Coastal Christmas (Postponed To 2021)

Information

Saundersfoot’s Coastal Christmas

Ever wondered what it would be like to spend Christmas by the sea?  Many families come to Saundersfoot during the warmer months, when the sun is shining and the sea looks inviting, to take in the stunning scenery and enjoy a traditional ice- cream at the seaside, or a tasty ‘fish ‘n’ chips’ overlooking the beach.   Sand castles, beach walks, rock pooling, water sports, independent shops, fine dining, coffee shops and coastal walks all add to the lure of visiting Saundersfoot in the summer.  But what about in the winter?  Whether you live locally or away there are plenty of reasons to come to Saundersfoot in the run up to Christmas, no matter what the weather.  Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the relentless traffic and the endless rows of shops and department stores, stretching out for miles trying to capture the attention of every stressed shopper looking for that perfect gift, the only sense of urgency in Saundersfoot is timing the tide right so you can walk the whole length of the beach and back before deciding how to start your day.

In fact there is something more magical about Saundersfoot’s village when Christmas is approaching. The village lights up with beautiful white icicles, hanging from the buildings surrounding the village.  The local businesses take pride in dressing their Christmas themed windows, tempting you to linger a little while longer, giving a glimpse into what can be expected inside.  There is nothing more refreshing than wrapping up warm and taking a walk on the beach to then stop off in one of the local pubs for a mug of hot chocolate (or something a little stronger) and relax in front of a roaring log fire. If the weather is crisp and dry, then wrapping up and sitting overlooking the beach, listening to the waves, with a bag of fish and chips or a ‘snow cone’ ice cream taking in the wonderful winter seascape, still has a soothing effect on the soul.  The children can enjoy making sand castles or a ‘Sand-man’ on the beach or take them rock pooling, there is still plenty to find in a net.   A quick ball game will soon get them warmed up ready for a walk around the village.  You will find, despite its size, Saundersfoot has a lot to offer during the Christmas period.

On each day from Sunday 1^st December up until Christmas Eve a winner(s) will be drawn from the Grand Draw being held by Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism. All the fantastic prizes have been donated by many of the generous businesses in the village. Winners will be contacted and names and prizes will be available on the SCT web-site at www.visitsaundersfootbay.com.

The Regency Hall starts the festive season off with their Christmas Pantomime from Monday December 2^nd with local amateur dramatic society (Saundersfoot Footlights) present an incredible witty version of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.  The performances will take place between Monday 2^nd and Saturday 7^th December.  Always a traditional and popular favourite with families!   

On Saturday 7^th December, Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism hold their Lantern Parade, led by popular band Samba Doc and, of course Santa!  This family friendly, ‘light spectacle’ takes on a sea theme this year and welcomes all to join in the procession.  The Chamber members have been working hard, holding free lantern making workshops for the public to help produce willow and tissue paper lanterns to carry on the parade.  The Chamber would like to thank the Regency Hall for the use of their venue for these workshops to take place. The lanterns will be available for anyone wishing to take part in the parade on a first come, first served basis. These lanterns will be collected after the event to be used for next year.  Everyone is of course welcome to bring their own lanterns, lights and torches to add to the atmosphere.  

 This year, the Lantern Parade will start at 6:00pm from the bottom of The Strand (lantern holders to assemble at 5:30pm) from where the procession will wind its way through the village, past the sensory gardens and the Community Council’s Christmas Tree on to Saundersfoot Harbour where it will finally arrive on the newly built National Events Deck for the lighting of the Wales International Coastal Centre Christmas Tree which has been donated by Hean Castle Estate.  There will also be entertainment from Sam Hughes and her Drama Group.  Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism would like to thank the Wales International Coastal Centre for the use of the spacious National Events Deck which is a perfect setting for the event. The Deck overlooks the pretty harbour and provides an ideal venue for future events in Saundersfoot. 

At 10.30am on Sunday 8^th December there will be a traditional Carol Service featuring Goodwick Brass Band at The Regency Hall. This popular and seasonal event is organised by Grace Church and everyone attending will be assured of a very warm welcome and a wonderful musical celebration of Christmas.

