Holiday fun in Wales
The Holiday season is upon us. Next week, we’ll be tucking into turkey dinner - - at least in America, as we celebrate Thanksgiving. But in Wales, hold the turkey and trimmings for Christmas Day.
Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. You can’t help but get caught up in the Holiday magic. Santa specials on heritage steam trains, a medieval food fair, and even a post-Christmas dunk in the ocean are all on offer across Wales this year...
Jump aboard the festive train to visit Santa on the Bala Lake Railway on December 3rd through 5th. Llanuwchllyn station will be decorated with festive lights and Christmas trees and children can meet Santa at his very own special railway station. The festively decorated traditional steam trains will then be taking guests on a gentle trip to the Lake of Serenity to visit Santa at his Grotto. Due to the popularity of this event booking is essential. www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are also offering “Santa Specials;” check their website for more information. www.festrail.co.uk
Join the last ever annual Santa Run in Newtown on December 6th. Each year in December thousands of Santa's descend on Newtown in mid-Wales to take part in a 4.5 mile festive charity fun run organized by the charity Newtown and District Dial a Ride, and the 2009 event is set to be the last one so don't miss out! Applications for the race cost £5.
Travel back in time at The Caerphilly Medieval Fayre on December 12th and 13th. It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Wales, and is a great way to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a town and castle preparing for Christmas. Browse the medieval market with more than 22 stalls selling food, replica medieval goods and traditional crafts. A variety of Christmas activities and music will take place in and around the Twyn Community Centre where food lovers can browse the food and craft fair. There will also be a continental and farmers market, sure to be bursting with seasonal goodies to make those Christmas presents and fare just that little bit unusual. Children can also enjoy the fairground rides, medieval jesters and a visit to Santa at the visitor center. www.caerphilly.gov.uk/christmas
Book in advance to attend A Victorian Christmas Tale at Castle Coch on the evening of December 5th or 6th. On arrival, enjoy a display of acrobatic pennyfarthing riding before entering the castle for entertainment and food including mince pies and roasted chestnuts. Tickets must be booked in advance by calling (011 44) 292 081 0101. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Visit Swansea’s Waterfront Winterland throughout December. The grounds outside the National Waterfront Museum will once again be transformed into the annual Waterfront Winterland with an open-air ice rink, as well as traditional fairground rides such as a big wheel, a carousel and a new ‘snow-storm’ ride. Children who have never skated can try it out on the new Rocky Rink before progressing to the Admiral rink. Children visiting before December 24th will also be welcome to visit Santa at home in his festive grotto. www.swanseachristmas.com
Or head to Cardiff Winter Wonderland from November 19th through January 3rd. Bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is one of the many elements of Christmas festivities in Cardiff, which includes the Christmas Light Switch On, Open-air ice rink, Admiral big wheel, fabulous Christmas Shopping. The Cardiff’s Calennig New Year’s Eve celebrations offer free live music and a free Family Fire Show. www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com
Brace yourself for the Tenby Boxing Day Swim on December 26th. The 39th Tenby Boxing Day Swim will start at 11am from the North Beach (Tenby has three sandy beaches). Around 600 brave people swim in the sea for charity every Boxing Day - most are even in fancy dress! This event started in 1970 and still proves very popular - - canoeing and raft racing is now included. Those who are not bold enough to brave the winter waters can watch from the promenade above. www.tenbyboxingdayswim.co.uk