The sun is shining, the summer holidays have just started and what is that nagging thought at the back of your mind? Christmas. Is it ever too early to start thinking about Christmas?
Some of you will have read the headline and shuddered while others will secretly be dancing with glee. If you are a Christmas lover, and maybe beginning to eye up the decorations, there are plenty of events in Wales you can already book for Christmas. We haven’t gone Christmas potty, there is a trend to celebrate Christmas in July, too, mainly in the southern hemisphere as of course, the seasons are in reverse.
But up in the northern hemisphere there are random, mostly ironic celebrations for those who wish to mark the festive season early doors. Anyway, if you want to get ready for the actual festive season 2024, here are some of the best Christmas events you can book in Wales, in, gulp, July. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What’s On newsletter here.
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Christmas at Bute Park
Christmas at Bute Park, the epic light trail, is returning to the Welsh capital for 2024. Visitors are in for a spectacular display at the fourth award-winning event, with a re-imagined route of all new installations created by a selection of world-class artists and designers on offer in 2024.
At Christmas at Bute Park you follow an amazing light trail complete with sound and interactive experiences, through the iconic Cardiff park. Christmas at Bute Park is very popular and you will be able to buy your tickets from Thursday, June 27 at 9am until Friday, June 28 at 9am if you sign up for the presale.
Tckets are on general sale now and you can buy them here. You can read more, here.
Cinderella at the New Theatre
Christmas is pantomime time and the New Theatre in Cardiff has already announced their Christmas pantomime will be Cinderella. The show will run from Saturday, December 7, 2024, to Sunday, January 5, 2025, and will star Welsh TV presenter Gethin Jones as Prince Charming.
Alongside Gethin will be BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans as Dandini, celebrated New Theatre Cardiff panto Dame extraordinaire Mike Doyle as the Baroness with Denquar Chupak returning as Cinderella and Stephanie Webber joining as the Fairy Godmother. You can read more about the show here and book your tickets, here.
The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert
Beloved classic, The Muppets Christmas Carol, is coming to Swansea this Christmas. This will be a screening of the complete 1992 film with the musical score performed live alongside.
The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat.
The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert will be at Swansea Arena on Tuesday, December 10.
Tickets are on sale for The Muppets Christmas Carol on Friday, July 12 from 10am. You can get them from and Disney and read more about the show, here.
The Holiday film with a live orchestra
Also showing at Swansea Arena is the heartwarming Christmas film The Holiday with a live orchestra. The Holiday is being shown and performed on Thursday, December 19 and you can buy your tickets, Ticket prices start at £36.85.
Elf The Musical
Elf The Musical is coming to ICC Wales in Newport this Christmas. You can see Elf the hit movie live on stage with this spectacular Christmas musical.
The story is magically recreated with catchy music, exciting sets, punchy jokes and a heart-warming tale the whole family will love. Elf is at ICC Wales from Saturday, December 14 to Saturday, January 4 and you can book your tickets, here.
Forage Farm
Forage Farm in Cowbridge already has their Christmas show you can book now for Christmas. The show takes audiences on a magical journey on how children’s letters will be delivered to the North Pole.
There is also the elf show and you can meet Father Christmas. You can find out more and book your tickets, here.
Hamilton at Wales Millennium Centre
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi-award-winning cultural phenomenon Hamilton is touring the UK for the very first time, and is coming to Wales Millennium Centre for Christmas 2024. Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today.
The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway – the story of America then, as told by America now. The show will run at the Wales Millennium Centre from Tuesday, November 26 to Saturday, January 25 and you can buy your tickets, here.
Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye Winter Weekend
While a little earlier than some of the other Christmas events the Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye Winter Weekend is sure to get you in the festive mood. Taking place from Thursday, November to Sunday, November 1 the festival is being held in Hay Castle.
The festival brings together writers, activists and world changers in an inspiring programme. A 350-seater marquee in the grounds of Hay Castle will host an eclectic mix of conversations, candle-lit storytelling, comedy, music and performances for all ages. You can find out more, here.
