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Winter Wonderland is always at the heart of Cardiff’s seasonal celebrations, find out all you need to know here.
This year, Winter Wonderland is open from Thursday 13 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026 at two iconic city centre locations in the grounds of Cardiff Castle and on City Hall Lawn. There you will find festive fun for everyone with the famous ice skating rink, thrilling family funfair, winter treats and seasonal entertainment.
Entry to both sites is free of charge but you do need to pay for the attractions you choose to experience. Tickets to ice skate must be purchased online in advance and early booking is highly recommended. All funfair rides are pay as you go and food and drink can be bought from the individual kiosks, contactless card payments are accepted.
Opening times vary across the season with busier days open for longer and reduced hours for off peak days. A full list of opening hours for each site can be found below, please check before you travel to avoid disappointment. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland will be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
When the time comes to take five, cosy up in the Alpine ski-lodge bar, Sur la Piste, at City Hall; or pop into the tepee Tafarn bar at Cardiff Castle. You can also sit back and enjoy the regular programme of live music and entertainment at both sites.
- 13th November – 17:00-21:00
- 14th November – 13:30-22:00
- 15th, 16th November – 11:00-22:00
- 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th November – 13:30-21:00
- 21st November – 13:30-22:00
- 22nd, 23rd November – 11:00-22:00
- 24th,25th, 26th,27th November – 13:30-21:00
- 28th, 29th, 30th November – 11:00-22:00
- 1st, 2nd December – 13:30-21:00
- 3rd, 4th December – 13:30-22:00
- 5th, 6th, 7th, December – 11:00-22:00
- 8th, 9th, December – 13:30-21:00
- 10th, 11th, 12th, December – 13:30-22:00
- 13th, 14th December – 11:00-22:00
- 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th December – 13:30-22:00
- 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd 23rd December – 11:00-22:00
- 24th December – 11:00-19:30
- 25th December – CLOSED
- 26th December – CLOSED
- 27th, 28th, 29th December – 11:00-21:00
- 30th December – 11:00-21:00
- 31st December – 11:00-22:00
- 1st, 2nd January – 12:00-19:30
- 3rd January – 12:00-19:30
- 4th January – 12:00-18:30
- 13th November – 17:00-22:00
- 14th November – 12:00-22:00
- 15th, 16th November – 11:00-22:00
- 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th November – 12:00-21:00
- 21st November – 12:00-22:00
- 22nd, 23rd November – 11:00-22:00
- 24th,25th, 26th,27th November – 12:00-22:00
- 28th, 29th, 30th November – 11:00-22:00
- 1st – 23rd December – 11:00-22:00
- 24th December – 11:00-20:00
- 25th December – CLOSED
- 26th December – CLOSED
- 27th, 28th, 29th December – 11:00-22:00
- 30th December – 11:00-22:00
- 31st December – 11:00-22:00
- 1st, 2nd January – 12:00-20:00
- 3rd January – 11:00-22:00
- 4th January – 11:00-18:00
Get Your Skates On
Returning to the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle, the Ice Skating Rink and Ice Walk, set against the backdrop of the Norman Keep. The undercover ice rink, with the scenic Ice Walk, is a great way to kick off that festive feeling. Accessible sessions are available on Thursdays. The Novice rink provides a more relaxed skating environment to enjoy, a welcoming space for beginners and those looking for a more laid-back experience.
Big Wheel and Family Fairground
Winter Wonderland just isn’t complete without its famous family funfair, set against the magnificent backdrop of Cardiff City Hall. As usual, those with a head for heights can enjoy spectacular, panoramic views across the city from atop the Giant Wheel. Plus, there will be a great range of other rides, attractions and games that are suitable for thrill seekers of all ages.
Sur La Piste – Alpine Ski Lodge Bar
Winter Wonderland’s very own two-story ski lodge, the ever popular Sur la Piste bar, returns to City Hall Lawn. Escape the winter chill and unwind in this ideal festive retreat with its cosy Alpine vibes. Huddle up in one of the rustic wooden booths, complete with blankets and cushions, and chat over a steamy mulled wine or hot chocolate. It certainly is the perfect place to relax after hitting the ice at Cardiff Castle, but equally good after a long day Christmas shopping or for an after-work refresher.
Tafarn – Triple Tepee Bar
The expanded Tafarn bar at Winter Wonderland’s Cardiff Castle site now occupies three large open tepees. After soaking up the seasonal magic outside, grab a hot or cold beverage and catch up with friends in a cosy corner or around one of the two cheerful firepit tables. This year, don’t miss Wales’ first self serve Guinness bar!
Festive Food and Drink
Check out the traditional Tafarn hiding within the Castle for Christmas, perfect for a drink to celebrate the occasion. While the ever popular food stalls return to the Castle for all to enjoy, whether you’re warming up with a hot dog or hot cocoa, mulled wine or roasted marshmallows.
Free Family Entertainment
Enjoy the regular programme of free family entertainment at both Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland sites. The undercover entertainment area on City Hall lawn and the bandstand at Cardiff Castle adds to the vibrant atmosphere, filling the air with festive flavour as visitors explore the colourful attractions.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no firework display held in Cardiff city centre on New Year’s Eve.
CHRISTMAS IN CARDIFF
There’s never a bad time to Visit Cardiff, with so many events, attractions and things to see in Wales’ thriving capital, but there’s just always something magical about the city at Christmas time. So, feel the spirit of the season come to life, whatever makes it special for you, Christmas in Cardiff has something for everyone.
