Whats On North Wales

WHAT’S ON November & December

•1st & 2nd November, The Vapors 40th Weekend, Portmeirion Village A special celebration including a Q&A, an exhibition, a chance to take pictures with the band, acoustic sessions, DJ sets and a full show from The Vapors, as well as the launch of a special vinyl edition of their fi rst single. portmeirion.wales • 1st & 2nd November, Creative Textiles, United Reformed Church, Rhos-on-Sea North Wales Embroiderers’ Guild showcases over 200 items highlighting a diverse range of techniques. There will be demonstrations, a sales table and homemade refreshments. 10.30am-5pm. £2.

•2nd & 3rd November, Snowdonia Walking Festival, Betws-y-Coed A weekend of walks suitable for everyone in the magical surroundings of Snowdonia National Park. The guided walks will take you to mountains and forests to enjoy some of the best Snowdonia has to oŽ er. snowdoniawalkingfestival.co.uk • 3rd November, Wrexham Bonfi re, Penyllan Farm, Marchwiel Wrexham’s biggest and best bonfi re and fi rework display with rides, stalls and attractions, plus the bonfi re and famous fi rework display. From 4pm. £5 (free for under-fi ves).

•3rd November, Introduction To Paper Cutting, Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno Learn the skills and techniques required to create paper-cut artwork in this introductory workshop with Chloe Augusta Needham. Create a paper cut and gain hands-on experience to make creations of your own at home. 10.30am-4pm. £45. Booking essential. Email shop@mostyn. org or call 01492 868191.

Music and more at Venue Cymru

Respect: The Aretha Franklin Songbook, 11th November An amazing live concert paying tribute to the Queen of Soul, featuring lead vocals by Cleopatra Higgins, Tanya Edwards and Cleo Stewart. 7.30pm. Tickets £25.50.

Beyond The Barricade 20th Anniversary Tour, 14th November The UK’s longestrunning musical theatre concert tour features past principal performers from Les Miserables including David Fawcett (Valjean), Katie Leeming (Éponine) and Poppy Tierney (Cosette). Delivering over two hours of the best of Broadway and the West End. 7.30pm. Tickets £25.50.

Squeeze: The Di ord & Tilbrook Songbook, 15th November The south London legends play their extensive list of hits as well as some rare, lesser-known gems from their back

catalogue and solo careers. With special guests Heaven 17. 7.30pm. Tickets from £37.50.

Shed Seven, 6th December Featuring a mix of Sheds classics plus choice cuts from 2017 album Instant Pleasures, including fan favourites ‘Room In My House’ and ‘Better Days’. With special guests The Twang. 7pm. Tickets £30.50.

Sleeping Beauty, 7th-29th December Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients north Wales’s audiences have come to expect, Sleeping Beauty will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of jaw-dropping dance, sidesplitting comedy, sensational song and plenty of festive magic. Starring Sherrie Hewson, Kieran Powell and Nigel Ellacott. Show times vary. Tickets from £19.50. venuecymru.co.uk

Local delights at the Anglesey Winter Show Some of Wales’s best cattle, sheep, pigs and light horses will be on display at the Anglesey Winter Show at the Mona Showground on 9th and 10th November. The show’s highlights include giant produce and handmade crafts contests, as well as the sheep-trimming displays and the many horse events. There are also cookery contests with classes for novelty Christmas cakes and pizzas, as well as other more traditional categories. angleseyshow.org.uk

Panto time at Wrexham’s Stiwt Shout, scream and giggle as LHK Productions returns to the Stiwt from 7th to 31st December with this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. Expect dazzling sets, sparkling costumes, laugh-a-minute scripts, brilliant songs and trademark choreography all tied together with Welsh style. Tickets cost £16 for adults, £14 for children. stiwt.com

See Father Christmas at Deeside farm

Greenacres Animal Park in Mancot will be transforming itself into a Christmas village full of elves, wrapping paper, ribbons and lights on Fridays to Sundays from 30th November to 23rd December. Visit Mrs Clause’s movie room, take a peek at the elves’ craft workshop, enjoy unlimited rides on the festive fairground and have fun at the indoor soft play centre. All good boys and girls will receive an early Christmas present, and all those who still believe will also receive one of Santa’s special Christmas tree lights. Open 3.30pm to 7pm on Fridays and 10.30am to 6pm at weekends. santasmagicalfarm.co.uk

Festive magic at Erddig

Create some magical memories with your family and have a delicious breakfast or supper with Santa himself at Erddig, Wrexham, from 30th November to 24th December.

