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 either 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.

🎩 Enjoy a Complimentary Magic Show for the Little Ones! 🎩

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 times vary per day.

🎶 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! *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.

Wrap up warm and head to St Donat’s Castle on Saturday 5th December or Sunday 6th December, 9:30am to 4pm.

📅 Date: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December - please note you are booking for Saturday 5th December.

🕒 Time: 9:30am-4pm

📍 Location: St Donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF

🎟️ Entry Fee:

£15 per car or
£12 for afternoon entry strictly after 1.30pm or
£3 on foot

💸 Early Booking Discounted Fee if booked before 30th September:

£12 per car or
£10 for afternoon entry strictly after 1.30pm or
£2 on foot

Car entry is one fee for as many people as you can fit in your car. You do not need to book an on foot ticket for car entry.

To enquire about trading at the Christmas Fayre, please visit our website.

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.

🚗 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.

Some things to consider:

• You are reserving your spot for one specific day—tickets are valid only for the date selected at the time of booking, and cannot be used between the two event days. Please ensure you attend on the date you have booked.
• Please wear appropriate footwear. Part of this event also takes place outdoors and there are cobbled areas around the castle
• If you are bringing a little one, we recommend a baby carrier over a pram or buggy. This this is a popular event with large crowds expected. By nature, castle corridors can also be narrow and footpaths are cobblestone.
• Dogs are not permitted inside any buildings. Dogs are allowed in the exterior gardens but must remain on the lead at all times and dog waste must be picked up and disposed of appropriately
• Pre-booking is strongly encouraged for car tickets; car spaces are limited and often sell out in advance. If car tickets are sold out, entry on the day is denied.
• You are not required to pre-book on foot tickets and these will be available to purchase on the day.
• Car tickets are charged per person for as many people as you can fit in the car; we encourage you to car share with friends and family. The fee is for the car (not per person) and you do not need to also book on foot tickets.
• On foot tickets are for individuals arriving by public transport, bicycle or walking. For local bus times click here and for train times here
• As indicated on the map, you are not permitted to enter any buildings or rooms not part of the Christmas fayre. Please respect the safety of our student community. To report a concern, please speak to a member of staff or go to main reception.
• St Donat’s Castle is home to UWC Atlantic College and the fayre takes place during the academic term. As such, alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be consumed on campus during the fayre.
• We do not have any cashback facilities. Most stalls accept card payments, however not all, so we recommend you bring cash. The nearest ATM is in Llantwit Major.