To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Learn more

My Planner

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Already saved an Itinerary?

Searching for something...

Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Shopping

Accommodation Search

Check Availability

Arrival Date:

Nights:

Guests in Room/Unit 1

Add Room

Type:

Area:

Location

Keyword:

Things to Do Search

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Location

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Shopping Search

Christmas in Mid Wales

Christmas in Mid Wales is festive without the crowds. From late November, the market towns of Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia) put up their lights, steam railways run Santa trains through frosty valleys, and country houses open for candlelit Christmas weekends. Nadolig Llawen, and croeso.

Is Mid Wales good for a Christmas break? Yes, if you want a cottage with a fire, winter walks from the door, local food and a few festive outings rather than a packed programme. Here's what's on in 2026 and how to plan it.

Festive fairs and markets

The season starts with the Hay Festival Winter Weekend in Hay-on-Wye from 26 to 29 November 2026, followed by the Christmas Fair at Cardigan Castle on 28 November and the Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Builth Wells on 30 November and 1 December. Llanerchaeron near Aberaeron holds Christmas weekends through December, and market towns across the region hold late-night shopping and Christmas fairs. See our Christmas markets and festive fairs guide.

Santa trains

Mid Wales has some of the best narrow-gauge steam railways in Britain, and most run Christmas trains. The Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway runs Santa Specials from 12 to 22 December 2026, the Talyllyn Railway from Tywyn has Santa trains on 19, 20 and 23 December, and the Bala Lake Railway and the Corris Railway run on 12 and 13 December. Book early, as Santa trains sell out. See Santa train rides in Mid Wales.

Cosy Christmas cottages

A self-catering cottage with a wood burner is the easiest way to do Christmas here. Many have space for the whole family and the dog, and some have hot tubs for a starlit soak on Christmas night. Christmas and New Year weeks book up early, often by October, and many cottages ask for a three-night minimum over Christmas. See cosy Christmas cottages and places to stay with open fires and log burners.

Christmas food and dining

Country pubs and hotels across Mid Wales serve festive menus through December, with Christmas Day lunches at some. Book well ahead for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. For Christmas Eve at the cottage, farm shops sell local turkey, lamb, cheese and puddings. See Christmas dining in Mid Wales.

Gifts from local makers

The market towns are the place for gifts you won't find anywhere else: Welsh wool, pottery, books, prints and hampers of local food. Hay-on-Wye has its bookshops, Machynlleth its independent shops and galleries, and Aberystwyth, Welshpool and Brecon all have makers and delis. See Christmas gift shopping.

Winter walks and dark skies

Crisp days are good for walking, whether that's a frosty ridge on Cadair Idris in Southern Eryri, the reservoirs of the Elan Valley in Powys or the coast path in Ceredigion. The longest nights of the year bring the darkest skies, with the Geminid meteor shower on 13 and 14 December. See winter walks and stargazing.

Christmas with the dog

Most Welsh beaches allow dogs in winter, and plenty of pubs welcome them by the fire. Many cottages welcome dogs too. See Christmas with dogs in Mid Wales.

Between Christmas and New Year

The quiet days between Christmas and New Year are a good time to get away from the house. See Twixmas breaks and New Year in Mid Wales.

How far ahead should I plan a Christmas break in Mid Wales?

For cottages, Christmas Day meals and Santa trains, as early as the summer or early autumn. For a festive day out, a fair or a walk, you can decide much nearer the time.

Christmas here isn't about doing everything. Choose a couple of outings, book the cottage and let the rest take care of itself. Check your dates soon.

Plan your Christmas in Mid Wales

Inspiration

Winter Walks in Mid Wales

Frost on Cadair Idris, low sun on the Elan Valley reservoirs and a sheltered forest trail when the wind blows. Winter walking in Mid Wales, with a fire at the end.
Christmas Gift Shopping in Mid Wales

Welsh wool, pottery, books, cheese and gin from the people who make them. Mid Wales is a good place to do your Christmas shopping away from the crowds.
Christmas Dining in Mid Wales

A table by the fire, Welsh lamb or local turkey and nobody doing the washing up. Here is how to find Christmas dining in Mid Wales.
Cosy Christmas Cottages in Mid Wales

A wood burner, a tree in the corner and a walk from the door. Christmas cottages in Mid Wales sell out early, so it pays to book ahead.
Christmas Markets and Festive Fairs in Mid Wales

Food halls, craft stalls, Christmas lights and bookshops open late. The festive fairs of Mid Wales run from late November to just before Christmas.
Santa Train Rides in Mid Wales

Steam, carols and a visit from Father Christmas. Five heritage railways in Mid Wales run Santa trains in December 2026, and most sell out.

