Magical Midweek Delights: Christmas Activities in Cardiff
The sleigh bells are ringing as the festive season starts taking place in Cardiff!
Tis’ the season to be jolly and have fun, and Cardiff is just the place for that this winter, as it is filled with Christmas activities to keep everyone merry and bright. From Christmas markets to funny pantomimes, Yorkshire pudding wraps to ice bars and everything in between, the magic of Christmas is in full swing in Cardiff.
Why save all the fun for the weekends? With plenty going on throughout the week, here are 10 Christmassy ideas to do midweek to add a sparkle to your festive season!
1. Winter Wonderland
Even bigger and better than last year, Cardiff’s popular Winter Wonderland is back. With a fantastic array of fairground rides and attractions, the light-up big ferris wheel, festive food stalls, and the ice bar, the coolest place to chill and have a drink (yes, everything in there is made of ice!) Winter Wonderland is made to suit all ages, so it is perfect for the whole family, a date night or a trip with friends! Open all day until 10pm you can enjoy a midday adventure or a late night wonder.
16th November - 2nd January
https://cardiffswinterwonderland.com/
2. Christmas Markets
Immerse yourself in the authentic Christmas markets, where you can enjoy shopping around a variety of hand-crafted gifts, foods, jewellery, arts, crafts and textiles, decorations, drinks and many many more, just like the traditional markets in Germany. You will find unique and wonderful gifts, which have been cleverly crafted by the owners which makes each item so special. Enjoy a warm glass of mulled wine whilst you mooch around.
9th November - 23rd December
https://www.cardiffchristmasmarket.com/
3. Xmas at Bute Park Light Trail
Enjoy the award-winning light trail around Bute Park, with its new extended route and exceptional lights, illuminations and immersive visuals. It’s not just any old light trail, with festive soundtracks, interactive illuminations and tasty street food vendors, it’s definitely not one to miss this Christmas. It’s perfect for little ones to enjoy as well.
24th November - 1st January
https://christmasatbutepark.com/
4. Ice Skating in Cardiff Castle
Ice skate around Cardiff Castle’s undercover ice rink and enjoy the 150m ice walk with the beautiful Norman Keep as the backdrop. This is a fun activity of all which will have you showing off your skills (or holding onto the side for balance) and having a laugh with your friends. The trusty penguins will be there to aid any unsure skaters. Enjoy a Yorkshire pudding wrap or toast some marshmallows afterwards in the Castle grounds with a selection of lovely stalls.
16th November - 2nd January
https://www.cardiffcastle.com/events/cardiffs-winter-wonderland/
5. Get Creative with Wreath Making and Pottery Painting
Let your creative juices flow this Christmas and enjoy an arts and crafts workshop whilst having a festive catch-up with your friends and family.
Jazz up your Christmas decorations with a traditional, homemade wreath, which you create using a variety of fresh greenery, dried fruits and bows - a fun, new activity to try whilst jazzing up your decorations!
https://classbento.co.uk/christmas-wreath-making-workshop-cardiff
Unlock your artistic potential at a pottery painting class, where you can design and paint beautiful and sentimental gifts for yourself or loved ones. Interactive presents are the best, so a lovely activity like this is the perfect gift to give someone for you to enjoy together. Or design and paint a gift for someone as everybody loves a homemade present!
6. Christmas Shopping at St Davids
The shopping mall that has it all! Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be boring (especially when it’s for yourself), enjoy a day browsing the immense selection of shops St Davids shopping centre has to offer. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting for others, there is something for everyone with plentiful restaurants for a tasty meal to recharge! They even have late-night shopping over the festive season as they are open till 8 pm on weekdays and will open until 9 pm in the week leading up to Christmas, so you have plenty of time to shop till you drop!
7. Watch a Musical at The Millennium Centre
Enjoy a night at the theatre watching your favourite movie characters in entertaining musicals! Sing along and enjoy the likes of Shrek and Aladdin, two classics which will be hosting multiple midweek shows this festive season as well as others. A lovely evening activity which is hard not to enjoy!
20th November - 14th January
https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/seasons/musicals
8. See a Pantomime
Fe-fi-fo-fum I smell…. An amazing pantomime coming to Cardiff! Jac and the Beanstalk is coming to The New Theatre throughout December and January to bring you, your family and friends a bunch of laughs and a great evening. There are performances in the afternoons and evenings all the way from the 9th December through to the 7th January, so you can pop out for a midweek treat to watch one. It’s the perfect way to add some joy and laughter to your festive season with a heartwarming performance!
9th December - 7th January
https://newtheatrecardiff.co.uk/Online/pantomime-tickets-cardiff-wales-2023
9. Christmas Camembert at Neighbourhood
Nothing says Christmas like a good ol’ gooey camembert and sumptuous toppings with a bottle of wine to wash it all down. Christmas is all about great food and Neighbourhood is definitely the place for that. Enjoy a mid-week cheesy feast with friends and indulge in the exciting sides and cheeses on offer. The ultimate Christmas feast.
