Free and low cost Christmas events in South Wales, 2024

We all know that this time of the year can be very expensive, between sorting out gifts for loved ones, meals out, socialising with friends and making magical memories with our kids, it all adds up and while there is nothing wrong with paying a bit more than usual for a special festive treat or grotto, it can feel like a financially exhausting time, but never fear there is plenty on and around South Wales that is free or low cost to help get the festival excitement going. 

* Light of Winter Free Light Trail, Cardiff, 14th Nov - 5th Jan

Brighten up your winter – experience 11 illuminated state-of-the-art light and sound installations across Cardiff city centre. Free to enjoy, the Light of Winter trail launches mid-November and runs through to the new year.

* Jolly Book Bank at Red Dragon Centre 8th Nov-5th Jan

Where families can give joy and get joy. It's simple: the Jolly Book Bank accepts donations of children's books in good condition and invites young visitors to either exchange or take a free book home of their choice. The initiative is supporting the Make A Smile charity

* Mrs Claus's Kitchen at Mermaid Quay, 30 Nov and 7, 14, 15 & 21st Dec

Families will be welcomed to Mrs Claus's Kitchen in Mermaid Quay, where they will take a seat for story time with Mr's Clause and some cheery Elves. During the session, children play immersive games, decorate a gingerbread biscuit and write a letter to Santa before leaving with a candy cane gift.

Session times are 11am – 11:40am
12pm – 12:40pm
1:00pm – 1:40pm
2:15pm – 3:00pm
3:15pm – 4:00pm

Event Location: Unit 13, in between Pavers and Fabulous Welshcakes
Please note – Mrs Claus Kitchen will run multiple sessions on the days the experience is open, and while there’s no need to pre-book, each session has limited spaces to ensure a truly magical experience for every child.

* Post letters to Father Christmas at The Little People Store, Rhiwbina, 16th Nov

On the 16th Nov at The Little People Store in Rhiwbina, the Christmas Elf, direct from the North Pole will be collecting letters in his magical post box to take to Father Christmas. A lovely festive setting and children receive a sticker saying their letter has been sent and some sweeties from the Elf.  

The post box is free but you can also opt for a personalised letter from Santa in the post for £5

* Countdown to Christmas, Newport City Centre with Gareth Gates & Fireworks 2:30-5:30pm 16th Nov

Starting at 2pm and finishing at 5:30 with a literal bang from the fireworks display, this is a very popular event. There will be live music ith Gareth Gates headlining, fairground rides, and celebrity guests, culminating in the official switching on of Newport city centre Christmas lights. There is also free parking in all council-owned car parks in the city centre from the 16th to the 31st Dec.

* Swansea City Christmas Parade, 17th Nov 5pm

A fantastic parade through the city centre streets, where you will see light-up reindeer, tractors, musicians, characters from much-loved films, floats, inflatables and most importantly, see Santa arrive in Swansea and switch on the Christmas lights throughout the city centre!

The parade starts at 5.00pm with an anticipated finish time of approximately 6.30pm at the end of the Kingsway. 

* Penarth Christmas Light Switch on, 17th Nov, 3-7pm

A packed stage of entertainment is planned, hosted by TV’s Laura Jane Jones and featuring Christmas favourites from the Tenovus Choir, Jools Jofrin Band, Monico, and Sophie Evans. Enjoy a day of festive fun. Live music, street theatre, rides, stalls, crafts, food & Drink.
Lights will be switched on at 6pm

* Santa's Postbox at ETO Kids store, Barry, 15th-1st Dec

From 15th November – 1 December, children (and parents) can pop down to ETO, a cosy community café to write and decorate their very own letter to Santa. Once they’ve created their masterpiece, they can post it straight into Santa’s special postbox. 

