THIS year’s Christmas Market at Pembroke Castle takes place over three days from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1. Entry into the Castle is free during the Christmas Market.

The market will offer over 80 stalls selling gifts, toys, local produce, clothing and jewellery. Opening hours are 10am-8pm on Friday; 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

Father Christmas will be arriving in the market on Friday, November 29 at approximately 6.30pm.

There will be a sing-along with Santa and a switch-on of lights inside the castle, with a limited number of chocolates available on exit.

On Saturday and Sunday, Santa will be in his Pembroke Castle Grotto now between 10.30am and 3.30pm to meet all of the younger visitors, hand out gifts and accept Christmas lists. Visits to Santa will cost only £3 per child and proceeds will go to charity.

The event will also feature musical entertainment from local school carol singers and musicians who will be performing in the marquee throughout the weekend.

Once again the Castle will be illuminated at night to create a magical atmosphere and there is rumoured to be a very good chance of seeing some snow!

The event is free and does not require a ticket. Dogs are allowed into the event but must be kept on a short lead.

There will be another chance to catch up with Father Christmas at Pembroke Town Hall on Saturday, December 7. Come and join Santa for a pancake breakfast!

Organised by the Pembroke Chamber of Trade and with proceeds going to Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, Breakfast with Santa costs £5 per child and is sponsored by Valero Pembroke Refinery, Upton Farm Frozen Foods and Visit Pembroke.

The following weekend, Santa will be on his sleigh, travelling around Pembroke, The Green, Monkton and The Grove on Sunday, December 15, setting off at 5.30pm. You can check his route on Facebook.

Other Christmas events (in Pembroke Town Hall unless otherwise stated) include the following:

Wednesdays, November 27, December 4, 11 and 18, 11am-4.30pm – Craft Fayre.

Thursdays, November 28, December 5, 12 and 19, 9am-1pm – Country Market.

Friday, November 29, 11am-3pm – Christmas Market.

Saturday, November 30; Sunday, December 1, 11am-4pm – Christmas Market.

Tuesday, December 3, 9am-1pm – South Pembrokeshire Flower Arranging Society Christmas Coffee Morning.

Friday, December 6, 7am – Carol Service.

Friday, December 13, 1-4pm – Young at Heart Christmas Dinner.

Saturday, January 4 – Aladdin Pantomime.

As we approach the festive season and reflect on another year gone by, now is a time to appreciate family and friends, and to those who have helped us throughout the year.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those serving our Country, and also our NHS, Careers, Police, Fire and all emergency services, who may not be able to be with their family.

We must also remember those who are in war torn countries, and we pray for peace throughout the world.

This being my first time as Mayor of Pembroke, I have been honoured to meet so many special people and attend various events. It is humbling to see the good work of volunteers around the County and the strong sense of unity and togetherness.

As we move in 2025, we do so, with a sense of optimism and hope.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Healthy and Peaceful New Year, from myself and all at Pembroke Town Council.

Cllr Ann Mortenson

MEANWHILE in Pembroke Dock, Lib X and Dancing on Ice star Michelle Heaton will be switching on the lights of the Christmas tree in Lower Meyrick Street. The cast of the Boulevard Theatre production of Snow White will be present at the Town Council Christmas Light switch on. Refreshments will be available from Coffi Vikings and Hayley’s Burger Bar and there will be the opportunity to meet Santa on the Happy to Chat bench.

Then, on December 14, there’s an invitation to join Santa for breakfast at the Pater Hall!

Once again, the Christmas Season is almost upon us and It is my privilege to be able to send you this message as Mayor of Pembroke Dock.

This is a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate this special time together. But let’s not forget it is the season of Goodwill, a time to spread a little kindness and remember those who are lonely, on their own or unwell who may need our support.

This year Pembroke Dock Town Council have been blessed with a visit from Santa on Sunday, December 1 with our Christmas light switch on down lower Meyrick Street and Saturday, December 14 at our breakfast with Santa at the Pater Hall, so come along and join in the Christmas cheer.

The Town’s Christmas Lights and Christmas Tree are up to brighten our Town to spread the Christmas Spirit, so may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy, Peaceful Christmas and a Healthy, Prosperous New Year.

Cllr Maria Williams