Cardiff Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland return in 2024, turning the city into a festive winter experience. Locals and tourists gather to explore a variety of crafted goods and local specialties.
Below I share details for both events, including the dates, locations, and opening times.
Cardiff Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Partially Confirmed
Cardiff Christmas Market dates: 14th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Winter Wonderland dates: 14th November to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed)
Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in September. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organisers of the Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland.
Note: The following details are for the market. Scroll further down for Winter Wonderland details.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm.
Sunday: 10am to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: The Cardiff welcome tour is a great place to start.
Public transport: The market is a short walk from Cardiff Central Station.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Convenient parking is available at the train station and the John Lewis Car Park.
Where to stay: The Parkgate Hotel is a popular hotel a few minutes from the market stalls.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Cardiff Castle.
Reason to visit: Products from Welsh woodworkers, glassmakers, ceramic artists and silver jewellery designers.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Food specialities: Snacks and food stalls from well-known Cardiff vendors.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Convenient Hotels
The city’s main attractions, including the market and Winter Wonderland, are in the area between Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Central.
The Parkgate Hotel is a good option in this area, just a 5-minute walk to the market, 2 minutes from Winter Wonderland, and 10 minutes from City Hall Lawn.
Read our list of hotels in Cardiff for more options suiting all budgets.
Read our UK Christmas Markets List for more ideas for festive destinations.
City Centre Map
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
Cardiff Winter Wonderland
At Cardiff Castle, the highlights include the Ice Walk and an undercover Ice Rink nestled within the castle grounds. Accessible ice skating sessions are available every Wednesday at set times.
Over at City Hall Lawn, you’ll find family funfair attractions, including the iconic Giant Wheel. The popular Sur la Piste ski lodge bar returns, and the Ice Bar offers a sub-zero setting where everything is made of ice. The Alpine Village provides covered seating for enjoying festive food and drinks.
Cardiff Winter Wonderland dates: 14th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawn.
Opening times: 11am to 10pm.
Ice skating: Yes, including accessible skating.
Attractions: Giant Wheel, Ice Bar, Ice Walk and funfair attractions.
Tickets: Book tickets online.
The Christmas Festival
The Cardiff Christmas Festival returns this year, now set in the lush surroundings of Sophia Gardens. The event will take place in a heated, 550-seat Spiegeltent, offering a unique atmosphere for attendees.
This year’s shows are yet to be announced.
Cardiff Christmas Festival dates: 1st to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Sophia Gardens.
Tickets: Book tickets online.
What to Expect
Cardiff’s winter festivals have been a tradition for 30 years. The markets and Winter Wonderland are located close to each other, making it easy to explore both in one visit.
Cardiff Market showcases over 200 local artisans and offers a wide range of high-quality, locally-made products.
Set against the backdrop of the city’s historic architecture, the market provides an authentic Welsh shopping experience and supports local businesses.
Food Specialties
- Welsh Cakes: Classic griddle cakes with a unique texture, perfect with a cup of tea.
- Bara Brith: A traditional Welsh fruit loaf soaked in tea, enjoyed sliced and buttered.
- Glamorgan Sausages: Vegetarian sausages made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs, originating from Glamorgan.
- Laverbread: Traditional Welsh dish made from laver seaweed, often mixed with oats and fried.
- Cawl: Hearty Welsh stew made with lamb and winter vegetables, adaptable for vegetarians.
- Mince Pies with Welsh Mead: Sweet pies filled with dried fruits and spices, traditionally enjoyed with warm Welsh mead.
At the Food Stalls
- Yorkshire Pudding Wraps: British roast dinner served in a large Yorkshire pudding, available with meat or vegetarian fillings.
- Toasted Marshmallows: Roasted over an open flame, served straight from the stick or between biscuits.
- Roasted Chestnuts: A traditional winter snack served hot in paper bags.
- Hot Mulled Wine and Cider: Warm spiced drinks made from red wine or apple cider.
- Crepes: Thin French pancakes with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings.
- Bratwurst: German sausages served in a roll with sauerkraut and mustard.
- Churros with Chocolate: Spanish pastries served with chocolate dipping sauce.
What to Buy
- Welsh Love Spoons: Handcrafted wooden spoons with intricate designs, symbolising love and luck.
- Wool Products: High-quality woollen items like scarves, blankets, and hats made from local Welsh sheep.
- Jewellery: Unique pieces from local artisans featuring both Celtic designs and modern styles.
- Art and Prints: Artwork from local artists, including prints of Cardiff scenes and nature-inspired pieces.
- Welsh Food Hampers: Gift hampers with local produce like Welsh cakes, cheeses, and ales.
- Hand-poured Candles: Locally made candles with festive scents, packaged for gifting.
- Slate Products: Items made from Welsh slate, such as coasters, cheese boards, and picture frames.
- Ornaments: Festive decorations, including handmade baubles and wooden tree ornaments, many with a Welsh twist.
Sustainability Tips
- Walk or Cycle: Use Cardiff’s extensive cycling and walking paths, like the Taff Trail, which connects Cardiff Bay to the city centre. Rent a bike from one of the city’s Nextbike stations to explore Cardiff at a leisurely pace.
- Eat Local and Seasonal Food: Dine at restaurants that source local Welsh produce, like Milkwood in Pontcanna, which adjusts its menu seasonally to use sustainable ingredients.
- Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of portion sizes when dining out or ordering takeaway to avoid over-ordering.
- Use Public Transport: Take advantage of Cardiff’s reliable buses and trains to get around the city efficiently.
- Shop Responsibly: Support local artisans by buying from local shops and markets, where products are often made ethically and sustainably. Look for unique, handmade items that reflect Cardiff’s culture.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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