It is that time of year again when the days are getting shorter, the trees are changing colour and the mornings are getting cooler but with the month of October ending, that warm and cosy feeling that only Christmas brings will soon be upon us. In the meantime however…

Don’t forget to practise your ooohs and your ahhhs on Guy Fawkes Night. Over the course of that special weekend there will be plenty of bonfires and firework displays close to where you live and all across the city to enjoy. Find one and wrap up warm!

The Cardiff Christmas Market will be opened this year from Thursday, 9 November until 23 December. I never miss it myself, because I love its amazing range of original hand-crafted items.

Remembrance Sunday. On Sunday, 12 November, let’s not forget and honour those who gave up their lives. Events will be taking place over Cardiff and the Vale, including Penarth and Cowbridge.

And of course, Cardiff Winter Wonderland is back! Bigger than ever and offering lots of festive fun from 16 November 2023 until 7 January 2024. I still remember taking my daughter there when it first opened in 2001. It was only a small funfair then but it has certainly grown over the years in size as well as popularity.

Lacking in ideas as to what to put under the Christmas tree? Then go and take a stroll at the popular Pontcanna Christmas Market at King’s Road Yard. With its amazing choice of artisan crafts and vintage items, you are bound to find something unusual. Doors open every Sunday from 19 November to 24 December, 10am until 4pm.

Is it really time again for panto? Oh no it isn’t! Oh YES IT IS! Come and enjoy an evening full of fun and laughter watching Puss in Boots, the purr-fect family pantomime from 30 November until 3 December at The Paget Rooms in Penarth, put on by Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society- who, will be celebrating their centenary next year!

Santa Dash 2023! Join the most festive walk or fun run with all the family dressed up as Santa on Sunday, 3 December from 11am at Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff! A real family event where even the pet can participate!

Because the winter season can be bleak for some people, a network of community spaces that offer a warm and inviting place to come together have been created for those in need all around the Vale of Glamorgan. Places such as the libraries in Dinas Powys, Cowbridge and Penarth, as well as Murchfield Community Centre and Penarth Methodist Church to name just a few. For more details, contact the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Christmas Day swim! Burn off those extra calories while raising money for charity by taking a dip at Porthcawl Beach. To make it even more fun, how about choosing the sartorial option and dress up as your favourite hero?! I can’t guarantee that it won’t be cold, but it will certainly be a laugh!

New Year’s Day! I don’t think I need to specify when that will be happening, but let’s make sure 2024 starts with a bang!

And for those looking for love, St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, may be able to help you find it on 25 January 2024. And if you are successful, please do not forget Valentine’s Day on 14 February 2024, or you might never be forgiven!

Events Definitely Not to Miss:

Penarth Christmas Light Switch-on – Sunday, 19 November 2023

Snow White and the Super Seven– 20-25 November, Stanwell School, Penarth

Puss in Boots– 30 November – 3 December 2023, The Paget Rooms, Penarth

Santa’s Victorian Tours– 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 16, 17, 21, 22 & 23 December, Cardiff Castle

Christmas Experience at Forage– 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 20-23 December, Forage Farm Shop, Cowbridge

The First XXXmas: A Very Naughty-tivity– 5-31 December 2023, Wales Millennium Centre

Shakespeare in Love– 20-23 March 2024, The Paget Rooms, Penarth

Impress your guests over the end of year festivities or woo your loved one on Valentine’s Day with a bespoke table created just for the occasion that will be sure to dazzle!

Limited availability, so make sure to book my services promptly at www.seventswales.co.uk

Joyeux noël et bonne année 2024!