Festive Events North Wales | Christmas Markets, Santa Trains & Family Fun
Published on 10 Nov 2025 by Amy GreenwoodThe festive season in North Wales is nothing short of magical. Picture cosy pubs with roaring fires, castles glowing at night, and Eryri’s snow-dusted peaks rising in the distance. Sounds perfect, right?
Whether you’re hunting for handmade gifts, planning a festive family day out, or simply soaking up the seasonal atmosphere, there’s plenty happening in every corner of North Wales. Think Christmas markets, magical light trails, Santa trains, and festive fun for all the family!
What’s On This Festive Season?
There’s no shortage of Christmas sparkle in North Wales this winter! Attractions such as Portmeirion and Zip World are getting festive with fabulous seasonal events, while Cadw and the National Trust are spreading cheer with lavishly decorated houses, twinkling light trails and family-friendly fun.
Take your pick from Christmas markets, hands-on crafts and nostalgic steam train experiences.
Are there any big Christmas events worth travelling for?
Absolutely. North Wales hosts a number of popular events that draw visitors from far and wide. The Portmeirion Christmas Fair (5th-7th December) is one of the highlights. Expect artisan stalls filled with Welsh produce, handmade gifts, delicious food and drink, and plenty of family entertainment.
The Llandudno Santa Dash is a feel-good family event that even the dog can be part of! The 5km route takes you along the beautiful seafront of Llandudno’s North Shore. You can walk, jog, or run. All participants receive their own Santa suit to wear and a well-deserved medal at the finish line.
Now in its fifth year, Zipmas at Zip World (from 21 November) is truly one-of-a-kind. Venture underground via cable railway to discover a festive wonderland in the Victorian slate mines – complete with light maze, Santa’s workshop, and a magical grotto. Because Zipmas is held deep underground, it’s completely weatherproof – making the perfect escape from the winter wind and rain!
Where can we go Christmas shopping?
If you’d rather avoid city centre crowds and enjoy a more laid-back Christmas shopping experience, you’re in luck.
Head to Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula for a mix of high-street favourites – Fat Face, White Stuff, and Crew Clothing – alongside stylish independents such as First Light, Boudicca, Templeton Jones, and lifestyle store Kin & Co.
In Criccieth and Porthmadog, browse for art, antiques, and ceramics. Oriel Criccieth offers unique, affordable gifts. In Porthmadog Glosters is perfect for beautiful handmade pottery and Welsh-made gifts, while Siop Fawr offers three floors of gifts and homewares, stocking big brands such as Sophie Conran, Emma Bridgwater and Smeg, alongside Portmeirion pottery. There’s even a café for a quick pit stop.
For a magical festive evening, head to Castell Harlech on Saturday 29th November. Join the candlelit parade and carol singing before hitting the high street for some late-night Christmas shopping in the town’s fabulous independent stores.
In Caernarfon, Fron Goch Garden Centre is a Christmas treasure trove bursting with decorations, gifts, toys and edible treats. You can even stop for lunch or coffee between browsing.
Christmas markets worth visiting include Conwy Harbour @ Christmas (20–23 November), Glynllifon Craft & Food Fair (15–16 November), Nant Gwrtheyrn Christmas Fair (29 November), and Beaumaris Christmas Extravaganza (29–30 November). In December, the Abersoch Christmas Festival (5–6 December) features a market, lantern parade, and plenty of festive fun.
These local markets are perfect for finding unique, handmade gifts while supporting Welsh artisan makers.
What about festive fun that the whole family will enjoy?
The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways ‘Steaming into Christmas’ events offer a wonderful dose of festive nostalgia for all ages. Board beautiful vintage steam trains from Porthmadog or Caernarfon and meet Santa – or Sion Corn as he’s known in Welsh – and his elves as you glide through Eryri’s wintry landscapes. Children can enjoy gifts and festive treats, while grown-ups relax with mulled wine and mince pies and take in those glorious mountain views. There’s also a chance to meet the big man himself in his magical Christmas Carriage Grotto at Porthmadog Harbour Station.
Manorafon Farm Park in Abergele has two fantastic events this season. At the ‘Santa Adventure’ little ones can meet Santa in his grotto, decorate gingerbread biscuits and visit the magical Coin Exchange. At ‘Winterfest’ step into a magical Christmas light trail filled with sparkling displays, dazzling circus performances and festive fun for the whole family.
Santa’s Magical Christmas Light Trail at Llyn Brenig also offers a stunning light trail and grotto where children can meet Santa, and share their Christmas wishes, before receiving a special gift.
In Conwy, Cadw is hosting a children’s Christmas trail at Castell Conwy so families can enjoy a little history alongside some festive fun. In Caernarfon, Fron Goch, has a variety of events running in the coming weeks including donkey weekends during November, and festive craft sessions – perfect for entertaining little ones while the adults sneak in a spot of Christmas shopping.
Do We Need to Book in Advance?
Some events – especially the Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair and Welsh Highland Railway’s Santa Trains – can sell out fast, so booking early is a must. For smaller markets or outdoor events, you can usually just turn up on the day, but it’s always worth checking event pages for timings, parking details, entry costs, and dog-friendly information.
Plan Your Festive Stay
Make a weekend of it and explore more of North Wales this winter. From cosy stone cottages with crackling log fires, to seaside boltholes with spectacular views, Dioni’s holiday cottages are perfect for a pre-Christmas getaway.
