Whether you live in Pembrokeshire or you’re just visiting for the festive period, you’ll find that it’s a truly magical place to spend Christmas and New Year. And if you’re looking for some festive activities to enjoy in the county while you’re here, then stick around! We’ll go through a few of the main events happening in the area between now and New Year’s Eve. 

Picton Castle candlelight tour 

Coming up soon is the candlelight tour at Picton Castle. Taking place on 18 December from 6pm to 8pm, this unique celebration will certainly put you in the festive spirit! 

The evening will begin with an exploration of Christmas traditions and end with drinks and festive canapes by the fire in the Great Hall – all surrounded by candlelight. At just £25 per adult and £15 per child (5-15), this is a great way to add a little festiveness to a Thursday evening. 

Victorian Father Christmas 

Also taking place at Picton Castle is the Victorian Father Christmas experience. The event is running between 20 and 22 December, and includes everything from meeting the man himself to Christmas crafts. Plus, there’s mulled wine and spiced apple juice for the adults! If you haven’t taken your little one to meet Santa yet, this traditional castle couldn’t be a more fitting setting. 

Children under two go free (although booking a time slot is still required) and each child must be accompanied by an adult, who will need to purchase an admission ticket on arrival via the website (£7.50 for an adult or £6.50 for a senior). 

Tenby Boxing Day Swim

There’s nothing like a cold dip to cure that hangover! Taking place on Boxing Day is a Welsh tradition, the Tenby Boxing Day Swim. This year, the theme is ‘All Things Welsh’ to celebrate the National Eisteddfod of Wales, which is coming to Pembrokeshire in 2026.

Hundreds of swimmers will be meeting at 11am on Boxing Day on Tenby North Beach to raise money for four local charities. Each swimmer will also get hot soup and a medal following their icy dip. 

The event is free, but to support local charities, there is a suggested donation of £10 per swimmer. 

Fishguard street party 

To conclude 2025 in style, why not head to The Town Hall in Fishguard for a legendary street party? With a family circus (running 1-4pm), live music, a raffle, and of course fireworks, this is the perfect event for the whole family. Plus, under 3s go free!

Make Christmas your own

Whether activities like these are exactly what you’re looking for, you’d rather stay at home watching television or trying your chances at online slots, or you favour a day at the pub with your friends, Christmas is magical in Pembrokeshire no matter what you get up to. 

PERIWINKLE the sea sprite is mischievous, big-hearted and the guardian of the
Cleddau who loves exploring the Pembrokeshire coast and the loveable character
can’t wait to meet you all this December as Rapunzel comes alive on the Torch
Theatre stage.

From Broad Haven and Little Haven, to Druidstone, Newgale and St
David’s, Periwinkle has magical powers and abilities, can harness the armour and
strength of a crab, or the speed and agility of a fish!

Eifion ap Cadno, who plays Periwinkle, hails from Bangor in north Wales. He trained
in Acting and Contemporary Theatre at East 15 Acting School before heading out to
perform with theatre companies across the UK, Germany and Austria. This will be
his first ever pantomime appearance, and he can’t wait to entertain Pembrokeshire
audiences.

“I’m very much looking forward to taking part as everything about it is so positive.
The original script is mad, the cast members are so generous and supportive,
everyone involved is just so talented and a joy to work with. Moving from rehearsals
in the studio to the main stage and seeing all the design and technical elements
come together has been so magical. I feel very privileged to be a part of such a
brilliant team and production,” said Eifion.

Audiences will love Periwinkle’s fabulous look, all clad in netting, seaweed, shells
and coral, with enormous hair that is very blue. Periwinkle can move like a jellyfish,
sometimes a crab, sometimes a fish, or anything sea-dwelling and can be very silly
at times.

“Periwinkle has a rather fantastic and elaborate appearance, to put it mildly. Gettinginto costume, applying all my make-up and putting on the wig (it’s not my real hair,
sorry to disappoint), is definitely a big part of getting into character. The designer and
wardrobe team have done such an amazing job of bringing Periwinkle to life – I find
that once I’m all dolled up, most of the work has already been done!”

The magical and mischievous Periwinkle has been a favourite with school children
during the school pantomime sessions and the audience support has put Eifion at
ease.

“The truth is, nothing can quite prepare you for the stage – it’s such a different
experience finally having all those children sat watching you! And they’ve not sat
quietly so far, they’ve really got involved. Periwinkle, wants to be best friends with
the audience and get them to help fight the mean witch Mother Gothel and this has
meant a lot of audience interaction!”

Rapunzel, the hair-raising adventure can be seen on the Torch Theatre stage now
until Sunday 28 December. Relaxed Environment Performance Saturday 13
December at 2pm and BSL Interpreted Performance on Tuesday 16 December at
6pm. Ticket price: £24.50 | £20.00 Cons | £78.00 Family. For further information visit
the Torch Theatre website www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on
(01646) 695267.

