Christmas can be a costly time of year but just because there’s lots to see and do doesn’t mean you should be left out of pocket! You can get a lot of fun out of the festive season without having to shell out the big bucks, from going to watch magical Christmas parades, to soaking in the atmosphere at your local Christmas market. There are plenty of free Christmas events in North Wales for you to look forward to, or some low cost ones that cost less than a coffee to enter, just take your pick from the list below!
Free Christmas events in North Wales
There are many different Christmas events occurring in the run up to December 25th, ranging from Christmas market meanders to full parades! Below we’ve listed these events in date order so you don’t risk missing any.
16th Nov – Caernarfon Christmas Market
Cei Llechi is the site of a major regeneration project in Caernarfon, showcasing local produce and arts with plenty of places to eat and things to see. It sits a stones throw away from the castle and, alongside Galeri, Caernarfon’s performing arts theatre, will be hosting Caernarfon’s Christmas market on Saturday the 16th of November. The event will be spread across five locations in total, including Cei Llechi, Galeri, the steam train station just opposite Cei Llechi, Llety Arall and new bar, Jac y Do.
Opening times run from 10:30-4pm and it’s the first of the free Christmas events in North Wales on our list. You can find out more here.
16th – 17th Nov – Glynllifon Craft and Food Fair
Glynllifon, or Parc Glynllifon, is an old estate situated under 15 minutes drive away from Caernarfon. Across two days, beginning the 16th of November, it will be playing host to its annual Craft and Food Fair, where there will be plenty of stalls from which you can buy locally made gifts, as well as tasty food to eat as you shop. Helpfully, there is even a free shuttle bus service put on for each day of the event, leaving from Balaclafa Road in Caernarfon, meaning you don’t have to worry about parking or finding a means of transport if you’re without a car.
Entry is £1 per person and free for children under 3 and there will even be entertainment and a Santa’s Grotto for the whole family to have fun. See here for further details.
Multiple dates from 23rd November – Beaumaris
There are two free Christmas events taking place in the Anglesey town of Beaumaris from the 23rd of November onwards, kicking off with the Beaumaris Artisans Christmas Event from the 23rd, which will take place over both weekend days in David Hughes Hall. Following this is the annual Beaumaris Victorian Christmas Market, which runs on both the 30th of November and the 1st of December, taking place throughout the town.
All events are free to enter but you may have to pay for parking if you plan to drive there.
24th November – Bangor Christmas Cracker
Another free Christmas event in North Wales is the ‘Bangor Christmas Cracker’ Christmas Artisan Market, taking place in the student city of Bangor, Gwynedd. There will be plenty of stalls selling food and merchandise on Bangor High Street, alongside an entertainment offering in the modern Pontio Arts & Innovation Centre.
The event runs from 11am-5pm, is accessible and completely free. There are good transport options available too, with the bus station located just a short walk away from the High Street.
7th December – Magical Christmas Parade, Llandudno
Haven’t had enough of Christmas parades yet? Then get yourself to Llandudno on the 7th of December for another enchanting procession of festive characters. There will be seasonal entertainment outside the Town Hall from 2.15pm, followed by the magical Christmas Parade from 4pm, which this year will include drummers, jugglers, stilt walkers and a Pinocchio themed pantomime float, as well as Father Christmas and all his friends.
Entertainment from 2:15, with the parade beginning from 4pm. More information can be found on the Llandudno town council website.
7th December – Conwy Torch Lit Parade
Taking place on the same day as the Magical Christmas Parade in Llandudno is Conwy’s torch lit parade. In previous years this has been a full medieval extravaganza with musicians, sword fighting and more, but there is no confirmation yet whether this is still the case or whether the event will be anything more than a torch lit procession through the town of Conwy. However, as the timing of the event is the same as usual we presume it will be business as usual.
Admission is completely free, the evening begins at 4pm, with the torch lit procession at 5:45pm. The nights entertainment will wrap up at 7pm.
Know of any more free Christmas events in North Wales that are happening over the next few weeks? Let us know what events are awakening your Christmas spirit on our social media pages.
