Swansea’s Christmas Parade shortlisted for national award

The parade, which returns on Saturday 23 November with a new city centre route, has been shortlisted for Event of the Year (Local Authority) at the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards 2025.

Building on festive coverage

Earlier this month, Swansea Bay News reported on the city centre’s festive programme, including the Victorian Christmas Fayre, Winter Wonderland, and the new parade route beginning at the Guildhall and finishing on Princess Way. Now, the parade itself has been named among the UK’s best outdoor events.

National recognition

The NOEA Awards, held in Bath on Wednesday 26 November, celebrate excellence across the UK’s outdoor events industry. Swansea Council’s parade stands alongside major national festivals and pioneering councils, with finalists chosen for innovation, quality and community impact.

Cllr Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“This marks the second time this year that Swansea’s events programme has been recognised nationally. The Christmas Parade is a highlight of the city’s festive calendar, and this shows how Swansea continues to deliver memorable, inclusive and high‑quality events for our communities.”

What to expect this year

The 2025 parade will feature floats, performers and festive characters along its new route:

• Starting at the Guildhall
• Along St Helen’s Road
• Through the Kingsway
• Across College Street
• Down Castle Street and Caer Street
• Finishing on Princess Way

Organisers say the changes will give families fresh vantage points and new experiences as the city centre lights up for Christmas.

#christmas #christmasParade #nationalOutdoorEventsAssociation #noeaAwards2025 #swansea #swanseaChristmasParade #swanseaChristmasParade2025 #swanseaCityCentreChristmas #swanseaCouncil #swanseaCouncilEvents #swanseaFestiveEvents #swanseaWinterWonderland #victorianChristmasFayreSwansea

New route announced for Swansea Christmas Parade

The parade begins at 5pm at the Guildhall, where Santa will illuminate the building with a red glow before a fireworks display signals the start of the evening.

Parade route through the city

From the Guildhall, the parade will travel down St Helen’s Road, along the Kingsway, College Street, Castle Street and Caer Street, before finishing on Princess Way.

More than 40 community groups, colourful floats and beloved characters from fairytales and comic books – including Cinderella and Rapunzel – will join the procession. Santa and Mrs Claus will wave from their magical sleigh as the parade makes its way through the city.

Entertainment and lights switch‑on

Live entertainment will take place on two stages: one at the Guildhall and the traditional stage outside the Dragon Hotel, where a new Christmas tree will stand. Santa will ceremoniously switch on Swansea’s Christmas lights before another fireworks display lights up the night sky.

Professional entertainers, fairytale characters and superheroes will be on hand to keep children and adults entertained throughout the evening.

Council leader welcomes new route

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“The Swansea Christmas Parade is one of the city’s most cherished events – a chance for our communities to come together and celebrate the start of the festive season.

This year’s new route brings exciting opportunities to experience the magic from fresh perspectives and it promises to be a truly unforgettable evening.”

He added that the parade is the perfect opportunity to start Christmas celebrations, alongside visits to Waterfront Winterland with its ice rink and alpine bar, and the Victorian Christmas Market offering artisan gifts and festive treats.

Cllr Stewart said the parade rounds off another strong year of council‑delivered events, including the Wales Airshow, IRONMAN, Swansea Arts Weekend and Croeso.

#CaerStreet #CastleStreet #ChristmasLightSwitchOn #ChristmasLights #ChristmasParade #CollegeStreet #FatherChristmas #Guildhall #Kingsway #PrincessWay #Santa #SantaClaus #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaChristmasParade #SwanseaCouncil