
- Luminate Wales (Margam)
- Coral Welsh Grand National (Chepstow)
- Reindeer Lodge (Swansea)
- Caerphilly on Ice at Caerphilly (Caerphilly)
- Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens (Newport)
- Cardiff Santa Dash (Cardiff)
- Christmas Celebrations at Erddig (Wrexham)
See these and even more events listed below!
Pontypool Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum
What to Expect:
World-class light installations with immersive visuals and live music.
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, drinks, and festive music. The trail is designed to be inclusive for all ages and abilities, providing a truly mesmerizing journey through the picturesque Bute Park.
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 historic 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
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations in historic gardens.
Description:
Explore Margam Country Park's stunning, illuminated trail 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 the fire pits.
Where: Margam | More Info: Luminate Wales
Pontypool Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Food & Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Free event with Father Christmas and funfair rides.
Description:
Bargoed Winter Food & Craft Fair features festive stalls, entertainment, and funfair rides, offering a real treat for local residents with appearances from Father Christmas and local shops.
Where: Bargoed | More Info: Winter Food & Craft Fair
Portmeirion Food & Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Showcase of local Welsh produce and crafts.
Description:
Portmeirion Food & Craft Fair is a family-friendly event celebrating diverse local food and crafts. The fair 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 & Craft Fair
Christmas at Cardiff Castle
What to Expect:
Undercover ice rink and festive funfair activities.
Description:
Cardiff Castle transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with an undercover ice rink, family funfair, and themed bars. Enjoy festive food and drink, illuminated reindeer sculptures, and a Christmas tree ride amidst the castle's historic grounds.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Christmas at Cardiff Castle
Pontypool Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Cavalcade
What to Expect:
Free family entertainment with a Land Train and festive light display.
Description:
The Christmas Cavalcade in Pontypool features a day of free family entertainment, including an official switch-on of the Christmas lights, a Santa's grotto, and a Land Train offering free rides around the town. The event culminates in a parade with all entertainers, showcasing the community's festive spirit.
Where: Pontypool | More Info: Christmas Cavalcade
Pontypool Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens
What to Expect:
Immersive historical Christmas celebrations with Victorian and Tudor-era decorations.
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 amidst panoramic lake views.
Description:
Join us at Llandegfedd Lake for a delightful brunch experience with Santa, offering stunning views and delicious locally sourced food.
Where: Pontypool | More Info: Brunch with Santa at Llandegfedd Lake
Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
What to Expect:
Speedboat rides with festive treats.
Description:
Join Speedboat Santa at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs for a festive celebration featuring speedboat rides and seasonal treats.
Where: Lisvane | More Info: Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
Mince Pie Special Trains at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
What to Expect:
Steam-heated carriages with mince pies.
Description:
Enjoy a post-Christmas journey with your loved ones aboard steam-heated carriages, complete with a mince pie.
Where: Welshpool | More Info: Mince Pie Special Trains at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
Christmas Celebrations at Erddig
What to Expect:
Unique reverse grotto supporting Wrexham Foodbank.
Description:
Step into the charm of Christmas at Erddig, where the house is beautifully decorated inspired by the poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Explore rooms decorated to bring this beloved poem to life, and enjoy festive experiences like breakfast and supper with Santa, Christmas crafts, and festive storytelling.
Where: Wrexham | More Info: Christmas Celebrations at Erddig
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees and Swansea Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Traditional Santa's Grotto with interactive elements and live reindeer.
Description:
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees and Swansea Winter Wonderland offer a festive experience with a vast array of Christmas trees, live reindeer, and a traditional Santa's Grotto. Visitors can explore the snowy kingdom, see animatronic polar bears and penguins, and enjoy various Christmas scenes. The event includes a large walkthrough area with real reindeer and interactive elements like meeting Santa and receiving a present.
Where: Swansea | More Info: Gower Fresh Christmas Trees and Swansea Winter Wonderland
Reindeer Lodge
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and festive Christmas scenes.
Description:
Visit the Reindeer Lodge at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, where you can feed live reindeer and explore a festive environment filled with Christmas scenes, including Santa's Grotto and a Christmas shop.
Where: Swansea | More Info: Reindeer Lodge
Santa Specials at the Teifi Valley Railway
What to Expect:
Train rides with Santa and festive treats.
Description:
Join us at the Teifi Valley Railway for Santa Specials, featuring train rides, visits to Santa's grotto, and delightful treats.
Where: Newcastle Emlyn | More Info: Santa Specials at the Teifi Valley Railway
Cardiff Santa Dash
What to Expect:
Family-friendly 5K run with free Santa t-shirts and best-dressed prizes.
Description:
Join us for the Cardiff Santa Dash, a 5K fun run around Cardiff Bay, starting at 10am with registration and festivities.
Where: Cardiff | More Info: Cardiff Santa Dash
Coral Welsh Grand National
What to Expect:
Historic long-distance chaser event with a Wet Weather Guarantee.
Description:
The Coral Welsh Grand National is a prestigious steeplechase event held at Chepstow Racecourse, featuring high-quality racing and a festive atmosphere with a patriotic Welsh crowd.
Where: Chepstow | More Info: Coral Welsh Grand National
Nos Galan Races
What to Expect:
Unique blend of athletic competition and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Nos Galan Road Races are an annual 5km event held in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, celebrating Welsh runner Guto Nyth Brân. The races attract over 1,700 competitors and 10,000 spectators, featuring fun runs, children’s races, and elite categories.
Where: Mountain Ash | More Info: Nos Galan Races
Fonmon Castle Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday activities in a historic Welsh castle setting.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Fonmon Castle with festive decorations, traditional activities, and a warm atmosphere.
Where: Barry | More Info: Fonmon Castle Christmas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Cwmbran (3 miles)
- Risca (7 miles)
- Newport (8 miles)
- Ebbw Vale (9 miles)
- Caerphilly (11 miles)
- Pontypridd (14 miles)
- Merthyr Tydfil (15 miles)
- Cardiff (16 miles)
- Aberdare (17 miles)
- Rhondda (18 miles)
- Tonypandy (18 miles)
- Penarth (19 miles)
- Portishead (19 miles)
- Clevedon (20 miles)
- Nailsea (22 miles)
- Barry (23 miles)
- Weston-super-Mare (25 miles)
- Coity (25 miles)
- Bristol (26 miles)
- Bridgend (27 miles)
- Mangotsfield (27 miles)
- Hereford (28 miles)
- Kingswood (29 miles)
- Yate (29 miles)
- Chipping Sodbury (30 miles)
- Burnham-on-Sea (32 miles)
- Neath (33 miles)
- Briton Ferry (34 miles)
- Gloucester (36 miles)
- Stroud (36 miles)
- Mendip (37 miles)
- Bath (37 miles)
- Swansea (39 miles)
- Bridgwater (40 miles)
- Ammanford (41 miles)
- Great Malvern (42 miles)
- Gorseinon (43 miles)
- Chippenham (43 miles)
- Cheltenham (43 miles)
- Trowbridge (45 miles)