Enjoy a delicious full Welsh breakfast or two-course Christmas dinner prepared by Mother Christmas in the Hayloft restaurant, and chat to Santa as he takes time away from the North Pole to visit girls and boys. There will also be craft activities, songs, stories and small gifts for children.

Visitors can also leave a donation for the Wrexham foodbank at Erddig’s Reverse Grotto. Father Christmas will be in the

elves’ workshop every weekend in December to say thank you.

Breakfast is from 9.30am to 10.30am and supper from 4.30pm to 6pm every weekend from 30th November and daily from 20th to 24th December. Booking is essential. nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig DID YOU KNOW? Erddig was voted the UK’s favourite historic house in 2007

Steam off to visit Santa Enjoy a magical journey on Llanberis Lake Railway this Christmas, as Santa makes his annual visits from the North Pole on 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th and 21st December. Take a short trip on a narrow-gauge steam train to the station by the lake, where Santa will be waiting to meet you in his grotto. There’s a present for every child, and a mince pie and a glass of seasonal drink for the adults too.

For an extra-special trip, take a twilight train to see Santa’s grotto lit up against the dark night. This unforgettable experience is sure to delight young and old alike, but these trips always book up fast – so be quick! For times and booking information visit lake-railway.co.uk.

All the fun of the Christmas fayre Visit Llandudno’s traditional Christmas Fayre from 14th to 17th November and discover over 150 stalls bursting with festive goodies.

One of the largest festive fairs in Wales, it attracts more than 35,000 visitors and showcases top-quality Welsh food, drink and crafts. Browse gifts, products, foods and crafts, and fi nd unique and beautiful gifts. And don’t forget to bring the kids to the Lapland area, where there will be face painting, craft activities, an elf workshop and a magical Santa experience.

Tickets are £4.50 on the day, or £3.75 in advance; under-16s are free. llandudno christmasfayre.co.uk

Choral delights in Flintshire Mold & District Choral Society gives a Christmas performance at St Mary’s Church in Mold on 7th December, singing Haydn’s ‘St Nicholas Mass’ as well as carols. They will also perform Handel’s ‘Messiah’ at Bethlehem Welsh Independent Chapel, Rhosllanerchrugog, on 11th December. moldchoral.org.uk

Hit the library at Christmas Spend some time in the magical surrounds of Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden this Christmas. From 1st to 19th December you can enjoy a traditional homecooked Christmas lunch, a tasty festive afternoon tea or a special evening of festive fare on 8th and 15th December. For a real treat, snuggle with a book by the cosy fi re and spend a night at Britain’s only residential library. Prices from £69. gladstoneslibrary.org

Catrin Finch comes to Llandudno

Enjoy an evening of spectacular musical entertainment at the St David’s Hospice 20th Anniversary Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno on 23rd November. The concert brings together some of the fi nest musicians and voices in north Wales, including harp soloist Catrin Finch and Britain’s Got Talent fi nalists Côr Glanaethwy. Tickets cost £20. stdavidshospice.org.uk

Drama and dance at Neuadd Dwyfor Strangers On A Train Set, 13th November Irene Sparrow, inventor of the left-handed crochet hook, fi nds herself under suspicion of murder after her train emerges from a tunnel with a young man dead. LipService Theatre brings you a show that appeals to crime afi cionados and narrowgauge railway enthusiasts alike. 7.30pm. Tickets £14.

Roots, 27th November National Dance Company Wales presents four short pieces providing a guided tour through contemporary dance. 7.30pm. Tickets £14.