Tuesday - Sunday
Until 23rd December
https://neighbourhoodkitchen.co.uk/kitchen/
10. Visit Wales’ Biggest Christmas Shop
Walk into a festive wonderland and enjoy Season’s Christmas Shop in Bridgend - The biggest Christmas shop in Wales. Have a mooch around all the Christmas decorations, ornaments and games and fill your stockings full with goodies! If you need a couple of baubles for your tree or a dazzling Christmas light, this is definitely the place for you. It's a fun activity in itself just admiring the winter wonderland in all its glory!
https://christmasdecorationsoutlet.co.uk/
Top 10 Bars in Cardiff to Visit on a Hen Do
Top 10 Bars in Cardiff to Visit on a Hen Do
1. Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails
Start your night the right way with some deliciously fun cocktails at Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails. Get your paws on a Watermelon Marg or one of our ever changing seasonal specials alongside some delicious street food to nibble at with your best gals.
Be wowed by the winning venue of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2022 with their dramatic cocktails. Every drink here is a performance combined with perfectly balanced flavours. Enjoy one of the best drinks Cardiff has to offer before heading off for a dance…
Golf Fang is Cardiff’s latest games bar, with the quirkiest crazy golf setting we’ve ever seen. Every room is kitted out with outrageous decor and props, making your game of golf an unforgettable one (not to mention the photo ops!)
Combining cocktails and dancing, at Dirty Martini their fun and fruit cocktails go down a treat while you’re living it up on the dance floor!
Just a couple of doors down from Dirty Martini, is the Cocktail Club – providing wild drinks and an off the chain venue. With drag performers and everyone dancing on the bar, The Cocktail Club provides one hell of a party.
Be at One is a buzzing cocktail bar with a great atmosphere. Their cocktail masterclasses provide the fun and are a perfect addition to a Hen Do night out.
The queen of all bars – Tonight Josephine was created with the ultimate girls night out in mind. Expect Spice Girls, drag performers, pink decor and a wild time.
Flight Club, the ‘home of social darts’. Throughout all three floors, there’s plenty to see from their heated rooftop, cocktail bars, ample space, and, of course, plenty of darts boards to get involved in the spirit!
When it’s time for a dance, Peppermint Bar is calling. With their lively outdoor area and dance floor, Peppermint Bar is the perfect spot to dance the night away and to meet new people.
Cardiff’s late night bar ~ Ten Mill Lane’s underground setting is open until 6am. Expect great cocktails, quality DJ sets and an amazing end to the night out.
Closest Gyms in and Around The City
Closest Gyms in and Around The City
Whether you’re looking for a quick gym session or a long-term membership, with plenty of different gyms across Cardiff, whatever your looking for, we got you covered. Here are 10 gyms for you to check out.
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PURE GYM
With 4 Pure Gym’s dotted around the city, wherever you are you can be certain one will be accessible for you. Located at Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Gate, Western Avenue and Cardiff Central and 24 hour access, there’s no excuse!
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JD GYMS
JD Gyms are known for being a low cost gym to ensure that everyone is welcome. There’s 24 hour access and two locations across the city in Llanishen and Cardiff City Centre.
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THE GYM GROUP
With monthly deals, flexible memberships, and student offers, this a great choice if you’re looking for a gym on a budget and don’t want to get tied down to any contracts. There are 3 dotted across the city making it accessible from wherever.
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SIMPLY GYM
Bringing the best equipment and a variety of classes too, they pride themselves on being different to other gyms, with expertise and high standards it’s not a average gym. They even offer women only gym spaces to help encourage everyone to enjoy their gym sessions!
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HILTON HEALTH CLUB
As well as the gym facilities there’s a 20M swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room – perfect for a post session wind down. A little bit more on the pricey side, but you definitely get what you pay for, 100% worth it.
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UFIT
Offering top notch gym facilities, yoga classes, bootcamps and all the rest, there’s definitely something for everyone. They provide a variety of memberships and gym passes so you can choose the perfect one to suit you.
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VILLAGE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLUB
After a 250K Investment, it’s definitely a special one. With a 25M indoor heated swimming pool, a sauna, steam room it’s got the perfect facilities to wind down after a heavy gym session or a pulse raising class. Offering Pilates, Zumba, HIIT, cycle and many other classes there’s something for everyone. You can even treat yourself to a bite to eat or a post session beverage in the bar and restaurant.
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DAVE’S GYM
Offering a selection of different options such as Muay Thai classes, a boxing ring, personal training, and a large selection of gym equipment – it’s big enough to have all you need, but small enough to have the time for you.
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ASPIRE FITNESS
With 10+ years in the business, they know what they’re doing. Offering fitness classes, personal and group PT sessions, they love to help everyone reach their goals.
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ULTIMATE FITNESS CENTRE
With muay thai, jui-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, mum tums workouts, personal trainers and an excellent fitness gym – there’s something for everyone and plenty of opportunities to give something new a go!
Welsh Rugby Fixtures – Best Bars for Pre and Post Match
Welsh Rugby Fixtures – Best Bars for Pre and Post Match
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NEIGHBOURHOOD
Need a pre match breakky and a pint? Head on over to Neighbourhood between 9am -12pm to fill your stomach with a hearty breakfast and a cheeky pint to wash it down. Start as you mean to go on!
