Get into the festive spirit in Bridgend County. From unique Christmas shopping to some of Wales' best festive meals, Bridgend County offers festive fun for all.
We'll be running home this Christmas! Or swimming perhaps
The Merthyr Mawr Christmas Pudding Race is a 10k multi terrain race around the beautiful area of Merthyr Mawr Estate, Bridgend. For some 32 years the McClaggan family have kindly hosted the event and the tradition is that a member of the McClaggan family start the event by dropping a twig of holly. The first obstacle is to run from the foot for the Big Dipper sand dune to the very top.
On Christmas Day hundreds of Santas take to the water in Porthcawl as they make a splash in the UK's largest festive dip in the sea. For over 50 years this spectacle has been taking place in Porthcawl, bringing smiles to many faces it's the Porthcawl Christmas day Swim.
Pick your own Christmas tree (and gifts)
Fill your home with the festive aromas of a freshly cut Christmas tree from Bridgend’s Pencoed Growers. Head out into the rows of charming locally grown trees to pick out the perfect Christmas centrepiece for your home. Once you’ve made your decision from the array of shapes and sizes available, have it cut fresh for collection and take it home to decorate.
At Bryngarw Country Park, B-Leaf will be selling Fraser Firs (non-drop) from the award-winning Gower Fresh Christmas trees. Check the opening hours before you visit and make sure the café is open too! No visit to Bryngarw is complete without a good walk and a treat from the cafe. If you're there on the 3rd, 4th, 10th or 11th September you can help Santa find his lost reindeer on the annual wooden reindeer trail.
For unique gifts, there are Artisan Christmas Food, Craft and Gift Markets in Bridgend Town centre on the 3rd December and Porthcawl on the 17th and plenty more Town Centre events from Grottos to parades and much more besides.
Panto returns… oh yes it does!
Panto returns to Porthcawl to spread some festive cheer from the 17th December. The Grand Pavilion has a GIANT of a panto with the fabulous festive adventure Jack and the Beanstalk. Once again, the Grand Pavilion promises a show packed full of side-splitting slapstick comedy, stunning special effects and marvellous musical numbers that you will be singing for days afterwards.
Who needs a white Christmas?
Snow is not necessary, when you have glorious sandy beaches. On the 10th December, come and build your own snowman out of sand at Rest Bay with Beach Academy Wales! Spades, Santa hats, marshmallow fire pits and festive facepainting plus prizes! Dress for the outdoors but fancy dress highly encouraged! Everyone welcome. Build for fun, or join the competition to win great prizes.
Travel back in time
Porthcawl Museum are hosting a Victorian Christmas in John Street on the 3rd December. There will be Victorian crafts, costumes, decorations and more, with carol singing to start the festive season off. Stay in town until dark and watch the lantern parade from Porthcawl harbour to Griffin Park where the Christmas Tree will be lit.
The following Saturday travel even further back in time at St Johns House on Newcastle Hill in Bridgend. The Tudor house is decorated for Christmas and there will be live music, and handcrafted gifts and decorations to buy. Take a tour of the house and then enjoy refreshments in the Great Hall. There will be activities for children including brass rubbing and the Twelve Days of Christmas trail.
Stay a while
Looking for a cosy, winter getaway? From unique Christmas shopping to some of Wales' best festive meals, Bridgend County offers a selection of sparkling stays for every visitor. To narrow down your choice, we've come up with a selection of ideas to help you enjoy a festive stay in Bridgend County!
Stay in the newest accommodation in Bridgend County in Wales' oldest pub. There’s an ongoing debate over whether the Old House is actually Wales’ oldest pub! The pub was founded in the 1100s so it is definitely one of the oldest. Llangynwyd itself has a rich history which dates back to the sixth century. The Old House has been completely renovated in recent years with boutique accommodation recently added to the mix of pub, restaurant and wedding venue.
Laleston is a small village that is establishing a big reputation as a foodie hotspot. Midway between Bridgend and Porthcawl and a short drive from McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, you can shop till you drop and then tantalise your taste buds. Laleston is the ideal base for walks to wonderful Merthyr Mawr too. Try some axe or knife throwing while you’re therewith Bush Craft Adventures! Stay in The Great House Hotel which boasts award-winning Leicester’s Restaurant.
The Coed Y Mwstwr Hotel is perfect for curling up by the fire for some festive cheer. Idyllically nestled amongst flourishing Welsh woodland. Fill your lungs with clean air and enjoy the views over the woodland canopy. This Victorian mansion is a real hidden gem. Each of the luxurious bedrooms are distinctively and elegantly furnished with a host of thoughtful extras. Throughout December, arrive to a roaring log fire & indulge in a sumptuous festive afternoon tea or lunch.
One for families. Book a winter break with The Place to Stay Wales. Their new studios at 39 John Street are spacious luxury accommodation suited to guests who may want a slightly longer stay. They have kitchenettes and a second bedroom, sleeping up to 4 guests. Set in the heart of Porthcawl you have everything you could want on your doorstep from diamonds and designer dresses to delicious pastries and cosy independent cafes. The main shopping area is just a stone's throw from the Esplanade.
Check out our What's on page for the latest Festive events.
