Cardiff is always a great destination for a visit - lots of things to do, great hotels and you can tick off another capital city. Why not plan a visit this Christmas?

Christmas starts in Cardiff on 13 November when the Winter Wonderland opens alongside the magical Christmas Market and the city centre lights are switched on for the first time. Highlights include:

• Christmas Wonderland in the grounds of Cardiff Castle and on City Hall Lawn - includes the undercover ice-rink and Ice Walk, the Big Wheel and family funfair, Alpine ski-lodge bar (Sur la Piste), plus festive food and drink stalls and a whole host of other attractions. Winter Wonderland is always at the heart of Cardiff’s seasonal celebrations.
• The Christmas Market where you are guaranteed to find perfect Christmas gifts created by talented makers - everything from bespoke silver jewellery to hand thrown ceramics, handmade quilts to artworks in all mediums - whilst enjoying  tasty Christmas food.
• Bute Park Light Trail - a mile long stroll through an enchanted world of illumination, uniquely crafted by world leading lighting designers. Enjoy 15 different light zones, a truly mesmerising journey in the shadow of the historic Cardiff Castle, around the picturesque Bute Park. (Opens 21 November).

Of course, a Christmas trip to Cardiff also includes great shopping (national brands and amazing independent stores in the Arcades), great food stops and a trip to a show - including Sleeping Beauty at The New Theatre and Mary Poppins at The Millennium Centre.

Of course, there are Christmas events and traditions across the region that you can add to a trip. Some ideas:

• Discover the secrets of making Christmas Breads from around the world at a pre Christmas course with The Abergavenny Baker.
• Caerphilly Castle is a stunning back drop for:
  • The River of Light Lantern Parade & Fireworks Display 2025 - on 21 November‍
  • Caerphilly Christmas Market on 29 November - delicious street food, the smell of mulled wine, exciting street theatre and over 60 food, craft and gift stalls including funfair attractions to delight the whole family!

• Visit Father Christmas  - how about:
  • The Royal Mint Experience.
  • The Welsh Mining Experience: Rhondda Heritage Park.
  • In the Bedwellty House Ice House Grotto - combine with a tour around the town that inspired the creation of the National Health Service - Tredegar.
• Explore how Christmas was celebrated at Tredegar House over the last 500 years.
• On Boxing Day - how about The Welsh Grand National at Chepstow Racecourse.

‍Abergavenny Food Festival - 20/21 September

Renowned as one of the best Food Festivals in the UK, Abegavenny Food Festival is just a week away. As the festival fills the town, market hall and castle, it's guaranteed to be a weekend of guest chef demonstrations, talks, debates, family entertainment, and music - as well as lots of opportunities to try (and buy) amazing artisan products - from honey and chocolate, to organic meats and handmade preserves - you can find a full list of producers here. Tickets are still available for the weekend. Why not visit this year and see how you can include it in your future itineraries?

If you can't get to Abergavenny - then how about joining the Newport Food Festival - 11 October. The festival will wind its way through the city from the imposing Market Hall to John Frost Square (named after the leader to the Chartist Uprising that took place in Newport in 1839, part of the campaign for The Vote). Chef's demonstrations, talks and tastings will fill the day, as well as music from the Newport Music Trail which will return in 2026.

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An Italian's view of Southern Wales

‍This summer, Marina, Travelling Pet Sitter visited Cardiff (to look after a lovely cat) and she took the opportunity to explore the region. Using trains and buses she visited Caerphilly, St Fagans National Museum of History, Chepstow Castle and, of course, Cardiff - her articles are available on her website – with lots of ideas for your groups.

‍Autumnal Colours

After a hot summer we are beginning to step into autumn and the trees are starting to change from green to vibrant golds, fiery reds, and warm ambers. The Wye Valley is filled with native trees and is an ideal location for autumnal walks and drives - spying the changing season and enjoying warm bowls of soup around a real fire - maybe an opportunity to try out the renovated Royal George Hotel in Tintern - as well as visit the Abbey and Chepstow Castle.

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This months newsletter focuses on Autumn and Christmas ideas. You can see the original newsletter here.