Your Sleigh Awaits
There's so much to discover across our network this festive season and our trains can take you there. Whether you’re looking for Christmas markets, Christmas theatre or to spend some quality time with friends and family, buy your Advance train tickets ahead of time and enjoy no booking fees when you book direct with us.
We’ve created an overview of things to do across the network this Winter. Don’t see your favourite? Why not tell us where you love to go over Christmas and tag us on social media.
South Wales
Cardiff
From 14 November until 23 December you can discover Cardiff Christmas market. From bespoke gifts to a variety of seasonal food and drink, it’s well worth a visit. Not only that, from 14 November you can visit the much loved Winter Wonderland spread across City Hall Lawn and Cardiff Castle. If you’re heading to the castle, make sure you’ve got your skates at the ready.
Closest station: Cardiff Central
West Wales
Swansea
From 23 November to 22 December, Oxford Street will be home to Swansea’s Christmas street market. Find dozens of stalls offering handmade gifts, fine foods and unique Christmas decorations.
Closest station: Swansea, 16 minute walk
North Wales
Betws-y-coed
From 30th Nov-1 Dec you can visit the Snowdonia curated Christmas market featuring artisan makers and producers from Eryri and it’s boundaries. Located at the Royal Oak Hotel.
Closest station: Betws y Coed, just a 3 minute walk
Mid Wales
Builth Wells
From 25 to 26 November the Royal Welsh Winter Fair will open to offer shoppers the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique and original gifts. Over the two days, there's an eventful schedule full with livestock, butchery, homecrafts and floral art competitions.
Closest station: Builth Road
Llandeilo
Home to boutiques, jewellers, galleries and antique shops, you’ll be able to find some truly unique gifts this Christmas.
Closest station: Llandeilo
Borders
Manchester
From the 9th November until 21 December, Manchester’s Christmas markets will be offering festive food and drink and shopping in the ski chalet market stalls at Piccadilly Gardens. You can also experience festive light trails, a visit to Santa’s Grotto or a trip to the ice-rink in Cathedral Gardens.
Closest station: Manchester Piccadilly
Christmas in Manchester - Visit Manchester
Chester
Chester’s historic Christmas market will be returning from 15 November until 22 December. With 70 traders located in the Town Hall Square, the new Arcade and around the sparkling tree, there’s plenty for you to look forward to. Discover unique, locally made produce and handmade crafts.
Closest station: Chester
Visit Chester | The Official Tourism Site for Chester
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury’s regular market in the square comes to life at Christmas. Saturday 14 December from 9:00 - 17:00. The famous market hall will also be offering a rare Christmas treat on 7 December as it opens it’s doors into the evening with Street food, bars and Christmas tunes.
Find out more.
Closest station: Shrewsbury
Birmingham
From 1 November until 24 November you can enjoy Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market. The stalls in Victoria Square and along New Street offer something for everyone. It’s the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany.
Closest station: Birmingham New Street
Liverpool
From 16 November until 24 December, head to St George’s Plateau for unique Christmas gifts, festive food offerings and the new Bavarian Bar.
Closest station: Liverpool Lime Street
