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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. For those who can’t stand the wait until December 25, some good news, you can catch an early appointment with Santa Claus in Cardiff. Sometimes, he might even be appear to be in several locations at the same time but it’s Christmas magic and we don’t question it.
SANTA AT THE STADIUM
Where: Principality Stadium
When: Sat, 25 Nov 2023 – Sun, 24 Dec 2023
Explore the sacred halls of Principality Stadium before stepping into the magical winter wonderland, and beating heart of the home of Welsh Rugby. A place where heroes gather, a place of legends, a place of dreams. Visitors will follow in the footsteps of rugby legends as Santa and his team of busy helpers make Principality Stadium home for winter.
SANTA’S TRADITIONAL GROTTO
Where: Queen Street
When: Thu, 16 Nov 2023 – Tue, 02 Jan 2024
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and visit Santa Claus at his grotto on Queen Street. Housed in a traditional wooden chalet, dressed perfectly for the festive season, children can meet Santa and his elves. It is open 7 days a week from 10:30am and a ticket includes a gift from Santa.
BELIEVE, SANTA’S MAGICAL GROTTO
Where: St David’s Dewi Sant
When: Fri, 01 Dec 2023 – Sun, 24 Dec 2023
Discover Santa’s enchanting post room, be immersed in festivity and fun with the mischievous elves as they sort through many letters for Santa. Decorate your own delicious Christmas gingerbread treat and capture Christmas cheer at the Elfie Selfie posting point, before being invited to meet the big man himself. Visit Santa in his warm, cosy study and share Christmas hopes and dreams, pose for a photograph and receive a special present to take home.
THE ROYAL MINT CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
Where: The Royal Mint Experience
When: Fri, 01 Dec 2023 – Sun, 24 Dec 2023
Make magical memories to last a lifetime this Christmas, visit The Royal Mint, dusted with a blanket of snow, for a festive, family experience. Celebrate your visit by striking your very own coin and meet Santa in his Grotto. Filled with wonder and delight, this is sure to be a truly special day out.
SANTA’S WISH
Where: The Spiegeltent, Sophia Gardens
When: Fri, 01 Dec 2023 – Sun, 24 Dec 2023
A magical Christmas musical for the whole family. Snowflake the magical elf is in a tricky spot! Santa’s sleigh has crashed and now he is lost! Can you help Snowflake save Christmas? Will the Magic Wish Jars hold the answer? Do you truly Believe?
SANTA’S GROTTO – IKEA
Where: IKEA, Cardiff
When: Sat, 25 Nov 2023 – Sat, 23 Dec 2023
Take a break from flatpack furniture and drop into visit Santa and his elves at IKEA Cardiff this Christmas. All of Santa’s visitors will take away a gift from the grotto as well as the opportunity to get an extra special festive photograph. Santa will be hosting adapted quiet sessions to ensure all children have a comfortable visit.
SUNDAY LUNCH WITH SANTA
Where: Future Inns, Cardiff Bay
When: Sunday 3, 10 and 17 December 2023
A special visitor will arrive at Future Inn Cardiff Bay this festive season. Spend time with the family, get your Christmas jumpers on and join us for a 3-course festive lunch with Santa. There’s a children’s disco alongside meeting Father Christmas in his Grotto.
A FESTIVE FEAST WITH SPEEDBOAT SANTA
Where? Lisvane and Llanishen Visitor Centre
When? Sat, 03 Dec 2023 – Sat, 23 Dec 2023
A brand-new festive experience for children is coming to Cardiff – with Santa arriving not on a sleigh but a speedboat! With his reindeers building up their strength for Christmas Eve, Santa will arrive in his own personal motor launch! He will then join his very special guests in the café for festive food, over breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. After the meal, he will chat, sit with them for photos and present a gift.
A RELAXED AFTERNOON TEA WITH SANTA
Where? Lisvane and Llanishen Visitor Centre
When? Sat, 09 Dec 2023 – 2:30pm – 4pm
An extra special treat for visitors requiring a more relaxed experience of Afternoon Tea With Santa this Christmas. Whilst following the same itinerary as Lisvane & Llanishen’s popular afternoon tea with Santa, this special relaxed session is recommended for anyone who might benefit from subtle alterations to the atmosphere. Background noise will be minimised and Santa will moderate his usual exuberance. Visitors are free to move around or make a noise as they feel comfortable. Helpful staff will be on hand to help if you need additional assistance.
SANTA’S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS – Sold Out
Where: Cardiff Castle
When: Fri, 01 Dec 2023 – Sat, 23 Dec 2023
Make magical memories at Cardiff Castle this year with Santa’s Victorian Christmas. A festive treat for the whole family, tour the beautifully decorated apartments and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions. Afterwards, meet Santa himself in the Castle’s Drawing Room and receive a gift, followed by seasonal treats served in the Library.
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.
