Why Groups Should Visit Cardiff for Christmas 2024

The countdown to Christmas is already on.

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a great destination for a group visit. It offers a huge range of attractions, activities, top-class entertainment, and accommodation. The city centre is compact, easy to get around on foot with a transport interchange, coach parking and lots of drop off points.

There are several landmark attractions both in the city centre and on the city’s waterfront.

Here’s a preview of some of the magical memories waiting to be made in Cardiff this Christmas. It is recommended that you make a group booking in advance of your visit.

WALKING IN CARDIFF’S WINTER WONDERLAND

Ice-skating in the grounds of a Castle. 

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk returns to the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle this year. The undercover rink is suitable for all ages and abilities, with accessible skating sessions. The rink is just as fun in the day, as it is a night, and when it’s Christmas, there’s never a bad time for toasting marshmallows or indulging in a mulled wine.

There’s more to explore at Cardiff City Hall Lawns.

[copy]

Chilling out at the city’s coolest hotspot. 

Amidst all the fun of the season, the sub-zero temperatures in the Ice Bar at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland at City Hall, make it the coolest place to chill out this Christmas. It really is made entirely out of ice, so just make sure you wrap up warm and enjoy a drink with your group!

AN EVENTFUL CHRISTMAS

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

Wales’ biggest ever festive lights trail is back, Christmas at Bute Park, behind the iconic Cardiff Castle, and a short stroll from Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland – and tickets are on sale now. Christmas at Bute Park is set to shine brighter than ever in 2024 as it returns with a host of new sights in tow.

Experience a traditional Panto at Christmas.

“Oh yes it is” a Christmas tradition and pantos don’t come much more classic than 2024’s Cinderella at the historic New Theatre

Watch Hamilton at WMC

Or, keep it classy by watching Hamilton at the Wales Millennium Centre.

GET YOUR FESTIVE GIFT GIVING WRAPPED UP

Strolling through the elegant Victorian Arcades.

The Victorians knew how to do Christmas properly and Cardiff’s Victorian Arcades are steeped in that tradition. Elegantly dressed for Christmas, there’s a simple magic to wandering through the maze of arcades, stopping for a coffee, or a bite to eat, at one of the many independent cafes and restaurants you’ll discover in between browsing the boutique shops.

Pick out the perfect handcrafted gift for somebody special at the traditional Christmas Market. 

Cardiff Christmas Market is home to bespoke silver jewellery, original artwork, beautiful, fused glass work, hand thrown ceramics, handmade quilts and textiles, seasonal food and drink, and much more. Chat to the talented makers and soak up the uniquely festive atmosphere as you browse the traditional wooden chalets.

Enter shopping central at St David’s Dewi Sant

Beautifully, intrinsically meshed into the cityscape, shopping centre St David’s Dewi Sant offers an impressive 185 retail and hospitality units to peruse. John Lewis & Partners (4 levels) and Primark (5 levels) are two of the anchor stores and you’ll find all the big brands here across clothing, jewellery, shoes and accessories, tech, toys and gift giving.

EAT, DRINK & STAY

Cosying up in a Festive Quarter cabin. 

In between buying gifts for your friends and family, why not treat yourself this Christmas? An atmospheric Bavarian-themed haven, the Festive Quarter is the perfect place to cosy up with a beer and a bratwurst to refuel before the next round of Christmas shopping.

Enjoying a festive night out with your group.

Christmas is all about friends and family, and what better way to celebrate it than with a good night out! Cardiff is a haven for foodies – take a look at our restaurants section to get a taste of Wales, superb street food, comfy casual dining spots, or finer dining favourites.

Doubling 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

For more information on experiencing Cardiff as a group, head to visitcardiff.com/groups for leisure visits, and meetcardiff.com/groups for corporate stays.