Cardiff Winter Wonderland (Cardiff Winter Wonderland) transforms the Welsh capital into a festive playground each December, filling Bute Park and the city center with ice rinks, Christmas markets, festive rides, and seasonal attractions. Visitors can shop for artisan gifts, enjoy winter treats like mulled cider and mince pies, and take in live music, street performances, and a glittering Ferris wheel that lights up the skyline. With its mixture of family fun, holiday spirit, and sweeping views of Cardiff Castle, Winter Wonderland offers a heartwarming and magical experience for locals and travelers alike.
DATES & TIMES
• Season: 13 November 2025 – 4 January 2026. Visit Cardiff — official page.
• Locations: Cardiff Castle grounds (Ice Rink & Ice Walk) and City Hall Lawn (funfair, Big Wheel, Sur la Piste bar). Details.
• Opening hours: vary by day/site; 25 Dec closed (selected City Hall Lawn closures also apply). See official opening times.
• Accessible sessions: available on selected dates/times. Find out more.
LOCATION
• Where: Cardiff Castle & City Hall Lawn (city centre). Official overview.
• Main hub map: Cardiff Castle — Open in Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• No general pass: site entry is open; activities are ticketed individually (e.g., ice skating, Big Wheel). Ticket options.
• Book skating: reserve ice rink/Ice Walk sessions online. Official site.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Two-site set‑up: Castle grounds and City Hall Lawn are a short walk apart—allow time to move between them. Overview.
• Undercover rink: the main rink is weather‑proof; the scenic Ice Walk runs through the castle grounds. Attractions.
• Plan exceptions: Christmas Day closed and selected reduced hours/closures—check the day’s schedule before you go. Opening times.
From crowd-savvy timing to charming stays steps from Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawn, we’ll design your Cardiff Winter Wonderland escape—25% off our planning fee with “25 by 25” until 25 December. If Christmas markets are your thing, they’re sparkling across Europe this season; we’ll help you choose the right one (or string a few together) for a magical winter trip. Book a free consult to claim the offer.