Escape to Wales for a weekend of festive fun. Christmas markets start popping up in November, so now’s the time to book your weekend break in one of these four popular spots.
1. Cardiff Christmas Market
Take a Travelodge trip to Cardiff and visit this extra special Christmas market, open from 10th November to 23rd December 2015. Browse over 75 stalls selling artisanal products from Welsh exhibitors. The twinkling Christmas lights and alpine stalls will transport you and your family to a winter wonderland where you can warm yourself with a cup of mulled wine, sample hot Welsh cakes and buy traditional gifts made from slate and pewter.
After you’ve shopped yourself out, why not take to Cardiff’s outdoor ice skating rink at the Winter Wonderland, only a short walk away. Or enjoy a laugh watching Cinderella, Cardiff’s top pantomime.
2. Swansea Christmas Street Market
Take a trip to the wonderful city of Swansea and visit the Christmas Street Market, open from 24th November to 21st December. The green and red wooden chalets are the perfect backdrop to a Christmas trip, and the market is full of good ideas for Christmas gifts and decorations. Not forgetting the seasonal food and drink, of course. Children can also visit Santa in his grotto and take a fun ride on the twinkling Big wheel.
Mulled wine and markets. Photo © kzenon
3. Llandudno Christmas Fayre
Taking place from 17th to 20th November, Llandudno Christmas Fayre is a lovely Christmas event, with a Dickensian atmosphere, 100’s of stalls, a Santa’s Grotto, craft demonstrations and much, much more.
The Christmas Fayre attracts more than 30,000 visitors every year and here you can buy gifts for all your friends and family. If you’re feeling hungry, try a freshly made crepe, sample Welsh craft beer, handmade chocolate, Welsh fudge and more traditional treats.
4. Royal Welsh Winter Fair
The Royal Welsh Winter Fair, taking place at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society in Llanelwedd on the 28th and 29th November, is a family day out with a difference. On top of the Christmas stalls, food and drink, and festive entertainment, there’s also a livestock auction, hot air balloon glow show and a fun Christmas competition.
Our Merthyr Tydfil hotel is just under an hour’s drive away, on the south side of the must-see Brecon Beacons National Park. Stay here and you’ll have easy access to the local entertainment complex (complete with bowling alley and cinema), as well as historic Cyfarthfa Castle.
