Here’s a round-up of the bookable Christmas events here in south Wales already in 2026
(Image: Media Wales Ltd)
Although the kids are just back at school and we haven’t had Halloween or Guy Fawkes Night yet, don’t slack off when it comes to booking your Christmas fun! Being prepared will pay off, you just have to remember where you put the tickets and write it on the calendar and then, it’s a stress free December with lots to do to make it super special.
If you want to get organised, we have created a handy guide of all the best events you can book now.
The list includes railways to pantos to light trails and so much more. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
We’ll add more dates and bookable events to this list as they go live, including Winter Wonderlands and more.
The Polar Express at Brecon
This must be Christmas in a nutshell for so many families. The popular movie starring Tom Hanks gets the Brecon Mountain Railway treatment this festive season as you choochoo through the gorgeous Bannau Brycheiniog. This trip is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by our talented staff on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas from Santa at the North Pole.
The two-hour trip runs from November 13 through to December 23. There are relaxed sessions, too. Prices from £5.30. Visit thepolarexpressbmr.wales
Christmas movie candlelit concert, Cardiff
On December 11, the London Concertante is performing its classic, candlelight concert, Christmas at the Movies, at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff celebrating some of the world’s most beloved Christmas films.
From the mischievous charm of Home Alone and Elf, to the heartwarming melodies of Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful Life, and The Polar Express, the concert promises to transport audiences straight into the heart of the festive season.
Tickets are on sale now for the London Concertante concerts and you can buy them, here.
Luminate, Margam Park
Margam Country Park Winter Light Trail is back with new designs for 2026 as Luminate Wales return with their popular trail. Filled with spectacular illuminations you can immerse yourself along the mile long walk with interactive elements for both kids and adults. They also have tasty treats and hot mulled wine available near the start of the trail, and then marshmallows for toasting on the fire pits and hot food caterers in the café courtyard. Tickets, here.
Santa’s Steam Train, Blaenavon
Santa’s Steam Train Adventure chugs into Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway on December weekends, starting Saturday the 5th.
On your journey expect cheeky elves and Mother Christmas before a visit from Santa to every family personally at their reserved table or private compartment, with a present for each child on his list.
During your journey, children can enjoy their gingerbread biscuit, juice, storybook, and activity book, while grown-ups tuck into a festive mince pie. Whether seated in an exclusive compartment or around shared tables, this journey is full of magic, laughter, and memories to treasure.
Prices from £9.95. Click here.
Forage Christmas Experience, Cowbridge
This farm shop and restaurant out in Penllyn has a wholesome Christmas Experience where you can watch elves saving Christmas, meet Santa and more character fun.
You will write letters to Santa, roast marshmallows on the open fire-pits, make a tree decoration to take home and make a bag of special food to give to Santa’s reindeers on Christmas Eve.
Dates for 2026 run on December 12 and 13 and from December 18-23. Get the latest, here.
The Royal Mint Christmas Experience
Meet Santa and his elves as you venture through an enchanting workshop and discover timeless tales of Christmas traditions that begin with a single coin. Included in the ticket price is; an immersive experience through Santa’s workshop, hosted by his elves, exclusive family time with Santa, a festive show, held at select times in the cafe and entry to The Royal Mint Experience exhibition.
Prices start from £5 for under 5s, £12.50 for adults. All the ticket options and more, here.
Zip World Grotto, Rhigos
At ZipWorld near Aberdare you can book a unique Christmas experience meeting Santa in his cosy grotto and recieve a special Welsh slate bauble to create your design. You’ll also get a pressie from the big man after writing him a letter.
Prices from £16, dates kick off November 21 until Christmas Eve. More information, here.
Welsh pantomimes
Various locations – click on venues for tickets.
Swansea Grand – Snow White starring Owain Wyn Evans, from December 5 to Janaury 3.
Cardiff’s New Theatre – Beauty and the Beast with Gethin Jones and Steve Speirs. From December 5 to Janaury 3.
Riverfront Newport – Cinderella on stage from 27 November to 31 December 2026.
The Lyric, Carmarthen – Dick Whittington is at the Lyric from December 10 – 28.
Milford Haven’s Boulevard Theatre – The Big Pembs panto is back with Peter Pan from December 10 until 31.
RCT’s Park & Dare and Aberdare Coliseum – This year’s RCT Theatres panto is Cinderella. At Aberdare from November 27 to December 6 and Treorchy from December 12-24.
YMa Pontypridd – Ponty’s first panto in ages is Jack and the Beanstalk from Pontypridd Theatre Company.
Christmas at Bute Park, Cardiff
Christmas at Bute Park is returning for 2026 with tickets already on sale. The popular festive transformation of Cardiff’s park has promised to be bigger, brighter and more magical than ever this year. There’s a new theme and you’ll journey through four enchanting worlds – Magic, Wonder, Hope and Joy.
Find out more, here.
