Top 10 Christmas activities in Cardiff

Tired of the same Christmas routine? Cardiff’s got more to give than tinsel and turkey. Plan a festive day out, enjoy a memorable night with friends, or just look to make the most of the season before someone drags you into a carol service – whatever you’re after, this list has you covered. From ice rinks to immersive cocktails, here are ten Christmas activities in Cardiff that go way beyond the standard mulled wine and mince pie circuit.

1. Get locked up at Alcotraz

Ditch the Christmas jumpers. It’s jumpsuit time! Alcotraz Cardiff is an immersive cocktail experience where you and your group become inmates smuggling liquor inside with the help of the crooked guards. Bring your own spirits, hand them to the bootlegging inmates, and get custom cocktails shaken up behind bars. Then, you can either sit back and relax, or take part in the interactive storylines and missions – all whilst remaining in character! It’s theatre, mixology and mischief all in one unforgettable Cardiff quirky bar. 

2. Try not to break your ankles at Cardiff Castle ice rink

Every winter, Cardiff Castle transforms into a fairy-tale backdrop for some ice skating. The ice rink sits inside the castle grounds and gives you the chance to glide past centuries-old stonework while surrounded by twinkling lights and festive music. Impress a date with a romantic evening or embarrass yourself for laughs sliding around with the kids, but either way it’s one of the most magical settings in the city. You don’t even need to be good at skating! Falling over just adds to the memory!

3. Admire the view on the giant wheel

Another part of Cardiff Winter Wonderland and one that you absolutely can’t miss, the Giant Wheel is a must if you’re up for unbeatable city views. Towering above the festive chaos, it gives you a birds-eye look at the market – the perfect vantage point from which to judge everyone who left it to the last minute, if that’s what you’re into. It’s romantic, it’s relaxing, and it’s high enough that no one can hear you scream if you’re afraid of heights. Go just before sunset for full effect.

4. Take in the lights at Bute Park light trail

When the sun goes down, Bute Park lights up. The mile-long trail winds through 15 dazzling light zones, each more elaborate than the last, all crafted by top-tier designers. You’ll find music, motion, colour, and atmosphere in every corner, with Cardiff Castle towering in the background. The route ends in a Christmas Village full of great food, festive drinks, and a chance to get your hands on some really decent mulled wine.

5. Catch a Cardiff Christmas panto with Sleeping Beauty

This year’s panto isn’t pulling any punches. Sleeping Beauty lands at the New Theatre with a cast that includes Gethin Jones and Owain Wyn Evans, plus all the chaotic audience participation and glitter you’d expect from a classic Christmas show. It’s loud, colourful, and made for all ages. If your December isn’t complete without shouting “He’s behind you” at full volume, this is your ticket. 

6. Stroll the Royal Arcade

Cardiff’s oldest arcade is full of surprises. Step into the Royal Arcade and you’ll find yourself surrounded by independent stores, vintage fashion, European food, and some of the best coffee in the city. Wander through to Morgan Arcade, pick up last-minute presents at Wally’s, and fuel up on caffeine at Uncommon Ground. Perfect if you’re after some old-fashioned Christmas browsing.

7. Feel the crowd at Cardiff Christmas Market

Speaking of a cheeky browse! Cardiff’s Christmas Market runs through the heart of the city, covering The Hayes, Working Street and St John Street with rows of stalls selling handmade gifts, art, jewellery, decorations and seasonal food. There’s live entertainment, mulled everything, and plenty of opportunities to buy things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. It’ll be there Thursday 13 November to Tuesday 23 December, too, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for a gander. Turn up when it opens if you want to catch the Cardiff Christmas lights switch on.

8. Explore Cardiff Bay

Mermaid Quay looks especially good this time of year, don’t you think? With the lights up, the breeze off the water, and gingerbread sculptures scattered along the trail, Cardiff Bay’s got a good amount of festive flair. Stop for a coffee, pick up a hot chocolate, and enjoy the river views. If you’re Christmas shopping with someone who needs constant distractions – or you’re that someone, no judgment – it’s a good way to turn errands into an actual day out.

9. Get your Christmas shopping sorted at St David’s shopping centre

St David’s Shopping Centre is where you go when the last posting date is dangerously close and your Christmas list is still at zero. With all the big names, easy layout, and more food options than you’ll know what to do with, it’s ideal for one big festive mission. You can even make it feel less like a panic buy if you break it up with some dumplings, coffee, or a trip to the arcade on the top floor.

10. Catch a Cardiff Devils match

If you’ve never been to an ice hockey game, the Cardiff Devils will have you a convert in no time. The matches are fun, fast, loud, aggressive and addictive, like football should be and rugby is (when your team isn’t on a year-long losing streak anyway). They’ve got a packed December schedule including a Boxing Day game against Coventry Blaze, so if you’ve got someone from Coventry to go with – perfect!

Why have your Christmas party at Alcotraz? 

Christmas parties can be a gamble; either someone gets stuck booking another pub, or it ends up in a beige function room with a questionable buffet. Alcotraz at Christmas skips the small talk and drops you straight into a full-blown immersive experience. Plan a work do, a reunion with friends, or a party with the in-laws you actually like! You’ll get your own cell block, personalised cocktails, and a night that looks nothing like your standard office party. Give it a go – you won’t regret it.