There’s no doubt about it, it’s been a challenging year. Which is why for many of us, Christmas is extra special this year and offers the opportunity to finish the year on a high.
Even a global pandemic isn’t enough to stop Father Christmas visiting the Vale and bringing with him some festive joy! From drive-in pantos to a special visit at home from the big guy himself, there will still be a whole host of events for you to enjoy this Christmas.
Obviously, this year has had lots of changes and this list is correct as of Thursday, 3 December, double check before you book that everything is still going ahead as planned!
What’s on in the Vale this Christmas?
The Christmas Visit
The Christmas Visit is bringing the magic of Christmas straight to the doors of families in Barry, Penarth and the Vale! Snowflake the Elf and Father Christmas will perform a theatrical experience, as well as personalising each visit to the children that live there. Plus, they’ll also receive a gift and a ‘Good List’ certificate. We think this is adorable!
Taking bookings all the way up to Christmas Eve, The Christmas Visit gives families a memorable Christmas experience in the comfort of their own homes, following strict COVID-19 safety measures. For more information and to book, visit The Christmas Visit website.
Christmas at the Castle, Cardiff
Taking place from now, all the way up to Sunday, 3 January, this festive event will take place instead of Winter Wonderland this year. Offering a number of outdoor festive activities for all the family! Unfortunately, the ice walk has been cancelled but you can still enjoy fairground rides and food stalls, plus the castle’s outdoor square will be open until 5pm each day. Find out more about Christmas at the Castle and book your tickets here.
The Parking Lot Social’s Christmas
From drive-in Christmas cinema to a panto (Cinderella) and even drive-in comedy and car-a-oke, The Parking Lot Social’s Christmas is sure to be fun for all the family! Every event will be set against the backdrop of a 60ft rainbow Christmas tree, a giant Father Christmas MC and his reindeer crew plus plenty of local food-trucks, delivering food safely to your car.
At Sully Sports Club from 9-13 December, find out more and book your tickets here.
Cardiff Christmas Market
The incredibly popular Cardiff Christmas Market returns for another year and will be have its usual festive stalls running along St John Street, Working Street, the Hayes, Trinity Street and Hills Street until 23 December. Find out more about the Christmas Market here.
Owen Money’s Drive-in Panto
Determined to ensure 2020 has some panto magic, comedian Owen Money is starring in the family favourite, Peter Pan! Firefly Cinema Club will be showing the panto on the big screen in various locations across South Wales this December, including showings on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Years Eve.
You can get tickets for showings at:
Porthcawl’s Hi Tide car park – 12 – 31 December
Cardiff City Stadium away car park – 14 – 31 December
Ffos Las Racecourse, Carmarthenshire – 18-31 December
Merthyr’s Cyfartha Castle – 18-31 December
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
Horrible Christmas Panto
From the creators of Horrible Histories comes the Horrible Christmas Panto! Performed by the Birmingham Stage Company and Horrible Histories, you will see historical figures come together to save Christmas. There are two shows at 12pm and 5pm on Sunday, 20 December at Cardiff Airport! Find out more and book your tickets here.
Penarth Window Wanderland
For the first time ever, Penarth Town Council are organising Wales’ first Window Wanderland! Put on your winter coats and wander through your local area after dark to marvel at the wonderful window displays that your neighbours have created. Everyone is welcome to get involved and to make their own displays. All of the displays will be included on an interactive map that has a trail and will be available from 6-9pm on the 12 and 13 December. If you’d like to get involved or want to know more, click here.
DEPOT Presents: Winter Wundergarten
If you feel lacking in the Christmas spirit this year, then wandering down to DEPOT for their huge Bavarian-inspired Christmas experience will be sure to fill you with festive cheer! You can expect classic mulled wine, beer served in steins, plenty of festive music and cheer and street food! For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Christmas Shopping
As a family business who have been in the Vale for over 115 years, we have seen our local community pull through some challenging times over our long history! However, there is no doubt that 2020 has been one of the most difficult years for us all, in a long time. Therefore, it’s never been more important to pull together and support our local businesses this Christmas. So, if you’re just getting started on your Christmas shopping, why not take a look at our list of some of our favourite local businesses?
Have we missed any festive events? Let us know on Facebook and we’ll add them to the list!
If your Christmas shopping is already underway but with everyone at home you’re struggling to find a place to hide gifts away from your loved ones, then have you considered flexible self-storage? With units in a variety of sizes starting from just £5 a week and accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, Masons Self Storage could help you to keep Christmas wrapped up until the big day! Email our team on: [email protected] or give us a call on 0800 533 5708 to find out more.