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Preparing for Christmas needn’t be a stressful time of year, in fact, with this ultimate Christmas guide you can plan ahead for all those exciting events. But it’s only September, I hear you cry…when it comes to the festive season, it’s never too early to start talking all things Santa, Christmas lights and fun-filled shows. Presenting, all the wonderful things the capital has in store:
On the first day of Christmas, It’s On Cardiff gave to me…
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Christmas at Bute Park
After astounding debut success, Wales’ biggest festive lights trail is back. The award-winning experience will once again come to Cardiff’s Bute Park with a whole host of new installations to immerse yourself in. Marketed as a magical event for children and adults alike, the light trail is an unforgettable Christmas celebration for the whole family.
For the whole of December, Bute Park will be transformed into an illuminated, special effects wonderland. The 1.4km route will be a whirlwind of light and colour, with brand new sights to enjoy this year too! Visitors can journey through a ‘Light Canyon’ where a thousand stars shine bright, an epic light orb experience, as well as a hypnotic ‘Liquid Sky’ created by lasers.
A beautiful walk through nature and creation, Christmas at Bute Park is sure to bring about the festive cheer. Wrap up in your winter warmers and sample the delicious local street food and drink stalls on offer. It’s also the season of good will and the event is offering complimentary tickets to local charities, as well as working with City Hospice and Light Up a Life campaign to raise money and awareness for those in need.
Tickets are on sale now and available to book online. There are various time slots to choose from and tickets are priced at £19.50 for adults and £13.95 for children (age 3-16).
Home – Christmas at Bute Park
Where: Bute Park
When: Thursday 1st December 2022 – Sunday 1st January 2023
On the second day of Christmas…
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Christmas Wonderland
Lo Lounge is known for its fabulous location overlooking the Bay, as well as cool cocktails and street food too. If last year’s stunning event is anything to go by, their Christmas Wonderland is also making a name for itself. Returning for December 2022, ‘an Afternoon with Santa & Friends’ sees Lo Lounge transformed into a Christmas wonderland, complete with: Santa’s grotto, a Christmas disco and a range of activities including table games, letter writing and arts and crafts.
There are great activities on offer for the rest of the family too. From a live ice carving show to Christmas movies on the big screen, there is something for everyone…even your fur babies! Bring your dogs along in their best festive costumes for some complimentary treats and a prize for the best dressed.
What is an afternoon out without food and drink? Lo Lounge are providing lots of mulled wine and mince pies, an adult bar and decadent hot chocolates with mallows for that perfect winter warmer. Food is also available, in particular treats like s’mores roasted over their BBQ fire pit. With free entry for adults, children’s tickets priced at £7.50 and a percentage of all ticket sales being donated to a local charity, what is not to like?
After special appearances from the Grinch and Olaf last year, keep your eyes peeled for details and tickets release here: https://fixr.co/venue/8750
Where: Lo Lounge, Cardiff Bay
When: December 2022 (date TBC)
On the third day of Christmas…
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Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff Christmas Market is a mainstay of the festive season and an annual tradition that you can rely upon; almost 30 years of organising this event and it is still going strong. The team at CraftFolk have been busy working behind the scenes to curate a superb set of stalls for 2022. They state: “we will have yet another fantastic, eclectic selection of arts and crafts, with some tasty food and alcohol producers, present at our event this year.”
Attendees can expect handcrafted local goods from small Welsh businesses selling things from beautiful ornaments and gift, to jewellery, artwork and the finest food and drink products. New and returning exhibitors are eagerly anticipated – the full list can be found on the market page closer to the start date. Cardiff Christmas Market
The stalls, as always, are at the heart of the city’s shopping area so it’s hard to miss those familiar huts and lights. Wander through the streets and enjoy the Christmas spirit whilst indulging in a mulled wine and discover why the market is so unique.
