Pembroke Castle have released the final details of what is in store for visitors to their Christmas Market later this month. This year there will be a brand-new attraction as visitors to the event will be able to enjoy a festive trail through some of the castle’s towers.

From the opening day of the Christmas Market, visitors will be able to explore and enjoy four rooms that have been decorated in four different festive themes. The themes will be Magical Merlin, Elves & Fairies, Christmas at Home, and Magical Woodland Animals. The rooms have been created with help from local primary schools, Golden Grove Community School, Penrhyn CIW VC School, Monkton Priory Community Primary School and Lamphey Primary School. Each school has been tasked with being the creative force behind each room and visitors will be able to vote to determine which school wins a free school trip to Pembroke Castle in 2023. The rooms will also be on display every day that the castle is open until January 3.

The return of the popular annual event after a two-year break will see over 80 stalls in a huge marquee with a variety of crafts, gifts, fashion, art, food and beverages. For little ones the highlight of the weekend is usually the arrival of Santa himself, and as in previous years this will take place on the Friday evening around 6.30pm in the castle’s Outer Ward area. Santa will then be taken through Pembroke on his sleigh before the traditional gathering by the Christmas Tree at the east end of the Main Street.

Santa will be back at the castle on the Saturday and Sunday to meet families in his grotto from 10:30am to 3pm.

The event is free to attend, but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. This year the event is raising money for Paul Sartori and is being supported by Valero and Pembroke Town Council.

The opening hours are:

Friday, November 25, 12 noon to 8pm - *please note a slightly later opening time this year;

Saturday, November 26, 10am to 6pm;

Sunday, November 27, 10am to 4pm.