Family Fun: 6 Family Friendly Ways to Spend New Year’s Eve 2023

Tuesday, 28 November 2023

1. Spend a Day Down the Bay

Take part in the festive Snow Trail throughout Cardiff Bay, find snow people sculptures hiding across eight waterside attractions and if you’re lucky catch sight of Santa’s sleigh. Then finish up 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, hit up the Pirate Ship and play games for a chance to win big.

On New Year’s Eve, prepared to be entertained afternoon to night with the Ice Princesses at 2pm, Gena De Santos at 6pm and Dennis De Mile, from 11pm as the star that’ll see you through to 2024. All undercover within the City Hall Lawn.

3. Twice As Ice

The fun at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland is just getting started, now it’s time to head over to the majestic Cardiff Castle. 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, or even hit the ice when the clock strikes at the Midnight Skate.

4. See A Spellbinding Show

Catch a classic family pantomime at the New Theatre with Jac and the Beanstalk, with panto Dame extraordinaire Mike Doyle, comedian Aaron James, and musical theatre star Adam Bailey amongst the cast. Or escape to the Wales Millenium Centre for an extraordinary theatrical performance of Aladdin and discover unforgettable magic and comedy at this breath-taking spectacle!

5. 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!

6. Make Night Time, Light Time

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 2024.

Please Note: There will not be a midnight firework display in Cardiff city centre this New Year’s Eve.