Christmas is a magical time at St Donat’s Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan (near Cardiff and Bridgend), with a range of events to suit everyone; we hope you will join us to celebrate this festive season!  From Christmas events for the whole family and a special visit from Santa, to festive cafe concerts and our very popular Christmas Fayre, there is plenty to enjoy this December.

At St Donat’s Castle, we host a range of events throughout the year, from Christmas fayres and family events, to summer Lido and live gigs. You can stay up to date with our events by signing up to our mailing list.

Christmas Fayre at St Donat’s Castle

🎄 Welcoming over 70 craft, food and drink traders 🎄

Join us for a delightful day filled with festive cheer at the Christmas Fayre at St Donat’s Castle on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December. Enjoyed by all, our annual 2-day fayre takes place in the Vale of Glamorgan (near Cardiff and Bridgend) and welcomes over 70 local food, craft and drink traders to kickstart the festive season.

🎅 Meet Santa and Make Magical Memories! 🎅

No Christmas celebration is complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself! Bring the little ones to meet the jolly man in red, share their Christmas wishes, and take a photo of the moment. You can pre-book to meet Santa in the grand Dining Hall of St Donat’s Castle for just £8.50 per child and they’ll each receive a selection box too.

🎩 Enjoy a Complimentary Magic Show for the Little Ones! 🎩

Get ready for a sprinkle of enchantment as our Christmas Fayre features a complimentary magic show just for the kids! Watch their eyes light up with wonder as the talented Simon Sparkles dazzles them with mind-boggling tricks, illusions, and festive fun.

📅 Date: Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December

🕒 Time: 10am-4pm

📍 Location: St Donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF

🎟️ Entry Fee: £13 per car or £3 on foot

💸 Early Booking Discounted Fee: £10 per car or £2 on foot (if booked before 30th September)

🎶 Festive Cafe Concert – Performed by students of UWC Atlantic 🎶

As part of the Christmas lineup at St Donat’s Castle, step into the warm, festive ambience of our annual Christmas Café Concert, an enchanting afternoon brought to life by the talented students of UWC Atlantic.

The concert will feature a delightful blend of Christmas classics and contemporary Christmas music, performed by our College’s practising music students who will be fine-tuning their public performing skills as they prepare for their exam recitals.

Our students come from over 90 different countries; some of them masters of their instruments, and others complete beginners, but all of them would welcome, and benefit from, a supportive and appreciative audience.

Concerts typically last for around 45 minutes and include a serving of tea, coffee and a mince pie – all included in the ticket price. Any profits go towards UWC Atlantic, a charity making education a force to unite people and nations for peace and a sustainable future.

📅 Date: Friday 6th December

🕒 Time: 4-5pm

📍 Location: St Donats Arts Centre, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF

🎟️ Entry Fee: £6.50 to include a serving of tea or coffee or alcohol-free mulled wine and mince pie

🎄 St Donat’s Castle Tour and Festive Afternoon Tea 🏰

Step back in time this Christmas with a captivating journey through centuries of history at the enchanting St Donat’s Castle. Led by our knowledgeable local historian, you’ll uncover the rich tapestry of tales and traditions that have shaped this historic landmark. After a 90-minute immersive tour, retreat to the elegant Dining Hall, where a sumptuous Festive Afternoon Tea awaits. Savour an array of delightful sandwiches and homemade cakes, accompanied by tea or coffee, as you relax in the cosy ambience of the season.

📅 Date: Friday 13th December

🕒 Time: We invite you to choose from the following schedule options:

TOUR 1
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Guided Tour of St Donat’s Castle
3:00 pm: Festive Afternoon Tea

TOUR 2
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Guided Tour of St Donat’s Castle
4:00 pm: Festive Afternoon Tea

📍 Location: St Donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF

🎟️ Tickets: £35.95
Each tour is limited to 30 guests to ensure a more personal and immersive experience

🎄 Festive Film and Afternoon Tea at St Donat’s Castle 🎄

Get ready for a magical afternoon of festive fun at the enchanting St Donat’s Castle! This beloved event returns to bring you and your family the ultimate Christmas experience. Here’s what to expect:

✨ Arrive in Style:

Join us between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm to indulge in a delightful festive afternoon tea in the charming Dining Hall. Savour a variety of festive treats (see menu below) as you soak in the holiday ambience.

🏰 Christmas Film:

After tea, take a short stroll to the grand Bradenstoke Hall, where a special screening of the family favourite Christmas movie ‘Elf’ awaits.

🎅 Meet Santa:

But that’s not all—on your way to the film, stop for a quick photo with Santa himself! He wouldn’t miss this magical afternoon, and neither should you!

🎁 What’s Included:

• Festive Afternoon Tea
• Tea, Coffee & Squash
• Viewing of ‘Elf’ – The Movie

📅 Date: Sunday 15th December

🕒 Time: 1.30-5.30pm

📍 Location: St Donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF

🎟️ Tickets:

Child – £20.50
Adult – £31.50
Family (2 adults, 2 children) – £95
Infants (0-2) – Free (no catering provided)