Swansea Christmas Parade

We welcomed the festive season to Swansea in style on Sunday 17 November 2024 with our annual Christmas Parade!

Dancers, bands, choirs, floats, inflatables, light up characters, princesses, superheroes and much more were on display – including Santa himself who brought some festive magic with him to turn on the Christmas Lights. Santa will be back next year, but if you're looking for what to expect at the Swansea Christmas Parade each year, take a look below.

New for 2024! A breath taking sleigh carved entirely from ice was unveiled on the day of the parade. This spectacular centrepiece offered visitors the chance to step inside for a photo, turning the moment into a truly unforgettable experience for families - a perfect snapshot to treasure the festive spirit.

See all your favourite princesses and superheroes, be mesmerised by magical light up costumes, and soak up the festive cheer from the hundreds of young people from city community groups who’ve jumped at the chance to be a part of this year’s parade.

You’ll be able to see light-up reindeers, tractors, musicians, characters from much-loved films and more, all taking to city centre streets as the curtain goes up for the Christmas countdown. And most importantly, see Santa arrive in Swansea and switch on the Christmas lights throughout the city centre!

With returning parade favourites as well as new additions, lights, music, snow machines and Santa himself, get ready to welcome the festive season in style!

Princess in a snowglobe on a float in the swansea christmas parade

Accessibility

There will be loud noises, flashing lights and special effects throughout the Parade – if you need somewhere a bit quieter to enjoy the parade, the lower part of the Kingsway (St. Helen’s Road end) and High Street will be the quietest part of the route. Please be aware though that the nature of a parade means that noise and lights will be present throughout. If you have any concerns and want to discuss further, please contact us at 01792 635428. Thanks to NAS Swansea branch who will be assisting with quiet areas and accessible viewing areas at Princess way and Orchard St.

No booking required, just turn up on the night. Accessible toilets and limited seating also available within the viewing areas.

Light up reindeer floats in the swansea christmas parade

2024 Christmas Parade Route

The route!

The Parade kicks off at 5pm heading to Princess Way, and up towards Castle Square. Here Santa will magically switch on some of the Christmas lights from his sleigh and wave to children big and small! The Parade will then continue up High Street, down Orchard Street and onto The Kingsway, where Santa will switch on the rest of the city centre Christmas lights, before heading down the rest of The Kingsway.

Map of the 2024 Christmas Parade Route

Parking and Travel

This year’s parade starts at 5.00pm with an anticipated finish time of approximately 6.30pm at the end of the Kingsway. Please be aware that the city centre is expected to be very busy during the afternoon and throughout the event – make sure to plan your travel accordingly and allow plenty of time to arrive and make your way to the parade route!

Find out everything you need to know about travelling to the parade including road closures and parking here.

Interested in sponsoring this event?

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. There are packages to suit all budgets which can be tailored to meet your goals and objectives. For more information about working with us please contact sales@swansea.gov.uk

With thanks to

The Childcare offer for Wales for supporting the Christmas Land Train

The Childcare Offer for Wales: Help with childcare costs for eligible parents of 3 to 4 year olds.
Do you need help with childcare costs? Under the Childcare Offer for Wales, you could claim up to 30 hours of early education and childcare a week, for up to 48 weeks of the year. This government-funded childcare scheme aims to lessen the burden of childcare costs so that you can spend the money you’ve saved on the things that matter most to your family.
The Offer has already helped parents from all over Wales to return to work, increase their hours or work more flexibly. If you’re looking for a job, or thinking about going back into education or training, but are worried about childcare costs, this support could make all the difference.
Don’t miss out on your share of this childcare funding.
Apply now to receive funded childcare

Morgans Hotel for providing changing rooms for the parade.