We love this quote for really conjuring up the sparkle and magic of the festive season in Wales. This Christmas, experience it for yourself - shore up your reserves of happiness for the year ahead with days filled with wonder, night skies that spark joy and a place to lay your head that’s anything but ordinary.
This Christmas, bring together your clan and embark on a journey of discovery on Anglesey and our beautiful neighbouring areas in North Wales, where every corner of the landscape sparkles with yuletide delight.
Embrace frosty mornings, warm festive cheer, and sinking into endless days that are yours to fill however you choose. We asked our team for ideas on how they would fill theirs - so, let us spark your imagination with just some ways to create the Christmas of childhood dreams for you and your family in the wondrous winterland of North West Wales.
If outside beckons
Lose yourself in forests transformed. Stroll through GreenWood Family Park for the most magical light-up walking trail. Don't be surprised if you bump into Father Christmas – Anglesey is one of his favourite stopovers!
Just a short drive from Anglesey lies Betws-Y-Coed. A scenic Fairy Glen walk through the woods right down to the river gorge will envelop you in beauty. Find the unexpected, soak in the sculptural spectacle of wintry trees, breathe in fresh, crisp air and simply wander free.
Stunning throughout the year, but never more so than in wintertime, Plas Newydd is brim-full of seasonal cheer. Roam through 150 acres of gardens, woods, and parkland – experiencing North West Wales through this enchanted lens can really be magical.
For a whisper of winters gone by, our north-west islander Caroline loves taking her little ones to see Santa in front of a roaring open fire in Plas Newydd’s great hall.
Or if an adrenaline rush is more the thing for your crew, treat them to a fun-filled trip to Zipmas! An unforgettable Christmas Grotto experience with three wonderfully wintry chambers – a light maze, Santa’s Workshop and his cosy Grotto, of course!
Hunker down
What makes the perfect hideaway for hunkering down after a busy day exploring?
Our boltholes are balm for the soul when seeking shelter from the blustery outdoors. Each is unique, but expect a special something from every one.
For foodies, there are spaces with chef’s kitchens made for wintry cook ups, and dining tables big enough to gather the whole crew. Or, go easy on yourself and order the full spread from local caterers – just drop us a line and we can give you some of our recommendations.
Made to laze? Expect cosy corners to kick back in, sofas to sink into, crofts with storm watching spots, views that stretch for miles.
Discover our spaces with wood-burning stoves or open fires to keep you toasty and warm as you help Father Christmas do his rounds even far from home.
Or explore our hideaways with hot tubs - bliss is a glass of mulled wine as steamy water rises into the night sky, your little ones tucked up calm inside with a film.
Once upon a Christmas…
Some traditions are old, and some are yet to be written. A festive break is a chance to weave both into your family’s festive story.
Back in the late 19th century, in some parts of Wales, Noson Gyflaith (toffee evening) was part of the festivities over Christmas and New Year. Be inspired by this lovely tradition - while away the evening storytelling and scoffing toffee to fuel after-supper games. Or you could try a boardgame - favourites loved by the Boltholes team are Heard Mentality - think Family Fortunes but with a pink cow - and Taskmaster, full of challenges and laughter.
Visiting Father Christmas is one tradition that endures. Caroline also suggests booking in breakfast with the man himself – little ones’ faces light up as they soak up a festive morning and take home a special gift.
Back outside, Christmas has touched Anglesey's historic castles and towns with its sparkle. Penrhyn and Beaumaris will be draped in twinkling lights, waiting for you to step into a real-life fairy tale. Meander through Beaumaris Christmas markets, or book a festive tour of Beaumaris Castle here.
If you’ve landed near Trearddur Bay (a big tick on the Christmas wishlist from us, with beautiful boltholes aplenty!) why not join in with a tradition that’s gaining pace and head over to the beach for a New Year’s Day space hopper race!
For the glee of gluttony
If like us, your Christmas holidays wouldn’t feel complete without a pub lunch and a bracing walk, dinner at The White Eagle has it all. It’s a great spot where you can eat well and join the Rhoscolyn circular walk, which takes you through Traeth Borth Wen along the coastal path towards Traeth Llydan.
This is a lovely part of the island to stay in winter. You’ll find Plas Esgob tucked away in the breathtaking Rhoscolyn headlands, quite the space to celebrate the glorious holiday season.
During the festive period, local markets burst with seasonal delicacies. For heavenly homemade scones head to SugarPlum Tea Room and for British favourites with all the trimmings and crackling fires every evening, try the family-friendly Anglesey Arms. (The Lotus Biscoff cheesecake is a real crowd pleaser!)
The festive hum is infectious over Christmas on Anglesey. Whether you’re looking to escape to a new place with loved ones or return to the island for family fun, there truly is something for everyone. So, unwrap the magic of our corner of Wales over the holidays and feel memories in the making for all the family.
Find your festive bolthole here.