The Nutcracker, 15th December Enjoy a live recording of the Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of this Christmas classic. Hear Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and discover why this perennial favourite continues to captivate audiences. 3pm. Tickets £13. neuadddwyfor.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 9TH-16TH NOVEMBER

•9th November, Betws-y-Coed Trail Challenge With 5k, 10k, half marathon, canicross (5k and 10k) and 10k Bergen events, there’s something for runners of all abilities! All races start from the centre of Betws-y-Coed and follow a course through the forest behind St Mary’s Church. Fundraising in support of Help for Heroes. trailbetws.com • 9th November, Murder On The Llangollen Express, Llangollen Railway Join Shylock Nolmes, the world’s greatest detective, for an evening of sleuthing as he travels on Llangollen Railway to investigate a ‘murder most foul’. There are prizes for solving the crime and a special award for best costume. 6.30pm-9pm. £25. llangollen-railway.co.uk

•14th November, Christmas Lights Switch On, Wrexham Featuring a huge stage, live music, a fantastic fairground and festive stalls and entertainment. The fun starts at 4pm and the lights will be switched on at 7.30pm, along with a huge fi rework display. All funds to Chirk Dementia Group.

•15th November, Tŷ Gobaith Lantern Walk, Llandudno Walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to carry a lantern and help bring the town to life with magical lights and entertainment during the Christmas fair. Registration is free, but every walker is asked to raise as much as they can in support of Tŷ Gobaith hospice in Groesynydd. hopehouse.org.uk • 16th November, Craft Cabin Ladies’ Night, The Golden Lion, Coedpoeth Spend a great evening with friends and meet new people. Included in the price will be a Christmas ceramic to paint, games and a cross-stitch keyring kit as well as nibbles and the chance to learn how to make your very own Christmas pom-pom decoration or animal. 7pm. £15. Spaces are limited so booking is essential. Call 07807 079214.

Go wild at RSPB Conwy Robin’s Winter Song, 24th November A beautiful tale of the changing seasons for ages three to six. 2pm-3.30pm.

Nature’s Christmas & Search For Santa, 1st December Make Christmas crafts, toast marshmallows, browse craft stalls and fi nd Santa as he visits the nature reserve! 10.30am4pm. Free admission. Search For Santa, £4 per child and £2 per accompanying adult.

Christmas Campfi res & Storytime, 21st December Snuggle up to hear a Christmas story and try some crafts. 11am-12.30pm and 2pm-3.30pm.

Events cost £3 for RSPB members, £4 for non-members and £2 for accompanying non-member adults. Booking is essential; call 01492 581025 or visit rspb.org.uk/conwy.

All aboard the Santa specials Bala Lake Railway plays host to Santa on 7th and 8th December, so climb aboard and fi nd out whether you’re on his ‘nice’ list! The magical train journey from Llanuwchllyn to Glan Llyn includes a mince pie and glass of sherry or hot drink for adults and lots of festive fun for children. Tickets are £9 for adults, £10 for children; booking essential. bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Twilight treats at Gypsy Wood Experience a magical twilight experience at Gypsy Wood Park from 14th to 22nd December. Santa is taking some time out from his busy schedule to make a special appearance, so hop aboard Woody’s Train and head to the magical grotto to meet the man himself. The beautifully decorated park will be open from 3.30pm to 7pm, so you can enjoy all the usual attractions and activities as well as some festive fun. Normal admission applies. gypsywood.co.uk

Christmas at Theatr Clwyd

Jack & The Beanstalk, 22nd November – 18th January Join Jack’s musical journey up the beanstalk in this giant magical adventure. Tickets from £15.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf, 25th & 26th November A beautiful wintry children’s tale based on the Aesop fable. Tickets £6.

A Thousand Years Of Christmas, 9th December Archbishop Rowan Williams reads works from Dylan Thomas to Ted Hughes. 7.30pm. Tickets from £10

A Christmas Carol, 13th December – 5th January Explore a living, breathing Victorian street where ghosts are just around the corner in this immersive family show. Tickets from £10.

Richard Durrant Candlelit Christmas Concert, 20th December A festive family-friendly feast of acoustic wintry music. 7.30pm. Tickets from £10.

Onwards and upwards Burn off some preChristmas calories and get into the festive spirit with two days of guided winter hill walking led by experienced instructors from Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre as part of the Big Christmas Walk, which takes place from 7th to 8th December. Enjoy time on the hills in the company of others and let the instructors answer any questions you might have while they take you to some amazing places.

There will be a range of walks to choose from and there’s always a friendly atmosphere, with many people returning year after year. In the evenings you’ll return to mince pies and mulled wine, followed by an excellent Christmas dinner prepared on site, using the freshest local ingredients. So why not do something different this Christmas and treat yourself to a walking holiday in the beautiful Welsh hills? The event costs £212 per person, including accommodation, instruction, meals and any equipment hire you might need. pyb.co.uk

Around the world at Galeri Caernarfon

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 16TH-30TH NOVEMBER

Madama Butterfl y, 9th November Anthony Minghella’s cinematic staging of Puccini’s Madama Butterfl y is streamed from the Metropolitan Opera in New York, featuring soprano Hui He, Piero Pretti, Paulo Szot and mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong. 5.55pm. Tickets £14.

James Ketchell: Chasing Extremes, 11th November The only person to have

summited Everest, rowed the Atlantic and cycled the world shares his tales of adventure, endeavour and determination. 7.30pm. Tickets £15.

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: Tribe 25, 22nd November The UK’s original touring taiko group – widely recognised as the pioneers of this exciting art form – return with a brand new show of skill, stamina and

red-hot rhythms to stir your soul! 7.30pm. Tickets £20.

AKA Trio, 23rd November An international musical summit meeting of three worldrenowned virtuosos: Antonio Forcione, Seckou Keita and Adriano Adewale. Together they create a joyful, uplifting and life-affi rming musical collaboration. 7.30pm. Tickets £18. galericaernarfon.com

More funny business at William Aston Hall

•16th November, Winter Light – Chapter I, Mostyn Street, Llandudno Enjoy an evening of fi ery processional performance on the streets of Llandudno. Encounter mythical monsters and those who try to catch and tame them, and see forgotten stories unfold in this captivating new winter event for all the family. 7pm-9pm. • 16th & 17th November, Wrexham Tattoo Show, Glyndwr Sports Centre, Wrexham Get tattooed by a top UK artist and meet some of the legends of the trade at the friendliest tattoo show on the calendar. Browse stalls, enjoy live music, burlesque and fi re-eating acts, and help choose the winner of the tattoo duels. 10am-8pm.

Andy Parsons, 9th November Andy brings his unique wit and insight to the stage. 8pm. Tickets £16.50.

Count Arthur Strong, 22nd November A seamless mix of the best showbiz entertainment and some of the big questions that other

Race time at Bangor-on-Dee Anne Duchess of Westminster’s Charity Day, 13th November This year’s charity is Tarporley War Memorial Hospital. Gates at 10.30am, racing at 12.45pm.

Late November Meeting, 30th November The fi nal Saturday meeting of the year. Gates at 10.30am and fi rst race at 12.10pm.

Christmas Meeting, 13th December A festive fl urry of races from 11.50am, plus activities. Gates 10.30am. bangorondeeraces.co.uk

performers shy away from, such as is there life on Mars bars? 7.30pm. Tickets £23.10.

Stewart Francis, 27th November Catch Stewart in this, his last tour ever! See him before he heads oŽ … into the Punset. 7.30pm. Tickets £25.30.

Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown, 29th November Book early to avoid disappointment. 7pm. £26.40.

Frank Skinner, 6th December An unmissable opportunity to see the comic legend. 7pm. £27.50. thewilliamastonhall.com

Make your own decorations

Start a new Christmas tradition this year with traditional wreath-making in the surroundings of the Grand Hall at Bangor’s Penrhyn Castle. Create a beautiful wreath you can proudly hang on your own front door and learn the skills fl orists use to make these eye-catching decorations.

The 45-minute sessions take place every weekend from 23rd November to 15th December and cost £6 per wreath, with participants having the option to take any uncompleted wreaths and materials home to fi nish.

Booking advisable. Call 0344 249 1895 or visit nationaltrust. org.uk/penrhyn-castle.

