Llandudno does Christmas properly. The prom glitters, the Great Orme stands dark against winter sunsets, and the town fills with markets, music, Santas in running shoes and one very popular pantomime. If you’re wondering what’s on in Llandudno this Christmas, here’s everything you need to know for 2026, from the big nights out to the free family events.
The big news: no Christmas Extravaganza this year
Let’s get this one out of the way first. The Llandudno Christmas Extravaganza, the festive fayre that usually fills the town centre with stalls in November, won’t go ahead in 2026. The organisers cancelled it after facing a funding shortfall of around £25,000, which has left plenty of regulars disappointed. The good news is that there is still a packed festive calendar in town, and much of it is free.
Sleeping Beauty at Venue Cymru
Panto at Venue Cymru is a North Wales tradition, and this year’s show is a big one. Sleeping Beauty runs from Saturday 12 December 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027, with Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd making his pantomime debut. He’s joined by Venue Cymru favourites John Evans and Simon Nehan, plus Britain’s Got Talent duo Han and Fran and Corrine Cherish.
Expect slapstick, sing-alongs and a lot of shouting “behind you!”. Weekend and evening performances close to Christmas sell out fast, so book early through the Venue Cymru box office, and check performance times before you go.
The Llandudno Christmas Parade
The Llandudno Christmas Parade is back in 2026. It’s traditionally held on a Saturday in early December, usually the first Saturday of the month, with floats, music, costumed characters and, of course, Father Christmas making his way through the town centre. Grab a spot on Mostyn Street early, as the pavements fill up quickly. Keep an eye on Llandudno Town Council and the parade’s Facebook page for the confirmed date and route.
Merry Mostyn Street
In recent years Merry Mostyn Street has turned Llandudno’s main shopping street into a festive hub on weekends through December. It’s free, with Christmas markets, live music, children’s activities, and a carol service and crib exhibition at Holy Trinity Church. It’s a lovely way to tick off the Christmas shopping list while supporting local traders. Check Visit Conwy for this year’s dates.
Christmas markets
Even without the Extravaganza, there’s festive shopping to be had. A Christmas market is expected to run in Llandudno from late November into December, with seasonal food, gifts and crafts, and the Merry Mostyn Street weekends bring more stalls to the town centre. It’s a good chance to buy from local makers rather than the big online retailers.
The Santa Dash and the Boxing Day dip
If you see a crowd of Santas jogging along the prom, don’t panic. The Santa Dash is a festive 5K along the promenade that raises money for good causes, and it’s as fun to watch as it is to run.
Then there’s the bravest tradition of the lot: the Boxing Day swim, when hardy locals and visitors charge into the Irish Sea to blow away the Christmas cobwebs. If you’d rather not get wet, cheering from the beach with a hot drink is just as traditional.
The Llandudno Christmas Express
Little ones will love the Llandudno Christmas Express, the festive road train that runs through Llandudno, Craig-y-Don and West Shore in December. It’s a cosy way to see the lights without walking little legs off.
Winter walks and festive days out
Christmas in Llandudno isn’t all about events. Some of the best moments are the quiet ones: a crisp walk round Marine Drive on the Great Orme, a stroll along the pier with the lights twinkling, or sunset over Anglesey from West Shore. Conwy, with its castle and walled town, is only 15 minutes away and makes a lovely festive day out too.
Where to stay for Christmas in Llandudno
If you’re coming for the panto, the parade or a family Christmas by the sea, it’s worth booking early. Hotels and holiday homes in the town centre fill up quickly over the festive period, especially for groups. For self catering, Llandudno Central’s guide to Christmas breaks in Llandudno covers its town centre holiday homes, a few minutes’ walk from the prom, the pier and Venue Cymru.
Plan ahead
Dates for some community events are confirmed late, so check with the organisers, Llandudno Town Council or Visit Conwy before you travel. We’ll update this guide as more of Llandudno’s Christmas 2026 events are announced.