The Regency Hall are hosting a Christmas Wreath Workshop on Tuesday 10^th December for all those feeling creative and the Harbwr Bar and Kitchen is the venue for the St Issells Church Christmas Coffee morning on Thursday 12^th December at 10am which will include craft stalls, tea coffee and cake!

A seasonal Christmas Market is being held at The Regency Hall on Friday 13^th and Saturday 14^th December in their main hall.  The Christmas Market will be open from 10am – 4pm each day hosting a selection of Christmas stalls selling unique Christmas gifts.  Free entry and refreshments will be available in the Tea Room.

Saundersfoot hasn’t forgotten their dog friendly village award with Little & Large Lite Bites coffee shop holding a Christmas event on Friday 13^th December just for dogs aptly named ‘Santa Paws’ with a prize for the best festive dressed pooch!

Sunday 15^th December sees ‘Sparkle the Elf’ paying a visit to the children at The Boathouse in the village from 12:00pm for an hour of party games and entertainment followed by a Christmas dinner! (Booking is advised).  

For those who love to listen to a Christmas Choir, ‘Serendipity Choir and Cor Bois-y-Felin’ will be holding an evening of festive music with a glass of wine and mince pie at The Regency Hall on 18^th December at 7:00pm. Tickets are available from The Regency Hall.

Leading up to Christmas, you can enjoy festive specials from the many places to eat in Saundersfoot including ‘Mince Pie Monday’ from Little & Large Lite Bites and Christmas menus from the restaurants and pubs.  Don’t forget to order your Christmas Turkey from our local family butchers, Heywoods in the village and Periwinkle have a locally sourced Deli in their Tearoom with plenty of local products ideal for that unique Pembrokeshire gift or maybe have the staff make up a beautifully presented,  bespoke Christmas hamper for you.

With local independent businesses in Saundersfoot, retailers can help you to find that special unique gift.   Although it is a relatively small village, Saundersfoot has plenty to offer.  From a piece of local artwork from one of their galleries to jewellery, clothes, accessories, shoes, Nordic Christmas decorations, a celebration cake, personalised gifts, children’s toys, baby’s accessories, homeware or even a surfboard, there will be something for everyone.  Not forgetting an old traditional style sweet shop, card shops, a luxury spa hotel and even an antique centre, you are sure to find what you are looking for.  The village has a selection of high standard B&B’s and hotels on its doorstep where you can relax after a day of shopping, eating, drinking and beach walking.

Christmas Eve is a time for people to come together and St. Issells Church have two Christmas services on that day, a family nativity at 4:00pm and a Christmas service at 9:00pm where everyone is welcome to join in. A warm welcome is guaranteed from all the churches in the village

Throughout the month you can find live music playing in most pubs on the weekends with an Open Mic sessions for those budding musicians during the week.  Once Christmas Day has passed there is a rejuvenated enthusiasm as the village prepare for the New Year celebrations.  A live music marquee is set up for two days in the beer garden of the Old Chemist Inn on the Strand, right next to the beach and many other venues have their own superb New Year menus and entertainment.  

There is a magnificent fireworks display at the Harbour, sponsored by Saundersfoot Community Council, to see the New Year in but don’t stay out celebrating too late as you will want to be up bright and early the next morning to take part in the traditional New Year’s Day swim which sees the village teeming with locals and visitors alike in fancy dress, warming up on the beach ready to face the first tide of the year!

The swim starts at 12.30 but get there as early as you can to ensure a good place to watch and enjoy all the pre-swim fun and excitement. Once you have braved the icy water or supported the brave swimmers then it is time to celebrate again with the whole village joining in a huge New Year’s Day celebration.  Live music echoes around the village with people enjoying the atmosphere and dancing in the street.  The shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés open all day with the celebrations going on well into the night. 

Saundersfoot is a small village with a big heart and a huge sense of community life.  Where else would you want to be this Christmas?

Watch out for Christmas 2020, planning has already started for an extra special Saundersfoot Christmas – more information available later next year!

For all information on our Coastal Christmas and all events happening in the village, please go to our website www.visitsaundersfootbay.com and our social media pages  facebook:  Visit Saundersfoot  Instagram:  visit_saundersfoot