Last updated: 11 November 2024
Feel the festive buzz in Merthyr Tydfil! Discover all the top holiday events and activities with our guide. Whether Merthyr Tydfil is your permanent address or your holiday destination, this guide maximizes your festive fun.
Popular Events: Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Brecon Mountain Railway – Santa Special, where families can enjoy a scenic train ride with Santa himself, bringing joy to all ages. Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum offers a delightful experience filled with twinkling lights and seasonal displays, making it a perfect backdrop for festive strolls. And the Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring captivating decorations and family-friendly activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Merthyr Tydfil Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum
- What to Expect
- Immersive light and sound experience with 15 distinct zones.
- 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 and drinks. Visitors can enjoy a truly mesmerizing journey through an illuminated world uniquely crafted by world-leading lighting designers, set against the backdrop of historic Cardiff Castle and picturesque Bute Park.
- Where
- Cardiff | More Info : Christmas at Bute Park and Arboretum
Caerphilly on Ice at Caerphilly
- What to Expect
- Temporary covered ice rink and festive activities.
- Description
- Caerphilly on Ice transforms Owain Glyndwr Playing Field into a vibrant winter destination with an undercover ice rink, Alpine Ski Bar, festive food and drink stalls, and various attractions.
- Where
- Caerphilly | More Info : Caerphilly on Ice at Caerphilly
Luminate Wales, Margam Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations and ambient music.
- Description
- Luminate Wales at Margam Country Park features a spectacular, illuminated trail through historic gardens and castle, with stunning lighting installations and interactive elements set to ambient music.
- Where
- Port Talbot | More Info : Luminate Wales, Margam Park
Merthyr Tydfil Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Food & Craft Fair 2023 at Bargoed Town Centre
- What to Expect
- Local artisans and food vendors showcase their wares.
- Description
- The Winter Food & Craft Fair at Bargoed Town Centre features a variety of food, craft, and gift stalls, along with children’s funfair rides and family entertainment.
- Where
- Bargoed | More Info : Winter Food & Craft Fair 2023 at Bargoed Town Centre
Merthyr Tydfil Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Aladdin by Merthyr Performance Company
- What to Expect
- Engaging theatrical interpretation of the timeless story of Aladdin.
- Description
- A vibrant and entertaining adaptation of the classic tale, this production features captivating performances and delightful songs. Audiences can expect a lively portrayal of Aladdin's adventures, filled with humor, adventure, and memorable characters that leap off the stage. The talented cast brings a fresh twist to a beloved story, making it appealing for all ages.
- Where
- Merthyr Tydfil | More Info : Aladdin by Merthyr Performance Company
Merthyr Tydfil Other Holiday Activities
Brecon Mountain Railway – Santa Special
- What to Expect
- Steam train ride to Santa's grotto with festive entertainment.
- Description
- Travel by steam train from Pant Station to Pontsticill to meet Santa in his grotto, where every child receives a special gift. Enjoy festive refreshments and entertainment by 'Gizmo' amidst the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park.
- Where
- Brecon | More Info : Brecon Mountain Railway – Santa Special
Dark Run - Ty Hafan Children's Hospice @ Cyfarthfa Park
- What to Expect
- Spooky fun run with glowing elements and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Description
- Join Ty Hafan Children's Hospice for a family-friendly 2.5k spooky fun run at Cyfarthfa Castle, offering stunning views of the lake and a spooky yet enjoyable experience.
- Where
- Merthyr Tydfil | More Info : Dark Run - Ty Hafan Children's Hospice @ Cyfarthfa Park
Trago Merthyr - Bike & Trike - Monthly Event
- What to Expect
- Monthly gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts.
- Description
- Join motorcycle enthusiasts at Trago Merthyr for an exciting evening of bikes and trikes, a monthly event where enthusiasts can meet and share their passion for riding.
- Where
- Merthyr Tydfil | More Info : Trago Merthyr - Bike & Trike - Monthly Event
Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens
- What to Expect
- Historical mansion decorated with 500 years of Christmas traditions.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas at Tredegar House & Gardens with twinkling lights, over 80 decorated trees, and a journey through 500 years of festive traditions.
- 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
- Cwmbran | More Info : Brunch with Santa at Llandegfedd Lake
Garden of Wales Winter Light Trail, National Botanic Garden of Wales
- What to Expect
- Illuminated winter flower display in a botanical garden setting.
- Description
- The Garden of Wales Winter Light Trail at the National Botanic Garden of Wales features a stunning display of winter flowers and illuminated pathways, showcasing the garden's beauty in a unique and captivating way.
- Where
- Llanarthne | More Info : Garden of Wales Winter Light Trail, National Botanic Garden of Wales
Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive scenes with Santa and his reindeer.
- Description
- At Swansea Winter Wonderland, immerse yourself in a festive environment featuring polar bears, penguins, and snowmen. Explore the snowy kingdom, see Santa's sleigh being loaded, and meet Father Christmas. Enjoy interactive scenes and receive a Christmas present if you've been on the 'GOOD' list.
- Where
- Swansea | More Info : Swansea Winter Wonderland and Grotto
Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with special guests and festive feasts.
- Description
- Join Speedboat Santa at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs for a unique holiday celebration featuring festive feasts and special guests.
- Where
- Cardiff | More Info : Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs
Nos Galan Races
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of athletic competition and cultural celebration.
- Description
- The Nos Galan Road Races in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, are a renowned annual event celebrating Welsh runner Guto Nyth Brân. The races feature various categories, including elite and fun runs, and attract over 1,700 competitors and 10,000 spectators each year. The event includes a memorial service, a mystery runner carrying the Nos Galan torch, and a spectacular fireworks display.
- Where
- Mountain Ash | More Info : Nos Galan Races
Mari Lwyd and New Year Walk In
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of traditional Welsh folklore and community interaction.
- Description
- The Mari Lwyd is an ancient Welsh folk custom where participants carry a decorated horse's skull on a pole, accompanied by torches, to visit homes and establishments in Llanwrtyd Wells. They sing verses and engage in a series of challenges to gain admission, culminating in refreshments and celebrations.
- Where
- Llanwrtyd Wells | More Info : Mari Lwyd and New Year Walk In
Coral Welsh Grand National
- What to Expect
- Challenging winter conditions and historic names like Native River and Potters Corner.
- Description
- The Coral Welsh Grand National is a prestigious steeplechase event held at Chepstow Racecourse, featuring high-quality racing and a festive atmosphere with wood-fired pizzas and a prosecco bar. The event attracts thousands of visitors and is a significant day in Welsh racing history.
- Where
- Chepstow | More Info : Coral Welsh Grand National