Christmas Festivities at Cyfarthfa Park

This year, Cyfarthfa will mark the start of the Christmas period by illuminating its giant sequoia tree on Saturday 21 November. Visitors can also look forward to the fabulous Christmas Fayre at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery featuring a fantastic range of stalls offering unique handmade gifts, festive crafts and local artisan treats across the weekend.

It promises to be a wonderful occasion to soak up the seasonal cheer and enjoy some early Christmas shopping with this being just one of the many exciting events hosted across Cyfarthfa Park throughout the year.

2026 has been another vibrant year at Cyfarthfa, bringing the community together through a diverse programme of events, including the Outdoor Cinema, Ghost Tours, St David’s Day celebrations, Easter and Halloween trails, the Merthyr Tydfil Half Marathon, inspiring lectures, creative workshops, bat walks, community picnics and much more.

Following the success of last year’s spectacular light show for Cyfarthfa’s bicentenary, a similar event will not take place this year due to the significant restoration works currently underway at Cyfarthfa Castle.

The decision reflects both the ongoing construction programme and the financial and logistical challenges of delivering a large-scale public event. In addition, funding previously available through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has now come to an end, increasing the difficulty of delivering an event of this size. However, planning is underway for an exciting programme of events, activities and exhibitions in 2027, with hopes that a festive event can return in the future, building on the progress of the restoration project and future funding opportunities.

In the meantime, there is still plenty to celebrate! We are pleased to continue providing opportunities for the community to come together and Cyfarthfa offers a wonderful array of festive activities this Christmas, including wreath making and the return of Santa’s letterbox. You can also enjoy a cozy slice of cake and a seasonal coffee from the autumnal menu at Julie’s Tea Room, then pop into the Museum Gift Shop to find the gift for someone special.

To help visitors enjoy the magical atmosphere and admire the illuminated sequoia tree, park opening hours will also be extended throughout the Christmas period. Cyfarthfa Park will be open to the public until 6pm from Saturday 21 November 2026 to Monday 4 January 2027.

Find out more here:
Events | Museums
Sefydliad Cyfarthfa Foundation | What's On