Historic homes and castles with dazzling displays for Christmas

For Christmas events in a grand setting, the National Trust has a range of historic houses and castles beautifully decorated for the season. Portia Jones rounds up some of the most spectacular options for a winter visit

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> Mari Lwyd at Newton House, Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire

WITH Christmas just over a month away, National Trust properties up and down Wales are getting into their festive finery.

The grand houses and castles will be dressed for the season and hosting brilliant events, including illuminations, craft fairs, and choirs.

Here are some of the best Christmas displays and events in National Trust properties in Wales, where you can get into the holiday spirit.

Dinefwr Country Park is beautiful year-round - explore acres of glorious parkland, a mansion and a ruined castle, and try to glimpse wild deer.

At the centre of these glorious grounds is Newton House, a stately 17th-century manor with an impressive history which comes alive at Christmas.

Featuring a romantic, Gothic facade, the grand house still retains many of its original 17th-century features, including the magnificent grand staircase and ornate ceilings.

The descendants of Lord Rhys, Prince of Deheubarth, called this swanky pad home for more than 300 years. In 1660, Edward Rice built the current house and named it after the medieval 'New Town' which once housed English settlers.

This Christmas, feel the wintery glow at Newton House, where festive decorations adorn every corner, including the enchanting Creatures of Dinefwr Christmas tree, updated each year by artist Bettina Reeves. Keep a special eye out for Santa, who is rumoured to be making a visit.

During the holidays, you can enjoy seasonal crafts, games, and over this weekend, a celebration of local talent, flavours, and festivities at the highly anticipated Dinefwr Christmas Fair.

The cafe, bursting with foliage and warmed by a roaring fire, also offers the perfect spot to relax with a hot chocolate.

After Christmas, shake off the post-festive blues by celebrating one of Wales' most well-known customs - the Mari Lwyd, meaning 'Grey Mare'.