It’s November and that means that the festive season is fast approaching. To beat the rush, it’s always best to get Christmas shopping trips planned early. Thinking ahead also enables you to combine present hunting with visiting some of the most beautiful areas of the UK. 

This gives you the chance to step off the beaten track away from the crowds, and make those serendipitous discoveries that may fall under the radar otherwise. For example, many smaller towns have excellent craft shops and Christmas markets that sell beautiful handmade products such as Welsh love spoons. 

These are quality wooden items with a decorative symbol carved into the handle such as an angel or a Celtic cross, and would make a unique and thoughtful Christmas gift for a special person in your life. Here are some of the best places to visit in Wales this season.

The Royal Welsh Winter Fair, Builth Wells, Mid Wales

The permanent agricultural showground at Builth Wells in mid Wales hosts the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, where you will find an abundance of craft stalls and a large food hall selling a range of Welsh produce. It also features displays of cookery, livestock, crafts, Santa’s Grotto and even some visiting reindeer. 

Swansea, West Wales

Swansea combines the charm of local independent retailers and covered markets with a good range of big name brands. The Quadrant shopping Centre and Oxford Street offer high street chains such as Boots, Ernest Jones, and the Perfume Shop, while the traditional indoor market is the biggest covered indoor market in Wales. 

There is also a well-regarded Independent Quarter where you will find speciality food shops, handmade gifts, and a range of other quality shopping opportunities. 

Aberglasney Winter Fair, West Wales

The Aberglasney Winter Fair in Carmarthenshire takes place over the weekend of 01- 03 December, and offers the best work of local artists, designers, and crafters for sale. It’s a chance to shop for unique gifts, homeware, and artworks. There’s also a food marquee that sells delicious artisan food and drink such as chocolate, Welsh cakes, and chutneys. 

Llandudno, North Wales

Llandudno is a favourite tourist destination, with its natural seaside beauty and charming Victorian architecture. It has a well stocked main shopping street and also offers a pleasing variety of independent shops, fashion boutiques, and vintage stores. 

The Llandudno Christmas Extravaganza takes place from 16-19 November, offering a range of stalls selling gifts, crafts, and food and drink. There is also entertainment including a funfair and live music. 

Conwy, North Wales

Conwy is celebrated for its impressive castle, but it’s also a town with a proud history and an independent spirit. Just 7% of the shops in the town are chain stores, and you will find many delightful present shopping opportunities such as the Yesteryears Toy Emporium and The Knight Shop. 

On the 9 December the town hosts Winterfest, a late night shopping event with street entertainers, musicians, sword fighting, hot chestnut stalls and more.