Christmas Dining in Mid Wales

Christmas dining in Mid Wales ranges from a pie and a pint by the fire in a village pub to a festive lunch in a country house hotel. Across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia), pubs, restaurants and hotels serve festive menus through December, and some open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Where can I eat out on Christmas Day in Mid Wales?

A number of hotels and pubs serve Christmas Day lunch, but places are limited and usually sell out by the autumn. Menus and prices are set by each business, so contact them directly and book as early as you can. The places listed on this page are eating out options across Mid Wales, and our eating out pages have more.

Country house and hotel dining

For a special meal, several country house hotels have restaurants open to non-residents. Penmaenuchaf Hotel near Dolgellau looks over the Mawddach estuary in Southern Eryri, Llangoed Hall near Brecon has a restaurant in a country house in the Wye valley, and the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel has its Tower restaurant above the lake in north Powys. Check each for festive menus and opening over Christmas.

Pubs by the fire

For something more relaxed, a village pub with the fire lit is hard to beat in December. The Neuadd Arms in Llanwrtyd Wells has its own ales from the Heart of Wales Brewery, the Brigands Inn at Mallwyd near Dinas Mawddwy has a bar and dining room, and Y Ffarmers near Aberystwyth is a village pub with a kitchen. Many pubs welcome dogs by the fire.

Party nights and festive lunches

Hotels and larger pubs often run Christmas party nights and festive lunches from late November for groups and workplaces. Book early for Friday and Saturday evenings in December.

Boxing Day and between Christmas and New Year

A long walk and a pub lunch is a Boxing Day tradition for many families. Not every pub opens on Boxing Day, so check before you set off. The days between Christmas and New Year are quieter, and it's often easier to get a table. See Twixmas breaks.

Do I need to book Christmas meals in advance?

Yes. Christmas Day and Boxing Day tables in Mid Wales are usually booked months ahead, and party nights in December fill quickly. Most places take a deposit and ask for your choices in advance.

Cooking at the cottage

If you're self-catering, farm shops sell local turkey, lamb, cheese and puddings. Order ahead for the Christmas week. See farm shops and cosy Christmas cottages, and Christmas in Mid Wales for more.