Things to do in Caerdydd (Cardiff) around Christmas

Visit Caerdydd anytime after 13 November to see the stunning illuminations and light trails around the city centre.

Join in the festive spirit at Winter Wonderland in Caerdydd, 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 13 November 2025 to 04 January 2026.

In the lead up to Christmas, the city centre is transformed with the pop-up 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 13 November to 23 December 2025. Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, with a late night to 7pm every Thursday in December and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.

As well as hitting the Christmas Market, Caerdydd 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 2025, 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 21 November – 31 December 2025.

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 in a heated Spiegeltent. The festival runs from 05 December to 31 December, with shows such as Jack Frost (05–31 December 2025), A Christmas Carol (09–11 December 2025) and a Festive Fantasy variety spectacular (19–20 December 2025) for family-friendly and alternative seasonal entertainment.

Breakfast With Speedboat Santa takes place Lisvane and Llanishen Breakfast with Speedboat Santa from 13 – 24 December 2025 at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs. Santa arrives by speedboat and then joins his very special guests in the café for a festive breakfast. He will then chat, have photos taken and present a gift.

If you're looking for some entertainment and laughter this festive season, Caerdydd’s theatres have a lively programme of pantomimes, family shows and seasonal musicals.

The Wales Millennium Centre hosts a number of great Christmas shows: 

• The hilarious Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, 18 – 22 November 2025
• Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s musical family favourite Mary Poppins, 03 December 2025 - 10 January 2026
• Christmas No. 1, a family-friendly concert of seasonal hits and new holiday originals, 20 -22 November 2025
• The Vaguely Deviant Not Quite Christmas — Christmas Show Cabaret, a cheeky, adult-oriented cabaret, 28 November 2025
• All I Want for Christmas is Cabaret - blending classic carols with contemporary twists and storytelling, 03 - 06 December 2025
• Cardiff Cabaret Club presents The Big Burlesque Panto, a glittering, risqué panto, featuring audience participation, 17–31 December 2025

At the New Theatre: 

• A Fairytale For Christmas - a fabulous high-energy Irish concert, 12 November
• That’ll Be Christmas - a nostalgic, feel‑good festive party from the cast of That’ll Be The Day, 23 November
• 2025's pantomime is the classic Sleeping Beauty. Starring Gethin Jones as Prince Gethin, Owain Wyn Evans as the Spirit of Pantomime, and Mike Doyle as Nurse Nellie, alongside a cast of local panto favourites, it's a sparkling, laugh-filled show. 06 December 2025 to 04 January 2026

Join Rob Brydon and His Fabulous Band for an evening of festive songs, comic stories and spot‑on impressions at Utilita Arena Cardiff on 16 December 2025.

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

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

Cadw love to put on festive family trails and events during December. South Wales events include Caerphilly Christmas Weekends, Kalendae Guys at Caerleon Roman Baths, 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 Christmas Experience in Llantrisant. You can visit his Grotto between 22 November and 23 December (book ahead, tickets are limited).

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 Caerdydd inlcuding a range of luxury hotels for a real festive treat. If you're planning a capital festive break, check out Jazzy Whipps' festive weekend break, things to do and city breaks for more inspiration for your trip. Our local's guide to eating in Caerdydd 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 Caerdydd.