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Why not indulge in the Christmas spirit and join the fun in Cardiff for the Christmas lights switch on. Cardiff has two of the brightest stars in UK entertainment to switch on this year’s Christmas lights in the Civic Centre on Wednesday November 12 (from 5.30pm) when Wales’ own Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon, Nessa and Bryn in the award-winning Gavin and Stacey drop in from nearby Barry to kick off the city’s Christmas celebrations. An evening of free entertainment on the main stage, funfair and rides, as well as the opening of the bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland means there's something for the whole family.

 

2008 see's the Winter Wonderlands eighth year in the city, in the spectacular Civic Centre. The magical open-air ice rink is back between November 12th 2008 and January 4th 2009 giving a cool 53 days of skating.

Whether you're an experienced skater or a complete beginner the open-air ice rink at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is an essential winter experience. Whilst the rink remains the focus for skaters and spectators, there are plenty of other attractions around the arena for all the family including the ice café bar; heated terrace overlooking the ice; traditional children's carousel and rides; the Admiral Eye and free festive entertainment. You can also visit Santa in his grotto,

Find out more About Cardiff Winter Wonderland including skating times, ticket prices and contact information here or phone 029 20 230 130

 

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Christmas Markets

See the waterfront sparkle this Christmas when the Cardiff Bay lights are switched on in a family event on Saturday November 15. Following the great success of last year’s On The Road to Christmas, the waterfront lights will twinkle even more brightly this festive season with a whole day of family activities building up to a lantern procession with Santa as he switches on the Bay’s Christmas lights, and a spectacular firework finale.

12-7pm    children’s workshops, trade fair and stalls on Roald Dahl Plass

5-7pm      live entertainment with Red Dragon FM, choirs and bands

6pm         Lantern Procession from Roald Dahl Plass to switch on the Christmas Lights

7pm         Firework Finale (weather permitting) - visible from Roald Dahl Plass

In addition, there is a host of entertainment in the venues and attractions throughout the Bay – from Christmas markets at Mermaid Quay to Santa’s Grotto at the Red Dragon Centre; from music and stories at the Norwegian Church to Road Train Christmas Tours. And Craft in the Bay has some great Christmas gift ideas. www.visitcardiffbay.info

 

 

 

 

Tour operator Transun is offering Welsh families a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Santa from Cardiff International Airport. Short and day breaks are available with Transun to Lapland, where kids can meet Father Christmas and enjoy a true white Christmas experience.

Highlights of the trip include searching for Santa’s hideaway log cabin on a reindeer sleigh, a husky sleigh ride and a snowmobile safari through the Arctic wilderness.

True Lapland day breaks are available on 15 December and prices start from £429 per adult and £399 per child. Short breaks are also available on 11 December for those who want more time exploring Santa’s kingdom, with prices starting from £959 per adult. Short break packages include a choice of accommodation and excursions, with extended arctic safaris by raindeer, husky and snowmobiles on offer. Visit Transun at www.transun.co.uk or call 01865 265 200 for information and reservations. 

 

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Cardiff’s Calennig New Year’s Eve celebrations (with free live music stage, the Admiral family fireshow, and free buses); bring to a close Cardiff’s Christmas celebrations with a New Years Eve party to remember. Skate in the new year on the open-air ice rink or take a trip on the Admiral Eye.  Book early for the midnight skate - £8.50 for all. Find out more here.

 

Get in and out of the city for free the New Year's Eve. Find more details of the service here.

 

Pyrotechnic wizards External Combustion premier a brand new show for family audiences in Cardiff this New Year's Eve. Tiger Tiger tells the tale of a naughty tiger and the animals he encounters on his travels, beautifully brought to life through the imaginative use of light, puppetry, fire, music, video and of course stunning fireworks. So wrap up the kids and experience Cardiff Castle as you've never seen it before to start your New Year's celebrations with a bang! Gates open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Free event.