What’s On : Our Local Christmas Markets and Fairs 2015

What better than to take a pre-Christmas break to relax and re-charge before things get really busy! Enjoy the crisp late Autumn and early Winter weather in this beautiful part of Wales, with its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and hidden wooded valleys below the spectacular Preseli mountains.

Better still, you could combine it with visiting some of the many Christmas Markets and Fayres – perfect for purchasing some local handmade gifts, to make Christmas present-giving that bit more special.

There are a multitude of artisan foods, crafts, arts and gifts available to purchase, and you also get to soak up the atmosphere of the special locations some of these Christmas events are held in.

Here’s a list of some of the most popular Christmas Markets and Fayres near us here in West Wales, some close by, and some a little further afield – perfect for combining with a day out! (Click the link in each section for more information)

Scolton Manor Winter Fayre – 14^th & 15^th Nov 10am-4pm

Scolton Manor is hosting their annual Winter Fayre with various stalls including local produce and food, arts, crafts, gifts and those all important Christmas decorations. Combine this with a visit to the Victorian manor house itself, with a museum, award winning visitor centre, period rooms, railway displays, farming exhibition, costumes, stables and rural crafts, art exhibitions, World War 2 homefront exhibition, honey kitchen & beekeeping centre, as well as 60 acres of country park and woodland.

FLEat Market, Cardigan Small World Theatre – 15^th Nov 11am-2pm

Enjoy this quirky Flea market with Eats at the Small World Theatre in Cardigan! With a winter theme there will be stalls showcasing designers, artists, bakers and makers, plus buskers and storytelling – shabby chic, vintage clothing, music, crafts and jewellery, plus delicious foods to eat in or take away.

Picton Castle Victorian Christmas Fair – 21^st & 22^nd Nov 10am-5pm

Enjoy the stately Picton Castle as it’s transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s paradise. There will be a host of local arts, crafts and foodie delights on offer, with over 50 stalls packed full of gorgeous gifts lining the corridors and staterooms of the 13th Century Castle and surrounding buildings within the Courtyard. There will also be a Food Hall on the north lawn, and music from the Penfro Minstrels and the Salvation Army Brass Band.

Pembroke Castle Christmas Market – 27^th – 29^th Nov

This is a great chance to combine this with a visit to the excellent Pembroke Castle, with its walls, turrets, dungeons and exhibitions. This year the market will offer over 60 stalls selling gifts, toys, local produce, clothing and jewellery. Santa will arrive at 6.30 on Friday evening and will be in his grotto between 11am & 4pm on Sat and Sun. Also there will be music from local school carol singers and musicians, and the Castle will be illuminated at night for an extra special magical atmosphere. Event opening times are Fri 27^th 10am-8pm, Sat 28^th 10am-7pm, Sun 29^th 10am-4pm.

Castell Henllys Christmas Fair – 29^th Nov 11am-3pm

Soak up the unique atmosphere of this reconstructed Iron Age Hill Fort and tick a few items off your Christmas Present shopping list at the same time. There will be stalls brimming with gifts and goodies, and the chance to meet Santa or one of his elves, with carol singing at 2pm.

Llanerchaeron Christmas Fair – 5^th & 6^th Dec 11am-4pm

This elegant National Trust Georgian villa near Aberaeron has remained remarkably unaltered for over 200 years and includes a farm, walled kitchen garden, pleasure grounds and lake. The house includes a service courtyard with dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house for a true flavour of the ‘upstairs, downstairs’ experience.
Their Christmas Fair promises a weekend of mince pies, mulled wine, over 70 local food and craft stalls, plus a visit from Father Christmas and a treasure hunt for children.

The Coach House Visitor Centre & St Dogmaels Abbey – 6^th Dec 11.30am-4.30pm

This popular Christmas Fair in nearby St Dogmaels is a real family treat. In addition to the 50 local craft, gift and food producer’s stalls to browse there will also be activities and entertainment. Free activities for children include giant water zorbing on the duck pond, adventure caving, and a magic lantern making workshop. Father Christmas will be in his grotto and there will be live music and carol singing. The day will culminate with a magic lantern parade through the village, with carol singing, and the switching-on of the village’s Christmas lights.

Cardigan Guildhall Craft and Produce Fair – 10^th Dec 5-8pm

There will be a variety of craft and produce stalls in the Guildhall Courtyard, as well as Carols from local Primary Schools, and harp playing. This also coincides with Christmas late night opening in Cardigan, both for the shops and the stallholders in the Guildhall Market.

Cardigan Castle Christmas Fair – Sat 12^th Dec 11am-3pm

Make the most of a visit to the recently renovated Cardigan Castle with their Christmas Fair. There will be stalls selling crafts, gifts and delicious things to eat and drink, as well as fairground rides and a visit from Father Christmas.

Newport Memorial Hall Christmas Fair – 12^th Dec 10am-4pm

Browse the delicious Christmas goodies from local producers at the Farmers’ Market and get your Christmas presents at the beautiful local crafters’ stalls, whilst your children are making delightful Christmas crafts, being enchanted by our wonderful storyteller or having their face painted.

Kids craft activities include making festive Tutus (material provided but feel free to bring your own offcuts), Paracord Bands and Keyrings, Masks, Willow Weaving and more.

Narberth Winter Carnival – 12 Dec 10am-3.30pm

This popular market town with its independent shops is sure to give you plenty of opportunities to buy some gifts which are just that little bit more unique, with its local craft makers, independent brewers, handmade gifts, unique one off clothing items and more. The shops are open all day of course, and you can pop into the Winter Carnival as well to pick up items for last minute gifts, stocking fillers, top quality local produce for the Christmas Dinner and Christmas Day nibbles. Santa will be making a visit from Lapland and will be in his grotto in the Queens Hall Market from 11am at various times through the day.

So there is our selection of the best Christmas Fayres and Markets coming up in the next few weeks.

If you’re tempted by the thought of having a relaxing break here in picturesque West Wales before the busyness of Christmas descends, to enjoy our onsite leisure facilities – indoor heated pool, sauna and gym – and crisp Winter walks and some Christmas Shopping followed by a snug evening by the fire, then please do get in touch with us on 01239 615179, or check out our Availability and Special Offers on our website.