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Christmas Markets in Wales 2026

Updated 28 October 2026 · 3 markets · Cardiff, Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire

3 Christmas markets and fairs in Wales are listed for 2026, in Cardiff, Pembrokeshire and Gwynedd, and Cardiff Christmas Market opens first, on Thursday 12 November. In Cardiff, wooden stalls of arts and crafts line the pedestrian shopping streets of the city centre until just before Christmas, and makers sell their own work, some showing their skills as you browse. Pembroke Castle Christmas Market opens the castle's Outer Ward to stalls of gifts, toys, jewellery and local produce from across Pembrokeshire and west Wales, with Santa arriving on the Friday evening. Portmeirion Christmas Fair fills the Gwynedd village of Portmeirion from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December, with stalls of Welsh produce, food, drinks, gifts and crafts.

Cardiff · 1Gwynedd · 1Pembrokeshire · 1
Map of the eleven guide regions with Wales highlightedA tile map, one square per region: North East, North West, Yorkshire, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, London.North EastNorth WestYorkshireEast MidsWest MidsEastSouth EastSouth WestWalesScotlandLondon
Markets listed
3
First to open
Thu 12 Nov
Last to close
Wed 23 Dec
Dogs welcome at
1 of 3

All 3 at a glance

MarketDates 2026TownCountyEntryDogsAccess
Cardiff Christmas Market12 Nov – 23 DecCardiffCardiffFree entry—Step-free access
Pembroke Castle Christmas MarketFri 27 – Sun 29 NovPembrokePembrokeshireFree entryDogs welcome outdoors, on a leadWheelchair accessible, Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Portmeirion Christmas FairFri 4 – Sun 6 DecPenrhyndeudraethGwyneddPaid entryNo dogs (assistance dogs are welcome by law)Accessible parking / blue badge parking

A dash means the market has not said. Ordered by opening date.

Questions about Christmas markets in Wales

When do Christmas markets start in Wales?

In 2026 the first to open is Cardiff Christmas Market, which opens on Thursday 12 November and closes on Wednesday 23 December. Pembroke Castle Christmas Market takes Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, and Portmeirion Christmas Fair takes Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December. Each market's card gives its dates.

Are dogs allowed at Christmas markets in Wales?

At Pembroke Castle Christmas Market, yes, on a short lead, though dogs are asked to keep out of the marquee. Portmeirion Christmas Fair does not allow pet dogs: it admits only guide dogs and registered assistance dogs, and these must stay on a short lead and under control. Cardiff Christmas Market has published no dog rule.

Are the Christmas markets in Wales free to enter?

Some are: Pembroke Castle Christmas Market and Cardiff Christmas Market are both free to enter. Pembroke asks you to book a free ticket online in advance. Portmeirion Christmas Fair sells tickets on the day at one of its three tollbooths, not in advance, and the prices have not been published yet; children under 5 go in free.

Is there parking at Christmas markets in Wales?

Yes, though the arrangements differ at each market. Pembroke Castle has no parking of its own, but public car parks are a few minutes' walk away, with disabled bays in the Long Entry car park, directly across from the castle. In Cardiff, the market points to the city's pay and display and NCP car parks and its Park & Rides. Portmeirion says parking in the village is limited and recommends its free shuttle bus from Porthmadog, running regularly from 9am to 6pm; the free car park to use is Llyn Bach, in Porthmadog.

Are the Christmas markets in Wales open in the evening?

Yes, on some days. Pembroke Castle Christmas Market stays open until 8pm on its Friday, when Santa arrives at 6.30pm. Cardiff Christmas Market has a late night until 7pm every Thursday in December. Portmeirion's gates are open from 9.30am until 5.30pm.

Is Portmeirion Christmas Fair accessible for wheelchair users?

Portmeirion describes the village as sloped and stepped in many places and not an ideal fit for anyone whose mobility is restricted. Visitors may bring a wheelchair, walking aid or scooter of their own, and wheelchairs can be borrowed. Blue badge parking is on site and is first come, first served; during the fair it moves, so follow the signs.

Christmas markets in other regions

Christmas markets in the North EastChristmas markets in the North WestChristmas markets in YorkshireChristmas markets in the East MidlandsChristmas markets in the West MidlandsChristmas markets in the East of EnglandChristmas markets in the South EastChristmas markets in the South WestChristmas markets in ScotlandChristmas markets in London

Every market is listed from the details its organisers and venues publish.