The Festive Season In The Wye Valley
Nadolig Llawen!
Christmas in the Wye Valley is a season of twinkling lights, winter walks, local traditions and plenty of festive cheer. From charming Christmas markets and torchlit carols at Tintern Abbey to family adventures, candlelit music and a special Christmas Day lunch at The Royal George, there is plenty to look forward to.
If you are planning a festive escape to Tintern this year, these are the dates to keep an eye out for. Save them in your diary, wrap up warm and get ready to enjoy Christmas the Wye Valley way.
Pre-Christmas Craft & Makers Fayre, Goytre
25 October 2026 | 10am–4pm
Start your Christmas shopping early at the Pre-Christmas Craft & Makers Fayre in Goytre. Discover thoughtful gifts from local makers and craftspeople, with plenty of beautiful, handmade finds to get you feeling festive.
Perfect for: Christmas shoppers and lovers of independent makers.
Ross-on-Wye Christmas Fayre
29 November 2026
Head to Ross-on-Wye for a traditional Christmas fayre, with more than 80 stalls offering gifts, crafts and seasonal treats. Take your time browsing, pick up something special and enjoy the festive atmosphere before making your way back through the beautiful Wye Valley.
Perfect for: A relaxed Christmas shopping day.
Christmas by Torchlight at Tintern Abbey
Usually the first Saturday of December | Please check dates before visiting
The annual open-air carol service at Tintern Abbey sees the roofless ruins illuminated by torchlight as carols echo through the ancient stone arches. The evening traditionally begins with mulled wine, making the experience even more special. Organised by Chepstow Rotary Club and held in aid of charity, it is a much-loved local tradition.
Perfect for: A truly atmospheric Christmas evening.
Abergavenny Christmas Market
5 December 2026 | 9am–5pm
Abergavenny becomes even more charming at Christmas. Its outdoor market fills the town centre with festive stalls, gifts and seasonal treats. Spend the day exploring the market, enjoy something warming and soak up the atmosphere before returning to the Wye Valley.
Perfect for: Christmas shopping, food lovers and a festive day out.
Motown Christmas by Candlelight
5 December 2026 | 6.15pm–9.45pm | Gloucester Cathedral
For something a little different, head to Gloucester Cathedral for an evening of Motown by candlelight. Live musicians and vocalists will bring Christmas cheer to the cathedral with music inspired by Motown greats including Diana Ross, The Supremes, The Temptations and Stevie Wonder.
Perfect for: A festive evening with a little more sparkle and rhythm.
Father Christmas at Perrygrove
Christmas dates | Check Perrygrove Railway for 2026 availability
All aboard the Christmas Express! Perrygrove Railway offers a wonderfully festive family day out, with unlimited train rides through the woodland, play areas, woodland adventures and a brand-new interactive “Down the Chimney” show.
Mrs Claus, an Elf and a rather cheeky Santa need the children's help, before every child gets the most exciting part of all: a special meeting with Father Christmas and an age-appropriate gift to take home.
Perfect for: Little ones who are ready for some serious Christmas magic.
Monmouth Christmas Lantern Parade
13 December 2026 | 4.30pm–7.30pm
As evening falls, Monmouth glows with its annual Christmas Lantern Parade. Watch the streets light up as the community comes together for this wonderfully traditional celebration. It is a lovely way to spend a December evening and enjoy a little festive magic outside the usual Christmas crowds.
Perfect for: Families and anyone who loves a traditional Christmas atmosphere.
Christmas Day at The Royal George
25 December 2026
And, of course, Christmas Day will be in full swing at The Royal George.
On 25 December, join us for a traditional Christmas Lunch, surrounded by seasonal cheer, good food and the warmth of a Christmas spent together.
Whether you are joining us as part of a festive stay or simply coming to celebrate the day, we look forward to welcoming you, raising a glass and making Christmas feel wonderfully special.
Experience Tintern Abbey in Winter
29–30 December 2026 — Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Christmas does not have to end on the 25th. Visit Tintern Abbey between Christmas and New Year and discover Brother Thomas the Cellarer, an atmospheric historical experience exploring everyday life for the Cistercian monks who once lived within these remarkable ruins.
And even without an event, winter is a beautiful time to visit the abbey. Wrap up warm, take a stroll through Tintern and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Wye Valley.
Perfect for: History lovers, walkers and those looking for a peaceful post-Christmas outing.
Make The Royal George Your Christmas Base
From October's first Christmas market to the final festive moments between Christmas and New Year, the Wye Valley is full of little reasons to visit.
Come for the markets, stay for the walks, discover the history and enjoy the slower pace of Christmas in Tintern. And when the day is done, The Royal George is here to welcome you back.
We would love to see you this Christmas.
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