If you are lucky enough to spend the Christmas break nestled here on the Pembrokeshire coast, then you must make sure that you get involved in some of our wild west traditions celebrated across the county. Here are some of our favourite calendar celebrations, we hope we see you there!
Nine Lessons and Carols – St Davids Cathedral
Visiting St David’s Cathedral at Christmas time is a truly magical experience. There are many events on the Cathedrals Christmas calendar to choose from and the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is one not to miss. The candlelit service is filled with carols and teachings in one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Wales. The service is on the 22nd of December at 7pm and is very popular so it’s advised to get there early for 5:45pm. More information can be found here.
[Image: St Davids Cathedral / St Davids Escapes]
Boxing Day Swim – Tenby
If you need to blow away the cobwebs after all that eggnog you necked back the night before then Tenby's Boxing Day Swim will do just that! Named as one of Britain’s top ten barmiest winter dips, Tenby's famous Boxing Day Swim has become a right of passage in the Pembrokeshire Christmas calendar. Over 800 wild swimmers entered the water in 2019, and this year plans to be bigger as it celebrates its 50th year! So get your Santa suits on and head down to North Beach, 26th December, 11am. Treat yourself or a loved one to a packet of Mamgu Welshcakes to dunk in your tea when you're warming up afterwards, available at our friends Môr Tenby on St Julian's Street, just up the path from the beach!
[Image: Pembrokeshire Herald]
New Years Eve Street Party - Fishguard
One of the UK’s best New Year’s Eve parties is back and bigger than ever! With a town road block, live music on a huge stage, food venders, late night opening hours, live bagpiper when the clock strikes midnight and of course fireworks, you can expect late night dancing all around the town. There's even a winter wonderland for the little party goers! If you don't have any NYE plans yet then this is is definitely a street party not to be missed! Click here to book your entry.
[Images: Johnny Morris]
Mari Llwyd / Hen Galan
Now for something completely different… If you're not from Wales you may not be familiar with this Celtic celebration of Mari Llwyd. This folk event consists of a horse's skull dressed in a white veil and red ribbons which is escorted door to door by village folk dressed in Punch and Judy style costumes singing Welsh songs and poetry. It’s often celebrated between mid December - early January and makes the Welsh new year's celebrations. You can find this celebration in Cwm Gwaun in Pembrokeshire, usually around January 17th. 
[Images: Llewelyn2000 / Unknown 1910 / Geoff Charles Cwm Gwuan 1961]
Take a walk on the wild side
Before you leave this little corner of heaven, it’s a must that you take a coastal walk on one of Pembrokeshire's many national park trails. We are biased in saying that a walk around Solva Harbour and The Gribin is the best, better still if you stop off at our cosy cafe for a cheeky welsh cake or two. Our opening hours for the festive seasons can be found below and you can book a table by clicking here.
We hope you have a wonderful time this Christmas what ever you get up to. Sometimes staying in and watching Jools Hollands Annual Hootenanny, sharing a bottle of bubbly and a box of welsh cakes on New Years Eve is just as fun!
Naddolig Llawen and Blywdden Newydd da!
MamGu Welshcakes x
