National Trust Christmas events and days across North Wales

Whether you're looking to head inside to explore historic houses and iconic Welsh castles decorated in the style of Christmases gone by or wrap up warm to enjoy the crunch of frost underfoot on a walk in a world-class winter garden, escape into the heart of Christmas with National Trust Cymru.

Here's your guide to special moments waiting to be enjoyed this Christmas across North Wales. From breathtaking light projections and magnificent rooms twinkling with decorations, to festive markets and special visits from Father Christmas.

Normal admission charges apply (National Trust members enter free). Some events including Father Christmas are bookable and may have an additional charge. Check the website to plan your visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/christmas

Christmas at Chirk Castle, Wrexham. Photo: National Trust Images/Paul Harris

• Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham

Explore the medieval fortress to find the guardians who protect the castle's treasures. Step inside Cromwell Hall to discover the legendary dragon guarding its hoard of gold coins. Encounter majestic wolves as they prowl up the Long Gallery, inspired by the Myddelton family crest, and take a moment to reflect on what you treasure most during the festive season.

Wander through the beautifully decorated State Rooms, Servant's Hall and climb the historic Adams Tower to capture special moments at festive selfie stations.

On weekends in December, meet Father Christmas between 10.30am-3.30pm at the unique Reverse Grotto and help those in need by donating essential items, supporting local charity Oswestry and Borders Foodbank.

Read more:

• Signature Sunday roast and stunning views at award-winning village pub
• Month of comedy, music and theatre at William Aston Hall in November

On selected dates, join Father Christmas for a delicious Welsh breakfast or festive supper. Hear a heart-warming story and each child will receive a small gift (booking is essential).

Step outside for a winter adventure on a family spotter trail to discover hidden stars scattered in the frosted gardens. Join the Rangers for a workshop to craft your own wooden reindeer and enjoy scenic winter walks throughout the parkland.

Christmas at Chirk Castle is open daily from November 30 until January 5, 10am-4pm. The castle rooms are open from 11am-4pm, with the last entry at 3:30pm (closed December 25 and 26 and January 1).

Plan a visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/chirk-castle

Christmas at Erddig, and Gardens, Wrexham.Photo: National Trust Images/Paul Harris

• Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham

Step into the magic of a traditional celebration where the sparkle of baubles and gentle glow of fairy lights twinkle throughout the beautifully dressed rooms of this 17th century mansion house. Inspired by Twas the Night Before Christmas, the decorations bring the famous poem to life. A family spotter trail reveals extra-special details like handcrafted mice, tables set with deliciously sweet treats, stockings hung by the fire and sugarplums dancing in the bedroom.

Outside in the garden, the festive decorations evoke a rustic, vintage feel with Christmas trees and greenery created by Erddig's dedicated volunteers. Don't miss the life-sized willow reindeer and Christmas carriage, the perfect spot to capture a family photo.

Read more:

• Wrexham Father Christmas parade in this nostalgic look back
• The 'absolutely unbelievable' mural in tribute to Wrexham's mining history

On selected days, tuck into a Welsh breakfast or supper with Father Christmas, and join in the festive cheer with songs and a magical story. After breakfast, Jake the Christmas Elf leads the storytelling, and each child will receive a small gift (booking essential). Warm up at the marshmallow toasting station and make your own Christmas ornament to take home.

Every weekend in December, meet Father Christmas at the unique Reverse Grotto and help those who need it most by donating essential items, supporting local charity Wrexham Foodbank.

Christmas at Erddig opens daily from November 30 to January 5, 10am-4pm. House opens 11.30am-3.30pm. From December 16 to 19, stay a little later into the evening until 7pm (closed December 24 and 25).

Plan a visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/erddig

Christmas at Penrhyn Castle and Gardens, Bangor. Photo: National Trust Images/Paul Harris

• Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor

Get lost in the true magic of Christmas as you explore the magnificent rooms throughout this 19th century castle. The castle sparkles with ornate decorations and a towering Christmas tree in the Grand Hall. Get into the festive spirit and join a special Christmas performance on December 7 by the Bangor Community Choir who will be singing traditional carols and modern classics showing off the beautiful acoustics in the Grand Hall.

Local groups have joined together to create a magical display in the castle gardens. Hundreds of hand painted wooden stars have been decorated and hang from the trees. Don't miss the giant Christmas wreath in the Walled Garden for a festive family photo.

Read more:

• Keeping track of time at National Trust sites then the clocks go back
• Meet the cats and dogs looking for forever homes

On selected dates there are family-friendly Christmas crafts, storytelling in the shop for the under fives, a winter walk led by the Head Gardener and fascinating behind the scenes tours that reveal rooms of the castle not usually open to the public.

Round off your visit with a hot drink and festive treat from the Stables café where you'll find a selection of family favourite board games to play.

Christmas at Penrhyn Castle opens on weekends only from November 30 to December 22, then daily from December 27 until January 1 (closed December 24 and 25).

If you prefer to escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy festive season, enjoy a quieter visit on weekdays between December 16-20.

Plan a visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/penrhyn-castle-and-garden

The Music Room at Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey.Photo: National Trust Images/Paul Harris

• Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey

Put on your dancing shoes this Christmas, everyone's invited to a silent disco in the Music Room. Follow in the footsteps of Henry Cyril Paget, fondly known as the 'Dancing Marquess' who once held his own Christmas party in this very Music Room over 100 years ago.

Dancing styles may have changed since the early 20th century when the 5th Marquess of Anglesey enjoyed a song and dance, but through the ages the Music Room remains an inviting space for everyone to enjoy music. Whether you're known for your dad-dancing or just love to groove, this is sure to be a fun-filled celebration for the whole family.

Christams silent disco at Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey. Photo: National Trust Images/Paul Harris

From 90s pop to Christmas hits, put on your headphones and choose your music channel to dance the afternoon away under a rainbow of disco lights. All ages welcome and Christmas party outfits are encouraged (booking essential).

After all the excitement of the disco, grab a festive drink and a mince pie from the Old Dairy café before taking a peaceful winter stroll in the garden to unwind on the shores of the Menai Strait.

Tickets for the Plas Newydd Christmas Disco are available from November 30 and every weekend in December at 11am-noon, 12.30-1.30pm or 2pm-3pm.

Plan a visit and book tickets: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/plas-newydd-house-and-garden

Winter Garden sign at Bodnant Garden, Conwy. Photo: National Trust Images/Paul Harris

•Bodnant Garden, Conwy

Escape the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and blow away the winter cobwebs at Bodnant Garden. Head out on a festive stroll through the accessible winter garden with its sensational display of foliage, flower, and scent, or follow the longer route around Furnace Hill. Spot the first snowdrops peeping through, offering a glimpse of the warmer days ahead.

With intimate corners, sweeping lawns and grand terraces surrounded by hardy winter plants and evergreens, the garden offers a refreshing and uplifting way to embrace the season. A peaceful stroll here is just what's needed to shake off any winter blues and dogs on a lead are welcome every day until March 31.

The garden and tearoom are open daily in November and December (closed December 24-26).

Plan a visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/bodnant-garden