Christmas in Wales 2024

Christmas in Wales is rich with traditions. Homes are adorned with candles, colorful lights, and seasonal flowers, including mistletoe, which symbolizes eternal life in Welsh folklore. Holly branches are also popular decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere. These customs create a warm, timeless holiday feel across Welsh homes during the season.

Carolling

Choral singing is a central part of Welsh holiday traditions, especially during the annual "Eisteddfodde" festival. Welsh people sing carols in churches, at neighbors' homes, and around Christmas trees, sometimes accompanied by a harp. At "Plygain" services, held between 3-6 am, groups sing traditional carols in close harmony, unaccompanied, and by candlelight, creating a unique atmosphere for the early morning mass. This deep-rooted tradition reflects the warmth and community spirit of Welsh Christmas celebrations.

Traditional Food

Welsh holiday dishes include roasted turkey with vegetables, pudding, and traditional pastries like apples baked in pastry and flat cakes. Welsh flat cakes are notable for their round hole in the middle, and breaking one is seen as a bad omen. In some parts of Wales, waiting for the "Plygain" service involved making Cyflaith or Cyfleth—also known as taffy or toffee. This led to the tradition of "Noson Gyflaith" or “toffee evening,” a festive occasion where families made and enjoyed toffee together.

The Welsh Winter Swim

While most people in Wales relax on Christmas and Boxing Day, hundreds head to the coast for festive swims. Porthcawl has held a Christmas swim for over 50 years, and Tenby’s North Beach and Cefn Sidan in Pembrey draw participants on Boxing Day. New Year’s Day swims occur at beaches like Abersoch, Whitesands, Morfa Nefyn, and Saundersfoot, with most events raising money for charity. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on the swimmers as they brave the cold winter waves, making it a spirited community event.

Wassailing with the Mari Lwyd

The Mari Lwyd is a revived South Walian tradition that brings a unique spectacle to towns during the holiday season. A person concealed under a cloak carries a horse’s skull on a pole, accompanied by a group of wassailers. Traditionally, they would go door-to-door from Christmas to Twelfth Night, engaging in a rhyming exchange known as ”pwnco” to receive food and drink. Today, these Mari figures, often decorated with flair, are seen in local festivals throughout December and January, preserving this eccentric holiday custom.

Christmas Markets in Wales

Welsh Christmas markets tantalize everyone with hundreds of twinkling lights, delicious treats, mulled wine, and a festive atmosphere. The most popular fairs are the Cardiff Christmas Market, the Caerphilly Christmas Market, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair at the Royal Welsh Showground, and the Winter Fair at Aberglasney. Unfortunately, the Llandudno Christmas market, one of the most beloved Christmas events in Wales, has been recently axed.