Your ultimate guide to Christmas in Swansea
THERE’S PLENTY TO SEE AND DO DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON, WRITES ROBERT DALLING
UNLIKE 2020, there’s tonnes to do for Christmas 2021 in Swansea. Last year we had spiralling Covid figures and a number of cancelled events as new tougher lockdown restrictions loomed.
This year we are certainly not out of the woods in terms of the pandemic, but we do currently have far more freedoms, so it’s probably time to start enjoying them.
We’ve compiled a guide of what we can look forward to in the city ahead of the big day.
SWANSEA CHRISTMAS MARKET
When? Friday, November 26, until Tuesday, December 21 Where? Oxford Street, Swansea
A festive favourite in Swansea, the Christmas market is returning to Oxford Street for another year, featuring stalls manned by small businesses selling their wares including crafts, unique gifts, tempting treats and street food and decorations.
The opening hours are 9.30am until 5pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10.30am until 4.30pm on Sundays.
WATERFRONT WINTERLAND
When? Until January 3 Where? Museum Park, Swansea
Museum Park has been transformed with funfair rides and games, an ice skating rink, and the ever popular Alpine Village – offering up a whole array of festive food and drink options.
Its gates officially opened on Friday, November 12, and it will be there until January 3 next year.
We paid a visit to the park before it first opened to check out everything this year’s event has to offer, and the prices you can expect to pay when you visit.
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
When? December 10 until January 2 Where? Grand Theatre, Swansea
One of Swansea’s favourite festive calendar traditions is the festive panto at the Grand Theatre. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be this year’s offering, which will feature plenty of special effects, comedy and audience participation.
This year’s star turn will be Olympic-silver medallist, athlete and TV personality Colin Jackson CBE, who will take to the stage to make his pantomime debut as the character of The Man In The Mirror.
Colin will be joined by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jon Clegg, who stars as Snow White’s best friend, Muddles. Jon is known for his unique celebrity impersonations and quick wit, and has appeared on the ITV topical comedy sketch show Newzoids.
Panto mainstay Kevin Johns will return to the panto once again as Snow White’s Cook. He has been a part of the show every year since 1999. The Wicked Queen will be played by Zoe George, whilst Snow White will be played by Guildford School of Acting graduate Emma Kirk.
MUMBLES CHRISTMAS MARKET
When? Until Christmas Eve Where? Mumbles Pier
Mumbles Pier has its first ever Christmas market this year. You can enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie whilst browsing the stalls filled with local traders showcasing their products – everything from gifts and homewares to local artwork and jewellery.
There’s also a magical Christmas grotto and Elf journey experience which will ensure there is something to keep the children entertained. There will also be Christmas choirs performing throughout November and December.
It will be open between 10am and 6pm on weekends, and noon until 6pm Wednesday to Friday. Christmas Eve opening hours will be 10am until 2pm.
GOWER FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES WINTER WONDERLAND
When? Until December 24 Where? Poundffald Farm, Three Crosses, Gower, SA4 3PB
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, as well as selling the all important festive centrepieces, is also the home of Father Christmas and his magical Winter Wonderland in December.
The elves are waiting excitedly to welcome the children and take them to meet Santa in his grotto. Once inside, your journey through the snowy land begins and you will see a family of polar bears relaxing in the snow, trees that spring into life and speak, elves busy making toys, Santa’s sleigh being loaded ready for Christmas Eve and you can even sit in it and feel the magic. At the end of your adventure and possibly a snow shower or two, you will meet Father Christmas and his reindeer and maybe, if you have been on the ‘good’ list, you’ll get a present.
SANTA’S COMING TO PENLLERGAER
When? Monday, December 6 Where? Mansion Gardens, Penllergaer
Presented by Penllergaer Community Council, Santa will arrive by sleigh in the community by 6pm and follow the route of Mansion Gardens, Home Farm Way, Parc Penllergaer, Spruce Way, Elm Crescent, A483 (from Home Farm Way to junction 47), A48 to Old Inn roundabout, Swansea Road, Druidstone Way, Pontarddulais Road, Fford Y Meillion, Parc Penderri, Holly Oak Road, Gorseinon Road, Dillwyn Road, Mount Crescent, Heol Dewi Sant, Llewellyn Road, Heol Y Gelli.
Due to the width of Santa’s sleigh, organisers ask that parked cars are moved to allow room for him to pass.
GG’S GELATO CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
When? Sunday, November 28 Where? GG’S Gelato, 1-2 Belle Vue, Penclawdd
GG Gelato’s Christmas lights switch on event takes place from 2pm, and will feature the opportunity for kids to visit Father Christmas in his grotto, local crafts and a food fair. There will also be mulled wine and mulled cider available. Penclawdd Brass Band will perform to add to the festive feel, and its counter will be stocked full of Christmas gelato. Hot food will also be available.
