Visit Swansea Bay for a staycation: the coastal gem that sparkles all year round

As someone who lives for fairy lights, fluffy socks and unlimited Love Actually reruns, they had me at glittering floats. Woollies at the ready, I set off to see the city shine with my Christmas-loving daughter in tow.

Arriving at Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea on a frosty Friday night, armed with an action-packed itinerary built around the resort’s iconic festive extravaganza, we felt a ripple of childlike excitement, eager to eat, sleep and step into Christmas Swansea-style.

Waking refreshed to a hearty breakfast, we explored a trail of cosy cafés, inviting restaurants, sweeping beaches and quirky galleries as the city revealed its charms. At dusk - when the Winter Wonderland truly came alive - twinkling lights, laughter, mulled wine and toasted marshmallows captured the true, heartwarming essence of the season.

From the glitzy Christmas parade through people-lined streets to the eagerly awaited button-push that illuminated the bay, we felt like we’d stepped into a festive snow globe shaken to life - vibrant, scenic and warmly, wonderfully Welsh.

Blending coastline and culture, history and nightlife, food and friendliness, long after the glitter settles, Swansea Bay is a coastal gem that continues to shine. Here’s 11 reasons to visit the resort at Christmas and all-year round.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea

Perched on the picturesque marina with postcard-worthy views across the water, this striking hotel sits right in the heart of the action, blending comfort, calm and convenience for a truly effortless stay. Close to key attractions yet secluded enough to relish the waterfront hush, we enjoyed hearty breakfasts to fuel our adventures before returning each evening to a homely welcome, laid-back atmosphere and quietly stylish surroundings. A well-appointed sanctuary for a stay in all seasons, it’s the kind of place that makes unwinding feel easy - and heading back out feel exciting, promising new discoveries around every corner.

Victorian Christmas Fayre

One of Swansea’s most charming traditions, the Victorian Christmas Fayre invites you to wrap up warm and rediscover the magic of old-world festive charm. Lantern-lit stalls glow and heritage costumes swirl as you wander through a storybook of carol singers, street performers and handcrafted treasures, each step filled with the scents, sights and sounds of the season. It’s Christmas by the coast at its most enchanting - timeless, authentic and irresistibly cosy.

The Big Christmas Paint Along at Swansea Building Society Arena

The Big Christmas Paint Along at Swansea Building Society Arena was one of our favourite bonding moments of the trip and now a firm festive tradition, there’s something hilariously unifying about painting with strangers. Think prosecco, competitive camaraderie and pure Christmas joy. A confetti of sequins, Christmas jumpers and DJ festive tunes set the scene as the bubbly Paint Along Lady guided us step-by-step towards a penguin-inspired masterpiece that every budding artist got to take home and treasure. One for the cupboard, one for the fireplace … we can’t all be Picasso but oh, what fun!

Swansea Waterfront Winterland

Wander through the glowing arches into Swansea’s shimmering Winter Wonderland, where the air hums with cinnamon-charged excitement and festive cheer wraps around you like tinsel. Ice skate, enjoy thrill-a-minute fairground rides or try your luck at winning a giant teddy as firepits crackle, marshmallows toast and mouthwatering street food tempts you to tuck in. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine, sharing a street food family feast or simply soaking up the gleeful ambiance, you’ll enter with excitement and leave with an uplifting glow, no matter how wintry the weather.

Award-Winning Beaches

From frosty walks along endless sandy stretches to lazy summer days of paddling, picnics and panoramic views, Swansea Bay’s award-winning beaches attract visitors from across the globe with exhilarating year-round appeal. Ideal for romantic shoreline strolls or for following the winding coastal hikes of the scenic Wales Coast Path, the bay invites you to explore its sparkling waters, expansive sands and fresh sea air today, tomorrow or whenever you fancy a soul-rejuvenating road trip.

