Valleys Christmas markets for 2022: What you can buy,…

Valleys Christmas markets for 2022: What you can buy, eat and expect

It’s time to get your hats, scarves (and pennies) at the ready, because the Christmas markets in the South Wales valleys are back.

There are a whole host of things to do at the different markets this year- from gin drinking in the Caerphilly market to enjoying a pop-up tea room in Cowbridge. Here’s what you can expect from the markets this year:

Cowbridge

Vale Makers which run year round, are set to be back in the Old Hall for their Christmas Market on Saturday, December 3. A wide range of crafts will be on display, from ceramic and glass to textiles and woodwork, all made by skilled local makers. The idea is to give people the opportunity to ‘Shop Local’ and support small independent businesses.

As well as crafts, there will be a pop-up tearoom where you can enjoy some festive refreshments. This is set to help break up the time between browsing all of the stalls and ticking things off people’s Christmas shopping lists. The market will be open between 10am and 4pm.

Caerphilly Borough

All sorts of stalls are being held throughout Caerphilly, which are all taking place from 9am-5pm on the day they are held.

Bargoed Winter Fair is sure to get people into the Christmas spirit with their festive stalls. There will be stalls such as Eleri’s Welsh Cakes, Baker Bears with all kinds of sweet treats, Debbie Davis with her wreaths and handmade Christmas decorations and plenty more on Saturday, December 10, from 9am until 5pm.

In Blackwood, another event is being held on Saturday, November 26, as well as one in Ystrad on November 19 and in Caerphilly town centre on December 10.

Porthcawl

Christmas in Porthcawl kicks off later this month and there will be more than one way to keep busy if you’re heading down. There will be a pop-up market, seasonal food and lots of Christmas gifts and treats.

And music lovers won’t be disappointed, with a festive parade featuring the Porthcawl Christmas Brass band to delight the crowds, Santa Samba and of course Santa himself. At 6.45pm on the Bridge FM stage, at the junction of John Street and Well Street, the Christmas lights will be officially turned on by Santa, the mayor and a special guest.

This event will be taking place on Friday, November 29, 3.30pm to 9pm.

Merthyr Tydfil

An Artisan Christmas market is set to take place at Cyfarthfa Castle and Park. There will be sweet and savoury goods, gifts, original handmade Welsh jewellery, street food and even face painting. This event will be taking place on Sunday, December 18.

Bridgend

Get ready for a dose of Christmas magic, as there will be plenty to see and do at the Christmas markets at Court Colman Manor. People will be able to buy from a range of artisan stalls, fresh, homemade items, handmade crafts, hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies, hot dogs, burgers and more.

This event will be taking place on Sunday, November 20.

Pontyclun

Pontyclun's Annual Christmas Fayre will be back again this December, and will be spread across the car park in Heol yr Orsaf, Pontyclun Community Centre and Cafe 50 with over 60 stalls this year - indoors, in a large marquee and the open air.

There will be a variety of food and drink vendors; music and entertainment and some fairground attractions and kids games. Santa is expected in his grotto from 2pm until 5pm.

Llantwit Major

The Christmas Fayre is returning to St Donat's Castle in St Donats, near Llantwit Major and is welcoming over 60 local craft and street food traders. There will be a variety of stalls to browse from the much loved local traders that return year after year, as well as a number of first-time exhibitors.