SWANSEA LOVELIGHT CHRISTMAS CONCERT
When? Thursday, December 9 Where? St Mary’s Church, Swansea city centre
Tenovus Cancer Care’s Lovelight Christmas concerts are now in their 14th year, and they are designed to support people affected by cancer, and to give families and friends an opportunity to come together safely to remember loved ones lost.
You’ll be able to enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with wonderful performances, including the Sing with Us choir, festive readings, and a special candlelit moment in remembrance of loved ones.
Following Covid-19 restrictions, audience members will be asked to wear a mask, stay a safe distance apart and enter their details on a track and trace system.
The money raised will help cover the cost of services like its Support Line (0808 808 1010) that’s there for anyone affected by cancer. The concert begins at 7pm.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS WITH BBC’S NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES
When? Thursday, December 16 Where? Brangwyn Hall
Featuring festive favourites performed by BBC’S National Orchestra of Wales to get you in the mood, and there will also be a singalong.
Taking place from 7.30pm, it will feature conductor Grant Llewellyn, presenter Elin Llwyd, singer Caroline Sheen and tenor Trystan Llyr Griffiths.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
When? Saturday, December 18, and Sunday, December 19 Where? Pub on the Pond, Mumbles Road
Kids can have a breakfast with Santa at Pub on the Pond over the course of the last weekend before Christmas between 10am and noon on both days. They’ll also get a gift from Santa. A £5 deposit is required per child. Bookings are necessary. Call 01792 298023 or visit the restaurant.
CHRISTMAS PARTY AT ACTION PETZ SWANSEA
When? Saturday, December 18 Where? Action Petz, unit 11, Players Industrial Estate, Swansea, SA6 5BQ
From noon until 4pm, there will be some Christmas fun at Action Petz, with festive music, stalls, treats for dogs, a festive BBQ and more.
There will also be a Christmas jumper competition, and owners and their pets are both encouraged to get involved.
SANTA’S QUIET GROTTO
When? Friday, December 10 Where? Dobbies Garden Centre, Siemens Way, Bonymaen, Swansea
There will be a trip to Santa’s Grotto for children with additional needs at Dobbies Garden Centre.
Taking place from 2.30pm, the prebooked sessions will see all music turned off, twinkling lights removed or switched off, and you can choose to have your child’s gift wrapped or not.
Prior to your visit, you will receive an email with a photo of your specific grotto to prepare children for what they will see on the day.
The centre has worked with charity Autism Together to support its ‘Santa School training’ and says it hopes to provide a magical experience to share with your little ones.
CHRISTMAS PJ PARTY
When? Wednesday, December 1 Where? Popworld Swansea
A Christmas PJ party takes place at Popworld on December 1 from 7pm until 3am, where there will be free reindeer antlers, Santa’s hat giveaways, a snow machine, and prizes for the best festive PJS.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
When? Saturday, December 4 Where? Mumbles Pier
The breakfast with Santa event returns to Mumbles Pier where kids and their families will enjoy a traditional breakfast, followed by a full Christmas Grotto experience.
It will take place every Saturday and Sunday throughout December and will include letter writing and crafts, a Santa visit and a toy.
WHITE CHRISTMAS UV GLOW PARTY
When? Saturday, December 18 Where? Swansea Dockers Club
Swansea Dockers Club will host a ‘glowing’ Christmas party with the dress theme of ‘White Christmas’.
The ballroom at the venue will be completely blacked out, with the only light provided by powerful UV cannons that will make anyone wearing white glow in the dark. Cost of entry for the evening is £10.
FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR THOSE ALONE AT CHRISTMAS
When? Saturday, December 25 Where? The Spire, St Thomas Church, Lewis Street, Swansea
St Thomas Church is providing a free Christmas dinner and entertainment and free return transport to those who are alone this Christmas. It will take place from noon until 2.30pm at The Spire. To attend, call 01792 455671.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
When? Sunday, December 19, at 7.30pm Where? Brangwyn Hall
The annual festive favourite returns to the Brangwyn Hall and this year’s performance is led by Swansea Philharmonic Choir, who have been entertaining Swansea audiences for over 60 years. The choir is joined by soloists Ellen Williams, Sioned Terry, Robert Lewis and Steffan Lloyd Owen, accompanied by The British Sinfonietta.
The choir is conducted by Jonathan Rogers. It includes inspiring and exhilarating choruses such as Hallelujah and For Unto Us a Child is Born.