Caerphilly Christmas Lights
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The Elves and the Shoemakers

It’s going to be a long, cold Christmas for the old shoemakers. There’s no bread in the breadbin, no wood for the fire and no money to buy each other presents. But two little elves have other ideas - and there’s still one last piece of leather to make one more pair of shoes. With just the right amount of elf magic things are about to change for the better. Featuring puppetry, songs and live music, The Elves and the Shoemakers is the perfect festive treat packed full of Christmas spirit.

Menter Iaith Christmas Fair

The Menter Iaith Christmas Fair will be returning to Llancaiach Fawr with a wide range of stalls, the fair is the ideal place for searching out that special present for Christmas.

Ystrad Mynach Festive Fayre

Festive market stalls, local singers, choirs and brass band.

Christmas with the Siren Sisters

Take a blonde, brunette and red head combo from Cardiff, crooning all your favourite tunes from the 1940's, add blue birds, white cliffs and apple blossom, a live band and a large dollop of Christmas cheer to create the perfect Christmas experience. Following in the footsteps of the Andrews, Boswell and Dinning Sisters, this terrific trio will have you tapping your tinsel toes and humming along to the nostalgic tunes of yesteryear.

Christmas Carvery lunch in the Conservatory

Why not take the time out of your busy schedule to relax and enjoy a sumptuous Christmas Carvery in The Conservatory Restaurant.

A Christmas Night at the Movies with Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra

Join this acclaimed and popular orchestra for an impressive mix of stirring and inspirational music from movies such as Harry Potter, Oliver!, Ben-Hur, Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines, The Godfather, Lawrence of Arabia, Robin Hood, The Lion King and much, much more!

Pontywaun Christmas Lights
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Blackwood Christmas Lights
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Markham & District Colliery Band Winter Concert

One of the 'Stutes favourite local groups presents their popular annual concert, joined by a local school. Everyone will enjoy this mix of winter and Christmas music.

Christmas craft activities for children

Blackwood Christmas Fayre

Come along to the bustling town of Blackwood to experience their Christmas Market. There will be plenty to see and do as you browse the stalls for that unusual Christmas gift. The town will be filled with craft stalls, traditional entertainment, funfair rides and children's workshops where the children can make a lantern in readiness for Blackwood's lantern parade on 8th December. Find out more

River of Light
Lantern Making Workshops

It's time to get sticking and cutting! Make your very own lantern and help in making the large figures ready for this year's River of Light Lantern Parade. Artists will be on hand to help you make a beautiful lantern which can be carried in the parade on the 22nd December.

Children who wish to take part in the workshops must be accompanied by an adult if under 12 years of age, with no more than four children per adult. The workshops will take place in the Main Hall. Please be aware that the hall is usually used for sports and has high ceilings and can therefore be a little cold.

Santas North Pole Retreat

This year make your child’s visit to see Father Christmas a truly magical experience. Cwmcarn Forest in the Nantcarn Valley near Crosskeys has pulled out all the stops to ensure children get a memorable visit. Visit Father Christmas at his North Pole Retreat and meet the elves that are busy preparing all the children’s toys then meet Father Christmas himself. With the perfect mix of anticipation, music, lighting and a winter wonderland of Christmas scenes, it really is a wonderful family experience. All this for just £4.00 per child, which includes a gift (if you would like a photo please bring your own camera).

For more information on Cwmcarn Forest, including walks and events, visit www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk or contact the Visitor Centre on 01495 272001.

Mincepies and Mistletoe!

Explore Christmas through the ages with these days of festive fun! The historic winding engine will run at 12.00pm and 3.00pm on Saturday 3rd December.

Festive Films

Join us for a classic family Christmas film each Sunday in December.

Storytelling in the Manor House

Peter Pan

Let your dreams take flight in the wonders of Neverland. Escape ticking crocs, dodge the infamous Captain Hook, meet a real life fairy and best of all, never grow old.

This year’s Christmas Panto will be the enchanting and magical story of Peter Pan. The show promises to be packed full of fun, audience participation, fabulous musical numbers, laugh out loud comedy, and a celebration of the wonderful tale of Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell and more.

Produced by Rainbow Valley Productions and starring Owen Money, Lloyd Davies and a fantastic supporting cast, this musical performance is sure to delight and captivate the whole family.

Illuminata

As darkness falls, the Castle’s walls of the inner ward will be bathed in light for a twice nightly sound and light spectacular. Illuminata, reflects the fascinating history of this iconic stronghold.

Caerphilly's
Medieval Christmas Fayre

Enjoy a wonderful experience for the whole family, travel back in time to days of old and experience the sights, sounds and smells of a town and castle preparing for Christmas. Find out more

Carols on the Courtyard

Wrap up warm and bring your own lantern or torch to add atmosphere as you join with the band and choir in this Christmas celebration. Soup, hot chestnuts, mulled wine etc available to purchase.

Search for Santa

You'll need your torch for this exciting night time wander through the woods, looking for clues as we search for Santa.

A Christmas Miscellany

Players Theatre of Gelligaer present a Christmas Miscellany.

Bargoed Christmas Market

Located on Bargoed High Street with local craft and seasonal food stalls. The event includes various street entertainers, children’s entertainment and a Santa’s Grotto. Fireworks display will conclude the event.

The amazing Open Air Ice Rink will return to Bargoed for FOUR days in total. Set next to St. Gwladys Church, the ice rink can only help create a fantastic festive feeling. Find out more

Mince Pie Walk

Burn off some pre-christmas calories and take a well earned break from shopping and join the Warden for this exhilirating walk around the nantcarn valley and Twmbarlwm. On your return you will be greeted by a mince pie and a hot tea/coffee. Sturdy walking boots and warm clothing is essential.

River of Light Parade

See the streets come to life as hundreds of lanterns cascade through Caerphilly town centre accompanied by thunderous samba drumming, dancing, costumed performers, giant sculptures and lots more. This spectacular event climaxes with a fire show and fireworks display against the backdrop of the magnificent Caerphilly Castle.

Viewing of the event by spectators is on Cardiff Road. Viewing of the event finale is on Crescent Road green.

Parade Route