Your guide to the most magical Santa grottos, Father Christmas experiences, and festive meet-and-greets in South Wales. The Royal Mint Christmas Experience Until 23 Dec The Royal Mint Christmas Experience The Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant royalmint.com Coin collectors, Christmas fans and little believers unite! Meet Santa and his elves as you journey through a sparkling workshop where Christmas traditions are brought to life, starting with the story of a single coin. Ex

Explore the best Christmas events, festive attractions and seasonal activities happening across Cardiff this holiday season. Santa’s Grotto at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Until 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Three Crosses, Swansea It doesn’t get more Christmassy than this. Wander through a twinkling Winter Wonderland filled with talking trees, cheeky elves, and even polar bears before meeting Santa himself for a special gift. You can also feed real reind

Discover the top festive events, Christmas days out, and family-friendly activities happening across South Wales this holiday season. Tower Grotto at Zip World in Aberdare 21 Nov - 24 Dec Tower Grotto Zip World, Aberdare Start with a mince pie and hot chocolate or mulled wine, then visit the grotto to meet Santa himself! Receive a special Welsh slate bauble to decorate, write a letter to Santa and take home a special gift, suitable for all ages. zipworld.co.uk 21 Nov - 4 Jan

With the festive season in full swing, we are all thinking about our favourite Christmas activities. To help you plan your Christmas and get in the festive spirit, Visit Cardiff have come up with the top 5 reasons to visit. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk 1. Ice-skating in the grounds of a Castle Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk returns to the historic Castle. Located in the Public Square, it boasts the spectacular backdrop of the Norman Kee

Swansea Grand Theatre is ready to shine brighter than ever as panto legend Joe Pasquale swoops back into town for a glittering new production of Aladdin that’s sure to wow audiences this Christmas. Aladdin at Swansea Grand Theatre Leading the laughs is national treasure Joe Pasquale, who returns to Swansea Grand Theatre in the comedy role of ‘Franky Manky’ Aladdin’s brother, and he’s also directing the show! Joe talks comedy chaos, festive fun and why this year’s show promise

In an exclusive interview, Michael Sheen discusses why he chose Swansea Grand for Our Town, how the play resonates with Welsh audiences and his vision for the Welsh National Theatre. Michael Sheen Why did you decide to bring Our Town to Swansea Grand, do you think the play will resonate with Welsh audiences today? I originally wanted to do the play in order for Francesca Goodridge, who’s directing it, to direct on a bigger stage. So that’s what came first, wanting to work wit

From gripping thrillers and award-winning novels to beautifully illustrated hardbacks and joyful festive stories, these are the top books to buy from Waterstones this Christmas, guaranteed to delight under the tree. Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes (Hardback) £14.00 Join Britain’s best-loved cook, Mary Berry, as she celebrates her 90th birthday with a career-spanning collection of iconic, fuss-free recipes for every occasion. The Impossible Fortune

Share the joy, spoil someone special and make Christmas 2025 extra indulgent with Lindt’s best-selling chocolate gifts. (Lindt Christmas Collection Hamper 1.5kg) Lindt Christmas Collection Hamper 1.5kg Including 650g Pick & Mix) £75 Share the magic of Christmas with this luxurious hamper of festive favourites and miniatures, including our iconic Gold TEDDY and Santa plus your selection of Pick & Mix. Spread a little festive sparkle, with Lindt. (Lindt SANTA Milk Drum 10g x 67

If you’re searching for the best pram for newborns, look no further than Bugaboo, one of the world’s most trusted baby brands. Known for its stylish design, smooth handling and exceptional safety features, Bugaboo prams are a favourite among new parents — and for good reason. Whether you want a lightweight stroller, an all-terrain travel system or a luxe newborn pram, Bugaboo offers premium options designed to make everyday life easier. To help you choose, here are the top 5

If you’re dreaming of fresh mountain air, snowy peaks, and unbeatable value, now is the perfect time to book a last-minute ski holiday with Ski France. If you're craving fresh snow, stunning alpine scenery, and unbeatable value, now is the ideal time to book a last-minute ski holiday with Ski France . With exclusive late deals on chalets, apartments, and hotels across the French Alps, Ski France makes spontaneous winter getaways easy — and affordable. Whether you want a high-

The December issue of The South Wales Magazine is here, packed with everything you need to make this Christmas truly magical and best of all it’s free to pick up right across South Wales! (The South Wales Magazine December 2025) From glitz and glamour on a budget  to cosy winter style, we’ve got all the inspiration to look and feel fabulous this festive season. Inside, discover exclusive features including Michael Sheen on bringing his new play to Swansea Grand Theatre, festi

Treat your loved ones this festive season with Cadbury Gifts Direct Christmas hampers. Perfect for family, friends, or colleagues, they bring joy, festive cheer, and a taste of Christmas straight to their door. (Cadbury Christmas Chocolate Gift Box) Cadbury Christmas Chocolate Gift Box £35 With almost 2.3kg of Cadbury chocolate and sweets, it makes the ideal Christmas chocolate gift for offices, families, or Christmas parties. Rich assortment: From bite-size Heroes and chewy

Packed with festive treats, luxury chocolates, and indulgent goodies, these hampers make the perfect Christmas gift for family, friends, and chocolate lovers. (Cadbury Christmas Chocolate Sharing Basket) Cadbury Christmas Chocolate Sharing Basket £35 Delivered in a presentation 14 wicker basket hand-packed with a delicious selection of your favourite Cadbury Christmas chocolate. Share this delightful chocolate sharing basket filled with all your Cadbury favourites, knowing yo

Explore the best Virginia Haywood hampers this Christmas, featuring luxury gift baskets, gourmet chocolates, biscuits, teas, and festive treats. Ideal Christmas presents for family, friends, and foodies – order online today. (Twelfth Night Gift Basket) Twelfth Night Gift Basket £228 A show-stopping Christmas hamper overflowing with gourmet treats and festive favourites. Presented in an elegant greywash willow tray, this luxurious gift collection is crafted to impress, offerin

Shop the ultimate Virginia Haywood hampers for Christmas 2025, featuring luxury food gifts, gourmet treats, festive chocolates, biscuits, teas, and perfect gift baskets for family, friends, and food lovers – all available to buy online. (T he Utopian Luxury Christmas Hamper from Virginia Hayward Hampers) The Utopian Christmas Hamper £2260 Celebrate Christmas in style with the Utopian Luxury Christmas Hamper – the biggest and most indulgent festive hamper ever! Packed with gou

Explore the Christmas 2025 gift guide with the best Cartwright & Butler hampers for every budget, including luxury food hampers, festive treats, gourmet chocolates, teas, biscuits, and perfect Christmas gifts for family, friends, and food lovers. The Ultimate Festive Hamper The Ultimate Festive Hamper £220 Utterly spoil your friends and family this year with The Ultimate Festive Hamper. Bursting with an array of Christmas goodies the whole family can enjoy.  The Totally Chris

Discover the ultimate Cartwright & Butler Christmas hampers for 2025, featuring luxury food gifts, gourmet treats, festive biscuits, chocolates, teas, and perfect Christmas presents for food lovers. (The Festive Alcohol Free Hamper from Cartwright and Butler) The Festive Alcohol Free Hamper £250 Experience the joys of Christmas with our Alcohol-Free Hamper, a wonderful collection of gourmets and indulgent treats. This hamper is perfect for those who prefer a non-alcoholic cel

The Gavin and Stacey star talks to Lauren Taylor about health in later life, writing poetry and living alone. Actor Larry Lamb talks about his ‘war-damaged’ childhood, writing a novel and solitude (Ian West/PA) Actor and writer Larry Lamb says he’s learned the importance of taking care of his body later in life, saying: “You’ve really got to respect the fact you’ve only got one of them, and you better look after it.” Eight or nine years ago he underwent surgery to correct ner

Lauren Taylor chats to the TV chef about his tips and tricks for everything from the turkey to the sprouts. (James Murphy/PA) In a restaurant kitchen, even professional chefs don’t have to make every element of a three-course meal. But at Christmas, “When you’re cooking at home, you have to do everything,” says Rick Stein, “therefore your timing has to be really good. In a restaurant kitchen you’re doing four or five things really, and nothing else, also they’re all part of t