As the festive season approaches, Pembrokeshire transforms into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, community spirit, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Whether you’re in the mood for carol singing, charity swims, Christmas markets, or creative workshops, there’s something magical for everyone to enjoy across the county. Here’s our round-up of unmissable events in Pembrokeshire leading up to Christmas 2025 — perfect for locals and visitors alike!

Festive-Themed Fun Runs and Charity Dips

Tenby Santa Run

Saturday 29th November 2025 One of Pembrokeshire’s most popular festive events, the Tenby Santa Run is a 3k fun run through the heart of the town. Organised by the Tenby Round Table, it’s a brilliant, family-friendly fundraiser that sees a sea of Santas taking over the streets! Entry includes a Santa suit, so you’ll blend right in with the jolly crowd.

Tenby Boxing Day Swim

Friday 26th December 2025, 11am — North Beach, Tenby As far as Boxing Day traditions go, this one takes some beating! The Tenby Boxing Day Swim attracts hundreds of brave souls who dive into the chilly sea in fancy dress to raise money for charity. Expect laughter, cheering crowds, and a real community spirit. Afterwards, warm up with a beach bonfire and a bowl of hot soup. It’s one of the most iconic Christmas events in Pembrokeshire.

Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim

Thursday 1st January 2026 Could there be a better way to start the new year than with a dip in the sea? The Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim is the UK’s biggest New Year’s Day swim which sees over 1,500 swimmers plunge into the waves to raise money for local causes — raising an incredible £47,000 in past years. There’s live music, pre-swim warm-ups, and plenty of festive fancy dress. Head to the official event website for sponsorship details and start your year with a splash!

Pembrokeshire Pantomimes

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a panto — and Pembrokeshire always delivers! Round up the family, practice your best “He’s behind you!”, and settle in for a festive show.

Alice in Wonderland – Regency Hall, Saundersfoot

1st–6th December 2025 Step through the looking glass for this year’s Saundersfoot Pantomime, a whimsical retelling of Alice in Wonderland. Expect all the classic panto fun — larger-than-life characters, local talent, and plenty of laughter. A brilliant community event that’s perfect for families. Book Here

Christmas Lights in Pembrokeshire

Across Pembrokeshire, towns and villages sparkle with festive lights. From coastal harbour's to countryside communities, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and take a tour of the Christmas lights in Pembrokeshire — whether it’s a romantic evening drive or a family walk through the glowing streets.

Pembrokeshire’s Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run

Saturday 20th December 2025 One of West Wales’ most unique festive spectacles! The Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run sees hundreds of tractors and lorries decked out in fairy lights take to the roads for a 27-mile festive convoy, starting at Clarbeston Road and finishing at Withybush Showground. Expect to hear the tooting horns before you see the glow! It’s all in aid of local charities, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance. Don’t forget your earmuffs and waterproofs — this event goes ahead whatever the weather!

Pembrokeshire Christmas Convoy

Saturday 13th December 2025 (timings TBC) Another beloved festive highlight is the Pembrokeshire Christmas Convoy, which sees a fleet of brightly decorated trucks, lorries, and cars light up the roads of South Pembrokeshire. The 2025 event promises to be just as spectacular. Following a 3-mile route through some of the county’s favourite holiday destinations — including Tenby, Saundersfoot, and Narberth — this convoy sets off from Folly Farm and welcomes spectators to line the route and wave as the vehicles pass by. Previous years have seen up to 140 vehicles take part, raising funds for causes such as The Firefighters Charity and The Velindre Cancer Charity.

Christmas Markets

Few things capture the spirit of Christmas like a festive market. Enjoy a wander through twinkling stalls, sip mulled wine, and shop for unique gifts from local artisans. Christmas markets include Pembroke Castle, Picton Castle, Narberth Christmas market and Cardigan Castle Christmas Fair

Festive Family Events in Pembrokeshire

Snowman Trail at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill

Friday 28th – Sunday 30th November 2025, 11am–7:30pm Get ready for some frosty family fun at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill’s Snowman Trail, running across three festive days. Follow the charming trail around the castle grounds, spotting cheerful snowmen along the way and enjoying twinkling lights and seasonal decorations. Perfect for families, the event includes festive activities for children and plenty of magical photo opportunities. After completing the trail, warm up with a hot chocolate or mince pie at the on-site café while soaking up the winter atmosphere as the castle and millpond light up at dusk.

Picton Castle - Victorian Father Christmas

Saturday 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd December 2025 Come and meet Father Christmas at Picton Castle. A whole family day out with an elf door trail in the castle, Christmas crafts in the family room, a gift for every child and mulled wine / spiced apple juice for every adult.

Christmas at St David's Cathedral

There’s no better place to embrace the magic of Christmas than St David's Cathedral, set in Britain’s smallest city. Each year, the cathedral hosts a series of festive services, including family-friendly nativities, candlelit choral evensongs, and a Christmas spectacular. Finish your visit with a stroll through the interactive Angel Trail.

Christmas Crafts & Wreath-Making Workshops

Roch Castle Wreath Workshop

Saturday 6th December 2025 Learn how to craft your own festive wreath in the stunning surroundings of Roch Castle. Choose between a morning (10:30am) or afternoon (1:30pm) session for £60 per person — with tea, coffee, and mince pies included.

Christmas Crafts Willow Workshop – Ash Farm, Stepaside

Sunday 14th December 2025 — Booking required

Hosted by textile artist Sian O’Doherty at beautiful Ash Farm in Stepaside, this hands-on Christmas Crafts Willow Workshop is ideal for anyone who loves making natural, seasonal decorations. Participants can enjoy a relaxed creative day learning traditional willow techniques while crafting festive pieces to take home. The workshop also includes a homemade lunch, freshly prepared on-site using local ingredients. Spaces are limited and advance booking is essential — visit Sian O’Doherty for details and to secure your spot. For other workshops, her Lookbook of traditional textiles and shop for a variety of collections, homeware and gifts.

Where to Stay This Christmas

Whether you’re planning a romantic festive getaway or a big family celebration, Pembrokeshire is full of cosy cottages perfect for your Christmas break. Find your dream festive retreat with Puffin Cottage Holidays — from snug hideaways with log fires to spacious coastal homes for New Year gatherings.

Wrap-Up

With its festive markets, coastal swims, sparkling lights, and community spirit, Pembrokeshire at Christmas is truly special. So, dig out your Santa hat, wrap up warm, and make the most of this magical time of year on the Welsh coast.

About us

Based in South Pembrokeshire, Puffin Cottage Holidays are a family run business, with a wealth of knowledge on the area and the local attractions and have been successfully letting holiday accommodation for over 15 years.

We aim to provide our customers with excellent service before, during and after your holiday, making your break away from home as enjoyable, relaxing and hassle free as possible. We understand that you may lead a busy life which is why we make ourselves available out of hours and on weekends, so that we can help you find your perfect holiday at a time convenient to you and if there is anything we can do to make your holiday more special just let us know.

Remember we specialise in all sorts of properties whether you are looking for Sea Views, Pet Friendly, Character, Rural, Hot Tubs, Lodges, Apartments, Cottages, Pods and keep close to our website for the best late deals.

If you have a property you are looking to holiday let, please see our Property owners page and contact us for more details. Our current properties are predominantly based in Tenby, Saundersfoot, Penally and surrounding areas therefore access to Pembrokeshire’s award-winning beaches is never too far away!