Illustration of a christmas market scene (Christmas Fayre at St Donat's Castle)
Christmas Markets

Christmas Fayre at St Donat's Castle

Step into a festive wonderland at the Christmas Fayre held within the historic St Donat's Castle. Discover over 70 local traders offering unique handcrafted gifts, artisanal crafts, and delicious street food. Children can meet Santa Claus for a magical photo opportunity, while live entertainment, including magic shows and music, fills the air with holiday cheer. It's the perfect way to kickstart the festive season.

What to Expect

Historic castle setting with over 70 local craft and food traders.

Event Details

Duration

Two sessions each day: 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Vale of Glamorgan

Timed Entry

Yes

Featured Performers

  • Simon Sparkles

Organizer

St Donat's Castle (UWC Atlantic Experience)

Food & Drink

Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and refuel at one of our international street food traders. From hearty comfort foods to sweet treats and festive beverages, a delicious bite awaits.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, shoppers, festive atmosphere seekers

Vibe

Festive, historic, community-oriented

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

St Donat's Castle
Llantwit Major
Vale of Glamorgan
CF61 1WF

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
  • Parking: Parking is in nearby fields or campus areas, a short walk from the castle. Car tickets must be pre-booked as spaces are limited. Car tickets are charged per vehicle and car sharing is encouraged.
  • Accessibility: Parts of the event take place outdoors and the castle grounds include cobbled areas. For families with young children, baby carriers are recommended over prams/buggies due to uneven surfaces, narrow corridors, and expected crowds. Parking is in nearby fields or campus areas, a short walk from the castle, so suitable footwear is advised.
  • Pets: Dogs are welcome in the exterior gardens but must be kept on a lead at all times and cleaned up after. Dogs are not permitted inside any buildings.

Tips & Advice

  • Book your tickets in advance, especially car passes, as spaces are limited and often sell out. Consider the early booking discount if you plan to attend before September 30th.
  • Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear as parking is in nearby fields and the castle grounds have cobbled areas and uneven terrain.
  • Bring some cash for stallholders, as while most accept card payments, some may be cash only. There are no on-site cashback facilities.
  • If attending with young children, consider using baby carriers instead of prams or buggies due to the uneven surfaces and potential crowds within the castle.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on campus during the event, so plan accordingly if you wish to enjoy festive drinks.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Early booking discounted fee available until September 30th
  • Pre-booking available to meet Santa Claus
  • Repeaters price for traders attending Summer Fayre 2025

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and times for the Christmas Fayre?

The Christmas Fayre takes place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December. There are two sessions each day: Session 1 from 10am to 1pm, and Session 2 from 1pm to 4pm. Tickets are valid only for the specific time slot booked.

How much does it cost to attend?

Entry is £14 per car or £3 on foot. An early booking discounted fee of £11 per car or £2 on foot is available if booked before September 30th. Tickets are charged per vehicle.

Can I meet Santa Claus?

Yes, you can meet Santa Claus and receive a selection box for £8.50 per child. Pre-booking for Santa visits is recommended.

Are dogs allowed at the event?

Dogs are welcome in the exterior gardens but must be kept on a lead at all times. They are not permitted inside any buildings.

What payment methods are accepted?

The Main Entrance and Arts Centre Café are card payment only. Most stalls accept card payments, but some may be cash only. It is recommended to bring some cash.

Tags

Christmas marketholiday marketfamily friendlySanta visitsfestive foodholiday shoppingcommunity celebrationlive entertainmenthandmade craftsartisanal products

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team