It’s that time of year once again. The sunsets over Whitesands Bay in the late afternoon, the cwtches in front of the log burner, and trips to pick up some beautiful bits and pieces in St Davids’ local shops. As November draws to a close, our minds turn to the twinkly lights and warm times with loved ones over Christmas. Here are some fantastic things to do in Pembrokeshire over this festive period.

 

Special Events in St Davids

St Davids Cathedral at Christmas


The Cathedral is at the centre of advent for the people of St Davids, whether they are religious or simply value the traditions, music and beauty of this majestic place. There are so many events there at this time of year, but two stand out this year. The first is the Christmas Through The Keyhole family trail, on Tuesday 5th December, which sees An interactive trail to help you become part of the retelling of the Christmas Story. Then there a Christmas Spectacular on the 9th, with two choirs joining forces to put on a show of all your favourite Christmas songs.

Christmas lights switch-on – Saturday 2nd December

Just what it says on the tin, with an extra dollop of Christmas cheer. The whole city gathers on Cross Square, sips on mulled wine and watches the lights sparkle on this special night. Some shops tend to open late and the pubs are havens from the coastal chill.

 

CHRISTMAS HARMONIES AT TABERNACLE – FRIDAY 8TH DECEMBER

This promises to be a wonderful evening of your favourite festive tunes, sung by ‘The Gents’ of St Johns College Choir Cambridge. Set in the beautiful Tabernacle in St Davids and at £15 per ticket, we’re looking forward to this one!

 

Christmas Markets

Saturday 2nd December

The first Saturday of December is set to be a bumper one for festivities in St Davids. Before the Christmas lights are turned on in the evening, there are two Christmas fairs to enjoy! Park at the top of St Davids and begin by wandering around the stalls at the Oriel Y Parc Outdoor Christmas Marketopen from 10am – 3pm. Then carry on down the hill to the Cathedral Christmas Fair, open from 10am.

The St Davids Christmas Market on Cross Square is the following weekend, on Saturday the 9th of December.

 

LLYS Y FRAN CHRISTMAS FAIR – SATURDAY 2ND – SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER

If you fancy fitting in another Christmas fair on the first weekend of December, Llys Y Fran is well worth the drive! They are transforming their visitors centre into a “festive hive of Christmas delights” with all sorts of local makers selling their goods. Be sure to leave time for a walk around the reservoir while you’re there.

 

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY SHOW CHRISTMAS FAYRE – SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER

The County Show is a highlight of the Pembrokeshire calendar in August, and this year they again are putting on a big Christmas Fayre on the Showground in Haverfordwest. With an outdoor food court as well as plenty of small businesses and crafts people selling festive goodies, it’s going to be a lovely day out.

 

Festive Treats

MENEVIA SPA WINTER TREATMENTS

In between Christmas shopping and making merry, be sure to fit in some time for yourself at Menevia Spa by booking one of their gorgeous winter treatments. How about a hot stone massage followed by some time in their bath house and sauna? Sounds perfect!

Festive Afternoon Tea at Melin Tregwynt

Melin Tregwynt is a fabulous place to get some Christmas shopping done, with unique Welsh gifts for everyone. This year they are offering a festive afternoon tea all through the run-up to Christmas, and we cannot wait to sample what’s on offer. Booking is required!

Scolton Manor Spa Day – 1st November – 31st December

This time of year is for spending time with loved ones, and of course, for taking care of yourself too. Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the gorgeous Scolton Manor with their Christmas Cracker package, complete with afternoon tea! The perfect way to unwind after a spot of Christmas shopping.

Photo: Tenby Boxing Day Swim

Get Outside

Broad Haven Christmas Pudding Run – Sunday 10th december

We’re thrilled that this long-loved event is back this year! A 10km run for the adults, and a shorter one for the kids, all beginning and ending on Broad Haven beach. Head there to watch the fun on the day.

Tenby Boxing Day Swim

This Boxing Day swim is famous all over the country, and is well worth heading to, whether you choose to dip or not! This year is extra special as the swim celebrates its 50th year. The crowds hit the water at 11.30am, followed by a bonfire and warm soup on the beach.

WHITLAND SANTA FUN RUN  – Sunday 11th December

This is a fantastic event to either watch or to take part in! The roads of Whitland will fill with Santas running or strolling the route around the town from 12 noon. Want to take part but don’t have the get-up? Don’t worry! The run comes with a full Santa suit hat and of course beard!

 

Children’s Festive Fun

FOLLY FARM SANTAS GROTTO – Every Saturday & Sunday until 23rd December

This is a fantastic Santa’s grotto, complete with elves handing out gifts for the kids, and some mulled wine for the adults! This grotto comes with the added bonus of being at Folly Farm and Zoo, and so you can go and meet Santa’s reindeer after the main man himself. Entry is £8.50 per child.

Torch Theatre Panto – Beauty & The Beast – 15th December – 31st December

If it’s a classic panto that you’re after this year, then this one is for you! The Torch Theatre is renowned for its fantastic pantomimes, and this year it’s an old favourite, Beauty & The Beast! Lots of laughs and plenty of chaos ensues, so get your vocal cords warmed up for all the traditional panto gags. They also have a BSL Performance on Tuesday 19th December, and a Relaxed Performance on Saturday 16th December.

GLOW AT CAREW CASTLE – 1ST -17TH DECEMBER

Head to the utterly magical place that is Carew Castle for some FREE festive fun! Follow the twinkling lights to find the Walled Garden dressed for Christmas, with other delights to be found along the way.

SCOLTON MANOR MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS – DECEMBER

Father Christmas has a very busy schedule in Pembrokeshire this year! Most weekends throughout December (click link above for full info) he will be visiting Scolton Manor with his friendly elves. Children can even explore where his pixies mine the magic dust that makes the sleigh fly!

 

Winter Workshops

Picton Castle Wreath Making Workshop – Saturday 2nd December

Try your hand at wreath making at Picton Castle this year with their assistant head gardener, Matt. £30 per person which includes refreshments and entry into the beautiful gardens that day.

CHRISTMAS CARD WORKSHOP AT SLEBECH – Sunday 3RD DECEMBER

Up your Christmas card game this year with this wonderful workshop where you’ll learn to make festive linocut cards. Slebech will be all dressed up for Christmas and so promises to be a beautiful setting for such a festive, creative day.

 

New Years Eve

Fishguard New Year’s Eve

Fishguard’s fabulous street party is back this year, and we can’t wait for the fun and frivolities to ensue. The atmosphere is always fantastic, and this year with a an 80s theme, we reckon it’s going to be a great way to see in 2024!

THINKING ABOUT A FESTIVE TRIP TO THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST?

FIND YOUR PERFECT PEMBROKESHIRE COTTAGE HERE!

2 responses to “Things To Do In Pembrokeshire This Christmas”

  1. Janet Evans says:

    Crug Glas Country House –

    1st December Christmas Fair 10am – 4pm + Santa’s Grotto

    13th, 20th & 21st December Christmas party nights – welcome drink, 3 course meal and live entertainment from Honey Fungus. Booking essential.

    15th December Christmas Carvery 12.30-2.30 book now to avoid disappointment.

    Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday during December festive Afternoon teas, booking essential.

    • stdavidsescapes says:

      Thank you Janet, Crug Glas is so close to St Davids and the perfect place to visit and get into the festive spirit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *