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TRANSCRIPT
FREE GUIDE
CHRISTMAS IN CARDIFF
15 November – 6 January
visitcardiff.com/christmas
2018
This handy pocket guide lists everything you need to know about Cardiff this festive season… so keep it safe and don’t miss a thing this Christmas!
The pages have been divided into colour-coded sections so that it’s easier for you to discover what the city has to offer.
Pages 3 to 8: Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
Pages 9 to 12: Outdoor Entertainment
Pages 13 to 18: Festive Events
Pages 19 to 20: Christmas in the Bay
Pages 21 to 26: Shopping
Pages 27 to 28: Eat and Drink
Pages: 29 to 32: Travel and Visitor Information
Keep up to date!Don’t forget to check out Visit Cardiff on social media for regular event updates and news.
Visitcardiff.com/Christmas@VisitCardiff
01 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Please note details are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Festive Highlights
15 Nov Step into Christmas City Centre
15 Nov - 6 Jan Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland with Admiral Ice Rink City Hall Lawn
15 Nov - 23 Dec Cardiff Christmas Markets The Hayes
15 Nov - 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto Queen Street
15 Nov- 1 Jan Christmas at the Castle Castle Street
4 Dec - 12 Jan Matlida the Musical Wales Millennium Centre
8 Dec - 13 Jan Beauty and the Beast New Theatre Cardiff
13 Dec Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival Launch City Hall
19 Dec - 31 Dec Christmas Ballets St. David’s Hall
31 Dec - 1 Jan New Year’s Eve Fireworks Civic Centre
Save the date
29 Mar - 9 Apr Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival City Centre Venues
30 Mar - 7 Apr RHS Flower Show Cardiff Bute Park
1 Jun - 15 Jun ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Cardiff Wales Stadium
02Christmas in Cardiff 2018
With an undercover ice rink, seasonal activities, bars and food stalls, all against the backdrop of the iconic civic centre and spectacular lights, Christmas in Cardiff isn’t complete without a visit to Winter Wonderland.
City Hall Lawn15th November - 6thJanuary
03 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Fun Skate Penguins Look out for the penguins! The fun penguins are designed to help younger children enjoy the ice with confidence (suitable for children under 1.2m and should not be used as an aid for skating – subject to availability).
It’s free to enter the Winter Wonderland event site,
but there is a charge for additional activities. To avoid disappointment it’s advised that visitors book ice skating tickets in advance at cardiffswinterwonderland.com
Opening times:Please collect your skates 15 minutes prior to the start of your skating session.
15 Nov – 21 Dec
Mon – Fri 1215-2200 (Last Skate 2100)
Sat – Sun 1100-2200 (Last Skate 2100)
22 Dec – 30th Dec (excluding dates below)
Mon – Fri 1100 - 2200
Sat & Sun 0945 - 2200
Christmas Eve 0945 – 2100
Christmas Day CLOSED
Boxing Day 1100 - 2100
New Year’s Eve 0945 -0030
1 Jan – 6 Jan
Mon-Sat 1100 - 2200
Card
iff’s W
inter Wo
nderland
04Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
Peak Off Peak
Walk Up Online Walk Up Online
Adult (16+) £11 £10 £9.50 £8.50
Child (3-15) £9 £8 £8 £7
Students With Valid ID
£9 £8 £8 £7
Family of 4 £35 £30 £30 £27
Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve Midnight skate
All Day 23:30 Skate
Walk Up & Online Walk Up & Online
Adult (16+) £15 £20
Child (3-15) £10 £15
Students With Valid ID
£12
Family of 4 £45
05 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Sur La Piste Bar – NEW for 2018
The brand new bar, with two floors, is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family over a mulled wine - or just sit back and relax on the sofas while enjoying a hot chocolate. The authentic wooden chalet is guaranteed
to get everyone in the festive mood.
Card
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nderland
06Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
Funfair It’s not just about the skating! Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland will have an upgraded site with new attractions for 2018 including The Drop Tower! and familiar favourite, Party Penguin Dodgems.
Food and Drink Come and enjoy ‘Après Ski’ at the Sur La Piste Bar located at the heart of Winter Wonderland. Head to the Alpine Village where you can sample heart-warming Mulled Wine or a hot dog from the grill. Fancy something sweet? Freshly made crepes will be available with a variety of tantalising toppings!
