St Donat's Castle christmas lights

Christmas

Christmas Events at St Donat's Castle in 2025

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.

🎄 Christmas Fayre at St Donat’s Castle 🎄

Welcoming over 70 craft, food and drink traders for a festive day out for the whole family!

Join us for a delightful day filled with festive cheer at the Christmas Fayre at St Donat’s Castle on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th 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 Standley Room of St Donat’s Castle for just £8.50 per child and they’ll each receive a selection box too.

🎶 FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT THROUGHOUT THE DAY 🎶

Our Christmas Fayre isn’t just about shopping—there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy as you soak up the festive atmosphere! From magical performances to live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re enjoying the spellbinding tricks of Simon Sparkles, tapping your feet to the sound of a brass band, or unwinding with live music, these performances add an extra sparkle to your day at the Fayre.

📅 Date: Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December

🕒 Time: Two sessions each day — choose your entry time when booking

Session 1: 10am–1pm
Session 2: 1pm–4pm

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

🎟️ Entry Fee: £14 per car or £3 on foot

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

oin us at our annual Christmas Café Concert at St Donat’s Art Centre, performed by our very own UWC Atlantic students!
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 or non-alcoholic mulled wine 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 28th November

🕒 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. Savor an array of delightful sandwiches and homemade cakes, accompanied by tea or coffee, as you relax in the cosy ambiance of the season.

📅 Date: Monday 15th 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: £36.95
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 ❄️

The Beloved ‘Festive Film and Afternoon Tea’ Returns to St Donat’s Castle – With TWO Magical Movie Events!
Step into Christmas at the enchanting St Donat’s Castle for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, delicious treats, and holiday magic! This much-loved family-friendly event is back, with two chances to experience the ultimate Christmas celebration, each featuring a different festive favourite film.

Festive Afternoon Tea – Enjoy a delicious selection of seasonal treats served in the beautifully decorated Dining Hall, complete with a cosy Christmas atmosphere.

Live Music – Relax to the sound of live piano and Christmas carols performed by the talented Sharon Richards, setting the perfect festive tone.

Meet Santa – Capture a magical moment with Santa Claus himself—he’ll be joining us both days!
After tea, take a short stroll to our Arts Centre, Tythe Barn for a special Christmas film screening.

📅 Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December

Saturday 13th December – The Polar Express (2004)
Sunday 14th December – Home Alone (1990)

🕒 Time: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

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

🎟️ Tickets:

Child – £21.50
Adult – £34.50
Family (2 adults, 2 children) – £100
Infants (0-2) – Free (no catering provided)

events at St Donat's Castle

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