cardiff student accommodation

5 places to enjoy some festive fun in Cardiff

Whether you’re living in the city, visiting family or friends, or simply there for a day trip, here are some hidden gems and big events you can enjoy in Cardiff this festive season…

1. Winter Wonderland

Cardiff-Ice-Skating

(15th November 2018 – 6th January 2019)

Head over to the Winter Wonderland in Cardiff. Here you’ll find everything from ice-skating and festive food and drinks, to classic fun fair rides and stalls. This year, there’s even a 90m tower to ride on; the tower is taller than any other building across the city so the views are amazing. There’s something for everyone if you want a festive day or night out.

And if you’ve not got any plans for New Year’s Eve yet, it’s open then too so if you want to ring in the New Year skating on the ice or raising a drink to the start 2019, this will be a great place to do it.

2. Kings Road Yard

Kings Road Yard is located in Pontcanna. Throughout the year this unique spot has markets, craft fairs, farmers markets and lots more. There are independent shops and craft units all year round, along with great pubs, restaurants and art centres. And over the festive season, every Sunday between 9am – 3pm, there are craft fairs which include hand crafted products, good food, beer and even Christmas trees for sale. Pontcanna has lots to offer; it is said to be amongst the hippest places in the UK.

3. Cardiff Christmas Markets

-Group-Of-Friends-Drinking-Mulled-Wine

(15th November 2018 – 23rd December 2018)

For over 20 years Cardiff has been running Christmas markets. And since 1994, craft workers and creative people have been setting up stalls in the heart of the Welsh capital to showcase their work. It’s a great place to pick up some Christmas gifts and enjoy some fresh, locally produced food and drink. And even if you‘re not buying anything, you can still wonder around listening to the festive music, admiring people’s work on the stalls and soaking up the atmosphere in the city.

And while you’re in the city centre, why not pop into one of the many bars or restaurants to relax and enjoy a festive drink after visiting all of the stalls?

4. The Christmas Bar @ The Tramshed

The Tramshed is an amazing venue in Grangetown, Cardiff. The venue is always open to gigs, comedy, yoga, drinks and more. And this year, The Christmas Bar (an exclusive Christmas pop-up cocktail bar), is coming to The Tramshed. It’s the perfect place to get you in the spirit of things! Offering a very festive selection of drinks from mulled wine and Bailey’s Hot Chocolate, to Christmas cocktails.

5. Christmas at the Castle

Cardiff-Castle-At-Night

Cardiff Castle is a medieval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion located in the city centre of Cardiff. At Christmas time, you can see it in all of its festival glory. You can admire the beautiful 13th century surroundings, the well-known animal wall and the stunning décor.

Throughout the festive period there’s different events taking place in the castle. There’s tickets for Santa’s Grotto and also a Christmas Cinema – where you can watch some classic Christmas films in the Castle’s historic undercroft.

No matter what you get up to this Christmas, we hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy a much deserved break over the holidays.

For more advice, tips and updates from Host, visit our news page. 

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