Festive Family Days Out

Thursday, 12 September 2024

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, provides the perfect destination for a festive, family day out. Spend quality time together by soaking up the Christmas celebrations.

Visit Cardiff have listed spectacular activities to fill a family day out and occupy all ages and interests. Pick and choose your favourite attractions and events below. Too much to do in one day? Why not extend your stay by booking a City Centre hotel to ensure you don’t miss out!

1. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

Enjoy the famous undercover ice-rink and Ice Walk, the Big Wheel and family funfair, plus a whole host of other attractions. Check out the alpine ski-lodge bar, Sur la Piste, festive food and drink stalls, not to mention the seriously cool Ice Bar, Winter Wonderland really is at the heart of the Cardiff’s seasonal celebrations.

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland – Castle Grounds • Events • Visit Cardiff

2. A breath-taking walk through a ‘Light Canyon’ awash with a thousand mesmerising stars. 

After its first two sell-out years, Christmas at Bute Park is back for 2024! Now the most successful light trail outside of London, Bute Park’s festive lights have already become a firm favourite in Cardiff’s Christmas calendar. This year, experience a new and expanded route with characteristically spectacular illuminations and, once you have finished, sit down to enjoy some truly delicious street food.

Christmas at Bute Park 2024 • Events • Visit Cardiff

3. Santa’s Wish at Cardiff Christmas Festival

Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fantastical family adventure. Join Gerda on a dangerous and whimsical quest to save her best friend Kai before he is trapped forever in the Snow Queen’s palace.

Bring the whole family and immerse yourselves in the joy and wonder of “The Snow Queen” – an unforgettable theatrical experience performed in the magical and intimate Spiegeltent setting. A Christmas treat – not to be missed.

Cardiff Christmas Festival 2024 – The Spiegel Theatre • Events • Visit Cardiff

4. Experience a traditional Panto 

“Oh yes it is” a Christmas tradition and Panto’s don’t come much more classic than Cinderella at the historic New Theatre. Cardiff’s magical family panto stars presenter Gethin Jones as Prince Charming, broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans as Dandini, much-loved New Theatre Cardiff regular Mike Doyle as the Baroness, and returning favourites Denquar Chupak as Cinderella and Stephanie Webber as the Fairy Godmother.

Cinderella • Events • Visit Cardiff

5. Visit the big man himself

The whole festive season is building up to the big day, when boys and girls wake up and hope that Father Christmas has left them lots of presents. For those who can’t stand the wait until December 25, some good news, you can catch an early appointment with Santa Claus in Cardiff. Sometimes, he might even be appear to be in several locations at the same time but it’s Christmas magic and we don’t question it.

WHERE TO FIND SANTA IN CARDIFF • News & Blogs • Visit Cardiff

6. FESTIVE EXPERIENCE AT THE ROYAL MINT

The countdown is on for the Royal Mint’s best Christmas experience yet! With more immersive moments, more winter magic and even more festive fun, The Royal Mint Experience is a Christmas tradition you can’t miss.

7. Christmas Festival at Insole Court

Events from September 13 – December 2 › Insole Court Events › – Insole Court

8. Double the fun with an overnight stay.

There’s too much on offer for just one day in Cardiff this Christmas, so why not make a night of it and enjoy an overnight stay in one the capital’s hotels? Whether you choose a modern, stylish stay in the bustling city centre, the relaxed luxury of a spa hotel, or a night in the historic Cardiff Bay, you’re sure to wake up ready for more festive fun!

Places to stay in Cardiff • Visit Cardiff

For more information on Christmas in Cardiff, visit: visitcardiff.com/christmas