This winter, Hay-on-Wye will be brimming with festive spirit as two major seasonal events bring colour, creativity and community to the town.
During the Hay Festival Winter Weekend at Hay Castle (29–30 November 2025), the square will be transformed into a vibrant two-day Winter Weekend Market organised by Hay Markets. From 10am to 4pm each day, Memorial Square will come alive with street food, local producers, makers and a vintage flea market — a perfect blend of artisan craftsmanship, delicious food and cheerful bustle in one of the most characterful towns in Wales.
The Winter Weekend runs alongside the Hay Festival’s much-loved literary celebration, meaning visitors can spend the day browsing market stalls, enjoying street performances and festive flavours before heading up to Hay Castle for author talks, live music and cultural events. Together, the festival and market make Hay one of the most exciting places to be in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) this November.
But the festive cheer doesn’t stop there. On the second Saturday of December (13 December 2025), Hay welcomes back its Christmas Fayre — a destination event that has grown in popularity and scale since it began in 2020.
Now organised in partnership with Hay Castle’s own Christmas Market, the Fayre will feature over 100 stallholdersoffering handmade, sustainable and locally inspired gifts. Visitors can look forward to choirs filling the square with carols, a visit from Father Christmas, and plenty of mulled wine and festive treats to complete the atmosphere.
Whether you’re coming for the shopping, the music, the food or simply to soak up the charm of this remarkable town, Hay-on-Wye in winter is full of reasons to linger longer.
Event details
📅 Winter Weekend Market: 29–30 November 2025, 10am–4pm
📍 Memorial Square, Hay-on-Wye
🌐 www.haymarkets.co.uk
📅 Hay Christmas Fayre: Saturday 13 December 2025
📍 Hay-on-Wye (multiple town locations)
🎄 Over 100 stalls | Choirs | Father Christmas | Mulled wine | Festive food
Make it a winter getaway — explore, eat, shop and enjoy everything Hay-on-Wye has to offer this season.
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