Christmas activities in North Wales to kick-off the festive season

Looking for some magical, exciting and unique activities to do with the kids, friends and family this 2023 Christmas season? Look no further; we’ve compiled some of our favourite festive Zip World activities and other local experiences that are sure to be a hit with the whole family. From a stunning Santa’s Grotto adventure like no other, to yummy festive food and drink, we’ve got a few different options to make this a Christmas to remember.

ZIPMAS AT ZIP WORLD LLECHWEDD - THE MOST MAGIAL SANTA'S GROTTO EXPERIENCE IN NORTH WALES

A Santa’s Grotto experience that’s so magical, you simply won’t find anything else like it; Zipmas is a grotto located deep underground in the historical Llechwedd Victorian slate caverns. Accessed via a festive train ride and featuring 3 enchanting chambers to explore – the light maze, Santa’s Workshop and Santa’s Grotto; this will be a Christmas activity loved by children and adults alike. The fun continues above ground with slate bauble decorating, letter to Santa workshop, plus a complimentary mince pie and hot chocolate or mulled wine. All of the above is included in the ticket price.

Add an extra dash of adventure to the experience by upgrading to the Grotto Golf package, where you’ll enjoy all Zipmas has to offer, plus a round on the world’s only underground golf set in a cavern. Putt your way around this huge 18-hole adventure golf course, which features impressive lighting and interactive elements.

This event starts on the 24th November and ends on the 24th December 2023.

FESTIVE FOREST AT ZIP WORLD BETWS-Y-COED - EVENING CHRISTMAS ADVENTURES FOR ADULTS AND KIDS

This Christmas activity is perfect for adults, couples, families, children… everyone! Step foot into the enchanted Welsh woodland at Zip World Betws-Y-Coed for Festive Forest, running every weekend in December before Christmas 2023. Enjoy the stunning icy lights and Christmas music as you hop aboard the Polar Coaster Express, the UK’s only alpine coaster of its kind. Weave and dart around the 1km track under the stars, either alone or with a friend (restrictions apply). Once you’ve enjoyed 3 rides each, head over to the vast bouncy nets that are Snowtop Nets. Bounce along the different chambers, lit with festive lighting and have a bit of fun with the giant light-up snowballs! With each ticket you will also get a complimentary burger or hotdog (veggie options available), as well as a mince pie and hot chocolate or mulled wine.

CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE TYN-Y-COED - A TASTY, LOCALLY-SOURCED CHRISTMAS MENU FOR FAMILIES, COUPLES AND GROUPS

What would the festive season be without a yummy Christmas dinner? We’d recommend heading to the traditional Welsh inn, Tyn-Y-Coed, Capel Currig to sample some of the heartiest Christmas cuisine in North Wales! Pop in for a Christmas lunch with the family or go the whole hog and book your Christmas party; either way the 2 and 3 course menu is sure to be a hit, with Veggie options available of course. Prices start at £25.75 for 2 courses and £32.50 for 3 courses - plus did we mention the absolutely gorgeous views of Moel Siabod mountain?!

For more info on booking, please call the Tyn-Y-Coed on 01248 661 125.

LLANDUDNO VICTORIAN EXTRAVAGANZA - A CHRISTMAS MARKET IN NORTH WALES TO REMEMBER

Loved by all and running since 2021, the Llandudno Christmas Victorian Extravaganza returns this 2023 festive season and features winter warmers, market stalls for gifts, a funfair, entertainment and more! This is entirely free to attend and is the perfect way to kick off the festive season from 10am – 9pm on the 16th November to the 18th of November, and 10am – 5pm on the 19th of November. You can even hire your very own private igloo which includes a glass of bubbly!

AN EVENING WITH ELSA AT THE SNOWDONIA NURSERIES AND GARDEN CENTRE

Not only do the Snowdonia Nurseries in Glan Conwy showcase some stunning Christmas decoration displays for you to browse and purchase each year, but they also have a selection of festive fun activities for young children, including an evening with Elsa! If your little one loves Frozen, don’t miss out on the chance for them to meet Santa and Elsa, receive a gift and reindeer dust, and grab a photo with Nigel the Polar Bear on the 5th December 2023, from 5pm – 6pm.

Image: Snowdonia Nurseries

CHRISTMAS CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT BOTANICAL BABE IN LLANDUDNO

Get your creative juices flowing this Christmas season and try your hand at something a bit different, with a Christmas Calligraphy Workshop at the Botanical Babe plant shop in Llandudno. All abilities are welcome, and for £45 you get to learn a new skill to put to use on your Christmas gifts, cards, tags and notes, plus you get to take home some blank Christmas cards and a modern calligraphy kit to continue your practice. Not to mention you’ll be immersed in the amazing plant collection at the shop; no doubt you’ll get a chance to purchase a few bits and bobs and enjoy a coffee while you’re at it! This Christmas event will be happening on the 30th November at 2023.

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP AT TREBORTH BOTANIC GARDEN

Another one for creative friends and families, why not spend a few hours at the Christmas Wreath Workshop in Treborth Botanic Garden, Bangor, fashioning your very own festive wreath for the front door? Using fresh-cut materials from the garden itself, you’ll be able to take home something to be proud of. Festive cakes and hot drinks will also be included in the ticket price of £22.38. This workshop will run on the 1st and 2nd of December.