The Christmas countdown is officially on, and National Trust Cymru has a host of events, activities and days out across South Wales for you to enjoy with families and friends.
Make sure to check the website before visiting as opening times vary for all properties and booking may be required for some events.
Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff
Do you have what it takes to be a Dyffryn elf? Gather the family together and head over to Dyffryn Gardens to help decorate the garden for Christmas from December 1.
Start your visit by adding to the ribbon walk, then hop into Father Christmas’ sleigh for a festive picture. In the Cloisters and Log Stack play area, you’ll find interactive Christmas scenes and games for all the family. Decorate the snowmen and add bows to the presents, play the popular nutcracker hoopla and race to see who will be able to throw the most presents into Father Christmas’ sack.
Tredegar House, Newport
Unwrap 500 years of Christmas as Tredegar House comes alive as you explore how toys, feasting and travel were experienced throughout history with ornate decorations, twinkling lights and a magical atmosphere from December 1.
The ever-popular grumpy old Scrooge will make his return to cast his disapproving eye on the Christmas festivities on selected days, but there will be plenty of choir singing to keep the festive spirit alive. To make sure everyone has a chance to visit, the house will be open late on selected days, too.
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
Dinefwr kicks off the Christmas period with their annual Christmas Fair on November 24, 25 and 26 with festive stalls, selling a range of beautiful wares from handmade jewellery to tasty preserves.
Newton House is also open every weekend throughout the festive period with the spectacular tree in the Outer Hall and gorgeous sustainable decorations adorning the house. There’s also an evening of community carols on December 15 or revel in the Welsh wassailing folk tradition of Mari Lwyd on December 22 and 29.
Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion
The Georgian villa at Llanerchaeron will open its doors for three days and will be decorated in a fairytale theme as it plays host to the Christmas Fair on December 1, 2 and 3.
Enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine as you explore the grounds of the estate, filled with stalls showcasing local produce, food and music. Gardener Meg will also be running some wreath-making sessions on selected days with natural materials collected at Llanerchaeron.
Tudor Merchant’s House, Pembrokeshire
Discover how the Tudors influenced Christmas as you step back in time and explore Tudor Merchant’s House and its traditions.
Little ones can meet the Lord of Misrule, traditionally in charge of the Feast of Fools, the celebration originally held at this time of year in Tudor times.
For more information, or to plan your visit, head to nationaltrust.org.uk
