Host of Christmas markets to enjoy

IT’S time to get your hats, scarves (and pennies) at the ready, because the Christmas markets in South Wales are back.

There are a whole host of things to do at the different markets this year – from gin drinking in the Caerphilly market to enjoying a pop-up tea room in Cowbridge.

Here’s what you can expect from the markets this year:

■ COWBRIDGE

Vale Makers, which runs yearround, is set to be back in the Old Hall for its Christmas Market on Saturday, December 3.

A wide range of crafts will be on display, from ceramic and glass to textiles and woodwork, all made by skilled local makers.

The idea is to give people the opportunity to shop local and support small independent businesses.

As well as crafts, there will be a pop-up tearoom where you can enjoy some festive refreshments.

This is set to help break up the time between browsing all of the stalls and ticking things off people’s Christmas shopping lists.

The market will be open between 10am and 4pm.

■ CAERPHILLY BOROUGH

All sorts of stalls will be appearing throughout Caerphilly, which are all taking place from 9am-5pm on the days they are held.

Bargoed Winter Fair is sure to get people into the Christmas spirit with its festive stalls.

There will be stalls such as Eleri’s Welsh Cakes, Baker Bears with all kinds of sweet treats, Debbie Davis with her wreaths and handmade Christmas decorations, and plenty more on Saturday, December 10, from 9am until 5pm.

In Blackwood, another event is being held tomorrow, as well as one in Caerphilly town centre on December 10.

■ PORTHCAWL

The town’s Christmas Market Fayre takes place on Sunday, November 27, from 11am to 4pm, at The Hi Tide on Mackworth Road.

Organisers said: “Come along and soak up the wonderful Christmas atmosphere at our fabulous Christmas Fayre Extravaganza, with over 50 stalls and back for its eighth year.

“Our Christmas Fayre offers a truly fantastic festive shopping experience.

“Santa will be welcoming all to his Grotto with his Cheeky Elves (book a slot in advance advised, payment on the day). Please visit our event page for further details or WhatsApp 0786 793 2160.”

There will be free entry and free parking.

■ MERTHYR TYDFIL

An Artisan Christmas Market is set to take place at Cyfarthfa Castle and Park.

There will be sweet and savoury goods, gifts, original handmade Welsh jewellery, street food and even face painting.

This event will be taking place on Sunday, December 18.

■ PONTYCLUN

Pontyclun’s Annual Christmas Fayre will be back again this December, and will be spread across the car park in Heol yr Orsaf, Pontyclun Community Centre and Cafe 50 with over 60 stalls this year – indoors, in a large marquee and the open air.

There will be a variety of food and drink vendors, music and entertainment and some fairground attractions and kids games. Santa is expected in his grotto from 2pm until 5pm.

■ LLANTWIT MAJOR

The Christmas Fayre is returning to St Donat’s Castle in St Donats, near Llantwit Major, and is welcoming more than 60 local craft and street food traders.

There will be a variety of stalls to browse from the much-loved local traders that return year after year, as well as a number of first-time exhibitors.

This event will be taking place on Sunday, December 4 from 10am-4pm.