Magical times at Mold garden centre Woodworks Garden Centre & Café in Mold is gearing up for Christmas in style. Not only is the gift shop stocked with seasonal collections, including homeware, giftware, jewellery, accessories and more, you can also enjoy Christmas lunch in the café with the tasty two- or three-course menu.

There are Christmas wreath workshops for all skill levels, and from 6pm to 8.30pm on 28th November there’s also late-night shopping. Children can also meet Father Christmas in his grotto (limited dates are available, so booking is essential). For information, call 01352 752555.

•27th November, Conwy Farmers’ Market, RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, Llandudno Junction Enjoy this local produce market and source your Christmas dinner locally! There will be fresh vegetables, local meats and cheeses, jams and pickles and more. 9am-1pm. Free admission. • 28th November, A Festive Afternoon Tea, Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham To raise funds for Pedal Power. £15, including a glass of fi zz and entertainment from Rat Pack crooner Nigel Fabb. 1-3pm. Email marketing@ groundworknorthwales.org. uk or call 01978 757524. • 28th November, Christmas Eve Plate Workshop, Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham Paint your own plate with Cwtch Ceramics; once fi red it will be microwaveand dishwasher-safe. 7pm9pm. £15, including plate, all glazes and fi nal kiln fi ring. • 30th November, St David’s Hospice Christmas Fair, Venue Cymru, Llandudno Festive shopping with all your favourite local produce and hospice stalls. Entertainment from Llandudno Funtime Choir and Colwyn Bay Ukulele Group. 11am-3pm. £1 adults, 50p children.

•30th November, Mixed Media Festive Stars & Angels Workshop, Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno Learn how to use recycled materials to make colourful festive angels and stars for your wall or tree or to give as gifts. 10.30am-4pm. £45, including all materials. To book call 01492 868191 or email shop@mostyn.org. • 30th November, 2525… A Space Oddity, Pentredwr Community Centre The Assassin’s Breed drama group presents a sci-fi murder mystery set in the future. 7pm. Bar and light refreshments available. £10. Tickets from the centre or on 07769 512543. • 30th November, Christmas Craft & Gift Fair, Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham Come along to the Venue in the Park, Alyn Waters, to browse jewellery, candles, fashion, accessories, toiletries, paintings, handmade cards, sweet treats, pet gifts and much more. 10am-4pm. Admission free. 01978 757 524 • 2nd-8th December, Christmas Tree Festival, St Mary’s Church, Conwy See a fi ne array of trees decorated by local business, schools and community groups, hosted by St David’s Hospice in association with Daisy Chain. 10am-4pm. • 6th December, Hawarden Estate Night Trail Race with Joe Cooper Runners will follow a 2km lap, completing as many laps as possible within two hours. There will be a roaring fi re, hot soup and motivational music in the changeover area, plus medals, prizes and lots of fun. Find out more at out-fi t.co.uk • 7th & 8th December, Christmas Market, Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Dolgarrog Come along to the coolest Christmas market around. Expect live music, surf, gifts, real ale and festive food. And of course, Father Christmas will be here too in his very own surf-side Santa’s grotto. It’s all under cover too! 10am-6pm. Free entry. adventureparcsnowdonia.com WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 30TH NOVEMBER – 8TH DECEMBER

A magical market in Wrexham

Soak up the festive atmosphere in Wrexham’s Christmas Village from 13th to 15th December while buying Christmas gifts and goodies you can’t usually fi nd on the high street.