(neighbourhood.com)
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TINY REBEL
If you want to be spoiled for choice with quirky and unique beers, IPA’s, lagers, stouts and all the rest, this is your place to go. An award-winning and highly popular Welsh brewery.
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BREWDOG BREWERY
With a great selection of different craft beers for you to try, including 25 taps to choose from, no better way to start the day than with a great beer, or 2 or 3…
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CITY ARMS
Owned by Brains, you know it’s sure to offer you great pints of beer and cider, and being just outside the Principality Stadium, a top-notch location for a pre match beer or a celebratory pint!
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HEAD OF STEAM
Offering a brilliant selection of local craft beer and real ale as well as hosting bevs from all over the world, cocktails, spirits, and even a hot drink to warm up your hands after a chilly match!
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O’NEILLS
Lively at all times, especially on match days, with a great atmosphere and a large variety of drinks this is the perfect stop for a post-match party.
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THE QUEENS VAULTS
Full of pub games, pool tables and good ol’ pints, along with a Jukebox to get the old tunes playing and the beers flowing, perfect pre match set up.
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THE GATE KEEPER
A Good ol’ wetherspoons pub, you can’t go wrong, cheap pints and just round the corner from the Stadium, ideal for match days.
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THE OLD ARCADE
With a great atmosphere on game days, you don’t want to be elsewhere, equipped with a beer garden and plenty of screens, it’s a great place for a pre-match wind up
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THE PONTCANNA INN
If you’d like a quieter drink or a bit of post-match grub, Pontcanna Inn is the one for you, with a tempting food menu and a nice hearty drinks list, it’ll set you up nicely for the day.
10 Places To Visit On Your Anniversary
10 Places To Visit On Your Anniversary
If it’s your anniversary or you just fancy a romantic evening out, here are 10 of Cardiff’s top fine dining restaurants for you and a loved one to enjoy.
- Kindle
In a relaxed, cosy, and unique setting, Kindle combine fire food and natural wine, bringing a variety of small plates, seasonal ingredient-led cooking and fine wine. All the meals are cooked over fire bringing a unique approach to their fresh menu options. It’s a casual and sociable dining experience for you and your partner. (kindlecardiff.co.uk)
- Pasture
Pasture is a chic steak house and late-night bar, which offers an impeccable choice of steaks and other dishes, handpicked and prepared by top butchers. With a variety of delicious starters and sides it really is a fantastic meal. To compliment the dishes, there is an extensive drinks menu offering local beers, signature wines, independent spirits, and truly unique cocktails. Be sure to book well in advance as it gets very busy, but it is worth it.(Tripadvisor.co.uk)
- The Potted Pig
Situated in a former bank vault beneath the city, The Potted Pig restaurant & gin lounge combines its passion for modern British food with French and New York influences, bringing an ever-changing seasonal menu. With a pleasant rustic décor and over 30 gins, it’s a lovely romantic spot.
(thepottedpig.com)
- The Deck Penarth
A relaxed way to enjoy a bite to eat and some drinks at the waters edge. Situated on Penarth Marina, The Deck provides all from a delicious breakfast, evening meals, Sunday roast sharing boards, to afternoon teas, cocktails, and a quick lunch. And even better, a lovely view to enjoy too.
(thedeckpenarth.co.uk)
- Mowgli Street Food
Well known for its beautiful interior and swing seats, Mowgli’s brings a taste of fine Indian dining to Cardiff. It’s all about how Indians eat at home, using fresh, healthy herbs and spices, creating traditional Indian dishes to enjoy in a romantic and unique setting.(mowglistreetfood.com)
- Asador 44
Asador 44 is a Spanish grill & wine house featuring fresh chargrilled meats, fish and veggies bringing a taste of lovely Spanish cuisine. The restaurant itself is in a historic, warm, red bricked building creating a lovely atmosphere to enjoy your meal and extensive choices of wine.(grupo44.co.uk)
- Casanova
If you love Italian food, Casanova is the one for you. Named as one of the best and most authentic Italian restaurants in Wales, you can’t go wrong. It focuses on authenticity but adds tweaks of modern techniques and styles to perfect the dishes. It has a seasonal menu which isn’t the largest, but it is to ensure maximum quality and attention to detail.(walesonline.co.uk)
- The Alchemist
If you’re looking for some unique cocktails and a bite to eat, then the Alchemist will be right up your street. It specialises in molecular mixology cocktails and drinks, bringing unconventional cocktails and presenting them in the best way… you’ll have to have take a look for yourself.
(designmynight.com)
- The libertine
If you’re just looking for something to drink, this cocktail bar will tick all your boxes. With an extensive list of unique cocktails, these cocktail connoisseurs sure know how to give you a good night of great drinks!
(nicelocal.co.uk)
- The Crispy Duck
Situated out of the city centre on Whitchurch Road, The Crispy duck brings the finest selection of Pan-Asian meals and small plates to enjoy. With a relaxed atmosphere and an excellent selection of food, if you’re looking for something oriental, be sure to try here.
(thecrispyduck.co.uk)
