Christmas is a magical time of year for everyone, but none more so than for those who are planning to take a short break in Wales on the run up to the big day.

Not only do we have some quirky Welsh Christmas traditions that we like to celebrate, but we also have some fantastic Christmas markets in Wales that are well worth visiting if you are looking to find some unique gifts or fully get yourself into the festive spirit. 

Offering traditional crafts, local delicacies and festive entertainment, here are just a few of the many great Christmas markets in Wales that are simply unmissable on the run up to the 25th December:

1. Beaumaris Victorian Christmas Market

30th November – 1st December 2024 – Beaumaris

Step back in time for a Dickensesque festive vibe when you head to the ever popular Beaumaris Victorian Christmas Market on the weekend of the 30th November to the 1st December. 

Alongside the many stalls selling festive décor and potential gifts for loved ones, you will also be able to enjoy taking part in whimsical Welsh Christmas traditions, live entertainment and heart warming charity initiatives which are very much in keeping with the spirit that Charles Dickens looked to engender with his ‘A Christmas Carol’ tale. 

Other key attractions at the event include Father Christmas in his Grotto, a fun Elf shop and a festive parade which will march through the streets at 5pm on each day. It is a Christmas Market in Wales that you can not afford to miss if you love this time of year. 

2. Ruthin Christmas Extravaganza

30th November 2024 – Ruthin, Denbighshire

Making a welcome return in 2024 is the Ruthin Christmas Extravaganza which was shortlisted for the Go North Wales Event of the Year in 2023. This year it is set to be bigger than ever before, with up to 200 stalls spread across 7 different locations across the town, making it the biggest Christmas Market in North Wales.

Once again this year, Father Christmas will be making an appearance offering children free appointments to discuss their Christmas wishes. However, with over 6,500 attendees last year, you will have to arrive early to avoid disappointment with the market set to be open between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 30th November only.

If you are happy to take on the crowds, then you will be able to explore a fabulous array of stalls selling everything from arts & crafts items to exquisite local foods and drinks, all of which will make for truly unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Alongside boutique local businesses such as Uncle Peter’s Fudge (highly recommended), you will also be able to meander through products sold by famed brands such as Aber Falls. 

3. Snowdonia & Local Christmas Market

30th November – 1st December – Betws-y-Coed

On the first Saturday of every month, the Royal Oak Hotel in Betws-y-Coed holds a local market which aims to provide local makers and producers with a platform from which to promote and sell their creations. 

 The market on the 30th November – 1st December this year will be their annual Christmas celebration. You can expect to find everything from alcoholic beverages and food items, all the way through to handmade jewellery, woodwork and knitted goods. It’s the perfect place to find a last minute Christmas gift for friends, family or even yourself on the run up to the 25th. 

 Another aspect of the market which makes it unique is that the pub encourages all traders to be as eco conscious as possible. In addition to promoting local produce which doesn’t require mass transportation, the pub also discourages the use of plastic bags and disposables. So, remember to take your own carrier bags with you to the event if you are planning on making a purchase.

4. Aberglasney Winter Fair

29th November – 1st December – Aberglasney Gardens, Carmarthenshire

Aberglasney Winter Fair returns once again to the Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire on the weekend of the 29th – 1st December. Held between the hours of 10am and 16:30pm, the show sees the famous gardens transformed into Christmas shoppers paradise with a collection of very carefully selected exhibitors made up of artists, crafters, bakers, brewers and much more besides. These really are the crème de la crème of the Anglesey region.

As you make your way around the gardens, you will be serenaded by the sound of local choirs and orchestras’ play all of your favourite Christmas tunes. You can also treat yourself to a mulled wine and a mince pie to top it all off at an event which is probably the most sophisticated Christmas Market in Wales

5. Conwy Christmas Market – Conwy Winterfest

15th – 18th December – Conwy

Held at the Conwy Harbour once again in 2024 will be the Conwy Christmas Market which is set to be held between 15th and 18th December right before the big day. This is the perfect event to visit if you are looking to get into the festive spirit in time for Christmas day with the event set to offer live music & entertainment, activities, games, crafts and plenty of stalls selling handcrafted gifts. 

The event is free to enter, but you may need to pay to take part in some of the activities on the day. If you are looking to stay warm amidst the December chills, then why not treat yourself to some of the sensational food and festive tipples that are sure to get you in the spirit of the season.