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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

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Craig Y Nos Castle | Group Accommodation

Address

Brecon Road, Craig-y-nos, Penycae, Swansea, SA9 1GL

Telephone
01639 731167

info@craigynoscastle.com

Penycae

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Serviced accommodation Craig-y-Nos Castle stands in the Brecon Beacons National Park in the Upper Swansea Valley in South Wales.

Price
Price £150.00 to £250.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Bechan Retreats

Address

Pant Farm, Aberbechan, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3AX

Telephone
01686 630631

info@bechanretreats.co.uk

Newtown

Bechan Retreats holiday properties comprises 4 Rural Lodges/ Cabins on our 90 acre working beef & sheep.
Providing Peace and Tranquility while being in proximity of good places to eat, shops for provisions and a host of wonderful activities and…
Hafren Forest Hideaway

Address

Hafren Forest Hideaway, Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7DB

Telephone
07871740514

info@hafrenforesthideaway.com

Staylittle, Llanbrynmair

Dates

From:

6 July 2017to31 Dec 2031

Hafren Forest Hideaway is a 4-star, chalet-style accommodation in the Cambrian Mountains near Staylittle, Powys. Perfect for groups of friends, families, or outdoor enthusiasts, it sleeps up to 13 guests across 4 bedrooms. Guests can choose…
Broomfield House

Address

Glasbury On Wye, Hay-on-Wye, Powys, HR3 5NS

Telephone
01497 842970

info@broomfield.wales

Hay-on-Wye

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Broomfield is a Grade II listed Georgian house of Italianate Regency style, standing in an elevated position commanding stunning views across the Wye Valley to the hills beyond.

Price
Price £150.00 to £275.00 per room 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…
Usk and Railway Inn

Address

Sennybridge, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8RS

Telephone
01874 636101

hello@uskandrailwayinn.com

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A very friendly Inn at the centre of Sennybridge village, in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Price
Price £39.50 per person per night to £99.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Denmark Farm Eco Lodge

Address

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre, Betws Bledrws, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 8PB

Telephone
01570 493358

stay@denmarkfarm.org.uk

Lampeter

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The self-catering Eco Lodge at Denmark Farm Conservation Centre provides sustainability and comfort for holidays immersed in Nature.

Price
Price £480.00 to £780.00 per unit per week
Clyn Cottages| The Cottage & Granary

Address

The Clyn, Elan Valley, Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP

Telephone
01597 810120

theclyn.ss@gmail.com

Elan Valley, Rhayader

Secluded self-catering cottages in the Elan Valley near Rhayader, Powys, sleeping up to 6. Pet-friendly and surrounded by walking, cycling, wildlife and dark skies, The Clyn suits couples, families and friends looking for a peaceful Mid Wales escape…
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.
Canvas & Campfires | Beudy Bach

Address

Pant Yr Hwch, Llanwnnen, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7LY

Telephone
01570 434542

ellie@canvasandcampfires.co.uk

Lampeter

Beudy Bach - The Little Cowshed, come and discover luxury in nature. Our little corner of Wales, halfway between the mountains and the sea, with so much to do but also the perfect place to just relax. A hot tub hideaway perfect for two.
Gwerniago Camping Site

Address

Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9JX

Telephone
01654 791227

contact@gwerniago.co.uk

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

24 Mar 2027to1 Oct 2027

Gwerniago Campsite is located in Mid Wales between Machynlleth and Aberdyfi. Electric, Non-Electric, Grass & Hardstanding pitches available. Campfires allowed, Parking on pitch. Ideal base for Beaches, Mountains, Dyfi Bike Park, Mach Loop.

Price
Price £22.00 to £30.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Trenewydd Farm Holiday Cottages

Address

Moylegrove, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire, SA43 3BJ

Telephone
01239 611971

hello@trenewydd.com

Cardigan

Dates

A lovely little complex of six dog friendly self-catering cottages and a shepherd's hut situated on the Pembrokeshire coast, with hot tubs and swimming pool. Conveniently located just outside St Dogmaels and Cardigan in the breathtaking landscapes…

Price
Price £140.00 to £280.00 per unit per night