Christmas events

Start the countdown to the Festive Season

Start the countdown.....it is almost time for Christmas Lights to start brightening the winter skies around Carmarthenshire. Seeing the lights being switched on is a magical part of Christmas and really gets everyone in the Festive mood.

The festive celebrations begin with the Festival of Senses 15 - 17 November, a three-day festival of food, fun, entertainment and shopping opportunities with arts, crafts, fashion and food stalls. PLUS a lantern parade, Santa on his sleigh, switching on of the Christmas tree, hymn singing, a Laser Show and live music.

Llanelli Christmas lights switch on and Carnival is the biggest celebration in Carmarthenshire and thousands come out to line the streets to watch the Christmas parade and fireworks that signal the start of Christmas. Join in the fun on Friday 22 November.

On Saturday 23 November Carmarthen town and St. Catherine’s walk lights switch on takes place.

Head to Ammanford Town Centre for annual Xmas Lights Switch On on 29 November, with a Funfair on Quay St and children's entertainment, music from Llandybie Ladies Choir, Ammanford Silver Band and covers band P'tchaeow all hosted by local comedian Gareth Morris - oh and remember to say Hi to Santa in his Grotto!!! - The lights go on at 6.30pm followed by our Xmas Fireworks Display at 7pm.

Llanelli's Christmas parade is on Saturday 7 December you can meet Santa and his cast of colourful characters as Llanelli celebrates Christmas in style! Come and watch santa's parade of princesses, superheroes, bands and more begins at 12pm from Ffwrnes Theatre, with market stalls and live music throughout the day.

A magical Christmas 

On Saturday 30th November join Carmarthen's Festive Lantern Parade. It promises to be a spectacle with festive lanterns glowing through the town. Musical entertainment, local choirs and acts will all entertain the crowds with a feast to the ears and eyes. Browse the independent shops for the evening celebration, taste local foods, enjoy the mulled wine and mince pies, or stop in a café for a hot chocolate! Come and join the procession through the streets of Carmarthen, and celebrate this amazing occasion! 

Festival of senses

Nothing says Christmas like Llandeilo's Festival of senses, an annual event in Carmarthenshire's Christmas calendar.

Luminate: Magical Illuminated Light Trail Join us in December for a magical journey along a captivating illuminated trail through the beautiful grounds of the Botanic Garden. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising mile long walk, with our stunning lighting elements and fabulous interactive light play, all set to ambient music. A timeless experience to be enjoyed by all, young and old alike. The trail is open nightly from 29th November until 24th December 2023 (closed Christmas Day). Tickets must be pre-booked online.

Pembrey Country Park's Magical light trial is making a grand return, and it's even BIGGER & BETTER this year with a Christmas Village!

Best of all, it's absolutely FREE to attend (Event parking fee applies), so gather your loved ones and join us for a magical experience at the mesmerizing woodlands of Pembrey and get ready for the incredible surprise of meeting Father Christmas in his cosy woodland cabin! (booking and fee applies for Father Christmas visit)

Be sure to bring your festive spirit and a camera! Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Shopping- gift ideas

Christmas in Carmarthenshire is a shoppers dream with special events offering the opportunity to find something different, you are bound to find that a great stocking filler.

Get into the festive spirit as you browse the quality stalls from independent artists and craft makers in the 100% Sir Gâr pop -up shops they are full of festive cheer and gift ideas. Meet the makers and food producers from around Carmarthenshire in the pop-up shops in Carmarthen, Ammanford & Llanelli Town Centre. The pop up shop will open their doors from 29th November until 21st December.

If you want to keep the children entertained, Pembrey Christmas Fayre will be a great day out. Taking place on Saturday December 2nd & Sunday December 3rd, there will be craft stalls in the marquee for gift ideas, along with local choirs singing Christmas carols and performance groups throughout the weekend. Meet the most important person, Santa, who’ll will be there for the weekend.

More Christmas Events

You can find more Christmas events and Festive fun on our What's on pages.