Two of our team, Janet and Charlotte, spent a day in North Wales experiencing some of the many Christmas events and activities which take place each year in this delightful part of Britain.

Christmas cheer at Porthmadog Harbour Station

Janet, our Managing Director, and Travel Advisor Charlotte visited two of North Wales’s premier attractions, the Welsh Highland Railway and Portmeirion, both of which are known for making a special effort in the run up to Christmas.

The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK’s longest heritage railway, which runs for 25 miles through the extraordinary scenery of Snowdonia National Park, and is famous for its ‘Santa trains’.

Charlotte on the footplate of a steam train at Porthmadog Harbour Station

Every year trains run from the historic Welsh town of Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, where Santa and his elves greet passengers, handing out gifts and singing Christmas carols. Also, at Porthmadog Harbour Station, visitors can meet Father Christmas in his magical carriage grotto!

In fact, in the run up to Christmas, Porthmadog Harbour Station becomes a winter wonderland, with footplate rides, selfie opportunities, Christmas shopping, mulled wine and seasonal refreshments.

Time for some Christmas shopping!

Charlotte said: “Welsh Highland Railway had made such an effort with their displays at Porthmadog – the ticket office was like Santa’s grotto! It was so pretty and made such a difference.”

Charlotte added that the café at the station was first class and the mulled wine (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) was very welcome on a chilly December day!

Christmas display in a steam train window

Portmeirion is an incredible Italian style village on the rugged North Wales coast, created by famous 20th century architect Clough Williams-Ellis to show how a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. Portmeirion is a special place to visit at any time of year, but when their annual Christmas food and craft fair is taking place, it is even more magical, as festive scents and sounds fill the air.

“Portmeirion is such a unique place – there is no place quite like it in Wales,” enthused Charlotte. “I feel like you could see something different every time you visited. So many little details. The vibrant colours can cheer up even the dreariest of days!”

Christmas at Portmeirion Hotel

The Christmas festival features artisan stalls exhibiting the best Welsh produce. In addition to local produce and crafts, there is traditional entertainment to suit all tastes.

“The food festival was lovely,” added Charlotte. “Great gift options, enticing aromas of seasonal food and drink, and lots of local businesses to support.”

The Portmeirion resort includes two luxury hotels – Castell Deudraeth which offers contemporary style in a remarkable Gothic castle, and the Portmeirion Hotel itself, which Janet and Charlotte visited on their trip.

Charlotte said that the hotel was beautifully decorated for Christmas, with a big inviting fire in the entrance and elaborately dressed Christmas trees.

Charlotte and our Managing Director Janet Redler at Portmeirion Hotel

“Portmeirion Hotel is full of bright cosy sitting rooms with views of the sea, and the hotel dining room looks out over Dwyryd Estuary and parts of the pretty village. With sumptuous food and highly attentive staff, this is an ideal destination for an indulgent short stay or a delicious meal in attractive surroundings.”

At the end of a rewarding day, Charlotte concluded: “I think seeing these places in the Christmas period offers a very different and special feel for visitors. It really is a magical time of year to enjoy a trip to Wales.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to Portmeirion, Porthmadog and the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways in the run up to Christmas, on a tailor-made winter tour of Wales, please do contact our friendly team today. Or why not enjoy one of our tailor-made heritage railway tours?