Llandudno transforms into a winter wonderland when snow-dusted rooftops meet festive lights and brisk sea air, and Llandudno this winter will be no different. Whether you’re craving mince pies with views, looking to chase winter shows under neon, or hoping to sled just beyond town limits, our complete 2025 winter guide has you covered. The aim? To help you explore Llandudno’s festive heart, enjoy scenic adventures, and avoid winter pitfalls.
In this guide you’ll find:
Festive Event Highlights, including unique stories behind long-standing favorites
Cozy Places to Stay with open fires, hearty meals, and great service
Winter Walks & Snow Spots—from rugged coastal cliffs to snowy mountain huddles
Where & How to Sledge Safely, for thrill-seekers young and old
Planning for Cold Weather Travel—on roads, rails, and Great Orme tram lines
A downloadable Winter Activities Map, complete with hidden gems and transport links
Let’s dive into making your winter in Llandudno as magical as the season itself.
Held since the late 1990s, this vibrant parade weaves from the station to Mostyn Street. Expect luminous floats, marching bands, and a grand finale from Father Christmas on the pier. The real magic lies in the crowd: expect children on parents’ shoulders shouting “Merry Christmas” back in that unbeatable North Wales accent.
Scattered along Mostyn Street and in decorated booths near Venue Cymru, the markets are a trove of handmade gifts—wood-burn teddies, hand-thrown mugs, festive wreaths, and local Welsh design. Mulled wine, churros, and artisan hot chocolate stand side-by-side with pop-up choirs and brass bands between November and late December.
Llandudno’s theatre brings a festive lineup with flair. This winter’s highlights:
An Evening With the Fast Show: A “celebration of the enduring appeal of The Fast Show and the laughter it has brought into the lives of millions”.
Cinderella (Dec–Jan): Starring TV favourites and Dancing Duo AJ and Curtis Pritchard with the hugely popular John Evans who returns to Llandudno by popular demand.
Josh Widdecombe: Not My Cup of Tea: One night only! 3rd Nov, 2025.
Booking ahead is essential—late December weekends sell out. Keep an eye for school term-time performances if traveling with kids.
Local churches like St George’s Round Church host evening carol services—steeped in tradition and old-school acoustics. Plus, don’t miss the illuminated “Winter Lantern Trail” at Haulfre Gardens, where children can carve lanterns in workshops and stroll alongside lit-up sculptures.
Ideal for a warming cultural pit-stop. A rotating gallery with contemporary media, often featuring Welsh designers. Look for winter-themed interactive installations—one recent exhibit invited visitors to record a message of hope for 2026.
Llandudno Pier—still open in winter—offers nostalgia with candyfloss stalls, “beat-the-stick” arcades, and panoramic wintry sea views. Nearby, family-run arcades and amusement centers promise shelter and fun.
Hands-on winter fun with a twist: axe throwing, digital darts, and pizzas by Johnny Dough’s. Heated lanes, flickering neon, and bold food — the perfect antidote to grey skies.
Top-tier hotels like the Grand and Imperial offer winter spa packages, combining Nordic saunas, hot stone massages, and steam rooms with hotel views over the bay—even in daylight, foggy or frosty skies feel dreamy when you’re wrapped in a fluffy robe.
Victorian grandeur with nightly bingo and cabaret shows every Friday and Saturday night.
Traditional hospitality, Victorian charm and first class service. Rooms with magnificent views complement a fine dining experience at Chantrey’s Restaurant.
Hostels like Bryn Derwen, Escape, and Holcombe House lead the way in terms of luxury, comfort and style.
The Cottage Loaf: Cozy pub with open fires, oak beams and a Sunday roast that warms from inside out.
Tiffany’s Café Bar: Vintage charm and top-tier cakes—and their homemade soups are a winter must.
The Seahorse Restaurant: Seafood and style! Amazing food and mouth-watering cocktails.
Take the historic tram or cable car for panoramic winter vistas. If walking up, wrap up warm and watch for slippery leaf mulch. The views from above stretch across Llandudno Bay to Puffin Island.
These wooded paths aren’t steep but are magical in frost. Hidden benches and a brook running over stepping stones—the perfect quiet escape.
Stormy surf, grey skies, bundled up walkers—there’s something dramatic about a winter beach stroll.
Just a ten-minute drive away, paths up Conwy Mountain often grab snow first. Even a short hike reveals rumoured sledge-ready slopes and views over frozen valley towns.
If you’re planning on trying sledging near Llandudno this winter, remember to stay safe: always wear a helmet, sit face-forward on your sledge with your feet downhill, and never attempt to ride standing up. Once you’re kitted out, there are plenty of brilliant places to make the most of snowy days.
Moel Eilio in Gwynedd is a favourite thanks to its wide, grassy slopes that gather plenty of snow through the season. Capel Curig in Conwy, surrounded by hills and overlooked by Yr Wyddfa, offers a beautiful setting for sledging with plenty of slopes to choose from. And in Denbighshire, Moel Famau – the highest peak in the Clwydian Range – is another popular spot, where you can sledge with sweeping views stretching right across North Wales.
Family tip: bring old sleds or thick-backed garbage bags—soft padding plus speed!
Strong winter planning is essential:
Train Reliability: Use the Translink app and travelcard for updates. Queen’s Road crossings or supplement lines can close on icy days—parks (park & ride) reduce anxiety.
Driving: Invest in winter tyres. Snowy passes near Snowdonia (like A470) may require chains at times—check Traffic Wales alerts.
Great Orme Lift: Strong winds may close cable cars—check ahead and have a Plan B (bus or tram).
Showers & Winters: Cold air + heating = sinus dryness. Pack lip balm, moisturiser, and re-wearable heat packs (available at local stores).
Timing Strategy: Weekend grocery rush hits on Saturday mornings—by 10 a.m. shops are packed. Enjoy a slower start or opt for takeaway bric-a-brac later.
Friday Evening — Arrive and check into your cosy hotel. Head to Johnny Throws for axe throwing, pizza, and happy warmth.
Saturday Morning — Walk up Great Orme or stroll Happy Valley. Grab lunch at the Cottage Loaf.
Saturday Afternoon — Tour the Mostyn Art Gallery, then catch a show at Venue Cymru. Pre-show cocktails at Imperial’s lounge.
Saturday Evening — Join the Christmas Parade, walk the lit promenade, and stop for hot drinks at the Christmas Fair.
Sunday Morning — Warm pastries at Tiffany, then take a scenic drive—or short hike—to snowy slopes for sledging. Stop back into town for mulled cider in a pub.
Sunday Afternoon — Wrap up with spa time at your hotel, listen to local carols, and take one last stroll along Mostyn Street.
From glittering Christmas parades and festive theatre at Venue Cymru to frosty hikes on the Great Orme and sledging in nearby Snowdonia, Llandudno this winter is full of magic, variety and adventure. Whether you’re looking for cosy pubs, boutique hotels with roaring fires, or hands-on fun like axe throwing and digital darts, the town has something for everyone.
The key to enjoying your trip is to plan ahead: book shows and accommodation early, check weather updates, and pack for all conditions. With a little preparation, you’ll find that Llandudno in the colder months offers as much charm and excitement as in the height of summer — perhaps even more, thanks to its festive sparkle and quiet, dramatic landscapes.
So wrap up warm, bring your sense of adventure, and discover why Llandudno is one of the best winter destinations in North Wales for 2025.
