Twixtmas, the time between Christmas and New Year's Eve, can be an odd lull in everyone's social calendar. Full of turkey and counting down the days until New Year, it's hard to know what to do with yourself or how to entertain the family and keep the children busy.
So to stop yourself going stir crazy, we've put together all the events and family activities available in the Valleys and Bridgend to keep you busy until the new year. And there's plenty of things to keep you and yours occupied.
Merthyr Tydfil
The Electric 80's Band
An event for the adult's to enjoy after the Christmas chaos. The Electric 80's Band plans to bring the house down at New Crown Inn, in Merthyr Tydfil, on Monday, December 26. The band starts at 7pm and ends at 11.30pm. Get your tickets here.
A visit to Cyfarthfa Park
Cyfarthfa Park provides a great day out for the whole family. Set in 160 acres of parkland, choose from relaxing sensory gardens and woodland walks to an exciting playground - it has something for everyone. The beautiful park is also home to Cyfarthfa Castle.
Family board game night
If you haven't played enough games already this Christmas, Dowlais Library, in Merthyr Tydfil, is hosting a family games night. You can bring your own games and challenge another family. There will also be free hot drinks available. The games night takes place on Tuesday, December 27, between 4pm and 5.30pm.
Take in the scenic Welsh mountains views at Bike Park Wales
You don't have to be a professional biker to enjoy the Welsh mountains on offer at Bike Park Wales in Merthyr Tydfil, but it helps if you're a thrill seeker.
Games and activities at a Warm Hub
Money can be tight during the festive season, so if you're struggling to warm your home or need a bit of company, visit the warm hub venue at Smyrna Chapel, Aberfan, for a free bowl of chunky homecooked vegetable stew with a roll, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and squash. The warm and welcoming venue will also host craft activities and games, or you can bring your own.
If you require transport (subject to availability) please call 01685 673740. The warm hub will be open Thursday, December 29, and Friday, December 30, between 10am and 5pm.
New Years Day Sail
Merthyr Tydfil Sailing Club is hosting their first sail of 2023. It's the perfect event to get you at the house as the community is welcome to support the sailors. The sail takes place on Sunday, January 1, at 11am.
The Heritage park
The Heritage Park is based in the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery in Trehafod. Enjoy a family day out on the Black Gold Tour, which features a fully guided tour with ex-miners and a trip to the pit head buildings. You will also venture underground to experience the life of a coal miner. Admission to this area is free except on special event days. Find out more here.
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Boxing Night with Graffiti
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, Graffiti are back at their usual spot at Ystrad Rhondda Rugby Club for a spectacular night of music. The gig starts at 9pm and the tickets are £8.
Visit the Zip World Tower
Perfect for all the adrenaline junkies are the Zip World sites across Wales and the Tower site in Cynon Valley has just welcomed a new attraction. Tower Climber which sees you tackling obstacles in the air, as part of a gigantic high ropes course that has 69 elements to it. Read our review of it here . If you're a bit braver you can ride the zip lines or maybe even scoot around on the Tower coaster.You can read more about the attractions at Zip World here and book your tickets for Tower Climber here.
Take part in a ghost walk in Llantrisant
For history lovers and ghostbusters, enjoy a walk and hear blood-curdling stories of the history of Llantrisant. The ancient Welsh hilltop town is full of myths and dark history, from witches and spirits to murders and plagues. For details, visit www.llantrisantghostwalk.co.uk.
Pontyclun Toddler Group
For parents who need a cuppa and adult conversation, visit Pontyclyn community centre to chit-chat with other toddler parents whilst children play and make friends. The group takes place on Friday, December 30 from 9.30am until 11am.
Walk Eglwysilan and take in the amazing views
The views you can see from the top of the mountain show some of the most incredible scenery Pontypridd and the surrounding areas have to offer. One of the best walking spots to visit for spectacular views.
Barry Sidings Country Park
Barry Sidings is the perfect family destination, as it has a fantastic play park, pond with ducks and a local cafe that dishes up food from gourmet sausage rolls to dirty fries and fancy milkshakes. It is also home to the Bike Doctor and is known for its manmade trails through the forestry, as well as a mini bike track with ramps and bumps for children to enjoy.
Blaenau Gwent
Visit the Big Pit National Coal Museum
The perfect day out for all ages, as it shares the history of the valleys based on day-to-day life in the former pit. The historical venue is near the county borough of Blaenau Gwent and is open Monday to Sunday, from 9:30am-4.30am, but hours might differ on New Year's Day.
Visit Wales' highest village in Wales
Trefil in Blaenau Gwent often doubles as an alien planet or far away desert in major film and TV productions.
Mark Williams Snooker Club in Tredegar
Fancy a break from the kids and enjoy a game of snooker? Take a spin to Mark Williams Snooker Club in Tredegar as there's not many of these left and this sure is a good one. It's open Monday - Saturday 10am until 11am and 11am until 10pm on a Sunday. Hours may differ on New Year's Day.
Rhymney Valley & Caerphilly Borough
Caerphilly castle
One of the iconic sites in Wales and a place where you should take all your friends and family to enjoy a slice of Welsh history.
Caerphilly mountain
The Caerphilly Mountain walk is an easy hike for those who fancy stretching their legs. There are numerous mapped walks and trails where you can walk with family and friends or take the dog out for a big walk. If you get a bit peckish, you can also enjoy a burger at Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar.
Visit the Sultan Pit Pony
At 200 metres from hoof to muzzle, a galloping pony frozen in time is an imposing monument to the industry which drove Britain through the industrial revolution and put Wales at the centre of world shipping and trade. Sultan the Pit Pony sits on the site of the Penallta Colliery, a few miles north of Caerphilly, which is a popular park for dog walkers and families.
Bridgend
Santa Express visits Porthcawl
If you didn't get a chance to see Santa this year, don't worry as it's not too late. The Santa Express will be returning to Porthcawl with Steel Works Santa. The Santa Express will run on Wednesday, December 28, Thursday, December 29 and Friday, December 30. Each day will have four timeslots at 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, and 2pm. The Santa Express runs from Sidoli’s at Porthcawl Marina to Rest Bay and back again.
Tickets cost £12 per person and includes a train ride with Steel Works Santa, a meet and greet, a photo opportunity, an activity pack and a children's gift. Find out more here.
Take a strole at Bryngarw Country Park
Bryngarw Country Park is the perfect place for a dog walk as it hosts over 100 acres of woodlands, meadows and gardens to explore.
Take a dip at Ogmore By Sea Beach
Dust the Christmas cobbles away and vist one of the most popular beaches for visitors along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast due to its golden sands and rock pools. If you're brave enough, you could also take a winter dip in the sea.
A night of 90s bingo
Fancy a game of bingo with a twist? Luna Live Lounge in Bridgend is hosting a 90's tribute night alongside bingo, a perfect night out with friends. The event starts at 7pm and finishes at 12pm and is currently £10 a ticket. Find out more here.
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