The festive season in Bridgend County is packed with Christmas magic for families, couples, friends, shoppers, and anyone ready to embrace twinkling lights and winter wonder. Whether you're searching for Santa experiences, cosy hotel events, spectacular light displays, or bustling Christmas markets, this guide gathers it all in one place.
Magical Christmas Activities for Children and Families
Tree Fest at Pyle Garden Centre (27th and 28th November, 5pm to 7pm)
Pyle Garden Centre is hosting a festive event for families where children can meet Santa, enjoy storytelling from Mythic Adventures, have their face painted and take in the Christmas sparkle all around - with food and drink stalls and exclusive offers on Christmas trees!
Letters to Santa – Kenfig Nature Reserve (30th November, 10am to 3pm)
Little ones can post their heartfelt letters to the North Pole from one of the most enchanting spots in the county. Surrounded by nature and twinkling decorations, Kenfig’s festive set-up is a gentle, wholesome Christmas experience the whole family will love.
Bryngarw Park’s Christmas Trail (1st - 23rd December)
Wrap up warm and follow this charming trail through the beautiful grounds of Bryngarw Park. Children can search for eight giant presents hidden around the park, solve clues along the way, and enjoy a winter walk packed with festive surprises.
McArthurGlen Bridgend – Christmas Activities
From Santa visits to storytelling, Christmas crafts, and festive photo spots, McArthurGlen becomes a mini winter wonderland each year—perfect for a family shopping day with added sparkle.
Panto fun at Maesteg Town Hall (20th - 28th December, except Christmas Day)
Get ready for a hair-raising, high-energy adventure — Rapunzel is hitting the stage this festive season at Maesteg Town Hall!
If you’re looking for something magical to do, this pantomime has it all: dazzling dance numbers, big feel-good songs, and laughs from start to finish. There’s even a fabulously sparkly white horse (yes, really!), a fairytale princess, and plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Trecco Bay Holiday Park – Winter Wonderland (from 5th December)
Porthcawl’s popular holiday park transforms into a magical festive attraction, featuring Santa’s Grotto, themed entertainment, lights, and plenty of winter fun for families staying on-site or visiting.
Festive Fun for Grown-Ups
Festive Events at Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel
This elegant countryside hotel offers festive afternoon teas, Christmas dinners, wreath-making workshops, and seasonal party nights—perfect for groups, couples, or colleagues wanting a luxurious Christmas treat.
Seasonal Celebrations at Heronston Hotel
Expect festive party evenings, Christmas lunches, and cosy fireside drinks in this welcoming hotel setting. The Best Western Heronston Hotel and Spa is a lovely choice for those wanting a relaxed and warm festive outing.
Restaurants & Bars Across Bridgend County
From independent bistros to lively bars and traditional pubs, the county is full of festive menus, Christmas cocktails, and seasonal entertainment. Whether you're planning a date night or a group gathering, there's no shortage of places to celebrate.
Annual Christmas Traditions
Merthyr Mawr Pudding Race (14th December)
A beloved local tradition, the Merthyr Mawr Pudding Race brings festive cheer (and plenty of mud!) to Merthyr Mawr. Runners don fancy dress and tackle sand dunes - all in support of charity. Entries are now sold out, but spectators are welcome to cheer on the runners and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Merthyr Mawr.
Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim
A bold, refreshing (and chilly!) way to kick off Christmas Day. Thousands gather on the beach, often in fancy dress, to plunge into the sea for charity and festive fun. With this year’s theme being ‘Swinging Sixties’ - we can’t wait to see the imaginative outfits swimmers show up in!
Christmas Lights and Dazzling Displays
Town Centre Light Switch-Ons
Bridgend County lights up beautifully each year:
Maesteg (Saturday 29th November) - a heart-warming Christmas celebration with a parade and entertainment as the Christmas lights are switched on.
Porthcawl (6th December) - a sparkling seaside switch-on with street entertainment, music, and a festive procession featuring Father Christmas.
Bridgend Town Centre (Saturday 29th November) - a family fun event with festive stalls, music, giant snow globes, elf school and more.
Christmas Tractor Run (13th December)
A spectacular parade of festively decorated tractors travelling through the county - fun, quirky, and brilliant for families lining the streets to watch.
Sons of Santa Christmas Riders (21st December)
This charity motorbike ride, with riders dressed as Santa, brings noise, excitement, and festive joy to the streets as they raise money for good causes.
Candleston Woods’ Forest Trail (5th - 24th December)
A magical illuminated woodland adventure featuring glistening lights, a fairy village, glowing trees, and mystical displays - where you can toast marshmallows around the fire pit with a hot chocolate or mulled wine - an atmospheric evening activity for both families and adults.
Pop-Up Christmas Markets
Support local makers, bakers, and creators at these festive markets:
The Rhiw Shopping Centre Christmas Artisan Pop Up - 29th November, 10am to 4pm
Offgrid Bridgend Indie.collectives Christmas Market - 30th November
Court Colman Manor Christmas Market – 5th December
Green Top Markets Bridgend – 6th December
Green Top Markets Porthcawl – 7th December
Kenfig Nature Reserve Farmers Market – 21st December
Each market features handmade gifts, artisan foods, crafts, home décor, and festive treats—perfect for those seeking unique Christmas presents.
Christmas Shopping in Bridgend County
Whether you’re ticking off the gift list or enjoying a festive browse, Bridgend County offers plenty of shopping options:
Town Centres
Bridgend – High street stores, independents, cafés, and the Rhiw Shopping Centre at its heart.
Porthcawl – Coastal charm with unique independent shops.
Maesteg – Traditional high street shopping with a friendly community feel.
Retail Parks and Out-of-Town Shopping
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet – Major brands, festive events, and seasonal décor.
Surrounding retail parks and independent shops offer everything from big-name gifts to local handmade treasures.
Wrap-Up: A County Full of Christmas Magic
Bridgend County truly comes alive during the festive season, offering something for everyone - whether you're hunting for Santa, enjoying seasonal nightlife, or supporting local makers - make the most of Christmas 2025! See more local events here.
