Christmas in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is built from many smaller moments: a market in a historic setting, a family experience with a story to tell, or a workshop that gives you something to take home. BBT members are bringing those moments together across the region this season.

That variety makes it easier to shape a day that suits you, whether you are looking for a family outing, a thoughtful gift, a creative afternoon or a reason to stay out a little longer. This three-part guide brings together selected highlights from the BBT events calendar, with links to the individual listings so you can check dates, availability and booking information.

Festive days out for families

For a Christmas experience with a difference, head underground for Santa Underground at Big Pit on 28–29 November, or 5–6 December, or choose a gentler seasonal story with Storytime with Mother Christmas.

There is more festive magic at Dan-yr-Ogof, where the Christmas Experience runs across selected weekends and 19–24 December, and at Brecon Mountain Railway, where the Polar Express-inspired journey combines a moving train, storytelling, carols, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.

In Abergavenny, Santa arrives in style with horse-drawn sleigh rides on selected Sundays in December. The town’s Festive Road Run also brings a distinctive seasonal spectacle to the streets.

Closer to home, Brecon With Bells On returns on 29 November with seasonal stalls, live entertainment, Santa’s Grotto and the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Markets, makers and winter weekends

For thoughtful gifts and local produce, make a date with the Tretower Winter Artisan Market on 14–15 November, Glansevin Christmas Fair on 28 November, or the Penpont Winter Fair on 12–13 December.

There are also Christmas markets in Penderyn, Crickhowell, Llandovery and Hay-on-Wye, alongside the Hay Winter Weekend Market.

Make time for making

Seasonal workshops offer a chance to slow down and make something you can take home. Beacons Pottery’s Christmas workshops include tree lanterns, wreaths, figurines and snack bowls, while Hay Castle has festive wreath-making, Christmas cracker-making and a winter kaleidoscope workshop.

Brecon also offers a particularly atmospheric pairing for a winter evening. Light Up Canoeing with Argoed Lwyd sets off from Brecon Canal Basin, beside Theatr Brycheiniog, with illuminated canoes and instructor support on the canal. Check the live booking page for current sessions. If you are planning ahead for December, Theatr Brycheiniog is also home to Brecon Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker, running from 18–20 December 2026. It is an easy way to turn a seasonal visit to Brecon into a full evening out.

These are just some of the events already on the calendar, and they are a starting point rather than a complete list. We will be sharing more in the next two articles: markets, making and family days out, followed by festive food, music and seasonal evenings.

For the full programme, including individual dates and booking links, browse the BBT events calendar.