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Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop - the local newsletter that's like getting a Secret Santa gift you actually wanted 😊

This week brings more full-on festive fun, including Swansea Jazzland’s Christmas Party, a double-decker bus ride with Santa, and Welsh of the West End’s Christmas concert.

Plus, there's Jimmy Carr, close-up magic, Craig Charles DJ’ing, and tons more.

Whatever you're up to, have a good one and I'll catch you on Wednesday!

Andrew

Over on our social media, we shared recently what Christmas looked like in Swansea in the 1920s. This week, we fast-forwarded to the 1930s - when the festive season in Swansea meant packed town centre pavements, speed boat rides, and avalanches of Christmas post.

Read A 1930s Swansea Christmas

🦉 Birdwatchers have been flocking to a Swansea park to catch a glimpse of the rarely-seen Scops Owl.

🚧 As preliminary work continues, the main task to overhaul Castle Square will begin in the new year.

☔ Swansea’s amphitheatre has received a stunning new sail canopy.

🚌 A new central Swansea transport hub has been proposed for The Strand.

🎅 A terminally ill Swansea mum has received thousands of Christmas cards after heartfelt plea.

🐴 Amateur photographer Sara Williams has won a national award for her photo of horses at Rhossili.

🎤 Michael Bublé Tribute: Enjoy a tribute event with Richard Evans performing Bublé's Christmas hits at the Albert Hall. Festive fun from 2pm, show at 3pm.
2 PM - 5 PM | £36.95pp inc. food and drink

🎅 Festive Family Lunch with Santa: Enjoy a 2-course meal, meet Santa, and dance to a DJ afterwards at the Village Hotel, SA1 on December 21st.
12 PM - 4 PM | £15 - £63

🍰 Wildflower Christmas Afternoon Tea: Indulge in a festive spread featuring scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts at Wildflower Cafe.
Price: £22.95 | Prosecco upgrade: +£5

🍕 Pizza & A Pint: Enjoy a Christmas deal at The Gower Dough Co in conjunction with Arthur’s Stone Brewery, with selected pizzas and pints for £15.
From 4:30 PM | £15

This week on social, we visited a cafe in the middle of a roundabout… is there a more unique cafe in Swansea (inside and out?)

Check out the reel below and give us a follow! We’re at over 20,500 followers on Instagram and at over 26,000 followers on Facebook!

🧊 Finding every ice sculpture in Swansea before they melt.

🌳 Visit this place in Singleton Park and you won’t believe you’re still in Swansea.

🕳️ Swansea’s newest tourist attraction will be gone soon.

📸 An amazing old photograph of children ‘skating’ on a frozen Gower pond.

This two-bedroom semi-detached home in Killay - close to shops and amenities - comes with a large driveway, garage, and no onward chain. £200,000 via Simpsons.

🥐 Saint Hugo bakery will be opening its third venue in the Mond Buildings on Union Street.

😋 Sienna’s Bistro & Takeaway has opened on St Teilo Street, Pontardulais.

🎾 Jaxx Padel, Wales’ biggest padel venue opened in Llansamlet this weekend.

🕹️ Continue? Retro Gaming Lounge opens on Princess Way on Friday December 19th.

🔮 Magic Isn't Real!: Jon Jones presents his debut show, sharing his favourite routines after 10 years of street performing - at Sessions by Mumbles Brewery.
7.30 PM

🎼 Noson Garolau Côr Tŷ Tawe: Join Côr Tŷ Tawe, a Welsh choir in Swansea, for an evening of Welsh-language carols and songs at Ty Tawe.
7.30 PM | £5.27

🧞‍♂️ Aladdin: Join a magical pantomime adventure at Swansea Grand Theatre, starring Joe Pasquale, Kev Johns, and Celyn Cartwright with animated sets, audience interaction, and musical numbers.
Various dates and times until January 4th, 2026 | £21 - £44

🎭 Silent Night, Raging Eve: Join Eve's chaotic Christmas party in this dark comedy at Volcano Theatre, filled with singing, dancing, and unexpected twists.
Various dates and times until Dec 20th | £0 - £52

🏃‍♂️ Sport and Health Swansea for 50+: Enjoy a range of free sport and health programs by Swansea Council including climbing and Nordic walking.
Various dates/times throughout the week.

👴 Ageing Well Activities for 50+: Enjoy activities in Swansea, including movie and soup specials, coffee mornings, bowling, and social walks.
Various times | Free

🧶 Swansea Minster’s Christmas Trail: Explore knitted wonders that tell the story of Christmas, hidden throughout Swansea city centre’s shops. Grab a trail sheet at Swansea Minster and get hunting!
Available throughout December

🎄 COAST Activities: Swansea Council’s COAST program is offering free Christmas-themed events for children and families from December 16-21, including theatre trips, animal encounters, festive parties, art sessions, and sports activities.

