Explore the joy of the holidays in Newport with our event guide. For Newport regulars and one-time guests, our guide is your compass through the winter wonderland.
Among the must-see attractions, the Newport Christmas Market fills the streets with festive cheer and artisanal stalls. Step into history and holiday spirit combined with the Christmas at Tredegar House, showcasing timeless traditions and decorative opulence. And the Caerleon Christmas Fayre is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering unique gifts and local flavors. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Newport
- Newport Christmas Market
- Christmas at Tredegar House
- Newport Christmas Light Switch-On
- Carols on the Doorstep
- Christmas Extravaganza at The Neon
- Christmas Concert by Newport Orchestra
- Festive Crafts at Newport Museum
- Festive Film Night at Cineworld Newport
- Holiday Ice Skating at Celtic Manor Resort
Newport Holiday Light Displays
Newport Christmas Light Switch-On
What to Expect:
Community-driven light display featuring local talent
Description:
Newport's Christmas Light Switch-On illuminates the city with a dazzling display of community spirit. Unlike typical light ceremonies, this event showcases performances by local choirs, dance troupes, and musicians leading up to the grand switch-on. The lights themselves tell the story of Newport's history, with designs inspired by the city's industrial heritage and natural landmarks. You can join in a community sing-along of traditional Welsh carols, adding your voice to the joyous atmosphere. The event pays homage to Newport's long-standing tradition of public gatherings in the city center, dating back to medieval times.
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Newport Christmas Light Switch-On
Newport Holiday Markets and Shopping
Newport Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Fusion of Welsh and international holiday traditions
Description:
Newport Christmas Market transforms the city center into a bustling hub of holiday cheer. Stroll through rows of charming wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights, offering a blend of traditional Welsh crafts and international holiday treats. Sample local delicacies like Welsh cakes alongside German bratwurst, reflecting Newport's rich maritime history as a trading port. You can create your own personalized ornament at one of the craft stalls, adding a unique touch to your holiday decorations. The market's layout is inspired by medieval Welsh town squares, providing a glimpse into the area's architectural past.
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Newport Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols on the Doorstep
What to Expect:
Citywide synchronized caroling event
Description:
Carols on the Doorstep unites Newport in a harmonious celebration of holiday spirit. At a designated time, residents across the city step onto their doorsteps to sing carols in unison, creating a powerful chorus that echoes through the streets. This unique event brings neighbors together while maintaining social distancing. You can download the specially curated songbook featuring both classic carols and lesser-known Welsh holiday tunes. The tradition draws inspiration from Newport's strong choral heritage, which dates back to the 19th-century Welsh revival movement.
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Christmas Extravaganza at The Neon
What to Expect:
Retro-themed holiday variety show
Description:
The Christmas Extravaganza at The Neon whisks you back to the golden age of variety shows. This retro-inspired spectacular features a lineup of acts that blend nostalgia with contemporary flair. From comedians delivering holiday-themed stand-up to acrobats performing gravity-defying feats, the show dazzles with its diverse talents. The theater's art deco architecture provides a fitting backdrop for this throwback celebration. You can participate in a pre-show ugly sweater contest, embracing the quirky spirit of the event. The Neon has been a cornerstone of Newport's entertainment scene since the 1930s, and this extravaganza honors that rich history.
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Christmas Extravaganza at The Neon
Christmas Concert by Newport Orchestra
What to Expect:
Fusion of classical and contemporary Welsh holiday music
Description:
Newport Orchestra's Christmas Concert presents a unique blend of traditional carols and contemporary Welsh holiday compositions. The orchestra's skilled musicians breathe new life into familiar tunes while introducing audiences to lesser-known Welsh holiday music. The concert's centerpiece is a specially commissioned piece that incorporates themes from Newport's industrial past. You can join in singing a Welsh-language carol, guided by the orchestra. This event celebrates Newport's long-standing musical tradition, which has been an integral part of the city's cultural identity since the 19th century.
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Christmas Concert by Newport Orchestra
Festive Film Night at Cineworld Newport
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday film experience with themed activities
Description:
Festive Film Night at Cineworld Newport elevates the movie-going experience with interactive elements that bring holiday classics to life. Before the screening, the lobby transforms into a themed wonderland based on the featured film. Actors in costume mingle with the crowd, creating memorable photo opportunities. The air fills with the scent of freshly popped popcorn mixed with hints of cinnamon and spice. You can participate in a trivia contest about the film's production and history, testing your cinema knowledge. This event builds on Newport's long-standing love affair with cinema, which dates back to the opening of the city's first picture house in 1910.
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Festive Film Night at Cineworld Newport
Newport Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Tredegar House
What to Expect:
17th-century mansion decorated in period-specific holiday style
Description:
Tredegar House, a stunning 17th-century mansion, dons its holiday best with decorations authentic to various periods of its long history. As you explore the grand rooms, you'll witness how Christmas celebrations evolved over the centuries. The Great Hall boasts a towering tree adorned with ornaments crafted using traditional techniques. In the kitchen, staff demonstrate historical holiday recipes, filling the air with spicy aromas. Tredegar House played a significant role in the industrial revolution, and the holiday displays incorporate elements of this heritage. You can participate in a Victorian-era parlor game, immersing yourself in Christmases past.
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Festive Crafts at Newport Museum
What to Expect:
Hands-on crafting workshops inspired by local history
Description:
Festive Crafts at Newport Museum offers a unique opportunity to create holiday decorations inspired by the city's rich history. Expert craftspeople guide participants through workshops that blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs. From making Victorian-style paper ornaments to crafting Celtic-inspired wreaths, each activity connects to a different era of Newport's past. The museum's galleries provide inspiration, with holiday-themed exhibits showcasing historical artifacts. You can try your hand at creating a miniature stained-glass window, inspired by those in Newport's medieval churches. This event highlights the often-overlooked craft traditions that have shaped Newport's cultural landscape for centuries.
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Festive Crafts at Newport Museum
Holiday Ice Skating at Celtic Manor Resort
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly outdoor ice rink with panoramic views
Description:
Holiday Ice Skating at Celtic Manor Resort offers a sustainable twist on a winter classic. The outdoor rink, constructed using innovative eco-friendly technology, provides a smooth gliding surface while minimizing environmental impact. Skaters enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Welsh countryside as they glide across the ice. The rink's design incorporates elements of Celtic art, paying homage to the region's ancient heritage. You can join a skating lesson led by professional instructors, honing your skills on the ice. Celtic Manor Resort stands on land that has been inhabited for over 2,000 years, adding a sense of historical continuity to this modern holiday activity.
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Holiday Ice Skating at Celtic Manor Resort
Nearby Events
Caerleon Christmas Fayre (Caerleon)
What to Expect:
Roman-inspired holiday celebration in an ancient town
Description:
Caerleon Christmas Fayre brings holiday spirit to this ancient Roman settlement. The event blends modern Welsh holiday traditions with nods to the town's Roman past. Local artisans sell handcrafted gifts in stalls lining streets that once housed Roman legionaries. The aroma of mulled wine wafts through the air, a reminder of the Roman love for spiced drinks. You can try your hand at making a Roman-style wreath, using materials that would have been available two millennia ago. Caerleon's rich history as one of Britain's most important Roman military sites adds a unique dimension to this holiday celebration.