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Seasonal Ice Skating & Festive Family Fun
In 2026, Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland is open from Thursday 12 November to Sunday 3 January 2027. As usual, it will take place across at two iconic city centre locations at Cardiff Castle and City Hall. Find festive fun for everyone, including seasonal ice skating, thrilling family funfair, winter treats and festive entertainment.
Sites entry is free but you do need to pay for the attractions you choose to experience. Opening times vary across the season, so please check before you travel to avoid disappointment. Winter Wonderland is closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
When is Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland?
- Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland 2026 returns to the city centre for the festive season, from Thursday 12 November to Sunday 3rd January 2027.
Where is it?
- Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland takes place in the city centre, with attractions centred around both Cardiff Castle’s grounds and City Hall’s lawns.
How much does it cost?
- Entry to both sites is free of charge, however; you do need to purchase tickets for the attractions that you wish to experience.
What’s there?
- Enjoy a festive mix of ice skating, fairground attractions, seasonal food and drink, entertainment and Christmas shopping, with something for all the family.
Do I need to book?
- Advance booking is required for the popular ice skating rink, tickets are not available for walk-ups. Other attractions are pay as you use.
What are the opening times?
- Opening times vary across the season with busier days open for longer and reduced hours for off peak days. Please check the latest opening times before visiting. Winter Wonderland is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- 2026 Times TBC
- 2026 Times TBC
OUR TOP TIP! Ice skating tickets must be purchased online in advance. Early booking is highly recommended as sessions will sell out during the busier Christmas period ⛸️
WINTER WONDERLAND OVERVIEW
At Cardiff Castle:
- Ice skating and Ice Walk
- NEW Curling
- Tafarn Bar
- Food & drink
- Entertainment
At City Hall Lawn:
- The Giant Wheel
- Family Fairground
- Sur La Piste – Ski Lodge Bar
- Food & drink
- Entertainment
Attractions at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
Christmas Ice Skating
Returning to the Castle’s grounds, seasonal skating has been a festive family favourite in Cardiff for many years. With accessible sessions and a smaller novice rink, this is a great way for skaters of all ages and abilities to get into the Christmas spirit. The main rink and novice rink are undercover, so aren’t troubled by the winter weather. More confident skaters can venture outside, along the beautiful ice walk. Skating tickets must be booked online in advance.
Big Wheel and Family Fairground
Winter Wonderland isn’t complete without its famous, family funfair at Cardiff City Hall. Those with a head for heights can enjoy spectacular, panoramic views across the city from atop the Giant Wheel. There is also a great range of other rides, attractions and games that are suitable for thrill seekers of all ages. All funfair rides are pay as you use from the individual kiosks, contactless card payments are accepted.
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.
VISIT CARDIFF AT CHRISTMAS
Christmas in Cardiff is about much more than Winter Wonderland. From festive lights and the Christmas Market to Christmas shows, family activities, seasonal food and late-night shopping, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city in November and December.