🎬 André Rieu's 2025 Christmas Concert: Watch André Rieu’s Christmas concert on the big screen at the Taliesin theatre, with his Johann Strauss Orchestra, special guests, and 400 brass players.
7 PM | £15, £12.50 Under 26's & Students

🔥 Campfire Christmas Country Music: Enjoy a night of Christmas country music at the Patti Pavilion.
Doors at 6 PM | £25.20

🎷 Swansea Jazzland 'Christmas Party: The Power Of Gower Big Band presents a festive jazz celebration with a 17-piece big band, guest musicians, and vocalist Sarah Meek performing iconic Jazz Big Band repertoire.
8 PM | £27

🎶 Mumbles A Cappella: Experience an evening of heartwarming carols, contemporary classics, and joyful a cappella arrangements at Brangwyn Hall.
7.30 PM | £24.00

👻 Christmas Ghosts and Folklore of Wales: Join Mark Rees and special guests at Y Storfa for a festive exploration of Welsh holiday traditions and spooky folklore.
5.30 PM | £6

🧠 Christmas Quiz: Join Emsie at Founders & Co. for a Christmas quiz, with a chance to win £100. Teams of up to 8 can enter for just £1.
7.30 PM | £1 per team

🎄 Christmas Card Making Workshop: Design your own unique Christmas cards at Volcano Theatre - all materials provided.
1 PM | Free

🤣 Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny: Experience Jimmy Carr's fast-paced, edgy one-liners as the comedian returns to Swansea Arena.
7 PM

🕯️ Christmas by Candlelight: Join the Chamber Orchestra of Wales at the Brangwyn Hall for a festive evening of music, dance, and carols.
7.30 PM | £21 (under 16s free)

🍪 Dementia Friendly Activity: Christmas snacks: Enjoy a calming session at the National Waterfront Museum with Christmas treats, garden exploration, light crafts, and refreshments for those affected by dementia.
1 PM | Free

🎼 BBC NOW - Christmas Celebrations: Enjoy a festive concert by BBC National Orchestra of Wales featuring classic Christmas songs like White Christmas and Santa Baby.
7.30 PM | £10 - £20

🎵 Craig Charles: Funk & Soul Friday: Experience the Funk & Soul DJ, actor, and broadcaster, Craig Charles, at Sin City, Swansea.
7.30 PM | £22

🎄 Home For Christmas: Join Chris Hughes at Loughor Welfare Hall for an evening of Christmas classics and sing-alongs.
7 PM | £8.13

Coffee Shop Cinema: Join Woodrow’s Coffee in Bryn-y-mor for a screening of The Holiday, including food and drink and a film quiz.
Doors 6 PM | £7.50 (students £7).

🎅 Tots Christmas Party with Santa & His Elves: Festive fun at Mumbles Pier's Beach Hut Cafe featuring toddler-friendly Christmas songs, dances, and Santa's Elves.
12.30 PM | £15.99 Child, £2 Adult

🎶 Logic Annual Xmas Party with Shugz: Celebrate Christmas at Gorseinon Events Centre with trance and hard dance music by Irish legend Shugz.
8 PM - 4 AM | £12.50 - £17.50

🎄 Welsh of the West End at Christmas: Celebrate the holidays with a festive concert by the musical theatre super group, presenting Christmas classics and theatre favourites.
7.30 PM | £33 - £42

🎄 Bingo Lingo - The Christmas Showcase: Swansea Arena hosts a festive Bingo Lingo event with outrageous fun, games, surprises, prizes, and a chaotic Christmas atmosphere. Dress code encourages festive attire!
6 PM | Strictly 18+

🎺 Brass & Baubles: Enjoy a festive afternoon with carols and more by the Pontardulais Brass Band at Swansea Minster.
3 PM - 5 PM | £11.55 (under 16s free)

🏠 Original Funk Collective: A night of house music at Heaven Swansea, featuring deep house vibes.
10 PM - 3 PM | From £7

Salvation Army Band: Enjoy festive tunes and carols from the Salvation Army Band at The Market Garden (middle of Swansea Market).
10 AM - 2 PM

🃏 The Pokemas Experience: Join the festive fun at LC Swansea with Pokemon vendors, food stalls, and last-minute Poke presents.
10 AM - 4 PM | £6.13

🎄 Carols at the Castle: Join community groups for festive caroling at Oystermouth Castle. Free entry with donations appreciated to support castle preservation.
12 PM | Free

Carols in Parc Williams: Enjoy Christmas songs and carols at Parc Williams, Loughor, with Mari Llwyd, Tenovus Choir, & Loughor Town Band.
3.30 PM

🎼 Handel's Messiah: Swansea Philharmonic Choir & British Sinfonietta, led by Jonathan Rogers, present Handel's Messiah at the Brangwyn Hall.
7.30 PM | £23

Monday December 15th
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Noah’s Yard | Jazz Club | 8.30 PM
Hippos | Cascadia, Polyester Skies and Samsara | 7 PM

Tuesday December 16th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM

Wednesday December 17th
Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing | Swansea Jazz Club Christmas Party with Power of Gower Big Band | 8 PM
The Bunkhouse | Eleri: A Merry Eleri Bunkmas | 6 PM

Thursday December 18th
The Bunkhouse | Edie Bens & Friends Christmas Party | 6 PM

Friday December 19th
Patti Pavilion | DMF | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Last Grizzmas | 6 PM

Saturday December 20th
The Bunkhouse | Ghost-mas with Ghosted | 6 PM
Patti Pavilion | The Contenders Xmas Cracker 2025 | 7 PM
Elysium Gallery | REPEAT’s Swansea (Anti) Christmas Party | 7.45 PM

Sunday December 21st
The Bunkhouse | Violet Row | 6 PM

Thanks for reading the Swansea Scoop. If you enjoyed it, share it with a friend who would find it useful as well.

Catch you on Wednesday!

Andrew.

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