Ask
about
Group Packages
including
Food and Drink!
£17.50pp
07 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Card
iff’s W
inter Wo
nderland
08Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
Step into Christmas
Thursday 15 November 4.30pm - 7.30pm City Centre
The Official Start to Christmas in Cardiff!
See the city centre undergo a spectacular transformation with a cornucopia of Christmassy characters, music, lights and entertainment.
Join the merriment and watch some truly magical festive performances in various locations across the city centre.
Please note the Christmas lights will be on prior to the start of Step into Christmas and twinkle to light as it gets dark. There is no ‘light switch-on’ moment - the fun goes on for hours!
FREE EVENT
09 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Highlights include:
• See Ben and Holly from Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom
• Festive street theatre
• Craft Folk Christmas Markets on The Hayes
• Santa’s Grotto on Queen Street
• Late night shopping and in-store offers
• Opening of Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland with Admiral Ice Rink
Outd
oo
r Entertainm
ent
Outdoor Entertainment 10
Look out for these christmassy characters and more!
For the full schedule head to visitcardiff.com/stepintochristmas
Ghost Caribou Arco
Creature Encounter - The Snow Lion
11 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Outd
oo
r Entertainm
ent
New Year’s Eve
Fireworks at Winter Wonderland
Civic Centre 31 December FREE EVENT
Watch the spectacular midnight firework display from Winter Wonderland and around the Civic Centre and bring in the New Year with a bang!
Make sure you book your ice-skating tickets in advance from cardiffswinterwonderland.com
The New Year’s Funfair will be open:
Sat 29 12.00 - 21.00
Sun 30 12.00 - 21.00
Mon 31 12.00 - 01.00
Nightlife From mouth-watering restaurants, captivating cocktail bars, and clubs where you can dance all the way into 2019, Cardiff is the perfect place to celebrate! Find the best places to visit at visitcardiff.com/NewYear
Outdoor Entertainment 12
Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival Launch with David Baddiel
Thursday 13 December 6.30pm City Hall
The seventh Cardiff Children’s Literature festival gets off to a flying start this December as David Baddiel comes to Cardiff.
Comedian and author David Baddiel has written six wildly entertaining books for
young readers that have sold over 1 million copies. David will be in town to talk about his latest laugh-out-loud, wish fulfilment story, Head Kid, that asks the question: what would happen if the strictest head teacher swapped bodies with the naughtiest kid in school?
The event will mark the launch of the 2019 Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival programme.
Under 12s must be accompanied
by a paying adult. Supported by
HarperCollins Children’s Books
Tickets £5cardiffkidslitfest.com
13 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Festive E
vents
Festive Events
Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival 30 March – 7 April 2019. Tickets will be on sale from 13 December 2018.
Fuel your little bookworm’s imagination and love of reading this Christmas by buying tickets to see their favourite authors and illustrators as they make their words and pictures come to life. Held in iconic
venues across the city centre, with amazing tales and performances featuring a cast of wonderful characters. It’s an ideal stocking filler for all those who love children’s books.
For more information head over to cardiffkidslitfest.com #KidsLitFest @CDFKidsLitFest
14
Santa’s Grotto
10 November - 24 December Queen Street (opposite the Queens Arcade)
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and visit Santa! Housed in a traditional wooden chalet, dressed perfectly for the festive season, children can meet Santa and his elves.
Open 7 days a week from 10.30am
Age: Suitable for children of all ages
Price: £6.50 including a gift from Santa
15 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Festive E
vents
Festive Events
Cardiff Castle
15 November - 1 January Castle Street
Did you know that Christmas is one of the best times of year to visit Cardiff Castle? As well as discovering more about its history, visitors can also see the house in all its splendour, dressed with spectacular Christmas lights and decorations. General admission tickets start from £11.30.
Also the Castle’s Visitor Centre is free to enter, so why not escape the crowds and grab a drink and bite to eat in the Bistro, or find the perfect present in the Welsh gift shop.
To find out more about Santa’s Grotto and Wreath Making classes visit cardiffcastle.com
16
17 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Christmas Shows
What better way is there to get in the Christmas spirit than to enjoy festive entertainment in one of Cardiff’s many beautiful and iconic venues?
