Christmas New Year’s Eve getaway North Wales

A Christmas/New Year’s Eve getaway in Snowdonia North Wales is a world away from Christmas market crowds and commercial pressures. For a festive season slowdown, come to our our beautiful and tranquil location in Snowdonia / Eryri.

Escape to the wild open spaces of Eryri/Snowdonia National Park in our Christmas glamping, camping and holiday cottage accommodation. Refuel in the cosy pubs and cafes of Dolgellau and Barmouth after hiking, and biking in pristine landscapes or pottering around picturesque villages. Relax in your peaceful Snowdonia holiday cottage, heated shepherd’s hut or snuggle up in your own camper van.

Book Your Festive Getaway

Book your Snowdonia Christmas or New Year’s Eve Getaway

Festive places to eat and drink for your Snowdonia Christmas/New Year’s Eve getaway in Dolgellau and Barmouth

The Torrent, Dolgellau – A wonderful Christmas display of lights and trees outside, and a warm welcome inside this traditional Welsh pub popular with locals and visitors. Enjoy a pint of local craft ale or hearty evening meal.

Dylananwad Wine – Stop for a glass or pick up a special bottle or two from this cosy wine shop/bar and cafe. There’s always a warm welcome from the well informed team.

Y Sospan, Dolgellau – the atmospheric former gaol house serves up hearty Welsh food from breakfast to evening meals. Their lunchtime festive baguettes are legendary.

The George III, Penmaenpool – Hike here from Graig Wen in about an hour and half along the stunning Mawddach Estuary Trail (just under 4 miles). Time it right and hop on an early evening bus back or book a cab. The bar and dining room have wonderful estuary views and food is served lunchtime and evenings. Special Menu available for Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve Party.

The Last Inn, Barmouth – Wander across Barmouth Bridge with fabulous views for a mulled wine or meal at this super festive pub on the harbour.

 

 
Festive season events 2025 in North Wales

From illuminated forests and tractor runs to festive steam trains, there’s events throughout December.  Come along and support these community celebrations and local independent businesses.

Friday 28 November 2025 – Dolgellau Christmas Fair/Gwyl Nadolig Dolgellau. Our little town puts on a big festive show of lights in the historic streets.  The Christmas switch on is a lively night with late night shopping.

From 29 November until Christmas Eve – Adventures for adults and kids in ZipWorld’s Festive Forest – less than an hour from Graig Wen holiday accommodation.

Thursday 4th December – Barmouth’s Big Christmas Lights Switch On. Music, street entertainment and festive fun for all ages. Côr Meibion male voice choir, drumming parade from Batala Bermo and light show. Shops open late.

Friday 5th – Sunday 7th December – Food and Craft Fair at Portmeirion, the extraordinary Italianate village and gardens

From Saturday 6th December until Christmas Eve – Talyllyn Steam Railway runs Tinsel and Turkey Specials and Santa Trains. Advance Booking Essential

From Saturday 6th December until New Year’s Day – Ffestiniog Steam Railway will run festive services through the mountains.  Advance booking Essential

Sunday 13th December – Barmouth Seafront Santa Dash along the promenade from 11am

Sunday 14th December – Christmas Tractor run from Dolgellau to Barmouth – watch the illuminated tractors roar around Dolgellau and along the estuary to Barmouth.

Sunday 21st December – Jack Wilkes Memorial Christmas Tractor Run from Tywyn seafront along the coast to Fairbourne. Starts 5pm. Last year over 60 massive tractors were decked out in lights by local farmers. It’s quite a sight seeing them roar through local villages to raise money for local charities.

For evening entertainment, our fabulous, family (and dog!) friendly local cinema The Magic Lantern, screens films and live music events.

Book Your Festive Getaway

Book your Snowdonia Festive Getaway

Christmas shopping in Dolgellau and Barmouth

The handsome historic buildings of Dolgellau are decked with festive lights and surrounded by the mountains and dark night skies. Shop for essentials like local cheeses, meat and drinks in stores showcasing local produce. You can pre-order high quality Welsh meat and turkeys. Dip into quirky independent shops for vintage finds and hand crafted gifts. Pick up a special bottle or two from Dylanwad wine store – they have an amazing range of speciality Welsh drinks as well as treats like Panettone.

Dolgellau has a couple of mouth watering bakeries and cafes serving the most amazing cakes and festive lunches.

In Barmouth, the Christmas lights sparkle around the harbour and high street. Shop for smart homewares in a stylishly converted chapel or stunning photographic prints in a small gallery. Pick up speciality Welsh food and drinks in Dylan’s General Store. Finish off with festive fish and chips by the beach.

Croeso – warm welcome at Christmas holiday accommodation in North Wales

You’ll find a warm welcome in our Snowdonia self-catering Christmas cottages which are decorated with Christmas trees.

For Christmas and New Year’s Eve you can choose from our Snowdonia holiday cottages, cosy Shepherd’s Hut and our two heated quarry wagons.  The campsite is open for just a few vans with hardstandings and electric hook ups. Winter is a wonderful time to see why Eryri/Snowdonia is one of the few International Dark Skies Reserves – on a clear, crisp night you can sit and star-gaze from our communal camp fire in the woods.

A magical experience you won’t forget, –

just one of the reasons it’s the perfect Christmas glamping break North Wales has to offer.

Save on Your Christmas or New Year's Eve Getaway

10% Discount on glamping for multi night stay over Christmas and New Year’s Eve