Calon Cymru recommends... magical activities for the whole family

It's nearly December, so it's time to start planning for a festive season to remember! From free activities to paid experiences, here are some of our top recommendations for making it a magical Christmas for the whole family. Prior to booking any paid-for activities, don't forget to look for discounts available on Grapevine and with your Blue Light Card!

Light Trails

Light trails are interactive experiences that stimulate the senses. They offer an imaginative journey, providing an opportunity for creativity and exploration for all the family! Here are 3 of our favourites:

• National Botanic Garden of Wales Winter Light Trail – until 24^th December. Explore the magical mile-long light trail at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Enjoy the journey through the always beautiful grounds with its captivating lights, interactive elements, and ambient music.

• Luminate Wales at Margam Park – until 31^st December. Experience the magical trail of light at Margam Country Park and Castle! With interactive displays and a variety of food and drink options, including mulled wine, marshmallows, and street food catering, you're sure to stay entertained.

• Christmas at Bute Park – until 1^st January. Bute Park's award-winning light trail is back, the central Cardiff park is home to the UK's most popular light trail outside of London and this year the route has been extended to be bigger and better than ever.

Christmas Markets

There are countless fairs and markets taking place across all of Wales this month. From small craft fairs and farmers' markets to large-scale events it’s impossible to name them all, so here are two of our favourites:

• Aberglasney Winter Fair – 1^st - 3^rd December. The Aberglasney Winter Fair is hosted in the stunning Aberglasney Gardens and features over 100 exhibitors. From artists, makers, crafters, and designers, you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind gifts as well as handmade decorations, art, homeware, and artisan food.

• St Donat’s Castle Christmas Fayre – 2^nd & 3^rd December. We love this fayre so much, that we will be there! As well as festive shopping, you can find refreshments, along with a family magic show, a live band, and face painting. For an additional cost, the children can visit Santa and receive a gift too! Advanced booking is required and there is an entrance fee. Join us and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

Live Entertainment

December provides plenty of live entertainment opportunities, from school plays to carol concerts, here are a few of our recommendations.

• Maggie’s Cardiff Christmas Concert by Candlelight at St Andrew’s Church – 1^st December. Join our friends at Maggie's for a festive evening of music. Hear performances from Cowbridge Male Voice Choir, St Philip Evans Catholic Primary School and Dare to Sing, and help support those affected by cancer in South East Wales.

• Go to the Panto – until the new year. If you're looking for some festive theatre fun, why not check out your local pantomimes? From Aladdin to Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella, there's sure to be something to entertain everyone this season. Visit your local theatre to find out what's on near you.

• A Winters Woodland Tale at Torch Theatre – 3^rd December. Experience the magic of Forest Fairies & Friends Theatre's Christmas production at Torch Theatre, Milford Haven! Join Fairy Holly as she experiences her first winter in the forest. The show starts at 11am, don't be late to the festive fun!

• Frozen Dance Party at Mumbles Pier – 7^th & 14^th December. Join Elsa and Anna for a Frozen Dance Party at Beach Hut Café on Mumbles Pier! Once you’re all danced out there’ll be opportunities to make frozen-themed crafts and have photos with the queens of Arendelle. The sessions run from 4:30pm-6pm on both days.

Christmas Fun at Museum Wales

Museum Wales is a family of seven museums spanning across all of Wales. They offer great learning opportunities and events year-round, but here are two of our festive favourites! 

• Big Waterfront Christmas at the National Waterfront Museum – 3^rd December. This free Swansea event offers live music, a special storytime with Santa, Christmas crafts, donkeys, and a life-sized polar bear lantern. Join in the festive fun between 12pm-4pm.

• Saturnalia at the National Roman Legion Museum – 9^th December. Experience the ancient Roman winter festival of Saturnalia! Meet a Roman Soldier and learn about how the festival was celebrated. Afterwards, visit the Caerleon Christmas Craft & Food Market and enjoy carols around the Christmas tree. The event is free entry and runs from 11am-4pm.

Festive Experiences

There are hundreds of festive experiences across South and West Wales this December! Here are some of our recommendations.

• The Royal Mint Christmas Experience – until 24^th December. Experience the magic of Christmas at the Royal Mint. You’ll start by posting your letter to Santa and watching special coins being made. Before meeting Santa in his grotto, taking a ride on the vintage funfair, and indulging in a Narnia-inspired afternoon tea.

• Meet the reindeer at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees – until 24^th December. Gower Fresh Christmas Trees offers the chance to visit Wales' largest reindeer herd! Whilst you’re there you can purchase Scandinavian moss for feeding and have lots of photo opportunities. For an additional cost, you can visit Santa in his grotto and of course, pick up your Christmas tree.

• Santa’s Toy Mine at Rhondda Heritage Park – until 24^th December. Visit Santa in his underground toy mine! Go underground to meet the big man and collect your magic star which you can exchange for a gift at the toy shop. For those who find it challenging to be in a heightened sensory environment, there are quiet sessions available.