The Christmas Parade and Waterfront Winterland WILL take place this Christmas, Swansea Council has confirmed.
Preparations are said to be already underway for the Christmas Parade, which will take place on November 21, 2021, and plans are in place for the popular Waterfront Winterland and its Alpine Village to return to its usual site in Museum Park from mid-November.
With Covid-19 restrictions now being gradually eased, organisers plan for the Christmas Parade 2021 to "match the 2019 spectacular," which won wide praise in the city, but still follow all current Covid guidelines and any restrictions or rules in place.
Read more: The Christmas jobs in Swansea you can apply for right now - including working as an elf
Whilst Covid passes will not be required for the event, attendees will be asked to keep a social distance from others wherever possible and the safety guidelines for the parade are expected to include a request for anyone feeling ill on the day to avoid the event.
Reminding people to follow Covid guidelines, council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: "As Swansea leads Wales out of the pandemic we want to make this a special Christmas.
“Unfortunately, Covid is still very much with us so we’ll be asking everybody to continue to follow advice to ensure their continued safety and that of others. More details of this will follow as our planning continues.”
The Christmas Parade - what is it and when will it take place?
Swansea's Christmas Parade parade will see special characters, members of the community - and the big man himself, Father Christmas, follow a route around the city centre, while snow machines and fireworks will also feature at some points on his journey.
As well as waving to the crowds and spreading festive cheer, Santa will also be switching on many of Swansea's Christmas lights.
Any community group or band that would like to be involved in the parade should contact council staff (via the email address: special.events@swansea.gov.uk) before November 1.
Swansea's Christmas Parade will take place on the evening of November 21.
Find great options for your family in your local area:
When will the Waterfront Winterland be open?
"Waterfront Winterland," known by many locals as simply Swansea's Winter Wonderland, will this year be run by Sayers Events and will feature an ice walk, ice rink, food stalls, festive fun fair with big wheel and the ever-popular "Alpine Village" attraction.
The event is expected to open from mid-November but a definite launch date will be announced nearer the time.
In the meantime, tickets for ice-skating at Waterfront Winterland are on sale here. Skaters can choose a date and time from the evening of Friday, November 12, 2021 to Monday, January 3, 2022.
When is the Christmas Market running?
Swansea's Christmas Market will also return this year and take place under beautiful new festive lights in and around Oxford Street in the city centre.
A list of stalls has not yet been released, but a wide range of independent food, craft and gift stalls are expected to be there.
The Christmas Market is due to run from November 26 to December 21 and most stalls will be outdoors.
What else will be happening this Christmas?
As well as the Christmas Parade, Waterfront Winterland and Christmas Market, Swansea people will also be able to visit two huge Christmas trees in the city centre.
One will be located in front of the Dragon Hotel on The Kingsway, and the other in Castle Square.
Plus, dazzling new Christmas lights are set to be put up in and around Oxford Street in the city centre, whilst businesses across the city are also expected to adorn their shop windows and storefronts with tinsel and decorations.
A statement from Swansea Council says: "The new festive lights being installed will include colour changing features in Oxford Street’s trees, similar to those now in Wind Street’s trees.
"There are plans for illuminated icicles around canopies on Oxford Street, Whitewalls and Union Street.
"One of the main Christmas trees – above the steps in Castle Square - is being sponsored by the council's child and family services team, promoting support towards childcare costs for working parents of those aged three and four in Wales."
Are you organising a festive event in Swansea this Christmas? Let us know! Email: molly.dowrick@reachplc.com with photos and details
To get the latest What's On newsletters from WalesOnline, click here