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

An ingenious blend of historic charm and inspirational modern flair, the Glynn Vivian is a true highlight for art lovers of every taste. Housed in a beautifully restored Edwardian Baroque building, its eclectic galleries are light, airy and thoughtfully curated, with striking refurbished spaces complementing the building’s elegant heritage to create an inviting, dynamic setting. Inside, emerging local talent sits alongside internationally recognised names, creating a programme that’s vibrant, thought-provoking and full of surprises. From live performances to intimate displays, every corner of the gallery invites exploration, offering a journey through creativity that feels daring, diverse and rooted in Wales’ artistic spirit. Particularly eye-catching were the expressive works of Wakelin Award winner Lucia Jones, whose intriguing, introspective paintings explore memory, identity and the nuances of contemporary Welsh life, and the bold, punk-infused spirit of Linder: Danger Came Smiling.

The Welsh House

For flavour-led dining in an elegant, atmospheric setting, The Welsh House serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks with a dash of pizazz. Cosy outdoor pods offer a unique indoors outdoors experience, while inside, dimmed lighting, an open kitchen and a chic central bar create a delightfully sociable setting. Cocktails in hand and festive décor all around, we settled in for lunch amid the relaxed, rustic ambience, savouring slow-roasted pork belly and succulent beef blade, followed by rich chocolate torte and the most exquisite tiramisu I’ve ever tasted. The menu showcases the very best of Welsh produce with confidence and flair, while attentive service and lively atmosphere combine to make every visit a little celebration.

Altitude 28 Sky Bar and Restaurant

“One word - wow. Perched at the top of the Meridian Tower, this panoramic eatery and elite cocktail haven seems to float above Swansea, gifting sweeping views of the bay and Mumbles that slow time and stop conversations mid-sentence. Soft lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek contemporary décor set the tone for refined coastal dining with a city-chic twist. Seated city-side at dusk, we ate in mesmerised awe as the sky unfurled a kaleidoscope of violet and gold before fading into an inky-blue that spurred the Swansea cityscape into shimmering life. A signature menu with the ultimate backdrop, Altitude 28 pairs uniquely delicious tastes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create a vibrant, polished dining experience that’s as impressive as it is unpretentiously indulgent.

On the Rocks Restaurant, Mumbles Pier

An old rowing club ingeniously transformed into a unique ‘alfresco’ dining venue, On the Rocks Restaurant oozes oceanside allure - the view captivating on sight, the food taking care of the rest. Perched proudly atop the waves on Mumbles’ historic Victoria Pier, whether you’re dropping in midweek for a hot-stone sizzling steak or lingering for a mouthwatering Sunday lunch, take the time to relax, unwind and savour the scenery, service and exquisite flavours. Earthy, vibrant and rapturously addictive, wild mushroom bruschettas set the bar, only to be surpassed by melt-in-the-mouth beef with towering Yorkshires, crisp roasties and every indulgent trimming – enhanced by the glittering sweep of Swansea Bay just beyond the window.

Meandering through Mumbles

A charming seaside village blending sea-facing beauty with boutique shopping and diverse local culture, a leisurely mooch through Mumbles is an absolute must. Arty at heart, we loved the seascape-inspired crafts and jewellery of Gower Gallery, whilst the Lovespoon Gallery, home to Wales’ largest collection of traditional carved designs, offered a fascinating glimpse into centuries of Welsh craftsmanship. History and scenery intertwine throughout Mumbles, where a short stroll takes you from the golden sands of Bracelet Bay and the iconic Pier to the grounds of Oystermouth Castle, offering picture book panorama and a taste of medieval intrigue. Stroll the endless seafront, retracing the footsteps of actress Catherine Zeta-Jones in the village she once called home, while striking vistas and bracing seaside charm work their unforgettable Mumbles magic.

Swansea's Annual Christmas Parade

Candy‑floss in hand, glow‑sticks at the ready, we stood shoulder to shoulder in a sea of excited spectators - children perched on parents’ shoulders, faces aglow - as the night air crackled in anticipation of the first magical glimpse of the parade. As darkness fell, Swansea’s streets erupted into a carnival of light and colour: shimmering floats, sparkling characters, live bands, choirs, fairytale favourites and even a living snow globe drifted through the city, scattering community-spirited festive magic at every turn. Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for: Santa’s grand arrival to switch on the Christmas lights, illuminating smiling faces and turning strangers into one joyful, cheering crowd. The pinnacle of months of dedicated planning, this isn't just a parade - it's a shared celebration of togetherness, wonder and holiday enchantment you'll feel privileged to be a part of.