Swansea’s seasonal line-up has something for everyone

Swansea’s festive line-up promises treats for all ages and tastes this Christmas. From classic ballet such as the Nutcracker, through to raucous pantomimes, festive fairs, ice skating and Santa’s grotto for younger members of the family, the city is bursting with seasonal attractions.

For a day out to get you into the Christmas spirit, Swansea’s Waterfront Winterland is hard to beat, promising street parades, festive shows, a bustling market and all the fun of the fair. This is the tenth year that Museum Park, in the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum, has been transformed into the Waterfront Winterland.

Once again the stars of the show are the Admiral ice rink and the children’s rink – the only one of its kind in Wales. You will also find Santa’s Grotto, a funfair with an iconic a big wheel, plus some tasty, delicious food from the Alpine Dining Cabins.

A stroll into the shopping centre, festooned with Christmas lights and decorations, adds to the atmosphere of the visit. Oxford Street is lined with the popular Christmas Market’s green and red wooden chalets offering arts, crafts, handmade gifts, fine foods and speciality products.

This is a great place to soak up the atmosphere whilst sipping a glass of mulled wine and a hearty hog roast, crepes or hot turkey rolls.

Entertainment for children includes lantern making, Santa’s workshop ‘Frozen’ activities, story telling, carol singing, Dickensian characters and a Reindeer Route Treasure Hunt. After dark, the Grand Theatre has plenty of family entertainment with the classic seasonal ballet “The Nutcracker”, while dancer Louie Spence will take the leading role in the annual pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Brangwyn Hall boasts more traditional performances, including Handel’s Messiah, Christmas by Candlelight as well as pantomime of ‘Sleeping Beauty’. At the Dylan Thomas Centre there are plenty of workshops including making snow globes and stitched decorations, along with performances of Dylan’s classic tale, ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’.

For further details pick up a copy of “Enjoy Swansea Bay This Christmas” from Swansea City Council at www.swansea.gov.uk or go to www.swanseachristmas.com