Christmas can be a very expensive time from the gifts, to the food and the different Christmas activities and events. However, not all activities need to break the bank.
There are many free or budget activities that you and your family can enjoy across Wales this Christmas. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
READ MORE: The man going round Cardiff dressed as Santa to spread some joy this Christmas
From winter trails at museums to free light installations and Christmas fairs, there is much to enjoy which will keep the costs down. Here is our guide to some of the best free and budget events in Wales this Christmas. Of course, you also don't have to go anywhere to have fun at Christmas if you just want to cosy up at home and watch the telly with your nearest and dearest!
If you have a free, or budget-friendly event or activity going ahead this festive season, please do let us know and we'll add it. Email stephanie.colderick@walesonline.co.uk
Gingerbread Trail, Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay will be host to nine gingerbread characters that you and your family can find hidden across the bay. In total there will be nine ‘sweet’ gingerbread statues spread around the Bay with a gingerbread sleigh taking centre stage in Roald Dahl Plass.
The trail is completely free to enjoy and as well as being able to take photos with the characters, visitors are being challenged to take part in a free prize draw simply by spotting the letters hidden on each of the characters and unscrambling them to find a festive word. The puzzle can be completed in English or Welsh, either in one of the booklets available at participating venues or online at visitcardiffbay.info.
Running from Thursday, December 1 to Sunday, January 8 you can enjoy the free trial all festive season long.
Christmas and Boxing Day Swims
If you fancy braving a dip in the sea this Christmas there are plenty of Christmas and Boxing Day swims to enjoy. Here you can share the fun and excitement as everyone heads into the sea for a festive dip and you can raise money for charity if you want to.
Locations running Christmas or Boxing Day swims include Porthcawl, Tenby, Llandudno and Saundersfoot.
Dylan Thomas Snowball Trail, Swansea
Dylan Thomas’ magical story, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, is the inspiration for a series of activities for you can enjoy at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea. Call into the family-friendly exhibition and explore the seasonal ‘Dylan’s snowballs’ trail, and drop into the learning space for self-led activities, including word games, creative writing prompts, puppets, dressing up and themed colouring sheets.
All of these activities are free as is entry into the Dylan Thomas Centre, running Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm.
The Light of Winter, Cardiff
Taking place in St John's Gardens in Cardiff city centre is the free light installation The Light of Winter. The installation is open from 8am to 9pm and is best seen and enjoyed when it is dark. The harmonious sounds of the Welsh Folk song Ar Lan y Môr will fill the gardens whilst you’re immersed in a rippling calm light display with colourful waves of light.
The British Bird of Prey Centre Meet Santa, Carmarthenshire
Visit Santa in his grotto (£6 per child - accompanying adults free), post your letters to Santa, meet the owls who deliver the letters to Santa, meet Fudge the giant owl and play Christmas games, watch the Christmas Flying Shows at the Botanic Garden and British Bird of Prey Centre. You can book your tickets here.
Bargoed Winter Food and Craft Fair
You can enjoy festive stalls, entertainment and funfair rides at the Bargoed Winter Food and Craft Fair on Saturday, December 10. Running from 9am to 5pm there will also be an appearance from Father Christmas and the fair is free to enter and enjoy.
There will also be a roller skating rink, running from Wednesday, December 7, at the Morrisons underground car park for just £3 per person.
The Big Museum Winter Trail
Running at Amguedddfa Cymru sites across Wales The Big Museum Winter Trail is taking place at National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History, the National Waterfront Museum, the Big Pit National Coal Museum, the National Wool Museum, and National Roman Legion Museum.
On the trail you will find the museum elves to complete the snow friend, which can be used as a decoration for your Christmas tree. The trial costs £1.50 and you can book your tickets here.
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