Children and adults alike were thrilled on Saturday 7th December as the Cairngorm reindeer and a host of characters, dinosaurs, and even Santa himself came to town for Llanelli Reindeer Parade. 

Organised by Ymlaen Llanelli with support from Llanelli Town Council, the parade was the biggest yet for both procession and attendance. A Christmas market, ice sculpture demonstration and fairground added to the event, creating an all-day festive spectacular. 

The jam-packed procession started from Ffwrnes Theatre and ended in Spring Gardens where people had the chance to meet the reindeer, while princesses and superheroes led the way into St Elli Shopping Centre as Santa’s Grotto officially opened for the holiday season. 

Check out our highlights video below!

Chair of Ymlaen Llanelli, Lesley Richards, was thrilled with the turnout: “This was our fourth year of running the reindeer parade and the atmosphere was incredible. It's always a great way to start the festive season and bring Christmas cheer to the town centre – we couldn’t be happier!” 

Hungry customers lined Stepney Street for mouthwatering treats as select traders from Ymlaen Llanelli’s hugely popular Llanelli Food and Drink Festival returned for the parade’s Christmas market. Offerings ranged from Christmas classics such as hogroast and mulled wine, to fan-favourite griddled sandwiches, waffles, fudge and more. 

Llanelli Indoor Market hosted a traditional sweet-making workshop from Gower Heritage Centre, while Llanelli Library offered arts and crafts. Ffwrnes Theatre also hosted a Christmas Fayre with gifts on sale from local producers. 

You can find the full album of photos on our Facebook page.

We'll be kickstarting our 2020 programme of events on Wednesday 19th February as superheroes fly into town for the return of Superhero Day; featuring three Batmobiles and a league of heroes and villains, it’ll be an epic date for the diary!