Your Sleigh Awaits
There’s so much to discover across our network this festive season, and our trains are ready to take you there. Whether you’re planning a seasonal day at the Christmas markets, a festive theatre show, or spending quality time with friends and family, buy your Advance train tickets ahead of your trip and enjoy no booking fees when you book directly with us.
If you’re needing some inspiration, we’ve gathered some of the best experiences across our network. Don’t see your favourite? Why not tell us where you love to go over the festive period by tagging us on social media.
South Wales
Cardiff
From 13 November to 23 December, you can discover Cardiff Christmas Market. Discover hand crafted gifts, seasonal treats and delicious street food from the many unique stalls. Don’t miss the much-loved Winter Wonderland spread across City Lawn Hall and Cardiff Castle.
Closest station: Cardiff Central
West Wales
Swansea
From 29 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
Tenby
Welcome Christmas by the sea at Tenby’s Christmas light switch-on on Saturday 29 November. Explore a Christmas market filled with local gifts, enjoy live music throughout the town, and don’t miss the highlight of the celebration - Santa’s spectacular arrival on a RNLI quad bike.
Closest station: Tenby
North Wales
Betws-y-Coed
From 29 to 30 November, this picturesque village hosts a magical Christmas market showcasing the very best artisan makers and local producers from Eryri and its boundaries. Find them at the Royal Oak Hotel - just a 3-minute walk from the station.
Closest station: Betws-y-Coed
Mid Wales
Builth Wells
From 24 to 25 November, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair will open to offer shoppers the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique and original gifts. Alongside the shopping, enjoy a lively programme of events including livestock, butchery, homecrafts, and floral art competitions.
Closest station: Builth Road
Borders
Birmingham
Experience the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria right here in the UK. From 1 November until 24 December, indulge in the festivities at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market.
Closest station: Birmingham New Street
Chester
On 21 November, watch as Chester’s historic streets light up with the 12 Days of Christmas Parade. While you’re there, don’t miss the charming Christmas Market which runs in Town Hall Square, open from 19 November until 22 December.
Closest station: Chester
Manchester
Known for its vibrant urban streets, Manchester transforms into a festive wonderland at Christmas. From 7 November until 22 December, Manchester’s Christmas markets will offer festive food, drink and shopping in the ski chalet market stalls at Piccadilly Gardens. See the magic for yourself.
Closest station: Manchester Piccadilly
Shrewsbury
On Saturday 9 December, Shrewsbury Prison will host its third annual Christmas Market - it’s just a 3-minute walk from the train station. Experience Christmas straight out of a storybook at the Shrewsbury Farmers Christmas Market, which takes over the The Square on 19 and 20 December with festive food stalls, live music, and holiday cheer.
Closest station: Shrewsbury
