It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and we’re getting in the spirit!
If you’re a Neath Port Talbot local, or if you’re interested in soaking up the cosy, small-town feel of the NPT community this Christmas, we’ve put together a list of festive activities that you can get involved in.
Margam Park Community Christmas Tree Festival
From Saturday 16th November to Sunday 1st December, visit Margam Country Park to discover a beautiful display of Christmas trees inside the Castle!
The display has been put together by Park groups, local community groups, schools, businesses and visitors, and it’s a lovely activity to ease into the Christmas spirit.
There’s no entry fee, but visitors will have the option to donate upon arrival to the exhibit.
Luminate
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Luminate. The popular illuminated trail returns to Margam Park on 21st November, and it’s staying until 31st December, which gives you plenty of time to visit!
A firm favourite activity for local residents, the mile-long trail wins through historic gardens, with magical light displays to keep you captivated along the way. Tasty treats and mulled wine are available at the start of the trail, with hot food and marshmallows for toasting available at the halfway point.
Neath Christmas Light Switch On
Together with Neath Port Talbot Council, Neath RFC will be kicking off Christmas on 22nd November when they turn on the Neath Christmas lights.
From 4pm-8pm, get your face painted, drink some mulled wine, eat a mice pie (or five) and soak up the festive cheer! It’s a fantastic event that the whole community looks forward to, and will be an especially magical experience for any young family members that you may have.
Christmas Market at The Mine, Neath
On Tuesday 26th November, The Mine in Neath will be hosting a festive evening from 4pm as the restaurant transforms into a Christmas Market.
Support local businesses and find unique handmade gifts for your loved ones, with 15 independent businesses showcasing their products, ranging from crafts to artisan breads and more.
The New Plaza Christmas Market, Port Talbot
The New Plaza in Port Talbot is hosting their second annual Christmas Market.
It’ll be taking place on Sunday 1st December from 10am-3pm, and promises to be full of festive fun.
They’re also having a magical day with Santa on Saturday 7th December, with activities including a North Pole Breakfast, North Pole Brunch, and a disco. To book activities for that date, please click here.
Santa Deer Feeds at Margam Park
Every Saturday and Sunday from 7th December – 22nd December, Santa will be feeding his deer from 11am sharp, getting them ready for the big day!
Please arrive at least half an hour before the feeding starts, and all dogs need to be kept on leads. Tickets are available here.
If you’ve already bought a ticket to the ‘Make Me An Elf’ Christmas workshops at Margam Park, you’ll get a free ticket to watch the Santa Feed! For more on the Elf workshops (they’re not to be missed), please click here.
Mental Elf Fun Run, Aberavon
This time of year can also be quite challenging for some, so NPT Mind have organised a Mental Elf fun run along the Aberavon Seafront on Saturday 14th December at 1pm.
Fancy dress is encouraged, and the race is 5k, which can be walked, run, or wheeled. All proceeds go towards the vital work that NPT Mind do, so if you’re interested, click on the link to secure your ticket and help make a difference in the community: https://npt-mental-elf-2024.raiselysite.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGkS8dleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeByqPmOkwiJrHaZlqxGzXVtideqxA2eVxwIRK_3qSfjJ5sco9yWZTOIug_aem_q5-83shreuGqbC8S1szlNw
Catch a Pantomime
If you’re searching for a fun family activity to do over the festive break, the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot and the Pontardawe arts Centre are both showing some wonderful pantomimes.
At The Princess Royal Theatre, there will be several performances of Cinderella – The Family Pantomime from 30th November – 8th December. Full of laughter and magic, it’ll be the perfect show to get you in the Christmas spirit, and will make for a lovely early Christmas present too!
The theatre is also hosting the West Park Primary Christmas concert, which is a unique twist on the infamous inn in Bethlehem! The sold-out concert is on the 12th December, and we just know it’s going to be an incredible show filled with rising stars.
At the Pontardawe Arts Centre, you can catch the family pantomime of Aladdin from 7th December – 16th December. Experience sparkling costumes, song and dance, and plenty of laughter!
For tickets to the Princess Royal Theatre productions, click here.
For tickets to Aladdin at the Pontardawe Arts Centre, click here.
Free Town Centre Parking
If you’re planning on getting involved in any of the above, then you’ll be pleased to know that Neath Port Talbot Council has announced the dates for when parking will be free in Neath, Pontardawe, and Port Talbot.
The dates for free parking in those town centres are below:
- Saturday 23rd November
- Saturday 30th November
- Saturday 7th December
- Saturday 14th December
- Saturday 21st December
Happy shopping!