Things to do in Cardiff around Christmas

Visit Cardiff anytime after Thursday 14 November to see the stunning illuminations and light trails around Cardiff city centre. The Light of Winter Trail state-of-the-art light and sound installations are free to explore - pick up a Light of Winter Trail map to make sure you see them all. The installation is live until early January.

Join in the festive spirit at Winter Wonderland in Cardiff, located at the City Hall Lawn and in the grounds of Cardiff Castle. Skate on the open-air ice rink, enjoy the thrill of the fairground rides, or cosy up in the Alpine Village with a hot drink and a bite to eat. Winter Wonderland is open from 12 November to 5 January, from 12pm to 10pm on weekdays and from 10am to 10pm on weekends.

In the lead up to Christmas, Cardiff city centre is transformed with the pop-up Cardiff Christmas Market. The market has over 200 stalls selling unique crafts, gifts, food and drink. You can find everything from handmade jewellery, ceramics, candles, and textiles to local cheese, honey, gin, and chocolate. Stalls are open every day from 14 November to 23 December, from 10am to 6pm, and until 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

As well as hitting the Christmas Market, Cardiff is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping, whether you're looking for big brands, independent boutiques or vintage treasures. The compact city centre allows you to easily browse the shops at Dewi Sant St David's Shopping Centre, Cardiff Indoor Market, The Hayes and Queen Street. Head to the Arcades for a range of quirky and charming independent shops and cafes. The City of Arcades celebration takes place 14 – 16 November, featuring activities and offers.

Read more: Christmas shopping and Christmas markets in locations across Wales.

For a more natural setting, head to Bute Park, the green heart of the city. Explore the beautiful gardens, tranquil woodlands and riverbanks during the day. As darkness falls, discover the festive decorations and illuminations along the incredible light trail - Christmas at Bute Park is a feast of musical and visual delights. Join in one of the guided walks, workshops or family activities which run from 22 November – 31 December 2024.

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas at the Cardiff Christmas Festival, held at Sophia Gardens stadium The festival features live music, comedy, theatre, and dance performances, as well as a variety of stalls, food trucks, and bars. There's a spectacular fireworks display on the final night. The festival runs from 18 December to 23 December and is open from 12pm to 11pm each day, with tickets available online or at the gate.

Speedboat Santa’s Festive Feasts take place on several dates in December at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs. Santa arrives by speedboat and then joins his very special guests in the café for a festive breakfast or lunch. He will then chat, have photos taken and present a gift.

If you're looking for some entertainment and laughter, you can catch one of the many shows and pantomimes on offer at Cardiff's theatre venues.

The glamorous and glittery Vaguely Deviant Not Quite Christmas, Christmas Show brings an alternative start to the season on 30 November at the Wales Millennium Centre. On 19 December, Christmas Celebrations, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, will be a joyful evening of festive tunes with a jazzy twist.

Christmas shows at the Sherman Theatre, starting from early November, include the fabulous A Christmas Carol for all the family, Little Red Riding Hood (in English) and Yr Hugan Fach Goch (in Welsh) for young children.

At the New Theatre, the Christmas season begins on 13 November with a rocking So This Is Christmas show full of festive hits for a fabulous fun night out. 2024's pantomime is the classic Cinderella, running between 7 December and - 5 January. Take the whole family along for a brilliant, hilarious experience, starring Gethin Jones, Owain Wyn Evans, Mike Doyle, Denquar Chupak and Stephanie Webber.

Read more: Your essential guide to Cardiff's cultural venues

As well as all the city centre Christmas events, a few of our favourites are within easy reach of Cardiff to visit.

Cadw love to put on festive family trails and events during December. South Wales events include Caerphilly Christmas Weekends, celebrating Saturnalia – A Roman Festival in Caerleon, Tretower Winter Market, and a Medieval Christmas Decoration Workshop and family-friendly Light-Up Reindeer Trail in Chepstow Castle. Find more events on Cadw's What's On page.

Santa Claus and his elves are setting up their magical workshop at the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant. You can visit his Grotto between 23 November and 23 December. For more details and booking, head to the Royal Mint website.

Read more: Events and days out in December across Wales

Whether you’re seeking comfort, affordability, or a unique stay, you'll find plenty of places to stay in Cardiff inlcuding a range of luxury hotels for a real festive treat. If you're planning a Cardiff festive break, check out Jazzy Whipps' festive weekend break in Cardiff, things to do in Cardiff and Cardiff city breaks for more inspiration for your trip. Our local's guide to eating in Cardiff shares some of the best places to eat, and we have plenty of independent vegan-friendly places to eat too.

Search for more accommodation, activities and attractions in Cardiff.