Cardiff Bay
Explore
Christmas in Cardiff 2024
There's so much to get you in the festive spirit this Christmas
Christmas in Cardiff 2024
Cardiff Christmas Markets | Cardiff Winter Wonderland | Christmas at Bute Park
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Cardiff is truly magical at Christmas. The festive season offers things to do with family and friends, as a couple or on your own. You will be spoilt for choice with things to do at Christmas in Cardiff. From carol singing to Christmas markets and delicious festive treats to enjoy, Cardiff has it all this December! There's plenty of holiday spirit to go around!
Christmas Shopping in Cardiff
You can do all of your Christmas shopping in Cardiff!
With large shopping centres, high street favourites, individual stores, and a thriving indoor market, Cardiff is the ideal destination for a shopping trip.
The real highlight of Cardiff’s retail scene is the Victorian and Edwardian arcades, full of independent boutiques and cafes, worth a visit as architectural gems.
Don't forget about the incredible Boxing Day Sales!
SHOPPING IN CARDIFF
Cardiff Christmas Market
Thursday 14 November until Monday 23 December 2024 | 10am to 6pm (5pm on Sundays)
Free entry
A huge range of craft stalls and food can be browsed throughout the day in Alpine-style huts. Found on St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes, known as the Festive Quarter. Over 200 individual businesses sell a wide variety of diverse arts and crafts, plus seasonal food and drinks each year.
MORE INFORMATION
Farmers Market at Insole Court
Dates to be confirmed
9am to 1pm | Free entry
Found just outside the city centre in Llandaff is Insole Court. Within the grounds of the 160-year-old mansion house, which was recently saved by the community, you will find craft stalls and some of the best produce South Wales has to offer. Whilst there walk around the gardens, visit the house and the exhibition 'This House is a Stage'.
MORE INFORMATION
Christmas In Cardiff 2024 Events
Christmas at Bute Park 2024
22 November - 31 December 2024 | 4pm to 8pm
The most extensive light trail Wales has ever seen is Christmas in Bute Park. The park is taken over by dazzling light displays, interactive installations, a flickering fire, and an enchanting fairy tree forest. Some of the best street food vendors can also be enjoyed. It's fun for all the family!
MORE INFORMATIONCardiff Winter Wonderland
Dates to be confirmed | 11am to 10pm (12.30am on New Year)
The annual Christmas Winter Wonderland is in the heart of the city centre, on the City Hall lawn. The Christmas festival has funfair rides, games and a big wheel. There’s plenty of food and drink on offer too. Entry is free. However, games, food and drink are chargeable.
Enjoy a drink at The Ice Bar, where it is chilled to minus 10 degrees, and absolutely everything is made of ice. The pre-timed slots in the sub-zero temperatures book fast, so get your tickets well in advance.
MORE INFORMATIONCardiff Castle Christmas 2024
Christmas events spill over to Cardiff Castle, too, where you'll find the ice rink and ice walk within the public square in the castle grounds. Get your skates on with family and friends, or enjoy a festive drink or feast under the twinkling lights in this magical setting. Entry is free. However, skating (pre-booking required), games, festive food and drink are chargeable.
The Castle will also be decorated for Christmas if you want to explore beyond the walls. Tour the beautifully decorated apartments and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions. You can also meet Santa in the Castle's Drawing Room, followed by seasonal treats in the library.
MORE INFORMATIONCardiff Christmas Festival
To be confirmed
The Cardiff Christmas Festival and its iconic Spiegeltent is in the grounds of Sophia Gardens in the centre of Cardiff. 2023 productions included Santa's Wish, Castellana, Britain's Got Talent musical theatre stars Welsh of the West End, Christmas Cracker Comedy Night and My My! ABBA. It's ideal festive entertainment for all the family or to spend time with friends.
MORE INFORMATIONCardiff Bay Christmas
To be confirmed
If you want free things to do in Cardiff this Christmas, the Christmas Trail will get all family members in the festive spirit. The Cardiff Bay Trail is the best opportunity to explore The Bay and track down eight themed characters. There are prizes to be won every week.
Previous trails have included gingerbread people and the snow trail with a kick-off event at the Red Dragon Centre.
Sunday Lunch with Santa
Sunday 1, 8, 15 and 22 December 2024 | 12.30pm - 4pm
£35 per person
£21 per child (under 12’s) | Under 2’s are complimentary
MORE INFORMATION
Festive Afternoon Tea
1 until 23 December 2024 | 1pm-5pm
Savoury sandwiches
Scones with clotted cream and jam
Selection of homemade cakes
Unlimited tea or coffee
£21 per person | £15 for under 12's | Under 2's complimentary
Upgrade to bottomless Prosecco for up to 2 hours:
£33 per person
MORE INFORMATION
Hamilton at Wales Millennium Centre
26 November 2024 - 25 January 2025
Hamilton is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations we know today.
As the official hotel partner, ticket holders get 20% off bed and breakfast rates.
MORE INFORMATION
Boxing Day in Cardiff
Thursday 26 December 2024 | 12pm - 5pm
After a hectic big day, there’s no need to wrap up the festive season just yet. Indulge with three courses from our special Boxing Day Menu in Thomas Restaurant.
If you're still in the Christmas spirit, you could start with a Bucks Fizz or Mulled Wine or choose from the large selection of alcoholic and soft drinks.
3 courses for £23 per person
MORE INFORMATION
Family New Year's Eve Party
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | 7.30pm - 1am
The family-friendly New Year's Eve party includes a 3-course hot buffet and our resident party DJ to keep everyone entertained throughout the evening.
As we welcome 2025, there will be a glass of bubbles for the adults to raise a glass with.
£60 per person
£40 per child (under 12’s)
Under 2’s are complimentary
Cardiff Hotel with Free Parking
Future Inn Cardiff is a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of Cardiff Bay, one of the city's most vibrant areas. It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone. Added touches like a laptop safe, complimentary robe and slippers, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, and tea and coffee-making facilities to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking, a rare perk in such a central location, as well as the availability of electric car charging.
It is incredibly easy to get to Cardiff city centre from Future Inns:
Make a Reservation
Book direct for the best rates guaranteed
Book your stay online, where we guarantee the best rate, or with our Reservations Team at 02920 487111 or reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.
Book RoomFuture Inn Rewards
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!
Cardiff Bay Restaurant
Thomas Restaurant is a vibrant dining venue in the heart of Cardiff Bay that offers a memorable culinary experience.
Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and Welsh dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region.
From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Brains beers, Penderyn whiskey and vodka, Benjamin Hall gins, and Cariad wines.
Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.
Reservations can be made on 02920 487111 or thomas@futureinns.co.uk, or online:
BOOK NOW
