Christmas family days out and events across North Wales

National Trust Cymru are getting into the spirit of things, sharing a host of seasonal events, activities and days out across North Wales.

Whether you're looking for medieval castles bursting with decorations, places for your little elves to meet Father Christmas, pick up some gifts in a Christmas market or enjoy a crisp winter walk, there's plenty of places to make festive memories.

Chirk Castle Christmas decorations ©National Trust Images Natalie Overthrow

• Chirk Castle, Wrexham

Fire young imaginations as this medieval fortress is filled with enchanting decorations and ornate Christmas trees that are hung with unique adornments. This year's enchanted castle theme is inspired by a fantastical painting in the collection: Orpheus Charming The Animals, dating to the early 1600s. Look out for a range of animals including birds in flight and monkeys causing havoc as you wander through the castle. Finish your visit with an immersive experience in the East Wing, which will be especially open for the holiday season.

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Outside, wrap up warm, grab a festive hot drink or treat from our tearoom and enjoy a wintery walk through the 480-acre parkland - it's spectacular with a fine dusting of winter frost. Enjoy the gift of giving by donating to the Oswestry and Borders foodbanks this Christmas. Chirk Castle will be taking food donations daily throughout December, but Father Christmas will be there to thank you at weekends between December 2-17.

You can also enjoy supper with Santa on December 15 for an additional charge. Listen as he reads a story and enjoy a festive feast with all the trimmings. Children will receive a small gift (booking is essential).

Open daily from December 2 to January 7. Property closed December 25 and 26 and January 1 - visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle

Erddig Christmas decorations ©National Trust Images Paul Harris

• Erddig, Wrexham

Erddig are pulling out all the stops this Christmas to celebrate 50 years since the property was acquired by National Trust Cymru. Much of the house will be dressed for the occasion with some of the silver in the collection on display in the dining room and a staggering 2,268 wrapped presents in the Tribes Room. Staff and volunteers have been busy wrapping up the presents, with each one representing 10 items in the collection.

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On selected days there will be marshmallow toasting, craft activities including making a tree decoration, storytelling, live music from a string trio band and Breakfast (or supper) with Santa will also be returning (additional charges apply). Don't forget to leave a donation for the Wrexham foodbank at the Reverse Grotto where Father Christmas will be present on weekends to help say thank you.

Open daily from December 2 to January 7. Property closed December 24 and 25 - visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig

Penrhyn Castle Christmas decorations ©National Trust Images Paul Harris

• Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor

Celebrate all the traditions that bring us together over the festive period as you explore this dramatic castle bursting with ornate decorations. The ground-floor will be dressed with glistening Christmas trees including a giant tree on the Grand Staircase, perfect to get your festive family photo. In the Library you can sit back and relax with a book, re-visit some favourite board games in the Games Room or head to the Victorian Kitchens to share your Christmas recipes as the smell of festive treats fills the air.

Grab a hot chocolate from the tea-room and enjoy a winter walk around the garden and grounds and take a selfie under the giant wreath.

Open every weekend from November 25 to December 17, on weekdays from December 18 to December 22, and from December 27 to 31. Closed December 23, 24, 25 and 26 - visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle-and-garden

Plas Newydd silent disco ©National Trust Images Arnhel de Serra

• Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey

Put on your dancing shoes as Plas Newydd invites you to a silent disco this Christmas. The Music Room will be decorated to create a party atmosphere, complete with disco lights and party games following in the footsteps of past residents where many parties were held (booking essential).

After an afternoon of dancing, wrap up warm and explore the beautiful grounds with breath-taking views of the Menai Strait. Enjoy a winter walk through the garden before warming up with a festive treat in the café who are cooking up a feast with a set three course meal with the option of adding a fun spritzy drink to celebrate the season in style (booking essential).

Open every weekend from December 2 to 31, garden, shop and café will also be open on weekdays from December 20 to 29. Closed December 25 and 26 - visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plas-newydd-house-and-garden

Bodnant Garden winter walk ©National Trust Images Lee Evans

• Bodnant Garden, Conwy

With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant. Blow away the winter cobwebs with a festive stroll through the accessible winter garden with its sensational display of foliage, flower, and scent or follow the longer route around Furnace Hill. Both will leave you hungry for some delicious festive treats from the tea rooms.

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If you fancy a break from the cooking in the run up to the big day why not treat yourself to a two course Christmas lunch in the Pavilion tea-room? From Thursday to Sunday, December 7 to 23 between 12pm and 2.30pm (booking in advance essential - gluten free and vegan option available).

Open daily. Closed December 24, 25 and 26 - visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden

• To find a festive day out near you, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/christmas