Christmas Shopping in Betws Y Coed

Betws y Coed always seems to hold an enchanting feeling about it, set around luscious green forestry and beautiful views as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park. During Christmas time the village really does come alive, when visitors and residents truly celebrate the festive season in style. Being one of Britain’s first artists’ colonies, the products and crafts available certainly set the standard – and the entertainment is nothing short of fantastic during the village’s main event during the first week in December.

This event – Nadolig Betws y Coed Christmas – puts on entertainment especially for the kids with their very own Santa’s Campsite. The marquee is filled with art and craft activities, a snowman shy and Santa’s grotto at the far end. Of course, where would Santa be without his trusted elves on hand to lay out the entertainment and guide the children into the grotto to visit the Mr Claus himself? Next to the campsite you can meet the magical reindeers Dancer, Vixen and Cupid who have been waiting all year to meet everyone. The lantern parade which also follows as part of this event is always a highlight where some of the most amazingly shaped lanterns can be seen. The parade which begins at the Memorial Hall moves through the village and is a wonderful way to make your way to the community carol singers. Nothing says Christmas like carol singing around lanterns among a community in celebration.

To round of the Christmas event in Betws y Coed an exciting firework display can be seen on Cae Llan, in the centre of the village. Usually run on two nights of the event, the display is very entertaining and it certainly gives a magical finish to the event.

The shops are open late in the village during this time of the year, and you can purchase some of the best handmade and unique gifts and products in Wales. Originality in products has always been the area’s strong point in this beautifully situated village. A lovely little shop in the area that sells wonderful personal gifts is Candles Power. Often open late, this little candle shop creates works of art out of their products that are handmade to your order. Catering for all seasons, Chris and Ash have been professionally pouring, hand crafting and personalising candles for almost 30 years and they even created a candle for Pope John Paul on his visit to Wales.

Galeri Betws y Coed Gallery exhibits leading works of art by some of the most talented artists in Wales. Their work, consisting of originals, photography, framed and unframed prints, aims to deliver quality art to the people and visitors of Wales. During the Christmas celebration, the works of art are on display, showing the best of what Wales has to offer. The gallery also has original handmade jewellery on show throughout the year, which might make shopping a little easier when it comes to choosing something a little special.

Perhaps a sweet treat from Cwmni Cacen Gri might make an ideal gift for you. This little Welshcake company sources their ingredients locally and so they promise that you can’t get fresher. All the cakes are baked daily and the variety will make you want to take the lot home. Also a great place to stop off from shopping and grab a bite to eat, the cake shop is a very satisfying visit.

Being an area so fond of the outdoors, Betws y Coed is never short of outdoor clothing shops. So if what you’re looking for is the perfect winter wear for the outdoors, you’ll definitely be coming to the right place. All over the village you’ll find a variety of shops brimming with high quality clothing and gear for all the family. With everything from safety equipment to camping and adventure equipment there’s nothing you’ll have to go without in this one-stop village for outdoors equipment.

The village is stunning through all seasons but Christmas time in Betws y Coed certainly holds a magical feel about it. The atmosphere of late night shopping in the area is something unique, especially in the gateway to Snowdonia where Christmas is so special.

Betws Y Coed | Location Map

[mappress mapid=”54″]