ETO will provide all the materials they need to let their creativity shine, they then pop it into Santa's Postbox. Then from the 2nd of December children can then return to the store to collect a personalised reply from Santa 

* Pontypridd Christmas light Switch on and Lantern Parade 22nd Nov

The event will feature children's fairground rides, children's entertainers, market stalls and live music from GTFM radio station. The lantern parade through the town centre starts at 6pm with the Christmas light switch on, on the main stage at 6:30pm

* Kids Christmas Crafting Masterclass with Talking Tables at John Lewis, Cardiff, 24th Nov, 11am-4pm

The perfect festive activity. Join Talking Tables for a fun session of crafting where they’ll be able to create their own Christmas cards and festive paper chains. The session includes all the materials necessary to get creative and personalise the designs: festive stickers, pom poms and Santa, Snowman or Reindeer cut-outs. Tickets are free and include complimentary materials. At the end of the event, kids can take their cards home with them. Booking required

* Cowbridge Christmas Parade, 24th Nov, 4pm

Cowbridge’s Christmas Parade is always a fantastic event and now features Lumi, a spectacular 10ft reindeer! There will be musical performances, and themed floats and everyone is invited to dress up

* Cardiff Bay Reindeer Trail opens Nov 30th - 5th Jan

The Cardiff Bay Reindeer Trail is a free bilingual activity that’s suitable for all the family, featuring eight willow-crafted reindeer scattered around Bay venues, including Mermaid Quay, The Red Dragon Centre and Senedd Cymru. There’s also a ninth digital reindeer, sponsored by Cardiff Harbour Authority, who’ll spring into life in Roald Dahl Plass via your smartphone.

Download a handy map from the website or pick up a paper version from participating attractions. 

* Norwegian Festival of Light at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay, 1st Dec, 4pm

Festival of Lights and Friendship, celebrating Cardiff’s enduring friendship with Norway. Everyone is welcome to start the Christmas season at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay for a special celebration with traditional Norwegian food and festivities.

* Santas Grotto at Pontypridd Museum Nov 30th, Dec 7 & 14th, 11-3pm

The Grotto runs from 11-3pm on Nov 30th & Dec 7&14th and entry to the grotto at Pontypridd Museum is free although donations to the Mayor's charity as welcome

* Big Waterfront Christmas, National Waterfront Museum, 1st Dec, 12-4pm

Enjoy the perfect feel-good festive afternoon, with an extra flurry of seasonal sparkle.
Featuring real little donkeys, a beautiful life-sized polar bear lantern, sure to warm our festive spirits. Festive kid's crafts, Music to bring good cheer, Youth Dance performance and a special storytime with Santa

*Christmas Concert with Barry Ladies Choir at Holy Trinity Hall, 3rd Dec, 7-8pm

Entry is free but donations are welcome. Joined by the Capella group, Spectrum Singers, Barry Ladies Choir will be presenting a festive evening featuring a mix of songs from musicals, Welsh classics, popular music and plenty of Christmas cheer. The concert will also feature solos from local music students.

* Christmas Carol Evening at Caerphilly Miners Community Centre, 4th Dec, 7-9pm

Enjoy an evening of Christmas cheer with carols, readings, and Christmas songs! Refreshments are available and free entry. Donations to the food bank welcome

* Garth Mountain Bauble Trail near The Garth Pub, opening date TBC

An annual event that sees villagers decorate a mountain path with beautiful baubles, we went last year and it's lovely. You can also make a small charity donation at the pub just before the bauble walk.

*Pontyclun Christmas Fayre with Free Grotto, 7th Dec, 1-5pm

Back for it's 9th year, the fayre will have around 75 market stalls, food and drink stalls, crafts, games and fairground rides, the fayre is a great family treat. Children can also visit Santa in his grotto (free), singalong with the choirs or try some games, there is something for all at Christmas in Pontyclun

* Festive Film - A child's Christmas in Wales at Swansea Museum 8th Dec, 2pm (English) & 3pm (Welsh)

Escape the festive hustle and bustle and cwtch up with this heartwarming animation of Dylan Thomas’s classic. A young boy asks his grandfather, ‘What was Christmas like in your day?’ The old man's answer draws us into a fantastical, colourful and unexpected world when there were wolves in Wales, when mermaids swam in Swansea Bay and hippos trudged through the snowy town. (26 minutes)

* Storytime with Santa at McArthur Glen, Bridgend, Dec 7,14 & 21st 11am-3pm

Join Santa and his trusty elves every Saturday in December from 11am-3pm for storytime at his sleigh. Stories will be BSL interpreted by Santa's Elves. Free to all and no booking is necessary. 

