What's On in North Wales: Christmas Events
With autumn firmly underway and the evenings drawing in, it’s impossible to resist the allure of the festive period. We’ve rounded up some of the Christmas events in North Wales that we are most excited about below. From themed Christmas party nights to steam-train journeys through Snowdonia, you can browse them all here. If you’re looking for great places to do your Christmas shopping, take a look at our guide to Christmas Markets in North Wales.
Sold on the idea of a festive staycation over the Christmas and New Year period? Browse our rural cottages for a secluded stay in the countryside, or head for the coast and enjoy breezy, blustery beach walks before warming up by the fire. If you’re planning something special with the whole family, we’ve got a collection of properties big enough for all of you throughout North Wales.
Christmas Events in North Wales
Markets, light switch-ons, and so much more. Explore festive events in North Wales below.
Christmas Markets
Where? Various Locations
Dates: Throughout November & early December
From artisanal food and drink to handcrafted gifts, the range of Christmas markets throughout North Wales are a fantastic place to start your Christmas shopping and ease into the festive spirit. Explore our guide to the different dates and venues below.
Zipmas at Zipworld
Where? Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Wales, LL41 3NB
Dates: 20th November to 24th December
Embrace magical mayhem with countless underground activities at Zipworld’s annual Zipmas event. Make your own Christmas bauble, post letters to Santa, meet the elves and explore the glorious grotto.
Winterfest at Manorafon Farm Park
Where? Manorafon Farm Park, LL22 8ET
Dates: Throughout December
Based in Abergele, Manorafon Farm Park brings the best family-fun vibes in any season, and winter is no exception. They’re hosting a Christmas Light Trail for everyone to enjoy, with light tunnels, giant Christmas trees, performances from the ‘Christmas Circus’, and their very own onsite pub, the Elf & Reindeer. You’ll also be able to step into Santa’s Grotto and meet the main man himself.
Llandudno 5k Santa Dash
Where? The Pier, North Parade, Llandudno LL30 2LP
Dates: 5th December 2026, from 10:45 am.
There is nothing that gets us into the festive spirit quite like seeing hundreds of people from the local community taking on a 5k race, dressed in their finest Santa suits. Set to be great fun for spectators and participants alike, the Llandudno Santa Dash takes place on the first weekend in December.
Santa Trains – The Welsh Highland Railway
Where? Various experiences departing from Caernarfon & Porthmadog
Dates: Throughout December
Could there be anything more magical than boarding a steam train alongside Santa, and embarking on a journey through the mythical Snowdonia landscape? Perfect for families wanting to tap into some Polar Express enjoyment, the Welsh Highland Railway is running a series of fun-filled festive experiences that you can check out below.
Llangollen Illuminated Tractor Run
Where? Pavilion Field, Abbey Rd, Llangollen LL20 8SW
Dates: Sunday 6th December 2026
Perfect for little ones and lovers of tractors, the Llangollen Illuminated Tractor Run is a firm family favourite. Organised by the CFFI Llangollen Young Farmers Club (YFC), the run sets out from the Pavilion field at 5pm (which will be open with food, drink and other festivities from 3pm) and continues in a huge, festooned convoy throughout Llangollen and local villages. The event is free to attend and spectate, but donations for very worthy local causes are welcomed.
A cosy Christmas in North Wales
Empty beaches, frosty hills and pubs with fires crackling away. Winter is one of our favourite times to explore North Wales, and there’s more to it than the festive events. Find a cosy cottage for a Christmas escape or gather the family for a winter get-together.
