PEMBROKESHIRE’S MILFORD WATERFRONT LAUNCHES MARINA-FRONT FESTIVE PROGRAMME

The celebrations begin on Saturday 5th December, when Santa makes a rather different entrance at Milford Waterfront, arriving at Nelson Quay aboard the Angle Lifeboat. Families can gather on the quayside between 11am and 2pm to welcome him and enjoy some festive fun before the Christmas lights are switched on in Milford town centre later that day.

From 10–13th December, new for 2026, a collection of festive adorned Christmas Cabins will bring a seasonal market to Nelson Quay. Open daily from 11am to 8pm, they will showcase handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and distinctive finds from local producers and makers. Alongside the waterfront’s independent shops, the cabins offer a chance to pick up locally made Christmas presents while enjoying the marina setting and festive entertainment – which includes Milford Haven Town Band, Gelliswick Choir and Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society.

There will also be an opportunity to get on the ice, whatever the weather. The Atrium at Sybil House will host an indoor synthetic ice-skating rink from 11–13th December. Sessions run from 4pm to 8pm on Friday 11th December, and 10am to 8pm on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December. A quieter 30-minute session is available at 10am on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at £7 per person, with advance booking recommended through the Milford Waterfront website.

Other festive fun includes:

Pantomime thrills with Puss in Boots and Peter Pan

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit to the panto and, this year, visitors to Milford Haven have two options. With a preview on 5th December, then from 17th December to 2nd January (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day), the Torch Theatre will be staging Puss in Boots (tickets £25.50 adults, £21 children and concessions and £80 for a family). While at the Boulevard Theatre, Captain Hook, Mrs Smee, Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinker Bell are among the colourful cast of Peter Pan running from the 10-31st December (tickets £20.55 adults, £18.45 under 16yrs and concessions, £66.93 family).

Getting Crafty at the Waterfront Gallery

One of Wales’s premier art spaces, the Waterfront Gallery is hosting a Christmas Market programme running 18th November to 24th December, with resident artist guests selling their pieces, craft sessions and mulled wine and mince pies on 12th December. For more information https://thewaterfrontgallery.co.uk/

Bowling, indoor play and darts

Phoenix Bowl offers ten-pin bowling, new interactive darts, soft play and themed events.

Festive gifting, pampering and eating

Alongside the entertainment, visitors will be able to stock up on gifts from the many independent businesses.

From artisan chocolates at Dilly’s to a whole host of gift and clothing shops, there’s plenty of choice to support-local present ideas. Those looking for some beauty or a Christmas haircut will be spoilt for choice too. And, adding to the pre-Christmas conviviality, visitors can head to one of the many independent restaurants that overlook the marina. With festive menus available from mid-November onwards, options range from locally sourced seafood specialities to family favourites.

Stay: Right in the heart of the action is Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront. Overlooking the marina, the hotel has a special programme of activities including live music every weekend, with festive inspired family activity packs, cinema screenings, games, trails and letter to Santa posting.

The Festive Stays B&B offer with standard rooms from £78 per room per night throughout December, with a Children stay free break from £74 per room based on two adults and two children sharing a family room – and valid from 14th December to 4th January 2027 (excludes 24th, 25th and 31st December) www.ty-hotels.com

For event details and ice-skating bookings, visit www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk/christmas-2026.