Christmas capers in Caerphilly present a quirky Yuletide extravaganza
by Manisha Bhanot · Wales OnlineThe festive season is just around the corner, and Caerphilly County Borough is set to welcome visitors with open arms to come and #CelebrateChristmasInCaerphilly.
Families and friends will be able to find a whole host of amazing places to eat, stay and enjoy themselves throughout November and December, to get the most out of the festive period.
Take a sleigh ride below to see what’s on offer…
Eat
Caerphilly County Borough is home to many incredible eateries, where customers can walk-in to find a seat, or book a table for a festive feast.
In the town, visitors and locals alike will find the glitzy Ten Degrees at Market Street, Volare Italian Restaurant and Casa Mia Mediterranean restaurant, with its incredible views overlooking the stunning Caerphilly Castle.
Other fantastic restaurants around the borough that make for great Christmas time dining include Portofino in Ystrad Mynach, Bistro 8 in Blackwood, as well as Murray’s and Fish Kitchen 1931 in Bargoed.
And of course, food lovers shouldn't forget to grab a bite to eat from Trethomas’ very own Ship Deck as well.
Stay
There's a variety of fabulous accommodation spots throughout Caerphilly County Borough to provide the perfect getaway over the festive period.
For the adventurous outdoors people, Cwmcarn Forest and Under the Oak provide great glamping pods from which to soak up the beautiful local scenery from. The location is also hosting several caravan and tent pitches for a bit of Christmas camping throughout the festive season.
For those looking for a more traditional hotel experience to get warm and cosy, venues such as Bryn Meadows and Gellihaf House in Blackwood, along with Llechwen Hall Hotel, are more than capable of meeting their needs.
Enjoy
There’s so much to see and do over the festive period throughout Caerphilly County Borough. Here's just a taste of what everyone can look forward to throughout November and December.
Four of the borough’s town centres are set to host their own spectacular winter fairs, bursting with food and drink stalls, funfair rides and live entertainment.
These events make for a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones and support fabulous local businesses, and they're also free to attend. For more information on each one, head to www.visitcaerphilly.com.
- Ystrad Mynach Winter Fair (Saturday, November 16)
- Blackwood Winter Fair (Saturday, November 23)
- Caerphilly Winter Fair - featuring the River of Light Lantern Parade and fireworks display - (Saturday, November 30). Lantern making workshops will be held on selected days.
- Bargoed Winter Fair - featuring the Music & Light Lantern Parade - (Saturday, December 7). Lantern making workshops will be held on selected days.
To help further support local businesses, shoppers will find plenty of Christmas gift options for their loved ones at Caerphilly’s various markets, including Ffos Caerffili, the monthly Caerphilly Artisan Market and Castle Court Food & Craft Market in Caerphilly town centre. There's also Crafty Legs’ Craft Fair & Market in both Caerphilly and Bargoed for visitors to browse.
After an amazing debut in 2023, Caerphilly on ice is also set to return to Owain Glyndwr Playing Field in 2024, running from Friday, November 15, 2024, to Saturday, January 4, 2025. Families and friends can get their skates on and head to www.caerphillyonice.co.uk to find out more and grab their tickets.
Visitors can even step back in time to Christmases gone by with tours and events at Caerphilly’s historical venues, including the popular Caerphilly Castle and Llancaiach Fawr Manor, and look out for the running of the winding engine at the Winding House.
There's something for those who are looking to soak up some live yuletide entertainment too, including traditional pantomimes, comedy shows and live music. Visitors can check out what’s on at the likes of Blackwood Miners’ Institute, Newbridge Memo and Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall for an incredible night out.