While Cardiff is a fantastic place to visit all year round, it really comes to life during the wintertime, making it perfect for a festive staycation. From one-off events to magical festivals, the best things to do in Cardiff at Christmas include: 

• Christmas at Bute Park
• Santa at the Stadium
• Cardiff Christmas Market
• The Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival
• Shopping at St David’s Dewi Sant
• Cardiff Winter Wonderland
• A show at the New Theatre
• A festive meal in the city centre

Want to visit the Welsh capital this year? Get inspired with our ultimate guide to Christmas in Cardiff.

 

Christmas at Bute Park

Returning to Cardiff for the second year running, Christmas at Bute Park is an event not to be missed. Come and see Wales’ biggest festive light trail, full of dazzling installations and unique lights. See Bute Park’s grounds illuminated with bright colours and special effects, including a ‘hypnotic laser section’. The 1.4km trail will also feature a range of food and drink stalls where you can indulge in delicious seasonal treats.

Christmas at Bute Park is open to visitors of all ages and will run from the 24th of November 2022 until the 1st of January 2023.

 

Santa at the Stadium

Santa at the Stadium offers the perfect day out for families, giving children the chance to meet Father Christmas. This event is held at the iconic Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby, and will see the venue be transformed into a winter wonderland. Combining a stadium tour with a visit to Santa’s Grotto, it’s the ideal Christmas activity in Cardiff.

Santa at the Stadium will take place from the 2nd to the 24th of December 2022. Tickets begin at £10.00 for adults and £12.00 for under 16s (including a gift).

 

Cardiff Christmas Market

There’s nothing quite as Christmassy as a winter market, and Cardiff hosts one of the best across the UK. Located in the city’s heart, Cardiff Christmas Market is a great place to pick up unique gifts for loved ones. Explore the stalls dotted throughout Working Street, Trinity Street, St John Street and the Hayes, displaying everything from ceramics to bespoke jewellery. There are also plenty of places to grab festive food, from hot turkey sandwiches to roasted chestnuts. 

Cardiff’s winter market will be open from the 10th of November until the 23rd of December 2022.

 

The Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival

This Christmas, head to Cardiff Castle and take part in the city’s most exciting winter festival. The Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival is a brilliant new event held in the grounds of the castle. It will feature three spectacular shows—The Nutcracker, Santa’s Wish and Castellana—providing fun, festive entertainment for all to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting Cardiff with friends or family, this event offers a brilliant way to get into the festive spirit.  

The Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival will take place from the 25th of November 2022 until the 1st of January 2023. The shows will take place at various times across these dates.

 

Shopping at St David’s Dewi Sant

Searching for things to do in Cardiff in December? Get your Christmas shopping sorted at Cardiff’s largest retail centre, St David’s Dewi Sant. Here you’ll find over 150 shops, with everything you could think of in one place. There’s also a selection of eateries to relax and take a break, from Caffè Nero to TGI Fridays.

This year, St David’s Dewi Sant will also host its Believe event, where little ones can meet friendly festive characters and visit Santa’s magical Grotto. This will take place from the 25th of November until the 24th of December 2022. Tickets begin at £13.00 for children and £6.00 for adults.

 

Cardiff Winter Wonderland

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland event. Split across two locations, this year’s Winter Wonderland is set to be bigger and better than ever, boasting a range of Christmassy activities.

Head to City Hall Lawn to enjoy exciting funfair attractions, a ski lodge bar and even an ice bar! And for something extra special, visit Cardiff Castle, where you can spend a few hours on the open-air ice rink and Ice Walk. Cardiff Winter Wonderland will run from the 15th of November 2022 until the 8th of January 2023.

 

A show at the New Theatre

If seeing a show is part of your Christmas routine, there’s no better place to do so than Cardiff. This year, the classic story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be brought to life at the city’s New Theatre, offering entertainment for the whole family. Expect brilliant songs, comedy and scenery in this production, as well as a wonderful cast. 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will run from the 10th of December 2022 until the 8th of January 2023—don’t miss out!

 

A festive meal in the city centre

This winter, discover Cardiff’s huge range of restaurants and tuck into a fabulous Christmas meal. Whether you fancy a traditional roast or afternoon tea, the Welsh capital has plenty of venues to choose from, complete with dazzling decorations.

Some of the best restaurants in Cardiff for a festive meal include:

• The Botanist
• The Ivy
• Pen & Wig

 

Where can I stay in Cardiff?

Our Leonardo Hotel Cardiff hotel is conveniently located for your city staycation. Situated just off Queen Street, you’ll be right in the thick of the action, close to Cardiff’s top attractions, shops and restaurants. Offering spacious rooms, a contemporary restaurant and a stylish bar, our hotel is the perfect home away from home. Plus, it’s close to Cardiff Queen Street station—ideal if you’re heading to Wales by train.