* Carols at Oystermouth Castle, 14th Dec, starts midday

Come join in some festive cheer at Oystermouth Castle! The event is free, but any donations will be appreciated. This is a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit with family and friends, and to support the preservation of this historic site. If the weather is not suitable, this event may be moved to the Ostreme Centre.

* The Cosmeston Nativity, Cosmeston Country Park, Lakeside, 15th Dec, 4pm

This is an all age production which has grown its reputation in recent years. Cosmeston Lake Side, will be transformed to Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. Put on by The Eden Church, Penarth

Sunday 15th December 2024 4pm

* Grinch appearance at Mermaid Quay, 22nd Dec

Hate, hate, hate, double hate, loath entirely…. the Grinch is visiting Mermaid Quay this December! He will be joining us for four mischievous appearances on Sunday 22nd December.

Find him quayside at:11am – 11:20am
12pm – 12:20pm
1pm – 1:20pm
2pm – 2:20pm

Budget-friendly Christmas Events

* Santa's Grotta at Cowbridge Town Hall, 23rd & 24th Nov, 11am-2:45pm, £5

Bring your little ones for a magical meet & greet with Santa himself! Each slot includes a photo opportunity and a gift! £5 per child

* The Snowman film at Cardiff Museum 7th & 8th Dec £6 each

Festive Film Screening - The Snowman. There will be some fun with Father Christmas and Rudolph, then settle back to watch a family Christmas favourite ‘The Snowman’. The film is 26 minutes long although the whole experience will last an hour. Children will also receive a small token (something to help the reindeer fly). All children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult

* Santa's Green Grotto at Eto Kids Store, Barry, 7th Dec, 11-4pm, Booking essential £3

Visit this unique and sustainable Green Grotto at ETO Kids store in Barry where Father Christmas and his elves have been busy carefully selecting special preloved gifts for each child, ensuring that every present is filled with love and care. 

The grotto, is adorned with upcycled decorations that add a creative and eco-friendly touch to the holiday scene. Tickets are £3 and there are limited spaces so pre-booking is essential. 

* Elf Trail & Santa's Grotto at Morgan Quarter, Nov 23, 30 and Dec 7,14,21 £5 per child

Santa needs help. Five of his most mischievous elves have escaped from Santa’s Grotto, and they’ve been causing chaos around the Morgan Quarter…Now, we need help to find them.

Book now for an epic adventure through the Morgan Quarter, finishing up at Santa’s Grotto with a small treat. Tickets are £5 per child, which is donated to Noah's Ark Children's charity. Adults do not need to buy a ticket. 

* Elf Adventure Trail, Cardiff Museum, 30th Nov & 1st Dec, 10am-3pm, £4

Explore the museum in search of magical elf clues. Once completed, head back to the main hall to claim your Christmas Prize. £4 per trail
Limited tickets available

* Santa's Workshop at Friars Walk, Newport £4, every weekend from 7-22 December

Children will take part in a number of activities in Santa’s Workshop. Workshop activities will range from creating special reindeer food (to energise Santa’s sleigh team on Christmas Eve!), making a colourful sign for their bedroom door to make sure Santa stops to deliver their presents - and even creating special present bags! Along the way, children will be able to sort letters and parcels for Santa, putting parcels in the right boxes for delivery. Having completed their tasks, children will then meet Santa and receive a gift.

The Santa’s Workshop experience will cost £4 per child* with all proceeds donated to St David’s Hospice. Accompanying adults are free. Booking essential 

* Elf Show at the National Waterfront Museum 1st Dec, 1pm & 2:30pm, £2.5

With Christmas Day fast approaching and lots of festive jobs to do, Santa can always rely on his Head Elf, Jolly to get things done. However, not every Elf in the North Pole is as well-behaved, especially the mischievous Sprouts. Can you help Elf Jolly to keep things on track, as we countdown to Christmas with this fun filled, festive performance? Show duration 30 minutes

* Santa's Grotto at Caerphilly Miners, 14 &15th Dec, 10am-3pm,  £5 

Capture Magical Family Moments at Santa's Grotto!
Bring the family to meet Father Christmas for a festive photo and a special storytime, with a reading book gift in either Welsh or English. Pre-booking is essential.