Taking time off work over the festive season allows Pembrokeshire residents to slow down, enjoy moments of peace, and reconnect with activities that bring comfort and joy. With winter landscapes, cosy homes, and plenty of local traditions, the holiday break becomes a cherished opportunity to rest and recharge. From creative projects to outdoor adventures, locals make the most of their downtime with a blend of relaxation, mindfulness, and simple pleasures.

Baking holiday cookies

Baking is one of the most beloved ways Pembrokeshire residents spend their time off during the holidays. With extra hours at home and fewer work-related pressures, many turn to the kitchen to create festive treats ranging from ginger biscuits and mince pies to shortbread, cinnamon cakes, and colourful Christmas cookies. The process itself is deeply therapeutic, offering a slow, hands-on activity that feels both nostalgic and grounding. Some people enjoy the quiet rhythm of baking solo, pairing the experience with seasonal music or a hot drink, creating a cosy atmosphere that feels distinctly festive. The finished treats are often used for gifting, sharing with friends and neighbours, or enjoying during quiet evenings at home, making baking both a practical and comforting holiday tradition.

Digital entertainment

Digital entertainment becomes especially appealing during winter downtime, and many Pembrokeshire residents spend part of their holiday break enjoying online games. Casual mobile games and puzzle apps offer quick, low-effort fun, ideal for filling slow afternoons or relaxing before bed. Others enjoy playing more immersive console or PC games, especially when they finally have the time to dive into longer storylines or cooperative multiplayer sessions with friends who are also off work. Some residents also unwind with online casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker, appreciating the blend of strategy, entertainment, and convenience.

 Digital casinos have advanced quickly over the past few years, and bettors who wager online can now find a wide range of games when they log on and fund their casino accounts in a variety of ways. For example, some players fund their accounts with a bank transfer, while others use e-wallets. Most players choose to use plastic cards, with many opting to play at credit card casinos so that they can fund their account using a credit card, because it’s quick and easy. 

Digital entertainment offers a convenient and engaging way for people in Pembrokeshire to unwind during their time off, whether they prefer light mobile games or longer gaming sessions. With so many options available, residents can tailor their downtime to suit their mood, energy level, or schedule. For many, online gaming simply provides an easy, enjoyable escape during the quieter pace of the holiday break.

At-home spa days

Creating an at-home spa day is a favourite way for many Pembrokeshire residents to unwind when they finally have time off work. With simple touches like soothing music, soft lighting, essential oils, and nourishing skincare, people transform their homes into calming retreats. Whether it’s a DIY facial, a gentle exfoliation, or relaxing with a warm robe and a cup of herbal tea, the slower pace helps melt away built-up tension from the year. Many enjoy setting aside an afternoon specifically for self-care, allowing themselves to fully relax, reset, and feel restored during the holiday break.

Practising mindfulness

With work responsibilities temporarily on pause, many Pembrokeshire residents use the holiday period to focus on mindfulness and mental well-being. Practices like guided meditation, deep-breathing exercises, journaling, or gentle stretching become easier to incorporate when the pace of life slows down. Some people begin their mornings with a short meditation session, helping them feel centred before the day begins, while others wind down in the evenings with quiet reflection or gratitude journaling. Others choose mindfulness through creative activities such as drawing, knitting, or painting—tasks that encourage slow, intentional movement and quiet concentration. During a season that can be busy and emotionally demanding, mindfulness offers a grounding and restorative break.

Day hikes

Despite the chilly weather, Pembrokeshire’s breathtaking scenery continues to draw residents outdoors during their time off. Day hikes become a favourite way to unplug from screens and holiday busyness, offering fresh air, movement, and the calming effect of nature. Popular winter routes include stretches of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the rugged areas near St Davids, sheltered woodland paths, and quiet countryside trails around local villages. The crisp winter air and dramatic coastal views provide the perfect backdrop for clearing the mind and embracing the slower pace of the season. For some, hiking is a shared family activity, while others prefer the solitude of a peaceful solo walk. Regardless, it remains one of the most restorative holiday traditions for locals.

Making DIY holiday decorations

Creativity thrives when people finally have time to slow down, and many Pembrokeshire residents enjoy making DIY holiday decorations while off work. Using natural materials collected on walks—like pinecones, holly, driftwood, and evergreen branches—locals craft wreaths, table centrepieces, garlands, and homemade ornaments. Indoor crafts such as paper chains, painted baubles, and fabric decorations also fill many households with seasonal charm. These activities provide a fun, screen-free way to unwind while adding a personal touch to holiday décor. Families often turn DIY crafting into a shared tradition, while individuals enjoy the peaceful, satisfying process of creating something beautiful by hand.

A season of unwinding

Time off work during the holidays gives Pembrokeshire residents the chance to reconnect with hobbies, embrace cosy relaxation, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Whether staying warm indoors or exploring familiar paths, locals make the most of the peaceful winter break. The result is a season filled with simple joys, meaningful moments, and plenty of opportunities to recharge before returning to everyday routines.