The Christmas event has more than 50 wooden cabins overfl owing with fantastic gifts, including handmade crafts, beautiful jewellery and mouthwatering artisan produce. There is also a giant tipi jam-packed with entertainment,

Raise a glass at Novemberfest! Forget October – November is the month to celebrate beer in Mold, and you can raise a glass and enjoy a pint (or two) at Novemberfest from 8th to 10th November. The festival of real ale, real food and real entertainment features over 30 real ales, ciders and perries, as well as craft beers, lagers and wines, accompanied by delicious food and live music from local bands. The event takes place in St Mary’s Church Hall, although other venues in and around Mold also participate. Expect good company, good beer, good entertainment and a fantastically good time! moldnovemberfest.org.uk

Get the party started in Llangollen Kick off Christmas season at the Llangollen Christmas Festival on 20th November. The event starts with a parade through the town at 1pm to the town hall, where Siôn Corn (Welsh for Father Christmas) will be escorted to his grotto by the mayor, Jon Haddy. The festivities continue through the afternoon, with stalls selling local street food and handmade crafts, children’s entertainment and storytelling. The festival fi nishes at 5pm with the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Mulled wine with a view

Enjoy a two-hour cruise across Pontcysyllte aqueduct with delicious warm mulled wine and homemade mince pies. The special trips

a festive bar and open fi re pit. You can take a trip around the village on the Christmas landtrain, do some Christmas shopping, visit the reindeer and take a seat on the top deck of the double decker bus bar

The free event, held in Llwyn Isaf and Queen’s Square, is open noon to 8pm on Friday, 10am to 8pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. DID YOU KNOW? It’s a Christmas tradition in Wales to make a treacle to ee called cyfl aith

Run in red Don a Santa outfi t and join the crowds taking part in the Clwydians Santa 5K Dash on 8th December. The fun, family-friendly festive run follows 5km route up Moel Famau and along the Clwydian Range. You can walk, jog or run the distance, and everyone’s invited to come along and soak up the festive atmosphere – whether they want to join in the event or simply cheer runners on.

Registration takes place at Bwlch Pen Barras car park, Moel Famau, from 9am and the race starts at 11am. Entry costs £16 for adults and £10 for children, including a Santa suit and a well-deserved fi nisher’s medal. letsdothis.com

Chirk becomes a world of make-believe Step into a fantasy castle decorated in the style of theatre and fairytales at Chirk Castle. Christmas Of Make-Believe runs from 30th November to 5th January, with decorations inspired by the pantomimes performed by the De Walden children who lived at the castle in the 1920s.

Explore the fairytale trail in the gardens, play parlour games and enter into the spirit in the magical setting. There will be storytelling and live music at weekends, and Father Christmas will also be in his grotto. nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle

throughout November and December allow you to travel in style in a centrally heated narrowboat. Take a boat from Llangollen Wharf and travel across the country’s highest navigable aqueduct, with the River Dee winding below. Mulled Wine Specials run twice a day and cost £14 for adults and £12 for children. horsedrawnboats.co.uk

Showtime at Theatr Colwyn Ensemble Cymru – Schubert, 6th November An opportunity to experience a live performance of Schubert’s ‘Octet’ for wind and strings. 7.30pm. £15.20. Snow White, 29th November Vienna Festival Ballet’s unmissable production based on the Grimm brothers’ traditional story. 7.30pm. Tickets £21.20. Mrs Peachum’s Guide To Love & Marriage, 30th November Mid Wales Opera’s SmallStages team romps on to stage with a radical reworking of John Gay’s 1728 work, The Beggar’s Opera. 7.30pm. £14.20. Arrival: The Hits of ABBA, 4th December Voted Best ABBA Show for the last six years, this high-energy show features a catalogue of hits. 7.30pm. £23.20. Aladdin, 21st December – 4th JanuaryA pantomime full of singing, dancing, comedy, puppets, magic and illusions. With colourful costumes and stunning sets, it’s sure to delight all ages. Tickets £14 adults, £11 children. theatrcolwyn.co.uk

Seasonal splendour in Snowdonia Every Christmas, Snowdonia Nurseries in Conwy is transformed into a magical stage for all things festive, with people travelling from far and wide to marvel at the spectacular display. No corner of the garden centre is unadorned, ready for Santa’s twice-weekly visits. It’s open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday. snowdonianurseries.co.uk Dance in the new year in Portmeirion Dust off your dancing shoes and say goodbye to 2019 in style at Castell Dreudraeth in Portmeirion on 31st December. For one night only the castle will be transformed into a 1970s boogie wonderland. The party starts at 7pm and lasts into the early hours. Tickets cost £45 per person and include a buffet, disco and glass of fi zz. To order, call Castell Deudraeth on 01766 772400. Festive food Enjoy fun in a fairytale location at Portmeirion’s Winter Food & Craft Festival from 6th to 8th December. The family-friendly festival is a spectacular showcase of the very best local food, drinks, gifts and entertainment held in the beautiful surroundings of Italianate village Portmeirion. The festival features more than 120 artisan stalls, plus a full programme of entertainment including cooking demonstrations and a Santa’s grotto.

