Visiting Wales for Christmas: What Can You Expect?
Wales is widely considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and this is for a good reason. The small country is home to a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Christmas traditions, making it perfect for natives and visitors to have an exceptional time during the festive period. As you explore this enchanting country, you’ll be greeted by the warm, familiar embrace of a country with a story to tell, embodying more than what might initially meet the eye. In this article, we’ll look at what makes Christmas in Wales so special and what visitors can do while staying during the festive period, ranging from traditional customs to more modern celebrations.
Historical Significance
Wales has a strong history of celebrating Christmas with its connection to the festival spanning centuries. A testament to this rich tradition is the festival custom of Plygain, where a unique Welsh carol service is held in the early hours of the morning on Christmas Day. Although this traditional service is not as popular as it once was, it is still observed in certain areas of the country, particularly in remote regions where the centuries-old Welsh traditions and language are alive and well.
Modern-Day Celebrations
Although you can still observe traditional Christmas celebrations in some parts of Wales, many people now celebrate in their own way. Many towns and cities across Wales will spring to life during the winter months as Christmas markets become more common, while you can also see elaborate lighting and decorative displays on show. Can you believe that people travel far and wide to visit Wales for the Christmas holidays? Wales’s airports are often busy with commercial and private jet charter travellers during the festive period, especially thanks to expats returning home to see their friends and families.
Christmas Lights and Decorations
The spirit of Christmas is easily observable in Wales, no matter where you decide to visit. If you choose to head north, you can visit Conwy Castle, where you’ll often see a light show projected onto the castle walls and Santa abseiling the castle proper on Christmas Eve! Similar events can be observed throughout the country, where the local people embrace this time of year, decorating their towns, homes, and shared spaces.
Culinary Delights
While Wales may not have a festive dish like other countries do, they have many unique items that are perfect for the winter period. Welsh cakes are often given as gifts to loved ones, while a Bara Brith fruitcake can be shared between family members over the Christmas period. If you want to warm up during the winter and can no longer face the cold, a bowl of Welsh Cawl will likely do the trick — this hearty stew is similar to the Liverpudlian Scouse dish you may be familiar with.
Natural Beauty
On Christmas Day, it’s common for Welsh people to go for a long walk, greeting everybody they encounter along the way. Given that Wales has a landscape that attracts people from far and wide, being able to appreciate this on Christmas Day makes perfect sense. You’ll often see snow-capped mountains and semi-frozen lakes during your festive Welsh walk, especially if you head to in-land areas away from the coast. The peaceful Welsh countryside is perfect for recharging and realigning your thoughts.
Festive Activities
If you decide to visit Wales during the festive period, we’re sure you won’t have any shortage of activities. As mentioned, Wales has a strong tradition of holding impressive Christmas markets where you can buy traditional Welsh gifts created by artisanal sellers. You can visit the local churches and observe the standard services, while you can also watch out for Mari Lwyd. This ghostly folk custom has undergone a resurgence in recent years, largely due to its terrifying appearance and bizarre connection to older Pagan festivals.
Community Spirit
While this isn’t something you can observe in the same way as a light show or Christmas market, the community spirit in Wales can undoubtedly be felt. The Welsh people are kind and generous and will be more than happy to welcome you to their country if you respect Wales’s traditions and customs. By participating in Welsh festivities over the Christmas period, you can better understand what makes Wales such a unique country and why you must visit again in the future.
If you’re looking for a memorable experience that we’re sure will be unlike anything you’ve seen before, a trip to Wales over Christmas is a must. Wales is a delightful country offering a fantastic blend of traditional customs and modern charm, complete with a rich history that we’re sure will leave you obsessed.
