Christmas in Wales comes with plenty of character. Think Mari Lwyd knocking at the door, toffee bubbling on the stove, carols before sunrise and, for the brave, a very chilly dip in the sea. Add Siôn Corn into the mix and you’ve got all the ingredients for a proper Welsh Christmas. Nadolig Llawen!

 

Interesting Welsh Christmas traditions

Christmas in Wales has a rich history of traditions, with festivities once stretching well beyond Christmas Day. In the 19th century, Christmas marked the beginning of ‘Y Gwyliau’, a period when farm work traditionally stopped and communities came together to celebrate. From centuries-old customs to more modern festive favourites, here are some of our favourite ways to get into the Welsh Christmas spirit.

Mari Lwyd

A tradition from South Wales where people dress up using a horse's skull, white sheet and colourful ribbons. The horse was then led from house to house, where residents would recite poetry to one another and sometimes sing carols. Welcoming the Mari Lwyd into your home was believed to bring good luck for the year ahead.

The Christmas and Boxing Day dip

Join the crowds embracing the cold this year with a Christmas or Boxing Day dip. Around the nation, hundreds of people take to the sea for a quick swim, with the likes of Porthcawl sea dip running for the last 50+ years. Some do it for charity and others for the experience, with plenty of onlookers around.

A visit from Siôn Corn

The Welsh version of Santa Claus is "Chimney-Pot John", “Mr Corn” or "John Stack”, a reference to the chimney he uses to enter homes. Mr Corn would ensure children were on their best behaviour and in bed early. In return, he’d deliver presents to help celebrate.

Noson Gyflaith - Christmas Eve toffee making

Often on Christmas Eve, families would get together for an evening making toffee. Toffee was boiled in pans in the fire, then pulled and enjoyed as a family. The toffee evening was about bringing people together, with families and friends gathering to play games, tell stories and enjoy the festivities before Christmas Day.

In some instances, the evening would continue into the early hours, when people would head to the Plygain service together.

Experience “Plygain”

Across Wales, for many, Christmas meant an early start or late night to go to the Plygain church service. Falling between 03:00 and 06:00, the service features a capella carol singing, often by candlelight.

 

Travelling this Christmas period? Buy train tickets with us directly to avoid booking fees.