Cardiff is the place to be this Christmas with plenty of events taking place throughout the festive season. Each year Cardiff celebrates Christmas the right way with people coming from far and wide to visit the city to enjoy a range of activities.
Wales' capital hosts events that are essential trips for families celebrating Christmas, whether that's ice skating at Winter Wonderland or enjoying a hotdog at the German Market. As well as the traditional events that happen annually, Cardiff has new festive attractions for people of all ages to enjoy. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What's On newsletter here
Here are some of the best Christmas events happening in Cardiff throughout the most wonderful time of the year. For more events happening across Wales, read here.
Winter Wonderland
One major attraction in Cardiff that has been bringing people to the city for over 20 years is Winter Wonderland. Not only is it a great place to stroll around and feel the festive vibes but there are plenty of activities that you can take part in.
There are lots of things to do at Cardiff's Winter Wonderland including the ice-rink and ice-walk, the family funfair and big wheel. As you walk around the grounds of Cardiff Castle as well as the City Hall lawns you can visit the plethora of food stalls or have a drink in the ice bar and alpine ski-lodge.
Both sites are opening on Thursday, November 14, and continue until Sunday, January 5. Whilst it is free to enter, you will need to book tickets for the ice rink, ice bar and giant wheel which you can do here.
Castle Cinema
The Christmas Underground Cinema is back this year at Cardiff Castle, showing some family favourite festive films. Three classic Christmas films will be shown within the castle's 15th century undercroft.
Three films, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Elf will be shown on Monday, December 23. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £7 for children which can be booked in advance here.
The Light of Winter Trail
As December for many can end up being an expensive month, you may be looking for free alternatives to enjoy the season. A new light trail is coming to Cardiff this Christmas that will see the streets lit up and will be a fun, free way to enjoy the festivities.
Eleven installations will light up across Cardiff as part of The Light of Winter Trail on Thursday, November 14, running until Sunday, January 5. Locations across Cardiff, including, the dock feeder, Central Square and the city arcades will bring Christmas to Cardiff with dazzling lights. For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here
The lights turning on next week will mark the start of the city's celebrations for Christmas, where the streets will be filled with brass bands and other entertainers. For more information on The Light of Winter Trail you can read our article here.
Cinderella at the New Theatre
Pantomimes are a Christmas staple for many children in Wales, whether that is with the family or on a school trip. This year, Welsh stars, Gethin Jones and Owain Wyn Evans are taking to the stage at the New Theatre in the production of Cinderella.
The opening night of the production takes place on Saturday, December 7, and runs until Sunday, January 5, tickets start at £24 and can be purchased here. We spoke to Gethin Jones about his starring role in the panto, which you can read here.
Christmas at Bute Park
The award-winning dazzling light trail at Bute Park is returning to Cardiff this year. Complete with sound and interactive experiences, you can walk through the iconic park in the heart of the city, taking in the all new installations.
The Bute Park light trail is a popular Christmas attraction for the festive season, with tickets available to book from June this year. Tickets are selling out quickly with the trail opening on November 22 and continuing until, December 31. You can book here.
Christmas Market and German Market
For many people, you know that Christmas is on it's way when you spot the Cardiff Christmas Market being constructed. Christmas will arrive in Cardiff as the markets open in the city centre on November 14.
Stalls will line the streets selling a range of different items perfect for gifting this festive season. As well as the Christmas Markets, the German Market will be opening, filling Cardiff with the delicious smell of Frankfurters and mulled wine.
Forage Farm's Christmas Experience
Forage Farm is putting on its annual Christmas show which you can book now for Christmas. The show takes audiences on a magical journey on how the children's letters will be delivered to the North Pole.
There is also the elf show and you can meet Father Christmas. You can find out more and book your tickets, here.
Tiger Yard Winter Wunderyard
For it's second year, Tiger Yard is creating a magical winter wonderland of its own, featuring festive menus and festive activities. The Winter Wunder-Yard will feature Tiger Yard's resident vendors serving up their own take on Christmas in addition to their much-loved street food menus.
The Cardiff Bay venue will see the return of dry ice curling for some family-friendly competition. There are also a number of holiday packages perfect for group celebrations such as a Christmas cocktail masterclass, disco huts to hire and bottomless brunch.
For more information and to book your tickets for the activities visit here.
How to donate to our Christmas appeal
1. Buy an item from our Amazon wishlist and have it sent directly to us. You can access the list here.
2. Bring any items - new, unopened, and if food, in date, to the WalesOnline office at 6 Park Street, Cardiff, CF10 1XR, Monday to Friday 8am until 6pm.
3. Take items to Asda in Tonypandy where there is a donation trolley
We will then give the items to the staff at Canolfan Pentre to distribute.
Find out more about our appeal to make sure kids in Wales gets presents this Christmas