Breath-taking Ballet at St David’s Hall
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia accompanied by The Russian State Ballet Orchestra return with four enchanting ballets.
Snow Maiden 19 – 20 December
The Nutcracker 21 – 24 December
Swan Lake 27 – 29 December
Cinderella 30 – 31 December
stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Punchy Panto at New Theatre
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Panto! Festive family fun for all.
Beauty and the Beast 8 December – 13 January
newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
Wales Millennium Centre
Matilda the Musical 4 December – 12 January
Make sure you see the multi-award winning Matilda the Musical from the Royal Shakespeare company.
wmc.org.uk
Festive E
vents
Festive Events 18
Christmas in the Bay
This festive season, wrap up warm, grab a latte in Café Hafren and stroll across the picturesque Cardiff Bay Barrage. Alternatively, get on your bike and cycle the 10k Bay Trail, which takes in iconic landmarks, public art, exhibitions and the tranquil Wetlands Reserve.
Escape from the city altogether with a festive trip to Flat Holm Island, where you can explore the historic buildings and enjoy a warming drink at the Gull and Leek pub. Visit bayislandvoyages.co.uk to book your boat trip.
For hand-made gift options, head to the Norwegian Church Art Centre’s Gallery
Gift Shop, where crafters from South Wales will be presenting their unique wares from 16 November to 23 December at 10.30am-4pm.
For more information about the festivities taking place at other venues in the Bay, including Wales Millennium Centre, The Red Dragon Centre and Mermaid Quay, go to visitcardiffbay.info.
19 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Christm
as in the Bay
Christmas in the Bay
If you’re searching for a Christmas present with a difference, look no further than gift vouchers for Cardiff International White Water. Located near the city centre, the exciting watersport facility offers adrenaline-fuelled
activities including White Water Rafting and Indoor Wave. The vouchers start from just £10 – buy yours now at ciww.com/gift-vouchers, from the centre’s reception or by calling 029 2082 9970.
20
City of Arcades
Experience a new way of shopping this Christmas. Explore the seven beautiful Victorian and Edwardian arcades that sit alongside the biggest names on the high street, earning Cardiff the title of City of Arcades.
Inside you’ll find over 100 independent cafés, bars and shops selling hand-crafted, bespoke and designer items to help you to make your Christmas gifts as unique
as you are. Can’t decide on a gift? The FOR Cardiff gift card is redeemable in over 70 independent businesses across Cardiff city centre, catering for everyone from coffee lovers and vintage fashionistas, culture seekers and sports fans.
To help plan your visit, go to thecityofarcades.com to explore the full list of businesses.
Royal Arcade
21 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Shopping
High Street ArcadeCastle Arcade
Sho
pp
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Christmas Shopping
Shopping CentresCardiff is the ultimate shopping destination this Christmas, and with a combination of designer brands, high street names as well as more individual and independent shops there’s something for everyone. Start your journey at the spectacular St.Davids / Dewi Sant in the heart of the city boasting over 150 shops and over 40 eating outlets.
Stroll down to Queen’s Arcade in the undercover shopping centre- home to a fantastic selection of big name brands and independent retailers.
The shopping doesn’t stop there! The Capitol Shopping Centre located on Queen Street offers some great alternative shops mixed with some well-known favourites!
Cardiff MarketBe sure to check out Cardiff Market where you’ll find a wealth of products perfect for that unique Christmas gift. It has occupied the same site for over 100 years and has traditional Victorian features all under a stunning glass roof.
Capitol Shopping Centre – Creative Cardiff Markets 27 October- 31 December10 – 6pmIf you’re looking for a unique hand-crafted gift this Christmas made by local Cardiff talent then look no further than Capitol Creative’s first ever indoor market! Purchase gifts from over 100 Welsh artists this Christmas. More info at facebook.com/cardiffcreativeshop
For more information on shopping in Cardiff, check out visitcardiff.com/shopping
23 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Sho
pp
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Shopping
Capitol Shopping Centre
St.Davids / Dewi Sant
St.Davids / Dewi Sant exterior
24
Cardiff Christmas Market
15 November - 23 December The Hayes
A visit to Cardiff’s Christmas market will rival that of any UK city, with rows of beautifully decorated wooden stalls laid out in the pedestrian heart of the city centre.
An exciting and eclectic mix of both new and returning exhibitors, with their original, handmade products, are the essence of what makes Cardiff’s Christmas Market so different and special every year.
To find our more head to cardiffchristmasmarket.com
25 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Shopping
Sho
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26
Festive Quarter
Working Street 15 November - 30 December
Shopping can be exhausting so once you’ve worked up your thirst and appetite stop by the German style Bierkeller and Bratwurst Grill, which offers a choice of popular ales, mulled wine and speciality sausages for a Bavarian feast!
27 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Eat &
Drink
Eat & Drink
Eat and Drink – City Centre
From breakfast to cocktails Cardiff can cater for all appetites, whatever time of day those hunger pangs hit.
Start the day right with breakfast at one of the many independent cafés, such as Waterloo Tea, recently voted the Cardiffian’s favourite arcade-based business. Alongside a delicious breakfast menu they also serve a range of over 60 teas sourced from around the world.
Lunch is an international affair, with American style
subs and hoagies at New York Deli, Italian pasta and pizza at Café Minuet or Viennese pastries and open sandwiches at Wally’s Delicatessen and Kaffeehaus.
Spend the evening dining at the Marco Pierre White Steak House, located on Hotel Indigo’s top floor in Dominions Arcade.
Fancy something a little lighter? Head over to Bar 44 and sample some tasty tapas washed down with their mouth-watering sherry selection. Finish off your evening with a refreshing cocktail at Mill Lane’s popular watering holes such as, Cornerhouse, Peppermint or Soda Bar.
Find out more at visitcardiff.com/eatdrink
28
Tim Peake’s Spacecraft
15 November – 10 February National Museum Wales
See the spacecraft that brought British astronaut Tim Peake back to Earth from the International Space Station. You can relive the descent from space through a virtual reality experience, Space Descent VR. This out of the world experience is too good to miss! Presented by Samsung and the Science Museum Group
FREE EXHIBITION £6 Space Descent VR
29 Christmas in Cardiff 2018
Travel & V
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Travel & Visitor Information
Travel and Transport
Car Parks/Park and Ride There are a number of outdoor and multi-storey carparks available close to the shops and attractions. Cardiff Council also operates ‘Park and Ride’ locations during the Christmas period. For more information visit cardiffcouncil.com and visitcardiff.com/visitor-information
Public TransportThe city centre is easily accessible by train via Cardiff Queen Street or Cardiff Central. There are also a variety of bus companies operating around the region with bus stops at key locations including Greyfriars Road and Westgate Street. For timetables visit traveline.cymru
Coaches With a compact city centre, Cardiff is a great city for coach groups to visit. For more information about the convenient drop-off/ pick-up points and coach driver incentives, email the Visit Cardiff team [email protected]
Cardiff Shopmobility Shopmobility provide electrically powered wheelchairs, scooters and manual wheelchairs to help people shop and use the facilities in the city centre. Hiring fee applies. Located at St David`s Shopping Centre, P3 (first level of parking).
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Visitor Information
Tourist Information CentreWhether you’re visiting Cardiff for the first time or looking for new ways to experience the city, the Tourist Information Centre is there to help.
Tourist Information Centre Cardiff Castle
Opening HoursOpen 7 days a week 09:00 – 17:00
Tourist Information Hub Old Library
Opening HoursSun - Thu 10:00 – 15:00Fri – Sat 10:00 – 17:00
MapsCheck out our Christmas in Cardiff map on the centre pages! Or, if you are looking for City Centre and Cardiff Bay maps you can download from: visitcardiff.com/visitor-information/maps-cardiff
Cardiff FREE WiFiDid you know there is FREE WiFi in Cardiff city centre & Cardiff Bay? Just look out for Cardiff FREE WiFi and log in!
LockersHeavy bags? Here for the weekend? Check out the locker facilities at St. David’s / Dewi Sant (£1 regular size locker for 8 hours) or The Old Library (10am-4pm various prices based on size of storage).
Did you know you can collect your Amazon order from one of Cardiff’s many locker facilities? You can find them at two of our largest shopping centres St. David’s / Dewi Sant and Capitol Shopping Centre.
Extend your VisitFrom budget to five-star Cardiff has plenty of choice. Check out our accommodation at visitcardiff.com/wheretostay
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Travel & Visitor Information 32
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