5 reasons to reasons to visit Wales this Christmas

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In need of a change of scenery before the festive season kicks in? Or want to go somewhere to get you in the Christmas spirit?

You don’t have to go far as our nearest neighbours, Wales, have lots happening for Christmas 2017. Travel with Stena from Dublin to Holyhead and the magic and wonder of a Welsh Christmas is only a short drive away. We’ve found five events happening near Holyhead that will make a winter visit to Wales worthwhile:

1. Conwy Medieval Christmas

Get transported back to Christmas past as this ancient city recreates some medieval traditions including sword fighting, Morris dancing and unique street entertainment. The highlight of the event will be a torch lit procession through the town with armoured knights and their ladies. During the day, there’s lots to see in Conwy too. Continue the medieval theme by visiting Conwy Castle, built by King Edward in the late 13th century. Or, if you are looking for a spot of Christmas shopping, Conwy, with its many independently owned shops, is also the place to pick up something truly unique.

Dates: 4pm, 9th December 2017

Location: Lancaster Square, Conwy, Wales

2. Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair

Famed for its colourful buildings, this Italianate Welsh village is the perfect place to forget the stresses of the world and get into the festive mood with live music, cookery demonstrations, workshops and a magical Christmas Grotto for the little ones. This is the place to go if food is your thing, as there will be 120 artisan stalls to inspire you!

Dates: 1st – 3rd December 2017

Location: Portmeirion, Wales

3. National Slate Museum

Combine living history with Christmas festivities when you visit Wales, with a trip to the National Slate Museum on the border of the stunning Snowdonia National Park. Here, you and your family will have a chance to craft something to take home, listen to some traditional stories and visit a quarryman’s cottage decorated for the festive season. Get there before 11am, when Santa Clause will arrive by steam train!

Dates: 26th November 2017

Location: The National Slate Museum, Llanberis, Caernarfon

4. Llangollen Railway Santa Special

Looking for a different way to bring the little ones to see Santa this year? How about a visit aboard a steam train through the stunning Welsh countryside? Take a trip on the Llangollen Santa Special and meet the man himself on the only standard gauge heritage railway in Wales. Santa will give each child on board a special gift on the day and you can look forward to a mince pie and refreshments.

Dates: Month of December

Location: Llangollen Station

5. Mountain Skills Snowdonia

One of the advantages of taking the ferry to Wales in winter is there are no luggage limits, so you can bring all your outdoor gear. If you are in need of an outdoor adventure, there is nowhere better than Snowdonia National Park. Did you know Edmund Hillary trained there before taking on the might of Everest? If climbing, bouldering, hill walking or mountain biking are your thing, this is a fantastic place to spend a short break.

Dates: All year round

Location: Snowdonia National Park

So if you are in need of a break away, why don’t you visit Wales this Christmas? There’s so much happening you are sure to have an epic time in this country filled with myths and legends. Book your tickets to sail with Stena Line this December.