Christmas brings with it a wonderful array of distractions so it’s hard to imagine that in the 17th Century, the celebration of Christmas was banned.

Thanks to Queen Victoria however things began to change and festive traditions blossomed. More recently, the tradition of Christmas Markets has been embraced in the UK - delightfully festive occasions where we can painlessly solve our present buying dilemmas.

Each year Picton Castle near Haverfordwest is transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s paradise, as over 50 stalls packed full of gorgeous gifts line the lavishly decorated corridors and staterooms of its 13th Century Castle. A selection of inspired and unusual gifts, from the essential to the unexpected are laid before us amidst a good dollop of seasonal cheer and has put Picton at the forefront of Christmas Market tradition in South Wales.

Picton is proud not just to be a distinctively British Christmas Market, but a very local one. Most of its stallholders are businesses, food producers and craft makers from Pembrokeshire, each one carefully selected to give the best shopping choices. From beautifully handmade jewellery to tasty preserves, liqueurs and wines, glassware, enamels and ceramics, cosmetics, vintage furniture and toys, these craftspeople are very much a part of what makes Picton’s Victorian Christmas Markets so special.

Themes of family, charity, goodwill, peace and happiness encapsulated the spirit of the Victorian Christmas and are very much a part of the festivities we celebrate today. With its wealth of history, Picton Castle provides the perfect setting for the traditional Victorian Christmas decorations that they so carefully dress its wonderful staterooms with each year, and the perfect backdrop for the visitor to soak up the sights and sounds as they wander around the market which spreads into the Courtyard and surrounding buildings. With the aroma of roasting chestnuts and seasonal fayre infusing the air, enjoyed with a generous sprinkling of festive music, this event would get the staunchest humbugs into the Christmas spirit.

Picton Castle’s Victorian Christmas Market will be held on Saturday and Sunday 23 and 24 November and is followed by Santa’s Magical Family Christmas and Candle Light Tours of the 13th Century Castle on selected dates throughout December. For more information on these and all events visit www.pictoncastle.co.uk or call 01437 751326.