CHRISTMAS FAYRE 2026
Experience the Magic of Christmas at the Christmas Fayre at St Donat’s Castle
🎄 WELCOMING OVER 70 CRAFT, FOOD AND DRINK TRADERS 🎄
Join us for a delightful day filled with festive cheer at the Christmas Fayre at St Donat’s Castle on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December. Enjoyed by all, our annual 2-day fayre takes place in the Vale of Glamorgan (near Cardiff and Bridgend) and welcomes over 70 local food, craft and drink traders to kickstart the festive season.
Wander through our charming 12th-century castle, arts centre and gardens, and enjoy a festive market brimming with handcrafted treasures, unique gifts, and artisanal crafters. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind holiday decorations, lovingly made crafts, or a day out to treat yourself, our stalls have something special for everyone to enjoy.
Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa as you explore and refuel at one of our international street food traders. From hearty comfort foods to sweet treats and festive beverages, a delicious bite awaits you around every corner.
🎅 MEET SANTA AND MAKE MAGICAL MEMORIES! 🎅
No Christmas celebration is complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself! Bring the little ones to meet the jolly man in red, share their Christmas wishes, and take a photo of the moment. You can pre-book to meet Santa in his grotto of St Donat’s Castle for just £10 per child and they’ll each receive a gift too.
🎶 FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT THROUGHOUT THE DAY 🎶
Our Christmas Fayre isn’t just about shopping— from seasonal brass band to live singing*, there’s plenty of live music entertainment to enjoy as you soak up the festive atmosphere!
Get ready for a sprinkle of enchantment as our Christmas Fayre features a complimentary magic show just for the kids! Watch their eyes light up with wonder as the talented Simon Sparkles dazzles them with mind-boggling tricks, illusions, and festive fun. This enchanting performance is sure to leave them amazed and entertained, adding an extra touch of magic to their Christmas experience. Perfect for kids of all ages, this show will be a highlight of their day at the Fayre—so be sure not to miss it!
Entertainment varies per day.
🌟DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS MERRY AND MAGICAL EVENT! 🌟
This is more than just a Christmas Fayre —it’s a celebration of community and creativity. Bring your friends and family, soak up the festive atmosphere, and make memories to remember. Our Christmas Fayre is the perfect place to find joy, support local artisans, and taste the true flavours of the season.
2026 KEY EVENT INFORMATION:
đź“…Â Date: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December 2026
đź•’Â Time: 9:30am-4pm
📍 Location: St Donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF
🎟️ Entry Fee: Car Entry: £15 per car / £12 afternoon only entry / £3 per person on foot
💸 Early Booking Discounted Fee: £12 per car / £10 afternoon only entry / £2 on foot (if booked before 30th September)
👉 Please note: Tickets are valid only for the specific day you select (Saturday 5th or Sunday 6th). Please arrive anytime within the time slot of the ticket you have purchased.
Some things to consider:
Parking & Pedestrian Safety
Please be aware that parking is limited at our Christmas Fayre and is available only in designated hard-standing areas on campus, a short walk from the castle.
Field parking is not available due to muddy ground conditions.
đźš— If you are driving: Please drive slowly and with extra care while on campus. Pedestrians will be walking through and around the parking areas, so please give them plenty of space and be alert to people, particularly children.
🚶 If you are walking: Please be aware that vehicles will be moving through the parking areas. Stay alert, keep to designated pedestrian routes where available, and take extra care when crossing or walking between parked cars.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and ensuring an enjoyable Christmas Fayre for all.
Tickets & Entry
- Tickets are valid only for the specific date and time slot selected at booking and cannot be transferred between event days. Please ensure you attend at the time and date shown on your ticket.
- Car tickets must be pre-booked. Spaces are limited and often sell out in advance; if sold out, entry by car will not be possible on the day.
- On foot tickets do not require pre-booking and are for those arriving by public transport, bicycle, or walking. On foot tickets are for individuals arriving by public transport, bicycle or walking. For local bus times click here and for train times here
- Car tickets are charged per vehicle (not per person). We encourage car sharing with friends and family.
Parking & Accessibility
- Please wear appropriate footwear. Part of this event also takes place outdoors and there are cobbled areas around the castle.
- For families with young children, we recommend baby carriers over prams/buggies due to uneven surfaces, narrow corridors, and expected crowds.
Payments
- The Main Entrance and Arts Centre Café are card payment only.
- Most stalls accept card payments, but some may be cash only. We recommend bringing some cash.
- There are no cashback facilities on site. The nearest ATM is in Llantwit Major.
Dogs
- Dogs are not permitted inside any buildings.
- Dogs are welcome in the exterior gardens but must be kept on a lead at all times. Please clean up after your dog.
General Site Guidance
- Access is limited to the fayre areas only. Please do not enter other campus buildings or rooms.
- To report a concern, please speak to a member of staff or visit Main Reception.
- As St Donat’s Castle is home to UWC Atlantic College and the fayre takes place during term time, alcoholic beverages are not permitted on campus during the event.