The festival is open 9.30am to 5pm. portmeirion.wales Llangollen Railway’s winter specials Ride The Rocket Firework Train, 3rd November Board the train for an journey to Carrog, stopping at Glyndyfrdwy for a fi reworks display. Departs Llangollen at 6pm. Tickets £18 adults, £12 children. Santa’s Specials, 7th-24th December Your decorated steam train will transport you in style from Llangollen to Carrog, which has been renamed Lapland for Santa’s visit! Tickets £20. Mince Pie Specials, 26th December – 1st JanuaryEnjoy beautiful views of the Dee valley as you travel on one of the specially decorated trains. Tickets £18 adults, £10 children. llangollen-railway.co.uk Happy 50th birthday, Wrexham Symphony Orchestra! Wrexham Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special family afternoon concert on 3rd November at William Aston Hall, Wrexham Glyndwr University.

The concert programme includes music from the 2019 Classic FM Hall of Fame, including The Lark Ascending, Lord Of The Rings, Swan Lake, Star Wars and much more. There will also be some special treats for all the children.

Tickets for this delightful birthday party and concert are now on sale via the orchestra’s website, wrexhamorch.co.uk, using the ‘Ticket’ tab.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 7TH-12TH DECEMBER

•7th December, Magical Christmas Parade, Llandudno Join the seasonal entertainment outside the town hall from 2.30pm, then watch the magical Christmas parade at 4pm. The parade, which features Father Christmas and lots of other festive fl oats, will travel from the station area along Vaughan Street into Mostyn Street, Lloyd Street and Madoc Street, then return to the station.

•7th December, Rocking Rhyl! children’s party, Rhyl Town Hall Join Dozy Dave and Rockin’ Robin for a Christmas party to remember. Fun, games, magic and a disco will keep little ones entertained and feeling festive. 3pm-5pm. Suitable for ages four to eight. Free admission.

•7th & 8th December, Christmas Festivities, Plas Mawr, Conwy Join the festive fun at the fi nest surviving Elizabethan townhouse in Britain. Make your own spiced orange pomander and festive marchpane sweets. 11am-3pm. £6.90 adults, £4.10 children. Free for Cadw members. • 8th December, Cinderella’s Christmas Ball, Northop Hall, Mold Honoured guests are invited to join Her Highness and her fairytale friends for food, fun and festivities. Enjoy afternoon tea, meet Cinderella and many more royal favourites, enjoy a spectacular performance and meet Santa too! Noon & 4pm. £25 adults, £20 children. For information and reservations call the Fairy Godmother on 07711 117329. • 12th December, Tenovus Lovelight Concert, St Giles’ Church, Wrexham A special concert in aid of Tenovus Cancer Care, hosted by Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir with special guests the Wrexham Sing With Us Choir. 7.30pm. Call 01244 570201 or 07961 790150.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 14TH-31ST DECEMBER

•14th December, Winter Light – Chapter 2, North West Gardens, Llandudno Roll up, roll up! Stories that have lurked in the darkness for centuries are now coming to life. See them unfold in this captivating family event using stunning light projections. 7pm-9pm. • 14th December, Winterfest, Conwy Conwy’s Medieval Christmas festival is an exciting event boasting street entertainers, musicians, choirs, Morris dancers, swordfi ghting on Lancaster Square, hot chestnuts and much more. The event runs from 4pm to 7pm, with a torchlit procession of armoured knights and their ladies taking place at 5.45pm.

