Posted: 06/12/2021

Christmas Magic in Rhondda Cynon Taf

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the shops and high streets in Rhondda Cynon Taf are making a right display of themselves for festive shoppers!

As well as free town centre parking, our towns are easy to access by public transport – the main train line out of Cardiff to Treherbert stops in Pontypridd, Porth, Tonypandy and Treorchy.

Talbot Green and Llantrisant are just a short bus ride from Cardiff city centre.

As well as being home to the UK’s Best Independent High Street of the Year (2019), Treorchy, we also have unique independent stores, big names and some incredible locally-made, Welsh themed gifts.

Plus, each of our town centres has a great range of places to eat and drink, from cafes serving all-day breakfasts and delicious lunches to gourmet pub food and cocktails, award-winning eateries and loads more.

We have picked some of the best Rhondda Cynon Taf shops for you to explore this festive season. 

Sugar and Spice – Pontypridd Market Quarter.

This hidden gem has a great range of traditional and modern toys, including wooden kitchens and playsets and fidgets. It also sells great stocking fillers for all ages.

Sparkilicious – Treorchy

Treorchy was named the UK’s Best High Street in 2019 and Sparkilicious is a great example of why!

This beautifully-designed independent shop has so much on offer, from candles and pot-pourri to unique Welsh calendars, cards and decorations.

KooKoo Madame – Pontyclun (and Pontypridd)

This boutique is such a hit with shoppers, it has recently expanded and opened a second store.

It has everything you could wish for, from clothes, footwear, scarves and accessories to Christmas gifts and decoration, homeware and pop-up Christmas cards.

Kirsty’s Kandy – Porth

Kirsty’s Kandy is something of an institution in the Rhondda now, delivering its sweet share boxes, ice creams and desserts across the area most evenings and weekends.

It’s Porth headquarters and shop is a (sweet) treat for the eyes, filled with all the candy and chocolates you could imagine.

Make your own advent calendar filled with your favourite sweets or pick up a Christmas special confectionary bouquet. Of course, you can also keep it traditional, with candy canes, peppermints and mint chocolate thins.

The Butcher’s Arms and Gallery, Llantrisant

Delicious home-made cake, afternoon teas and steaming hot drinks combined with a shopping experience like no other? Yes please!

The Butchers Arms and Gallery in Llantrisant has a friendly team just waiting to welcome you. They sell the most divine home accessories, trinkets and goodies. Perfect for that gift for a special someone.

Aberdare Emporium, Aberdare

If you love unique homeware or are looking for a special something for a Christmas gift, why not explore the aptly-named Aberdare Emporium.

It is filled to the rafters with lamps, lanterns, decorations, candles, wax melts and more. There are also ornate mirrors, unique homeware and a kiddies corner offering novelty pens, lunchboxes and more.

What’s more, the shop owners also have a Bed and Breakfast – so you can make a stay of it!

 

Cortile Coffee – Pontypridd

Gorgeous gifts – from mugs and cafetieres to gift tins – and a huge range of tea and coffee blends from around the world make Cortile Coffee the perfect blend.

It has a main street shop and also a coffee stand in the Market Quarter and both are happy to let you explore and try some of its delicious brews before purchase.

The shop has been so successful, it has recently opened a third branch in Cowbridge.

Cariad Keepsakes and Gifts, Tonypandy

Personalised Christmas pillowcases, photo frames to display treasured memories and the wonderful aroma of candles, wax melts and incense can all be found in Cariad Keepsakes and Gifts.

The best thing about this double-fronted emporium, is its constantly changing stock and offers to appeal to current trends – no wonder it is so popular!

Storyville Books, Pontypridd

Rhondda Cynon Taf recently celebrated the opening of its first independent book shop – and what a page-turner Storyville Books has become.

From guest appearances from authors, support for local talent and a great range of best-sellers and Welsh language books for all ages, it’s definitely made its mark.

The Candy Store, Mountain Ash

Christmas means sweet treats right? The Candy Store is just the place. From toffees and traditional flavours for the older generation, to the latest fizzing, popping American candy for the trendy ones – there is something for everyone.

Gift someone you are sweet on a hamper full of their favourite goodies, get the coffee table chocolates ready for the festive film and fill those stockings with treats everyone will adore.

Flowers by Kirsty, Treorchy

Sometimes, you just have to say it with flowers and Flowers by Kirsty is screaming festive fun and colours.

Part of the award-winning Treorchy High Street, this boutique offers Christmas door wreaths and arrangements, as well as festive bouquets and even workshops. Fancy making your own Grinch tree?

 This is just a selection of the huge range of shops we have across Rhondda Cynon Taf. Please, come and explore and remember to shop local!