Number of results: 96

, currently showing 85 to 96.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Kilsby Cottage

Address

Kilsby, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4TL

Telephone
01591 610 126

kilsbyhouse@btinternet.com

Llanwrtyd Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A delightful luxury cottage on the edge of 2.5 acres of garden and private woodland with spectacular views and a huge variety of birds. Paradise for walkers, birdwatchers, cyclists , fishermen and horse riders. Children welcome.

Price
Price £85.00 to £105.00 per unit per night
Llangoed Hall Hotel

Address

Llangoed Hall Hotel, Llyswen, Near Brecon, Powys, LD3 0YP

Telephone
01874 754 525

enquiries@llangoedhall.com

Near Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Llangoed Hall Hotel is set within 17 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. It is the 'home from home' that you would expect from your 'best friend's Country House'.

Price
Price £49.50 per person per night to £900.00 per room per night
Bettws Hall

Address

Bettws Hall, Bettws Cedewain, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3DS

Telephone
01686650628

selina@bettwshall.com

Newtown

Dates

From:

22 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027

From:

1 Feb 2027to31 Aug 2027

Luxury self-catered lodges and houses at Bettws Hall near Newtown, Powys, sleeping from 5 to 47 across Willows Lodge, Beeches Lodge, Bettws Hall House and The Granary. Willows has its own private Hideout, while Beeches includes a relaxing sauna room…

Price
Price £110.00 per unit per night to £1,950.00 per unit per week
Ty Llewelyn Glamping | Luxury Glamping & Camping near Llanidloes, Mid Wales

Address

Ty Llewellyn, Cwmbelan, Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6QD

Telephone
07483846101

maria@tyllewelyn.com

Llanidloes

Dates

y Llewelyn Glamping and Camping offers luxury Safari Tents and Lotus Belle tents in the heart of Mid Wales near Llanidloes. Set within 13 acres of woodland and pasture, it’s the perfect Powys retreat. We also feature campervan and camping pitches…

Price
Price £15.00 per pitch per night to £95.00 per unit per night
Brecon Retreat

Address

Brecon Retreat, Glynmeddig House, Pentrefelin, Sennybridge, Powys, LD3 8UA

Telephone
01874 636263

info@breconretreat.co.uk

Pentrefelin, Sennybridge

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Unique luxury self-catering accommodation with Hot Tubs. Nestled next to the stream and river in the beautiful surroundings of the Brecon Beacons.
Canine Cottages

Address

Various Mid Wales Locations, SA46 0EH

Telephone
01237 459821

bookings@holidaycottages.co.uk

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Let us help you find the best dog-friendly escape in Wales.

Price
Price £287.00 to £7,942.00 per unit per week
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa

Address

Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn, Powys, SY10 0LY

Telephone
01691 870692

info@lakevyrnwyhotel.co.uk

Llanwddyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Located high on the hillsides of the Berwyn Mountain range within the 24,000 acre Vyrnwy Nature Reserve, the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa commands panoramic views to all horizons. The hotel has 52 letting rooms of which 34 have lake views.

Price
Price £125.00 to £185.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Ffynnonwen

Address

Plwmp, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 6EY

Telephone
07904258814

info@ffynnonwen.com

Llandysul

Reconnect with nature in the heart of rural Wales at Ffynnonwen (pronounced Furnon Wen), 3 miles from Llangrannog beach. Off-grid camping & glamping, low-impact living and wild beauty. Dogs welcome.

Price
Price £22.00 to £80.00 per unit per night
Glandyfi Castle | Stay

Address

Glandyfi Castle, Glandyfi, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SS

enquiries@glandyficastle.co.uk

Machynlleth

Exclusive-use castle near Machynlleth in Mid Wales, with 11 bedrooms sleeping 22 guests in individually styled bedrooms. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and relaxed get togethers with family or friends. Dog friendly venue with 40 acres of…
The Bear Hotel

Address

The Bear Hotel, High Street, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BW

Telephone
01873 810408

info@bearhotel.co.uk

Crickhowell

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A quaint individually furnished 15th century historic coaching inn in the centre of Crickhowell. Our outstanding designed bedrooms offer a range of accommodation including four poster beds and jacuzzi baths.

Price
Price £37.50 to £70.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
Coety Bach

Address

Coety Bach, Trawsty Bach, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5SR

Telephone
07748 121692

bookings@coetybach.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Coety Bach is a unique, romantic place to stay near Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Mid Wales. Make it extra special with add-ons like a romantic night-in box, massage therapy, a hot tub bundle, or a firepit bundle for s’mores and hot chocolate. Find out…
Brynglas Cottage

Address

Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0PE

Telephone
07891 323547

info@brynglascottage.com

Llandovery

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Beautiful cottage with amazing views, wood burner, walks and cycle routes from the door and 2 pubs within short walking distance. Situated in a tranquil valley overlooking the river Towy, on the edge of the wild Cambrian Mountains, area of…

Price
Price £910.00 per unit per week