Christmas is well and truly on its way which means it’s time to start thinking about what fun festive activities you will get up to in the Welsh capital. So what exactly can you do in the run up to the big day? 

• Markets

There’s no better way to get in the festive mood than heading over to the Christmas Markets which are situated in The Hayes until Monday, December 23. Selling everything from local Welsh crafts to freshly made churros, take a wander around and get a taste of the festive cheer. This has to be one of my favourite things to do in Cardiff and what I love most is that there are pretty much no mass produced products on sale so it is the perfect place to shop for those unique gifts for family and friends.

• Winter Wonderland

Located just in front of city hall, this years’ Winter Wonderland features a huge ice-skating track and giant Ferris Wheel. There is also a ton of other rides and a two-storey bar that holds over 400 people; the perfect cosy place to grab some festive drinks.   

• Wandering through the Arcades

Taking a stroll through the quaint arcades and Cardiff’s independent shops is the cutest winter-time activity. The small alleys are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights which dangle from the ceilings which always make me feel festive.

• Christmas Shopping

Cardiff has the best shopping (not that I’m biased or anything). I’m in my third year now and feel like I still haven’t been in every shop – there is just so many! However, this does make it the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping; plus St David’s Centre is always made to look super pretty. I would advise sticking to purchasing presents in the weekdays though as the town tends to get very busy in the run up to holidays.

• Christmas meal out at the Taf

Grab your friends and housemates and treat yourself to a good old Christmas dinner at the universities very own Taf. Enjoy everything from turkey to Brussel sprouts for just £13.50 a person. This includes a three course meal and even a complimentary candy cane flavoured VK on arrival! Plus it also saves you the stress of attempting to cook a big festive meal yourself – win win.

• Cardiff Castle

The castle at Christmas is a must see. The inside is decorated with Christmas trees and fairy lights, giving you an idea of how the Bute family would have celebrated the holidays. The castle also hosts a variety of festive events including movie nights, wreath making classes, and candy cane trails.

• Watch a Christmas Show at the Theatre

This year’s shows in the city include the Nativity which is running at the Millennium Centre, How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical at the Motorpoint, and The Nutcracker ballet taking place at St David’s Hall. Treat yourself to a fun night out to get into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas is well and truly on its way which means it’s time to start thinking about what fun festive activities you will get up to in the Welsh capital. So what exactly can you do in the run up to the big day? 

• Markets

There’s no better way to get in the festive mood than heading over to the Christmas Markets which are situated in The Hayes until Monday, December 23. Selling everything from local Welsh crafts to freshly made churros, take a wander around and get a taste of the festive cheer. This has to be one of my favourite things to do in Cardiff and what I love most is that there are pretty much no mass produced products on sale so it is the perfect place to shop for those unique gifts for family and friends.

• Winter Wonderland

Located just in front of city hall, this years’ Winter Wonderland features a huge ice-skating track and giant Ferris Wheel. There is also a ton of other rides and a two-storey bar that holds over 400 people; the perfect cosy place to grab some festive drinks.   

• Wandering through the Arcades

Taking a stroll through the quaint arcades and Cardiff’s independent shops is the cutest winter-time activity. The small alleys are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights which dangle from the ceilings which always make me feel festive.

• Christmas Shopping

Cardiff has the best shopping (not that I’m biased or anything). I’m in my third year now and feel like I still haven’t been in every shop – there is just so many! However, this does make it the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping; plus St David’s Centre is always made to look super pretty. I would advise sticking to purchasing presents in the weekdays though as the town tends to get very busy in the run up to holidays.

• Christmas meal out at the Taf

Grab your friends and housemates and treat yourself to a good old Christmas dinner at the universities very own Taf. Enjoy everything from turkey to Brussel sprouts for just £13.50 a person. This includes a three course meal and even a complimentary candy cane flavoured VK on arrival! Plus it also saves you the stress of attempting to cook a big festive meal yourself – win win.

• Cardiff Castle

The castle at Christmas is a must see. The inside is decorated with Christmas trees and fairy lights, giving you an idea of how the Bute family would have celebrated the holidays. The castle also hosts a variety of festive events including movie nights, wreath making classes, and candy cane trails.

• Watch a Christmas Show at the Theatre

This year’s shows in the city include the Nativity which is running at the Millennium Centre, How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical at the Motorpoint, and The Nutcracker ballet taking place at St David’s Hall. Treat yourself to a fun night out to get into the Christmas spirit.