Outdoor events and light trails
- The Light of Winter (Until 21 Dec 2024): Immerse yourself in The Light of Winter at the National Museum Cardiff, a sensory light installation celebrating Welsh culture and tradition through stunning visuals and storytelling.
- Christmas at Bute Park (Until 31 Dec 2024): Wander through Bute Park’s enchanting 1.4 km light trail, featuring 15 illuminated zones, festive music, food stalls and interactive displays for all ages. This year, Creative Cardiff has commissioned two stunning installations: one created by Natalie Roe and Louis Smith of Tangible Lemon, and another by Elliott Lewis. Find out more.
- Cardiff Winter Wonderland (Until 5 Jan 2025): Stretching across Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawn, Winter Wonderland brings all the seasonal magic you need, with ice skating, fairground rides, and tasty festive treats to keep you fuelled for a cosy date night or family day out.
Theatre and live performances
- Wales Millennium Centre: Start your season with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on 19 December for Christmas Celebrations, an evening filled with festive favourites and jazzy tunes. Plus, don’t miss the Broadway blockbuster Hamilton. In Cardiff until 24 December.
- Sherman Theatre: The Sherman’s festive season features A Christmas Carol, and for the little ones, there’s Little Red Riding Hood in English or Yr Hugan Fach Goch in Welsh—a perfect mix of fun and festive tradition.
- New Theatre Cardiff: The season’s classic pantomime, Cinderella, brings its magic (and laughs) until 5 January, starring Welsh favourites Gethin Jones, Owain Wyn Evans, and Mike Doyle.
- Roath Community Chorus Winter Concert (15 Dec 2024): Enjoy a heartwarming evening of music with the Roath Community Chorus as they perform their Winter Concert at St. David’s Catholic College (19:00). Expect a delightful mix of festive songs and choral favourites.
- Ho-Ho-Hickman: A Christmas Sam-stravaganza (21 Dec 2024): Join Cardiff's own cabaret star, Sam Hickman, for a festive evening of music, humour, and holiday cheer at St. Andrew's United Reformed Church (19:00). Expect a delightful mix of harp-accompanied festive tunes, comedy, and joyful chaos in this one-of-a-kind Christmas extravaganza.
Markets and food
- Pontcanna Christmas Market: Held every Sunday in December at Kings Road Yard (10:00 - 16:00), this market is perfect for picking up artisan goodies.
- Cardiff Christmas Market (Until 23 Dec 2024): Head to Cardiff Christmas Market for a traditional festive shopping experience in the heart of the city.
- Christmas Welsh Banquet (Until 20 Dec 2024): Experience a festive feast at Cardiff Castle’s fifteenth-century Undercroft.
- Queer Emporium Festive Market (11–12 Dec 2024): Head to the Queer Emporium for a festive market celebrating LGBTQ+ makers and creatives.
Events across the region
- Cadw’s Christmas Events (Caerphilly)
- Royal Mint Experience (Llantrisant)
- Christmas Celebrations at Tredegar House & Gardens (Newport)
- Luminate Wales (Port Talbot)
We know there’s so much going on in Cardiff and the wider region this festive period, and it’s impossible for us to list everything in this short article! The Creative Cardiff Team is keen to share other creative events with our community, so please do make use of our events listings feature, tag us in socials or get in touch by emailing creativecardiff@cardiff.ac.uk before 19 December.
Nadolig Llawen a mwynhewch!
