SEARCHING FOR THINGS TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS?
Don’t get stuck in a Crimbo-Limbo!
Keep the Christmas excitement going with this Bucket List of things to do
The magic of Christmas doesn’t need to end on 26 Dec — especially not here in Swansea! After Santa’s visited, the presents are unwrapped and the turkey’s all gone, there’s still plenty to do around the city to keep the festive excitement going.
Whether you’re after adventure, laughs, culture, or somewhere warm to explore, we’ve put together a fun festive bucket list of great ideas — all within walking distance of each other, and all brilliant for families over the Christmas and New Year period.
Plantasia Tropical Zoo – Festive Jingle Bugs Keeper Talks
Whatever the weather, Plantasia Tropical Zoo is the perfect festive escape. Step into our warm, indoor tropical rainforest and explore over 40 different species, from crocodiles and meerkats to monkeys and more. Don’t forget to take a second stroll around the zoo! All our animals live in thoughtfully designed habitats with plenty of space to rest and hide. A second walk around the zoo often reveals even more to see!!
From 27–31 December and 2–4 January 2026, our popular festive keeper talks return with a special Jingle Bugs twist. These interactive talks take place at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm and 2 pm and blend fun seasonal storytelling with close-up animal encounters.
During each session, our keepers explore fascinating Christmas connections, cultural traditions and festive folklore linked to some of our animals.
Jingle Bugs highlights include:
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Ugandan Flower Beetle
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Crested Gecko
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Tarantula
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Corn Snake
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Millipede
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Egyptian Tortoise
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Beaded Lizard
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Meerkats with enrichment
Alongside our festive talks, visitors can also enjoy Jungle Escape games (ideal for older children aged 12+), and our unforgettable VIP crocodile feeding experience (age 11+).
We’ve also added extra VIP Zookeeper and Animal Encounter experiences this Christmas — perfect for little explorers who want an unforgettable holiday adventure!
Please note: our Dangerous Plants Room is currently closed while it undergoes an exciting transformation, with access still available for visitors who need it. The exciting new space will be revealed later in January. Keep your eyes peeled for the teaser ads and launch date!
Flashpoint – Crazy Climb
Got festive energy to burn off? Just opposite Plantasia in Parc Tawe you’ll find Flashpoint – Crazy Climb, a great place for all ages to climb, scramble and fly up walls of fun. It’s a perfect way to work off the mince pies!
Ninja Warrior – Parc Tawe
Unleash your inner crimbo ninja at Ninja Warrior UK! Inspired by the TV show, this course lets you conquer obstacles, jump, swing and take on the famous Warped Wall — brilliant for active families and teens alike.
Tenpin Swansea – Bowling Fun
A classic family favourite, Tenpin Swansea is perfect for a relaxed and festive strike. Bowling has been bringing friends and families together for generations, and it’s a great indoor option if you’re looking to add some friendly competition to your bucket list.
Odeon Cinema Swansea
Take your Christmas film marathon to the big screen! Odeon Swansea in Parc Tawe shows all the latest releases and festive favourites. While the £5 all-day tickets for myOdeon members vary by day and screening, booking online is the best way to check the latest offers.
Swansea’s Waterfront Winterland
Celebrate the season with Swansea’s Waterfront Winterland — a festive treat with an ice rink, funfair attractions and an Alpine Village full of food and drink. Open through early January, it’s a great way to soak up the Christmas atmosphere and make more joyful memories with your family.
LC Swansea – Waterpark Fun
For another indoor adventure, head to LC Swansea and dive into Wales’ largest waterpark. With waves, slides, rivers and interactive splash zones, it’s perfect for a warm and splashy festive day out close to the zoo.
Swansea Museum – History for All Ages
Discover Swansea’s fascinating past at Swansea Museum. As Wales’ oldest museum, it’s packed with intriguing artefacts — from local history to global treasures like an Egyptian mummy — plus temporary exhibitions that change throughout the festive season.
National Waterfront Museum – Industrial Tales & Events
Across the road, the National Waterfront Museum brings Welsh industrial heritage to life with vibrant exhibits. They also run festive events and talks, so check their calendar for seasonal activities while you’re in the area.
Pantoland at Swansea Grand Theatre – Aladdin (6 Dec–4 Jan)
Make a festive night of it with a magical panto at Swansea Grand Theatre! This year’s production is Aladdin, featuring dazzling digital sets, humour, audience participation and plenty of family fun — perfect for a Christmas treat.
Create your festive BUCKET LIST and enjoy Swansea this December and New Year!
Whether you’re exploring Plantasia’s tropical jungle, scaling walls at Flashpoint, laughing through a panto, or skating at Waterfront Winterland, there’s so much to see and do in our city this season.