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Upcoming Christmas Events in North Wales 2026
Holidaying in North Wales in the run up to the festive season is a truly magical experience with the region really coming alive with Christmas markets, Santa experiences and family friendly events galore. Whether you are looking for a traditional Christmas celebration or something a little more unusual, there are plenty of Christmas events in North Wales to look forward to.
To help you plan out your Christmas holiday in North Wales, we’ve put together a short list of some of the most highly anticipated Christmas events in North Wales for 2026 that we’d strongly advise putting into your North Wales holiday itinerary. Let’s start off with a truly magical train ride…
Welsh Highland Railway Santa Experience
Selected Dates in December 2026
You’ll feel as though you have been transported back in time when you jump aboard for the Welsh Highland Railway’s Santa Experience. Taking place on selected dates in December, this unique experience offers you the chance to travel on a vintage railway with plenty of treats and festive adventures to be enjoyed along the way.
Departing from Caernarfon Station at 10am and 2pm, families can settle into the comfortable and luxurious retro seating for a memorable journey through Snowdonia National Park, with Santa and his elves making an appearance on the train along the way. As the vintage locomotive makes its way through the spectacular North Wales landscape, Santa and his helpers will visit families and hand out gifts to most well-behaved children.
There is also a short stop at Rhyd-Ddu Station, providing an excellent opportunity for families to take photographs with Santa and his elves before the train begins its return journey to Caernarfon. There are plenty of other festive surprises to be expected along the way, making this an experience that should appeal to children and adults alike. The popularity of this incredible experience means that we’d strongly recommend booking ahead of time to avoid the disappointment of missing out.
Zipmas at Zip World
21st November to 24th December
For families searching for a North Wales Christmas event that is rather different from the traditional grotto, Zipmas at Zip World Llechwedd is pretty difficult to match. Running between the 21st November and Christmas Eve, this 2 hour adventure takes families deep underground into the historic slate caverns of Llechwedd. While that may sound slightly sinister, it is actually a truly magical experience as you’ll be told the story of Zipmas via the medium of immersive projection shows, explaining how Father Christmas conquered the Grump with the help of Ffion the Dragon. Along the way, families can meet Santa’s cheerful elves, explore the atmospheric underground tunnels and take part in a plethora of festive activities.
Children can decorate their own Welsh slate bauble, write a letter to Santa and travel via underground railway to his magical grotto. Once there, they can meet Father Christmas and receive a Christmas gift, while everyone can enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate, with a mince pie for adults or shortbread for children. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended on account of the underground environment.
Winterfest at Manorafon Farm Park
Selected Dates in December 2026
Manorafon Farm Park near Abergele is once again being transformed into a festive wonderland this December, with their annual Christmas celebrations offering plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.
Winterfest and Santa’s Adventure combine Christmas lights and festive entertainment with an opportunity to meet Father Christmas and his elves. Children can discover whether they have made Santa’s naughty or nice list, decorate gingerbread biscuits, visit the magical Coin Exchange and even help make food for Santa’s hungry reindeer.
The Sleigh Flying Academy is another highlight, with young recruits learning how to help Santa prepare his sleigh for take-off. There is also the option to add a Build a Bear experience onto the visit giving children the chance to create a special Christmas companion to take home as a memory of the event.
Manorafon’s has officially confirmed that its Christmas events will take place throughout December, with Santa’s Adventure running from 3pm until 9pm on selected dates with the last entry accepted at 7pm. We’d strongly advise checking the dates on their website and booking your tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Abersoch Christmas Festival
4th to 6th December
The first of the 2026 Christmas markets in North Wales to make our list is the Abersoch Christmas Festival which will be taking place between the 4th and 6th December. The weekend promises plenty of traditional festive entertainment, including Christmas songs from local choirs, a visit from Santa himself and activities that will keep the whole family engaged.
Visitors can get creative with lantern making before enjoying the atmosphere around this hugely welcoming town while Santa’s Grotto provides a chance for younger children to meet the big guy himself.
The celebrations are rounded off on the 6th December with a Christmas Tractor Parade, adding a suitably unique finale to the weekend’s festivities.
With Abersoch’s independent shops, cafes and coastal setting providing the backdrop, the festival is another great opportunity to combine some Christmas shopping with a festive day out on the Llyn Peninsula. Event details are subject to change from year to year, so it is well worth looking out for the latest information online before making the trip.
Conwy Winterfest
27th to 30th November
The medieval town of Conwy provides a spectacular setting for one of the most atmospheric and unique Christmas events in North Wales, with its annual Winterfest bringing festive entertainment to the historic town centre from 27th to 30th November.
You’ll feel as though you have travelled back in time 700 years for Christmas Markets with a distinctive medieval theme. As you explore the stalls, you’ll encounter armoured knights, sword fighting and peasants carrying blazing torches, while browsing stalls offering a wide selection of Christmas gifts, decorations, food and drinks.
There is plenty for families too, with Santa taking up his customary spot in the Jester Tower. Other festive attractions include Christmas craft fairs, face painting, lantern-making workshops and a festive lantern parade.
Local shops also get involved in the festivities with late-night shopping providing an opportunity to pick up Christmas presents from Conwy’s independent boutiques. Add festive food, mince pies and mulled wine to the experience and you have all the right ingredients for a memorable pre-Christmas day out.
Christmas Weekend at Marine Holiday Park
13th to 15th November
Marine Holiday Park will be hosting its very own Christmas event in North Wales from the 13th to the 15th November with a jam-packed line-up of family fun and entertainment. On Friday we’ll be giving the little ones to meet our Marine mascots and providing a number of fun activities at The Mariners Club from 4pm. From 10pm, the adults will be pleased to hear that we’ll be hosting a special festive bingo evening.
The headline event on Saturday 14th November will be our annual pantomime at The Mariners Club from 2pm, helping to get the whole family into the festive spirit. Prior to this at 11am, our Rhyl holiday home owners will be welcome to join us for a cake and coffee morning at our sales office which will provide you with the opportunity to meet like minded members of our Marine Holiday Park community.
While our holiday home owners indulge themselves, our holiday guests can head to our Sports Bar with their little ones where we are expecting to receive a special guest. From 11am families will have the special opportunity to meet the one and only Santa Claus and meet his reindeers, providing plenty of photo opportunities that will be cherished for years to come.
The weekend will round out with an appearance from 90’s tribute band East 17 who will be belting out a rendition of the classic Christmas hit ‘Stay Another Day’ from 9pm. This is alongside an earlier appearance at 8pm from local legend Nick the Lunatic who will aim to get you all on the dancefloor.
Enjoy a Festive Break in North Wales
With so many exciting North Wales Christmas events taking place throughout November and December, the region is an excellent destination for a festive getaway in the run-up to the big day. From travelling through Snowdonia with Santa via railway to exploring his underground Christmas grotto, there really is something for families of all ages this year.
Why not make the most of the festive season by booking a stay at a Pario Holiday Park? With resorts that are perfectly located for exploring the many Christmas events in North Wales, luxury accommodation, award winning on-site facilities and activities, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable Christmas break in North Wales.