Family Fun: 5 Family Friendly Ways to Spend New Year’s Eve 2022

19 December 2022

1. Spend a Day Down the Bay

If you go down to Cardiff Bay this New Year’s Eve, you’re in for a big surprise – of the gingerbread variety – as the Bay has been taken over by some big (but friendly) gingerbread statues. Follow the trail around the Bay, and take a look at the Gingerbread House in the Red Dragon Centre. While you’re there, why not make a day of it with a game of bowling at Hollywood Bowl, watching a film together at the Odeon IMAX cinema and making a stop at Five Guys for an iconic American burger using all fresh produce.

2. Go On a Wonderland Adventure

Take the opportunity to visit Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland sites at City Hall Lawn and Cardiff Castle. At City Hall Lawn, you can enjoy riding classic fairground rides, watch the city from the panoramic Big Wheel and play games for a chance to win big. While over at Cardiff Castle you can get your skates on at the ice rink and ice walk, then warm up with a hot chocolate and by toasting marshmallows. Pre-book your ice skating, with sessions throughout the day.

3. See The Enhancing Santa’s Wish Show

Catch the final showing of Santa’s Wish at 2pm on New Year’s Eve – a magical story of a girl helping Santa to keep Christmas on track in the wonders of the Spiegeltent, a truly unique venue based on the classic Belgian traveling mirror tent, hosted in the grounds of Cardiff Castle over the festive period. Tickets from £8.50 for children and £17 for adults.

4. Go Golfing in the Treetops

Swing by Treetop Adventure Golf, above St David’s Dewi Sant for an epic mini golf adventure. Take on the Tropical Trai, following the rainforest and along the Mystic River or brave the magic of the Ancient Explorer, with crumbling temples and scenic views. Then take on the final challenge – a nineteenth hole for the chance to win a free game in the New Year. While there you can feast on some jungle grub, in the form of Pizza Cabana’s handmade offering and Welsh coffee to help you keep up with the kids!

5. Make Night Time, Light Time

Take the chance to visit FOR Cardiff’s newest winter attraction – The Light of Winter – next to St John’s Church, in the city centre, this is a celebration of light and song in the heart of Cardiff. Enjoy the harmonious sounds of the Welsh folk classic ‘Ar Lan Y Mor’ sung by a local choir while relaxing in a rippling calm light display.

Or you could go bigger and visit Christmas at Bute Park, follow the festive light trail around the trees, take in the magical ‘Light Canyon’ and experience a hypnotic laser journey that creates a ‘Liquid Sky’ – while you’re there, take a break to check out the range of funky independent street food vendors, with the sky lit up. Book your Christmas at Bute Park tickets online now for frequent sessions between 4:15pm and 7:15pm.

Enjoy spending New Year’s Eve in the capital with your loved ones, then cosy up at home, or your home-away-from-home in the city to see in the new year together. Or if the adults are looking to bring in the new year with a bang, check out our guide to party your way into 2023.