Christmas is just around the corner
Southern Wales is getting ready for the Christmas celebrations - and there’s lots of events planned that may be of interest to your clients - as well as great shopping opportunities.
Cardiff is ready!
With less than 100 days to go until Santa dusts off his sleigh, it’s time to start dreaming of a white Christmas and whether you’re wishing for magical memories, thoughtful gifts or a sprinkling of festive cheer in 2026, Cardiff is a great base for your visit.
An ice rink in a Castle
The picturesque grounds of Cardiff Castle make the perfect location for a romantic s
unset skate, or a day of family fun. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk returns from 12 November 2026 until 3 January 2027. New for 2026 - A Curling Experience – great fun for groups – book your tickets!
A Winter Wonderland
There’s all the fun of the fair – including a brand-new accessible Big Wheel with an impressive new lighting system and cosier gondolas or the simple pleasure of settling in with a drink at the Sur La Piste apres-ski bar! 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Free entry.
An illuminating experience
It wouldn’t be Christmas without lights and ‘Christmas at Bute Park’ will be a mesmerising mile long trail to explore. Four enchanting, illuminated worlds – Magic, Wonder, Hope and Joy – each one crafted by local visionaries and world leading lighting designers. Runs 19 November 2026 until 31 December 2026. Tickets.
Festival feasting, with a Victorian twist
New this year, Queen Street will be transformed into a Cardiff Victorian Christmas Market. Expect stallholders in period costumes, beautifully decorated stalls, live entertainment, roaming performers and plenty of delicious treats to tuck
into! November 12 – November 15 (Thursday – Saturday,10.00 - 19.00 & Sunday, 10.00 - 17.00).
Perfect handcrafted gifts
Cardiff’s Christmas Market is now a traditional part of Christmas and is the perfect place to find bespoke jewellery, seasonal food and drink, original artwork, beautiful, fused glass work, hand-thrown ceramics, hand-made quilts and textiles and more, all crafted by talented local makers. 12 November to 23 December 2026 – open late (until 19.00) on Thursdays throughout December.
Let’s go shopping!
Southern Wales has lots of great shopping options - here are a few ideas:
Cardiff - international brands and unique independent stores.
Market towns such as Cowbridge, Abergavenny and Monmouth.
Out of town shopping options such as Merthyr Tydfil, Newport and Pontypridd.
Attractions with Christmas events that are guaranteed to create a great atmosphere and experiences to remember - here are a few suggestions:
Tredegar House and Park - 500 years of Christmas traditions and decorations.
Brecon Mountain Railway - the Polar Express takes you into the Bannau Brycheiniog/ - Brecon Beacons.
The Royal Mint Experience offers a special Christmas treat as an addition to its fantastic Factory Tour.
Father Christmas will pop up in the most unusual places - including A Welsh Coal Mining Experience, Big Pit National Coal Museum, Bedwellty House and Park and Cyfartha Castle.
Congratulations
Congratulations to The Walnut Tree restaurant, Abergavenny, for being named Restaurant of the Year 2026 for Wales at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards. Shaun Hill, Chef, said “The award gives justification for all the hard work and attention to standards. We are a small team that work long hours to deliver consistency, so it gives a boost to morale for this to be acknowledged.”
Some other award winning restaurants in the area include:
- The Whitebrook in the Wye Valley
- Gorse in Pontcanna, Cardiff
- Roots restaurant at Llanerch
There are lots of other great eateries - contact Southern Wales and we’ll be able to suggest foodies stops for your next visit.
Christmas events around Caerphilly
Caerphilly organises events across its valleys, filled withChristmas fun. The highlight has to be the River of Light Lantern Parade and Christmas Light switch onaround Caerphilly Castle with a mini festive markets and fireworks - all on20 November.
Other events include:
- Bargoed Christmas Market - 14 November
- Caerphilly Christmas Market - 21 November
- Blackwood Christmas Market - 28 November
- Ystrad Mynach Christmas Market - 5 December
Lots of great events to enjoy.
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