When: Thursday 10th November – Friday 23rd December 2022
Where: Stalls will be located in St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes
On the forth day of Christmas…
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Elf
A fun-filled family event is coming to the Motorpoint Arena in the form of a spectacular live version of Elf. The fan favourite Christmas movie is a must watch during the festive season and this stage production makes it supersized and immersive for everyone to enjoy.
The story we know and love is recreated by a cast of performers including West End star Steven Serlin who is playing Buddy the Elf, joined by supporting cast: Jordan Conway, Charlie Quirke and Kely Banlaki. The live show will feature film backdrops on a huge LED screen and a mobile, travelling stage. Santa’s flying sleigh and an audience snowball fight are just some of the clever special effects that make this tale all the more enjoyable.
The book has been written by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan with an original score by Matt Sklar and Chad Bequelin that has already proven to be a hit on Broadway and the West End. This show is a must-see event this Christmas for adults and children alike. Tickets range from £25-£45 across the three performances.
Elf | Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
Where: Motorpoint Arena
When: Tuesday 27th December 2022, 7pm / Wednesday 28th December 2022, 11am and 3pm
On the fifth day of Christmas…
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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Continuing with live performances, what would the festive season be without a pantomime? You can always rely on the New Theatre to put on a Christmas show and this year’s take is Snow White. The fairest pantomime of them all will be filled with slapstick comedy, extravagant costumes and of course musical song and dance numbers. Not to mention audience participation… “he’s behind you!”
Bringing this production to life will be Ian ‘H’ Watkins of Steps fame, who will play The Man in the Mirror and joining him are panto favourites: Gareth Thomas and Dame extraordinaire Mike Doyle, as well as soap star Siân Reeves and BGT ventriloquist Steve Hewlett.
If that’s not enough to wet the appetite and ignite your inner panto cheerleader, the New Theatre are offering generous discounts for groups, concessions and school performances to make this a treat for everyone! Ticket prices range from £21.50 up to £45, with an array of afternoon matinees and evening performances to choose from.
2022/23 Pantomime | Snow White | New Theatre, Cardiff (newtheatrecardiff.co.uk)
Where: New Theatre
When: Saturday 10th December 2022 – Sunday 8th January 2023 (times vary)
On the sixth day of Christmas…
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The Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival
Something truly spectacular is in store for the capital city this Christmas season. The grounds of Cardiff Castle will stage a new entertainment attraction – the Fortuna Spiegeltent. A European Spiegeltent (or magic mirrors) is a hand-hewn pavilion used as a travelling dance hall and entertainment salon. This unique and rare marquee is built from wood, cut mirrors, canvas, leaded glass, and detailed in velvet brocade. It will play host to three incredible shows from November until January where visitors can revel in the intimacy and magic of the 570-seat marquee.
There is something for everyone with the shows on offer. Kicking things off is The Nutcracker – The Christmas Ballet with a Welsh Twist. This festive classic is sure to be beautifully staged when performed in the round, and with a nod to its Cardiff venue has been reimagined to include recognisably Welsh characters. For just five performances, The Nutcracker will transport audiences through the Williams’ Family Christmas. The Rubicon Dance Company have a wealth of dancing, avalanching and flying in store as well as their signature showpiece, Snowflakes. Tickets start from £19.68 – £36.56. There is also the opportunity to buy a booth which seats six people and comes in at £168.75.
See Tickets – The Nutcracker in the Spiegeltent Tickets and Dates 2022
Next up is Castella. This 16+ jaw-dropping spectacle is a blend of cabaret, burlesque and comedy within a mystical world. The music is anthemic, the comedy is ever so cheeky and the talented performers will be sure to amaze and delight with magicians, shapeshifters and high-flyers all part of the show. Tickets for this brand-new extravaganza range from £27.56 – £50.06, or £232.85 for a booth.
See Tickets – Castellana in the Spiegeltent Tickets and Dates 2022 & 2023
Finally, Santa’s Wish – A Magical New Musical. This heartfelt family musical follows Snowflake the magical elf on his quest to get Santa home in time for Christmas. The World Premier takes place on 2nd December and is an experience not to be missed. Share the adventure with all the family; with original songs, immersive storytelling and some circus magic, children and adults alike will believe in the magic of Christmas. Book tickets from £16.87 – £33.75, or for £28.12 treat the whole family with a six-person booth.
See Tickets – Santa’s Wish in the Spiegeltent Tickets and Dates 2022
Where: The Spiegeltent, Cardiff Castle Grounds
When: The Nutcracker, Friday 25th – Sunday 27th November 2022 / Castellana (16+), Thursday 1st December 2022 – Sunday 8th January 2023 / Santa’s Wish, Friday 2nd – Saturday 24th December 2022
On the seventh day of Christmas…
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One of the festive treats of the season is Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland and 2022 will see all the favourite attractions returning. Opening from 15th December and taking place across two locations, Winter Wonderland promises an undercover 40m x 15m ice rink for skaters of all ages and abilities to enjoy. The 150m ice walk is also returning to the castle grounds; enjoy the magical surroundings and beautiful lights as you glide into Christmas. Winter Wonderland offers accessible skating sessions too (the first hour of every Wednesday).
At City Hall Lawns, expect the ultimate winter experience with things to suit all the family. There’s the iconic Giant Wheel and a family funfair including games to win those big cuddly prizes! Debuting last year, the -10 degrees ice bar is back and is the coolest spot to enjoy a tipple this Christmas. Marvel at the ice sculptures and frosty setting – just make sure you can still feel your fingers and toes! If the relaxed vibe is more your thing, the two-storey ski lodge Sur La Piste is the perfect spot to revel in the Swiss Alps atmosphere, so grab a mulled wine and get cosy.
There are of course plenty of festive food and drink on offer across the two locations and anyone can visit free of charge over the Christmas period. Whether you fancy a German sausage or a Yorkie pudding wrap, or perhaps the crepes and sweet treats are calling your name. Tickets are on sale now from £11.50 for children and £15.50 for adults, with family tickets and concessions also available.
Cardiffs Winter Wonderland
Where: Cardiff Castle / City Hall Lawn
When: Tuesday 15th November 2022 – Sunday 8th January 2023
On the eighth day of Christmas…
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Believe Christmas Extravaganza
City Hall are hosting a very special charity event this December: a Christmas Extravaganza in support of Believe Organ Donor Support. This one-day event is sure to be as magical as the work they do – there will be a food festival, a gift-wrapping service, craft stalls and raffles to raise money and create festive cheer. Believe events are looking for very special stallholders; details can be found by emailing fundraising@believeevents.co.uk.
Believe is a charity established by Anna-Louise Bates in memory of her late husband and son. The charity’s mission is to educate and help spread the word on organ donation, support those people involved, and break down the taboo around organ donation to get people talking. The event will provide awareness and help during a difficult time of year for some whilst also providing lots of positive experiences such as Christmas presents and a Santa’s Grotto, of course! Lots of fun to be had and all for a good cause.
See the Believe Christmas Extravaganza | Facebook page for more information.
Where: City Hall
When: Saturday 10th December, 10am-4pm
On the ninth day of Christmas…
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Believe
This Christmas sees the exciting return of St David’s Believe grotto. After the sold-out, wonderful reception it received last year, Centre Director Helen Morgan was delighted to announce it is back for 2022 with a few “magical enhancements”. She says: “What we love about Believe is that it offers a full festive, interactive experience as well as the chance to meet Santa himself which will create Christmas memories to treasure forever.”
The magical grotto will be open from 25th November right up until the big Eve and little ones can meet Santa’s little reindeer Norbert and his trusted elf McJingles. Believe is an enchanting day out with the kids where they will get crafty making ‘reindeer food’, as well as receive an early present (wrapped and age-appropriate). Families can be sure to get a snap of the tender moment they get to meet Santa and put a smile on the children’s faces just in time for Christmas.
Tickets are going on sale soon at £6 per child and £13 per adult (plus an online booking fee). But if last year’s popularity is anything to go by, guests should book early to guarantee their visit!
