An “enchanting” South Wales spot makes The Telegraph’s UK Top 10 list, celebrated for its spectacular ice skating, mesmerising light trail, and brilliant festive entertainment.
Cardiff is glowing! We’re absolutely thrilled to share that our vibrant capital has been named one of the UK’s best places to visit this Christmas by The Telegraph, and we couldn’t agree more. The city’s unique charm, from the thrilling funfair rides to the “enchanting” light trail, secured its place on the list. Our standout feature? Ice skating right inside the Cardiff Castle walls, which adds an incredible atmosphere, especially when the fairy lights begin to glitter. Get ready to experience the Welsh capital’s festive transformation this season.
The Telegraph lauded the Welsh capital for evolving its festive offering “in leaps and bounds,” cementing its status as a top UK destination for holiday cheer. Specifically, the top three reasons Cardiff is a winner are the Castle ice rink, which adds an extra dimension of atmosphere, especially as the lights and decorations come into their own after dark; the après-ski bar at City Hall lawn; the glitzy Spiegeltent shows; and finally the light trail through Bute Park, which is singled out as a must-see for all visitors.
Cardiff Winter Wonderland is back, transforming two of our most bestselling city centre locations into a “magical winter escape”.
For the ultimate festive experience, the Castle grounds host both an undercover ice rink and an open-air ice trail. The ice trail, in particular, weaves through the scenic castle grounds, offering a truly unique skating opportunity beneath the stars.
Just a short stroll away at Cardiff City Hall is the Sur La Piste Alpine Bar, the perfect place for a cozy and festive retreat. You’re invited to indulge in seasonal treats, from steaming mulled wine to luxurious hot chocolate, while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Both sites will run from November 13, 2025, until January 4, 2026.
The Christmas at Bute Park light trail returns to the heart of the city, promising an unforgettable night out. Running from November 21 until December 31, 2025, this year promises a completely new route and spectacular large-scale installations.
The stunning trail is complemented by a dedicated Christmas village where visitors can enjoy food and drink amidst the dazzling lights. Don’t miss out on what is truly one of the most bustling and eclectic events of the season.
The Cardiff Christmas Festival is back inside the iconic Spiegel Theatre at Sophia Gardens, offering a totally immersive range of live entertainment in the heart of the city. This year’s line-up includes classic stories like ‘Jack Frost’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’, and big singalong shows like “Tour of the Eras” The Taylor Swift Christmas Celebration, and ‘The Bohemians’, which is a selection of Queen’s greatest hits.
Whether you’re after a festive singalong or a family show, the Christmas Festival is a brilliant celebration of holiday cheer.
Image from Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland