DECEMBER is nearly here – and there’s no shortage of festive fun to be had in the Vale.

Let’s take a brief look at what’s on in Barry, Penarth, and throughout the Vale of Glamorgan during the 2023 festive season…

Christmas festival

Barry Christmas Festival runs from Thursday, November 30, to Saturday, December 2. It will be at Kings Square and Central Park, with Father Christmas switching on the Christmas lights at 6.30pm on November 30.

Between midday and 8pm during the festival there will be music, street entertainers, food and drinks, crafts, late night shopping (and Santa’s grotto on the Friday and Saturday). Fair rides will be at Holton Road pedestrian area throughout. More here.

Interactive show

The Christmas Experience at Forage Farm Shop  in Cowbridge runs from Friday, December 1, to Saturday, December 23. The loveable elf Mable will bring an interactive show, aimed at children from two to 11, with families invited to help her save Christmas.

Families can then visit Father Christmas at his workshop, with gifts for children under 14. Find out more or buy tickets at foragefarmshop.co.uk/christmas-at-forage/

Penarth Times: It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

Lantern parade and laser show

A Christmas lantern parade and laser show is coming to Llantwit Major on Saturday, December 2. The parade will start from Station Road and 6pm travelling to Llantwit Major Town Hall – there will be a festive laser show here at 7pm. All are welcome.

Nativity

A live nativity, O Holy Night, by Pukka Productions will be at Porthkerry Park in Barry on Saturday, December 2, with shows at 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Ticket holders must be able to walk the length of the park (approximately 1km) and wear warm clothes and suitable shoes.

Buy tickets online at rb.gy/z64zs5

Festive wonderland

‘Christmas in Penarth’ from 3pm on Thursday, December 14, will be a “festive wonderland” in the town centre. Local shops will stay open late and Santa’s workshop will include kids’ crafts, glitter tattoos, and snow machines. There will also be food and drink, live music, and a North Pole post office where youngsters can write to Father Christmas.

Penarth Times: A winter wonderland?

Festive fiesta

Clare Teal’s Festive Fiesta will see the singer (joined by Jason Rebello) return to Penarth Pier Pavilion on Friday, December 15. Doors open at 7pm with a 7.30pm start.

Find the full details and buy tickets online at https://rb.gy/z810hm

Children's Christmas disco

Penarth Pier Pavilion is also hosting a children’s Christmas disco on Sunday, December 17, from 11am to 1pm.

Children must be accompanied (with a maximum of two adults per child) with DJ Sparky Marky providing tunes – tickets include a Christmas cupcake and soft drink, party games, and a visit from Santa (plus there will be a prize for best Christmas jumper).

Buy tickets at https://shorturl.at/arvZ3

Pantomimes

Plenty of ticketed pantos are lined up in the Vale, including:

  • Puss in Boots at Penarth’s Paget Rooms (November 30 to December);
  • Jack and the Beanstalk at Barry Memo Arts Centre (December 13 to December 17);
  • Elves Overboard at Cowbridge Town Hall (December 16 to December 24).

You can find out more at https://shorturl.at/DFJKV (oh yes, you can!)

Penarth Times: Feeling festive?

Wait - there's more

Fonmon Castle in Barry is running the ‘Christmas experience’ up until Saturday, December 23, which you can read about at https://shorturl.at/tDST1 

There’s also plenty of ticketed festive events lined up at St Donat’s Castle – find out what’s on at uwcatlanticexperience.com/event/