Believe at St David’s • Events • Visit Cardiff
When: Friday 25th November – Saturday 24th December 2022, 9am-5pm
Where: St David’s Shopping Centre, Lower Grand Arcade
On the tenth day of Christmas…
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Christmas with Aled Jones & Russell Watson
This November, something a little different this way comes. Two powerhouse voices Aled Jones and Russell Watson are coming together to put on a Christmas show in the heart of Cardiff! Following the success of their previous collaborations, the duo will be releasing a third Christmas album on 4th November which is available to pre-order now. The show will see Aled and Russell performing beloved Christmas songs from their album such as O Holy Night, White Christmas and Little Drummer Boy within the wonderful acoustics of St David’s Hall.
For anyone who is a fan of classical music and Christmas, or even just hearing some beautiful voices singing festive hits, this early Christmas present is a feast for the ears. Boy soprano Aled Jones acknowledges his association with Christmas and thus fans may get to hear a special rendition of Walking in the Air that the two have recorded together too. Their undoubted popularity and success will mean plenty of takers for tickets which range from £35.50-£58.
St David’s Hall, Cardiff – Christmas with Aled Jones & Russell Watson (stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk)
Where: St David’s Hall
When: Friday 25th November 2022, 7:30pm
On the eleventh day of Christmas…
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Santa Dash
What do you call a running hoard of Father Christmases? The Santa Dash, of course! Each year, the Santa Dash takes places in the Bay where lots and lots, and lots, of Santas (and Elves…can’t forget the Elves) take part in a 5k fun run to raise money for Calon Heart Screening. Whether you fancy joining in: donning your best Christmas fancy dress and running, dancing or walking your walk to the finish line; or watching from the side lines and sponsoring a fellow Santa, it will all help to raise money for this excellent cause.
Calon’s live-saving mission helps to provide screening to detect underlying heart conditions in young people and all funds raised will go towards heart screening, placing defibrillators in Welsh communities and providing free CPR training throughout Wales. The camaraderie of this festive affair is a lot of fun to watch (there’s something rather amusing about that many Santas in one place) and there’s never a better time to feel truly Christmassy than in fancy dress, for charity. The Rock Choir will be there entertaining the masses too. The biggest festive run in Wales is £15 for a single ticket and £12.50 if part of a group of four.
SantaDash Wales – Home
Where: Cardiff Bay, Roald Dahl Plass
When: Sunday 4th December 2022, 10am-3pm
And on the twelfth day of Christmas…
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Christmas Eve Breakfast with Santa
Christmas Eve excitement and the chance to have breakfast with the main man himself? Future Inns are hosting a VIP guest on December 24th – Santa Clause! The perfect children’s Christmas event includes a breakfast brunch and a meet and greet with Santa in his Grotto. The morning entertainment is great for all the family and kids where you will enjoy a festive breakfast complete with table novelties and crackers, get to see Santa, listen to Christmas stories and play games.
The menu includes cereals, granola, fruit, breakfast croissants, and a selection of doughnuts, pastries and biscuits. For the hot foods, on offer are: bacon or sausage baps, a mini frittata and pancakes with maple syrup! As for drinks, there are unlimited refills on teas and coffees (just what parents need in the run up to Christmas), and fruit teas, juices and milkshakes too!
Squeeze in a visit with Santa and his Elves before they have to dash back to the North Pole ready for their busy Christmas! Prices are as follows: £19 per person, £9.50 for under 12s and complimentary for under 2s.
Breakfast with Santa | Children’s Christmas Parties in Cardiff (futureinns.co.uk)
If Christmas Eve is just too busy to pencil in brunch, Future Inns also offer a 3-course festive Sunday lunch, children’s disco and a meet and greet with Santa in his Grotto throughout December (4th, 11th and 18th). For more information, visit Christmas Party Venue – Celebrate at Future Inn Cardiff (futureinns.co.uk)
Where: Future Inns, Cardiff Bay
When: Saturday 24th December 2022, 10am-1pm
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