Amlwch is preparing to kick off Christmas on Anglesey this weekend with an expanded town‑centre festival and tractor run. The event is stepping up just days after the long‑running Beaumaris Victorian Christmas was cancelled for 2025.
The Amlwch Christmas Festival will take over Dinorben Square and the surrounding streets on Saturday 6 December from 2pm to 6pm. It combines a packed family programme with a fundraising vehicle parade through the town.
Organiser Karl Mitchell said: “After the sad news about the Beaumaris Christmas festival being cancelled this year, it is nice to have a good news story, and an event that is growing and getting bigger and bigger. This year we want to take it up a few notches and get even more people from all around North Wales to come to the event. Last year, during the event hours (2pm – 6pm) we had approximately 4,000 visitors, but we want to attract even more to our festival”, reported the Daily Post.
Beaumaris cancellation leaves a void
Organisers of the Beaumaris Victorian Christmas confirmed earlier this autumn that their two‑day celebration would not go ahead.
The committee cited several reasons for the difficult decision:
- Rising running costs
- Loss of space due to a new one‑way system
- Venue pressures and availability
- Falling donations linked to parking changes on The Green
The cancellation has disappointed regulars who viewed the Victorian weekend as one of Anglesey’s standout festive fixtures. In past years, it drew crowds of up to 4,000 people, with visitors travelling from as far as Manchester .
In contrast, volunteers in Amlwch say they want to provide a good‑news story for the island. Their own event has been running since 2017 and also drew roughly 4,000 visitors during the core hours last year.
What’s on in Amlwch
This year’s festival centres on Dinorben Square. The afternoon features live music from local band Second Sons, a carol service, and a festive lights switch‑on .
Families can look forward to Santa’s Grotto with free presents, donkey rides, a “Hunt the Elf” trail, and a face‑jewel stall .
A dedicated gaming van, free children’s activities and an appearance by the “Holyhead Santa” between 3pm and 4pm are designed to keep younger visitors entertained without putting too much pressure on family budgets.
Food, drink and shopping
More than two dozen market traders will be selling gifts ranging from handmade wreaths and crafts to jams, chutneys and dog treats.
Food and drink are a major part of the offer. Confirmed vendors include Mexican food from Zapatismo, breakfast baps from The Island Cove Café, and ice cream from License to Chill.
Local drinks outfit Cwrw Y Cob will be on site with its horse‑box bar serving mulled wine, pints and cocktails.
Tractor Run and Tree Contest
The day also features the inaugural Christmas Tractor and Vehicle Run. Drivers are asked to assemble at Blueberries Car Park between 1pm and 2pm.
Entry is £20 per vehicle—including a bacon bap on arrival—with proceeds supporting Amlwch Community Festival and mental health charity the DPJ Foundation.
Alongside the main festival, the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest returns. First held in 2023, it is already backed by more than 80 sponsored trees from local businesses, clubs and charities .
Visitors can tour the displays around town before voting for their favourite on the day. Organisers have billed the contest as the real start of Christmas in the community .
Image credits:
Tanya Dedyukhina / CC BY 3.0
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Beaumaris did have a Winterfest, which was the replacement for the Victorian Christmas. This was run by the town council and volunteers. There are some stalls and an ice rink and curling lanes which will still be open weekends, until 4th January.