•14th & 15th December, Santa’s Railway Experience, Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, Porthmadog Santa will be visiting the railway, so visit Porthmadog for a festive trip with all the trimmings including mince pies, mulled wine and a gift for children. Booking essential. whr.co.uk

•21st December, The Big Beat Christmas Party, Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham Party the night away at Tŷ Pawb and enjoy live music from one of the UK’s leading cover bands, The Big Beat. There will be a late bar and DJ, and the food court will also be open. 7pm-1am. Tickets £10, available from Eventbrite. • 26th December, Annual Boxing Day Sea Dip, Llandudno Beach Promenade Hardy souls brave the waves in aid of St David’s Hospice. There are prizes for the fi rst to enter the water and also for best fancy dress at this popular annual dip organised by the Lions Club of Llandudno. 11.30am-12.30pm.

Excitement on stage at Rhyl Pavilion Forbidden Nights, 2nd November Get caught up in a spectacle of desire, passion and excitement as acrobats, fi re acts, aerial artists and world-renowned circus performers fl ip and spin across the stage. A show-stopping evening of entertainment, guaranteed to get pulses racing. 7.30pm. Tickets £25.50. The Drifters, 9th November The R&B group are back with an exciting new show performing all their classic hits from the past six decades. Listed among the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, the Drifters have produced an incredible list of hits, including ‘Saturday Night At Movies’, ‘Come On Over To My Place’, ‘Up On The Roof ’ and many more. 7.30pm. Tickets £30. Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, 11th-31st December This year’s spectacular pantomime is the fairest story of them all! Starring Sue Holderness (Only Fools & Horses, Still Open All Hours) as the Wicked Queen, Andrew Agnew (Balamory) as Muddles, and the queen of pantomime dames Charles Burden in the glamorous role of Nursie. Performance times vary. Tickets from £11; family tickets and group discounts are available. rhylpavilion.co.uk

Wrexham celebrates the spirit of Christmas past The Victorian Christmas Market returns to Wrexham on 5th December with more than 100 stalls stretching from Queen’s Square up to and inside St Giles’ Church. The market has become one of the most eagerly awaited events in the town’s calendar and attracts thousands of shoppers. Stalls selling a selection of festive gifts and treats will appear alongside Victorian street entertainers and a traditional carousel. For anyone feeling in need of sustenance, there will be hot, freshly prepared food, including German sausages, festive mince pies, mulled wine and hot chestnuts. The market is open from noon to 8pm,

with the event taking on a magical feel as darkness falls and each stall is lit with twinkling lights. Stay into the dark to enjoy live music and carols, and soak up the magical festive atmosphere.

Pre-Christmas classics at Pontio BBC NOW: New World Symphony, 22nd November Clemens Schuldt conducts Dvořák’s Symphony No.9 ‘From The New World’ and Brahms’ Violin Concerto In D Major. 7.30pm. Tickets £15.

Eric & Ern Christmas Show, 5th & 6th December The duo behind hit Eric & Little Ern bring you Morecambe & Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches. 7.30pm. Tickets £18.

A Merry Little Christmas with Only Men Aloud, 14th December Only Men Aloud are back, joined by Sophie Evans from Wicked. 7.30pm. Tickets £27.

The Nutcracker, 17th December Recorded at the Royal Opera House in 2016, this is the production par excellence of an all-time ballet favourite. 7.30pm. Tickets £16. pontio.co.uk

Let the choirs sing! The North Wales Choral Festival is back to brighten your winter from 8th to 10th November at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The jam-packed weekend welcomes choirs from all over the UK in a wonderful celebration of music, and includes competitions, school workshops, concerts, community performances and more. northwaleschoralfestival.com

A Victorian Christmas in Beaumaris The popular Victorian Christmas weekend in Beaumaris takes place on 23rd and 24th November, as the town is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Crunch through the snow, enjoy festive live music and begin your Christmas shopping by browsing the huge range of food, craft and charity stalls. See Facebook for further details.

Enchanting times at GreenWood Step into a magical Christmas experience at GreenWood Forest Park in Y Felinheli and enjoy a twohour twilight adventure full of elves, activities and magical surroundings! The Christmas Twilight Adventure costs £20 for children and £7 for adults and runs on selected dates from 31st November to 22nd December. greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk