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Why is Cardiff’s Christmas Market a Little Different
Discover unique gifts, handmade crafts and festive treats at Cardiff Christmas Market, right in the heart of the city centre. Spread across St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street, Cardiff Christmas Market brings together independent artists, makers, craftspeople and food producers for one of the highlights of Christmas in the Welsh capital.
With free entry and a constantly changing selection of stalls, it’s the perfect place to find something a little different this Christmas.
When is Cardiff Christmas Market?
- Cardiff Christmas Market 2026 runs from Thursday 12 November to Wednesday 23 December.
Where is it?
- The market takes place in Cardiff city centre’s St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street.
Is there admission?
- No, entry to the site is free of charge.
What are the opening times?
- 10am–6pm Monday–Saturday; 10am–5pm Sundays
OUR TOP TIP! New for this year, the Market will be opening late until 19:00 on every Thursday through December. This is a great time to visit for the most festive atmosphere on chilly winter evenings and to really see the Christmas lights in all their glory 🎁
WHY VISIT CARDIFF'S CHRISTMAS MARKET?
Gifts from independent makers…
- Craft*Folk supports genuine artists and crafts people to promote and sell their work.
- From handmade jewellery and ceramics to artwork, textiles and wooden gifts, the market is a great place to find presents that you won’t see on the high street.
- Many exhibitors are the designers or makers themselves, giving visitors the opportunity to discover the story behind the products they buy.
Discover something new…
- The line-up of traders changes throughout the Christmas Market, meaning that not every maker is there for the whole event.
- New and returning exhibitors appear throughout November and December, so there can be something different to discover on a second visit.
- A selection of Taster Stalls also gives newer makers the opportunity to showcase their work.
When is the best time to visit?
For a quieter experience, consider visiting earlier in the day, particularly on a weekday.
If you’re looking for more of a festive atmosphere, visit later in the afternoon or early evening in December when the city centre is illuminated and the market is still open on Thursdays until 7pm.
Weekends and the run-up to Christmas are likely to be the busiest times, so allow extra time if you’re planning to browse the stalls at a leisurely pace.
Christmas shopping in Cardiff
A visit to Cardiff Christmas Market can easily be combined with a full day of festive shopping.
The market sits alongside some of the city centre’s best-known shopping destinations, including St David’s Cardiff, Queen Street, The Hayes and Cardiff’s historic shopping arcades.
Head into the arcades to discover independent shops, cafés and boutiques, before continuing to the larger stores and shopping centres nearby.
For more traditional market shopping, Cardiff Market on St Mary Street is also within easy walking distance.
Festive Food and drink in Cardiff
Shopping can work up an appetite.
Alongside the crafts and gifts, the Christmas Market features seasonal food and drink, making it easy to stop for a festive treat while exploring the stalls.
And because the market is right in the centre of Cardiff, there’s a huge choice of cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars nearby.
From a quick coffee and cake to a festive lunch or evening meal, there are plenty of ways to continue the celebrations after browsing the market.
Getting to Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff Christmas Market is located on pedestrianised streets in the city centre, making it very easy to reach by public transport. Both Cardiff Central railway station and Cardiff Bus interchange are within easy walking distance, with bus services from routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. If you’re travelling by car, there are several city-centre car parks within walking distance of the market.
MORE CHRISTMAS IN CARDIFF
Christmas in Cardiff is about much more than the Christmas Market. From festive lights and Winter Wonderland to Christmas shows, family activities, seasonal food and late-night shopping, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city in November and December.
