Over the last few years, most major Christmas events across the valleys were called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. But this year many of them are returning with a bang.
As we enter November, the festive season is upon us and there's loads going on near you if you are in the mood to celebrate. Here we've got a list of where in the south Wales valleys you can walk down into your town or village and see the local light switch on or Father Christmas and his reindeer pass through.
If your town hasn't announced its plans yet, we will keep an eye out to add the celebrations to this list. You can also email lydia.stephens@walesonline.co.uk if there is anything we have missed.
Read more: Where to meet Santa in Wales this Christmas
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Treorchy
When: Saturday, November 26, 10am -5pm
What's there? A full day of entertainment, activity and Christmas markets from 10am with the town's Christmas parade at 4.30pm
Pontypridd
When: Saturday, November 26, 2am -7pm
What's there? Christmas lights switch on at 6pm. There will be market stalls, children's entertainers, outdoor cinema at 3.30pm, fairground rides and live music.
When: Saturday 3, 10 and 17 December 10am-4pm
What's there? Santa's Grotto at Pontypridd Museum, for more information visit www.pontypriddtowncouncil.gov.uk
Pontyclun
When: Saturday, December 3 1.30pm
What's there? A Christmas fayre will be held at the car park in Heol yr Orsaf, Pontyclun Community Centre and Cafe 50 with over 60 stalls. Food and drink vendors, music and entertainment, fairground attractions and a Santa visit.
Tonypandy
When: Saturday, November 26, 12am -5pm
What's there? A synthetic ice rink to skate, an inflatable snow globe, street entertainment and children's funfair ride. There will also be Santa in his grotto as well as Christmas stalls, carols and a Christmas treasure hunt. At 5pm there will be a lantern parade and Santa's sleigh.
Aberdare
When: Thursday, December 1, 3-6.30pm
What's there? Synthetic ice rink, snow globes, festive fun and a Santa visit, at Aberdare Library Square and Car Park. The Christmas lights will also be swithced on at MArket Street where there will be a Christmas market and free Santa's grotto.
Porth
When: Friday November 25, 3-6.30pm
What's there? Synthetic ice rink, snow globes, festive fun and a Santa visit at Porth Plaza car park.
Ferndale
When: Friday, December 2, 3-6.60pm
What's there? Synthetic ice rink, snow globes, festive fun and a Santa's grotto at Lime Street car park.
Mountain Ash
When: Saturday, December 3 12-5pm
What's there? Synthetic ice rink, snow globes, festive fun and a Santa's grotto at Henry Street car park.
Merth yr Tydfil County Borough
Merthyr Tydfil town centre
When: Saturday, November 19 starting at 11am
What's there? Christmas light switch on at 5.30pm at Penderyn Square. A family fun day will start from 11am with festive walkabout characters and other entertainment through the day.
Caerphilly Borough
Bargoed
When: Saturday, December 10, 9am-5pm
What? The Bargoed Winter Fair is back for 2022 with festive stalls, entertainment and funfair rides. There will be an appearance from Father Christmas and there is also an ice rink in the area from Wednesday December 7 until Sunday 11 in Morrisons underground car park.
Ystrad Mynach
When: Saturday, November 19, 9am-5pm
What? Ystrad Mynach Winter Food & Craft Fair will have Christmas and food stalls. There will also be a few funfair rides and festive characters roaming the streets as well as a community stage with performances from local schools, choirs, bands and singers. The fair is also host to the magical Gelligaer Community Council Christmas Light Switch on at 5pm.
Caerphilly
When: Saturday, December 3, 9am-8pm
What? Delicious street food, the smell of mulled wine, exciting street theatre and over 60 food, craft and gift stalls and entertainment throughout the day leading up to the River of Light Lantern Parade at 6.30pm which concludes with a firework display at 7.15pm.
Bridgend
Bridgend
When? Saturday November 26, time to be confirmed.
What? Christmas light switch on with other details soon to be announced.
Maesteg
When? Saturday December 3 time to be confirmed.
What? Christmas light switch on with other details soon to be announced.
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