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!