The best places to see Santa this Christmas in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

The festive season is fast approaching and there's nowhere quite like the Brecon Beacons at Christmas. With the frost on the hills and the busy market towns lit up with Christmas lights, it's a veritable winter wonderland. 

A festive break in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is a magical experience for everyone. Couples may enjoy hitting the Christmas markets and engaging in romantic strolls hand in hand along the canal before a delicious festive feast at one of the many amazing pubs and restaurants the area has to offer. For families, there's a wealth of Christmas fun and seasonal activities to be enjoyed. Catch a magical show at Theatr Bryncheiniog, go for a special festive breakfast and, of course, the ultimate Christmas experience for kids – meeting Father Christmas! 

Whoever you're visiting with this Yuletide season, here at Wales Cottage Holidays, we're sure to have the perfect cottage for you. From romantic rural abodes to family-friendly holiday cottages, you can see all our cottages perfect for a Christmas adventure here. 

Skip to:

• The Brecon Mountain Railway 
• Cantref Adventure Farm 
• The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
• British Bird of Prey Centre Wales 
• Zip World Tower
• Old Railway Line Garden Centre  

Where can I visit Santa Claus in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)?

The Bannau Brycheniog (Brecon Beacons) is without a doubt one of the best places in the UK to meet Santa. Forget wooden huts hastily erected in a car park, the Santa experiences here come with extra special Christmas magic and wider fun for the whole family. From taking a festive journey on a steam train to find Santa Claus to visiting Father Christmas in a cave, your family will never forget their magical Christmas in the Bannau Brycheniog. 

We've rounded up the very best places to see Santa in the Bannau Brycheniog and surrounding areas this Christmastime. So don't delay, get those Christmas jumpers packed and come and check if you're on Santa's nice list this year! 

The Brecon Mountain Railway

Choo choo, hop aboard the Santa Special at the Brecon Mountain Railway this year. One of the most popular festive activities in Wales, visitors flock from all over to ride the steam train to see Santa. 

Starting at the Brecon Mountain Railway's main station in Pant, you can visit the workshops to see the locomotives, get a hot chocolate in the tearoom or pick up some special gifts in the shop. Then it's all aboard the Santa Express to Pontsticill Station. Admire the stunning Welsh scenery along the way before disembarking to see Santa in his magical grotto. The grown-ups can warm up with a mulled wine and a mince pie whilst the little ones tell Father Christmas what's on their list this year and receive a special gift. 

Cantref Adventure Farm

Cantref Adventure Farm is a fantastic day out for all the family at any time of the year, with its rides, animals, and indoor and outdoor play areas. But it's even more special when you're there for a Father Christmas experience. 

Head to the workshop where the elves will be there to greet you and provide some festive fun. Once you're finished, Santa's little helpers will take you to meet the man himself – Father Christmas! He'll check to see if the children have been naughty or nice, and all those good boys and girls will be presented with his magical key to access the present room where they can then select their very own special Christmas gift. There are also shows and other Christmas activities to be enjoyed, such as decorating gingerbread with Mary Christmas.  

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales

You may have seen Santa on a sleigh or St Nick in a supermarket, but we're betting you won't have seen Mr Claus in a cave before! That is unless you've been to The National Showcaves Centre for Wales' magical winter wonderland. More festive than the North Pole, your little ones will never forget the year they went underground to meet Santa! Wander through the festively decorated caves, and make the most of all the photo opportunities along the way, before meeting Santa in his grotto where children will get a special present. 

Remember those magical memories forever by taking a family snap with Santa before heading back above ground! Your family fun doesn't have to end there though, your ticket also gives you access to the rest of The National Showcaves of Wales. Visit the Shire Horse Centre and Farm, and take a walk on the wild side in the dinosaur park and trail. Or wear out your mischievous little elves in the indoor and outdoor play areas before heading back to your holiday cottage. 

British Bird of Prey Centre Wales

At the British Bird of Prey Centre, it's not just about the chance to visit Sion Corn (Father Christmas), you also get up close and personal with his feathered friends, the owls who deliver the letters to him! This is a full day out for the whole family and a magical Christmas experience. 

Even those too big or small to get excited about visiting Santa will love their day out at the British Bird of Prey Centre. All guests can visit the birds in their aviaries, have their photo taken with an owl, as well as enjoy the special Christmas flying show. Santa's little helpers will also be hosting some Christmas games and arts and crafts activities throughout your visit. 

But the highlight of your day out is sure to be when you enter Santa's grotto and meet Father Christmas himself! All children who visit the magical grotto will receive a very special gift to remind them of their feathery Christmas experience. 

Zip World Tower

Another unique place for a Santa visit, Zipworld Tower in Hirwaun is hosting the magical Tower Grotto again in 2024. The popular attraction turns into a winter wonderland for December and gives visitors of all ages a Santa experience to remember. 

Guests will be greeted with a hot chocolate or mulled wine (for the grown-ups) and a mince pie to start this magical Christmas event. Then it's time for the little ones to write their letters to let Father Christmas know what they want to find under the tree on December 25. They can even give it to the man in red himself as the next stop is Santa's grotto. Make sure you grab a selfie when you meet Father Christmas and let him know what's in your letter before he heads back to the North Pole with it. Children will receive a special gift from Santa and all visitors will also get a Welsh slate bauble. 

After you meet Santa in his grotto, you can take your slate bauble to the crafting station and let those creative skills loose. You can decorate it however you like, perhaps a picture of Santa and Mrs Claus, or a drawing of Santa's workshop? However you choose to decorate your bauble we're sure it will become a wonderful reminder of the time you got to meet Santa in his magical winter wonderland for many years to come! 

Old Railway Line Garden Centre

This December, the Old Railway Line Garden Centre in Brecon is hosting Tea with Santa. Father Christmas is coming all the way from the North Pole to enjoy some festive treats with the girls and boys. 

Dinner will be served first, with a delicious menu for both children and adults to choose from. Then it's time to see Santa. He'll be doing festive storytelling and will be checking in with the little visitors to make sure he knows all their Christmas wishes. He'll also have a special gift for all the children. 

But the fun doesn't stop there! Santa's mischievous helpers will also be hosting a Christmas sing-a-long! Everyone can get involved and sing all their favourite carols, perfect for the festive season. And as you sing, a very special visitor will make an appearance – Rudolph will be there for a boogie! 

Brecon Beacons cottages for Christmas

Trem Troed

Whether you're looking to bring the kids on a festive break in the lead up to the big day, or you want a Christmas to remember by waking up in an extra special cottage in the Bannau Brycheiniog, we're sure we'll have the perfect holiday home for you. 

From luxury cottages and large holiday homes for those wanting to bring the whole gang to romantic rural retreats for two, you’ll find a dream cottage here. 

Just don't forget to pack those Christmas outfits, and let Santa know where you'll be going to sleep on Christmas Eve!