Festive magic returns to Oriel y Parc
Oriel y Parc, the St Davids-based National Park Discovery Centre, is preparing to welcome visitors this winter with a sparkling programme of festive events, creative exhibitions and seasonal surprises for all ages.
The North Pole Post Box returns from Friday 22 November to Thursday 19 December, giving children the chance to send their Christmas wishes to Santa. Letters can be posted at the Centre, and families will be able to return three days later to collect a personalised reply from the elves’ workshop. The post box will be open daily throughout the season.
The celebrations continue on Saturday 29 November with the return of the Christmas Craft Market, running from 10am to 3pm. Visitors will be able to browse handmade gifts and seasonal food from local makers, enjoy live music throughout the day, and tuck into festive treats from The Brunch House café. With free entry and parking, the market will be a lively and welcoming start to the Christmas season.
Inside the Centre, three exhibitions will be on display throughout the winter months, offering creativity, reflection and inspiration.
A Pool of Rocks by Rachel Allen (8 November to 6 January) presents a striking collection of handmade silver jewellery, inspired by the textures and treasures of the Pembrokeshire Coast. Rachel’s designs draw on kelp, pebbles and ammonites, using eco-conscious and recycled silver, with sparkling gemstones that reflect the colours of sea and shore.
In The Tower, Judith Leyland’s Twrch Trwyth (7 November to 21 December) brings the mythical boar of the Mabinogion to life. Though ultimately defeated, the creature is never destroyed – a symbol of defiance and strength captured in bold, imaginative form.
Mark Stanmore’s exhibition in the St Davids Room (14 November to 11 January) features a series of paintings of the Pembrokeshire coast, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. The work reflects the beauty of imperfection and change, offering a quiet space to connect with nature through art.
Rachel Perkins, Manager of Oriel y Parc, said: “This year’s Christmas programme brings together everything that makes Oriel y Parc special – local talent, creative exhibitions, and festive traditions that families return for every winter. We’re looking forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces through the doors.”
For more details on festive events and café opening hours throughout November and December, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.