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WHERE CAN YOU MEET SANTA IN CARDIFF THIS YEAR?
The whole festive season is building up to the big day, when boys and girls wake up and hope that Father Christmas has left them lots of presents. We have good news for those who can’t stand the wait, with some of the best grottoes in south Wales there are plenty of opportunities to catch an early appointment with Santa Claus in Cardiff*. So, get your Christmas lists together and make sure that you’re all very good boys and girls.
*It can sometimes seem like he’s appearing in several locations at the same time… but this is obviously Christmas magic and we don’t question it.
Santa at the Castle
Where: Cardiff Castle Nursery
When: 05 Dec – 23 Dec 2026
Join a festive group visit to meet Santa in Cardiff Castle’s beautifully decorated Nursery. All children will have the chance to talk to Santa individually and choose a gift from a selection of quality toys.
Royal Mint Christmas Experience
Where: The Royal Mint Experience
When: Saturday 28th November to Wednesday 23rd December 2026
Meet Santa and his elves as you venture through an enchanting workshop and discover timeless tales of festive traditions that begin with a single coin.
Sunday Lunch with Santa
Where: Future Inns, Cardiff Bay
When: Various dates from December 2026
A delightful festive feast filled with cheer and fun, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family. Enjoy a delicious 3-course festive Sunday Lunch, and after the feast, Santa will be waiting in his grotto for a special meet-and-greet with all the good boys and girls.
Breakfast with Elves
Where: The Ivy,
When: 5 – 23 December 2026
This festive season, The Ivy Cardiff invites guests to the Naughty Elves Breakfast, a festive dining experience filled with mischievous entertainment for the whole family. Children will take a festive memento of the morning.
Breakfast with Speedboat Santa
Where: Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs
When: 12-24 December 2026
With his reindeers building up their strength for Christmas Eve, Santa will arrive in his own speedboat! He will then join his very special guests in the café for festive food. After the meal, he will chat, sit with them for photos and present a gift.
Santa’s Tea Party
Where: John Lewis & Partners
When: 19-23 December 2026
Join Santa and his elves for story time, including cocoa and a scrummy snack for kids to tuck into (plus a hot drink and slice of cake for adults, too). There’s plenty more fun to be had, including a gift from the big guy. Sign up to My John Lewis for exclusive access and get your ticket now.
VISIT CARDIFF AT CHRISTMAS
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.