As the holiday season nears, Christmas markets across North Wales open up, offering locals and visitors a warm and festive experience. With traditional crafts, local food, holiday lights, and historic settings, these markets bring out the Christmas spirit in a uniquely North Wales way. Here’s a look at some of the favourite Christmas markets happening in North Wales and the local area in 2024.
1. Glynllifon Craft and Food Fair 2024
Date: 16th and 17th of November 2024
Location: Castle Square, Caernarfon
Grab some artisan crafts for loved ones, perfect as Christmas gifts. There will be over 75 artisan craft and local food stalls, which will all be 100% Welsh. As well as spending the day finding the perfect gift, take a break to enjoy the locally produced food and drink, as well as live music and a visit to Santa’s Grotto in the wonderful Parc Glynllifon.
There will be a free shuttle bus service running every 20 minutes to and from Balaclava Road Caernarfon, if you are looking for a way to transport here. Entrance fee is just £1.
2. Colwyn Bay Christmas Market
Date: 8th December 2024 at 11 am till 5:30pm
Location: Stadium CSM, Eirias park, , Colwyn Bay
Local to Colwyn Bay? You can look forward to a range of festive stalls, with gifts, food and crafts available to browse and shop as the Colwyn Bay Christmas Markets welcome the start of December’s festivities. There will also be delicious food and drink available, plus entertainment will be held throughout the day.
3. Mold Christmas Market
Date: 8th December 2024
Location: Mold High Street, Daniel Owen Square & Centre
Mold Christmas market offers the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and holiday treats. Enjoy seasonal food and drinks and festive crafts, as well as a special visit by Santa himself! During your visit, you can also enjoy live music performances and entertainment throughout the day to help kick off the festive spirit.
Take a step inside a Winter Wonderland with a giant snow globe too!
4. Chester Christmas Markets
Date: 15th November till 22nd December 2024
Location: Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire
Get ready for a magical Christmas in Chester! This year, Chester Christmas Market returns to the city centre, bringing festive cheer with 70 unique traders set around the town hall, the new arcade, and the forum, all gathered around the sparkling tree. From handmade crafts and jewellery to accessories and stocking stuffers, you’ll find the perfect gifts among the locally made pieces on offer. Embrace the holiday spirit and treat yourself to a festive experience at Chester Christmas Market
5. Ruthin Christmas Extravaganza 2024
Date: 30th November 2024 at 10am – 4pm
Location: Ruthin Gaol, Clwyd Street
Previously shortlisted for Go North Wales Event of the Year in 2023, the Ruthin Christmas Extravaganza, with approximately 200 stalls! There will also be a free shuttle bus stopping at all the market locations. Grab some festive food, Christmas gifts and enjoy a day enjoying the Christmas festivities.
6. Snowdonia Christmas Market – Betws-y-Coed
Date: November 30th and December 1st 2024
Location: Royal Oak Hotel in Betws-y-Coed
The Snowdonia Christmas Market brings together top local businesses to showcase the best of the Snowdonia region. With local and sustainable food and drink available, meet bakers, brewers, potters, jewellers, painters and lots more!
7. Portmeirion Food & Craft Festival
Date: 1st to 3rd December 2024
Location: Portmeirion Village, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth
The town of Portmeirion is a popular visitor attraction due to its beautiful architecture and surrounding mountain views. The colourful streets create a wonderful picture, and just imagine how it would look when showcasing Christmas! At the Portmeirion Food and Craft Festival, you can enjoy artisan food stalls, local Welsh crafts, where you may find the perfect gift and support small businesses.
8. Beaumaris Artisans’ Christmas Market
Date: 23rd November to 24th November 2024
Location: Rating Row, Beaumaris LL58 8AL
A one-stop destination to find the perfect Christmas gift, taste some festive treats and also start your Christmas festivities ready for December. Dogs are welcome with leads on. There will be stalls with handmade crafts and gifts, so whether you’re looking for some decorations for your home or a special gift for loved ones, you’ll find them here.
Tips for Visiting
Check Dates and Times: Each market operates on different days, so be sure to plan your visits in advance. You can view dates of all the Christmas Markets listed above.
Dress Warmly: North Wales can get quite chilly in December, so bring those extra layers to keep you warm as you explore the markets.
Support Local Artisans: These markets are a fantastic opportunity to support small businesses and local crafters.
Consider Public Transport: Many of these markets are set in small towns where parking can be limited, so public transport may be a good option. As mentioned above, some offer free shuttle buses to and from the markets.
Why Visit the Christmas Markets in North Wales?
The Christmas markets in North Wales provide a true taste of the region’s heritage, offering a perfect blend of festive cheer, artisanal craftsmanship, and local flavours. Visitors will find an assortment of traditional Welsh products such as handcrafted wool, pottery, slate crafts, and delicious holiday treats. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, gourmet foods, or simply a festive day out, each market has something special to offer.
Hopefully this has given you a good idea on which Christmas Markets in North Wales you’ll be visiting this year. We hope you have a wonderful time – Merry Christmas!
