Christmas in Eryri and Pen Llŷn
Christmas magic all around us
December is definitely marching on apace. With the big day growing ever closer, and the constant advertisements reminding us about this and that, it’s easy to lose oneself in the preparations. So why not pause and savour the atmosphere of the season here in Eryri and Pen Llŷn this year?
Although it’s a really busy time for him, Father Christmas still makes time to come and see us, fair play to him; so why not pay him a visit at Llechwedd Zip World? The outing, which includes a train trip to Santa’s underground workshop before meeting the man himself, provides children with is an unforgettable experience. And if you do happen to be a train fanatic, there’s plenty to choose from. Visit Santa Claus and his elves on the Welsh Highland Railway, or what about a carol-singing trip on the Talyllyn Railway on the 21st? What a wonderful way to relax before Christmas day.
It’s impossible to avoid a certain amount of shopping in December! But instead of staring at a screen and ordering online, what about taking a wander around some of the towns in the area? From Bala to Pwllheli and beyond there are a wealth of independent shops full of unique produce. Call at Siop Del in Cricieth, Siop Medi in Dolgellau, Glosters in Porthmadog or Cwt Tatws near Tudweiliog in Pen Llŷn; you’re bound to find something to please.
Gardening centres are also ideal casual shopping venues nowadays. Why not do a bit of Christmas shopping after picking up your Christmas tree? There’s plenty of choice between Fron Goch, Bryncir Garden Centre and Tyddyn Sychau. You could also get most of your Christmas shopping done in one go at Corris Craft Centre! Don’t forget the small shops in Bangor either; why not treat yourself to a pizza at Jones’ Pizza and a glass of something nice once you’ve done spending?
Talking of food… whether it’s food shopping to fill the fridge or you fancy making up a hamper full of tasty produce for family and friends, knowing where to shop is crucial. If it’s a bottle of wine, cheese or award-winning coffee, call at Dylanwad, Bonta Deli, Y Groser in Harlech or Poblado in Nantlle; all three stock first-class produce. Maybe your drinks cupboard needs restocking; if so consider the small local breweries – Bragdy Lleu, Mws Piws and Cwrw Llŷn – before shopping at large supermarkets. Award-winning gin and whiskey are available at Aber Falls, and both Dylan’s and Siop Jac y Do provide a good variety of beers and the like.
Christmas lunch preparations are also essential, of course. Best quality meat is available from Cigydd Bala, Wavells in Llanrug, and Edwards of Conwy or over at Siop Fferm Abersoch.
Many of us will be looking forward to the annual Christmas get-together with a group of friends, work colleagues or fellow club members – a natter, good food and no washing up! Not to worry if you haven’t arranged anything yet, there’s plenty on offer. If it’s to be a tasty lunch in an informal café book a table at Y Sospan in Dolgellau, Caffi’r Cyfnod in Bala, Becws Melys in Caernarfon or Caffi Largo in Pwllheli where there’s plenty of additional space for a large group following recent renovations!
You can’t beat a cosy pub at this time of year, so another option would be to organize a meal for your party at Tafarn y Gader in Dolgellau, or The Torrent. There are welcoming taverns offering excellent food throughout the region; including The Madryn in Chwilog, The Oakley Arms in Maentwrog, Ysgeithin at Talybont, Whitehall in Pwllheli, The Black Boy in Caernarfon and Tŷ Newydd over in Aberdaron. And there are also our numerous community-owned pubs.
At the end of a long year you may fancy something really special, so why not arrange a luxurious Christmas celebration at Penmaenuchaf Hotel, Portmeirion or The Square in Tremadog. Other choice venues include Sheeps & Leeks in Caernarfon, the Fanny Talbot in Barmouth, and the Hebog Bistro in Beddgelert. Vegan restaurants include the Foxglove in Barmouth, Castell Deudraeth and The Salt Marsh in Tywyn… the tricky bit is choosing between them!
It's also good to have a Christmas event on the calendar to look forward to such as a trip to the cinema; a number of long-standing classics are screened at this time of year. Otherwise, for a taste of nostalgia, book to see Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor students’ production of the musical ‘Y Dyn Nath Ddwyn y Dolig’. If you’re a fan of classical music you’ll certainly enjoy Bangor University Symphony Orchestra’s concert to be held at the University’s Pritchard-Jones Hall, or TONIC’s Christmas concert starring Rhys Meirion and Côr Lleisiau Llawen at Galeri, Caernarfon. There’ll be several other gigs on too, grab your tickets now to see Bwncath, Ofergoelus and Crawia at Neuadd Ogwen on the 27th, or Bwncath and Sgwib at Tŷ Siamas, Dolgellau on the 28th.
After all the merriment, celebrations and feasting, nothing beats wrapping up warm and going out for a walk. Take a stroll down by the sea or walk the dog for miles, then enjoy a cuppa or mulled wine before returning home. Throughout the festive period there’ll be a warm welcome at Braf café at Dinas Dinlle, the Last Inn in Barmouth, Tŷ Coch on the beach at Porthdinllaen and Caffi Castell in Harlech.
So before the tree and fairy lights disappear for another year, go for a wander in your square mile, and experience the magic of Christmas in this small but really special part of the world.