The weather has turned colder and the beginnings of Christmas spirit are filtering into the air. If you’re in the Welsh capital, you’ll be preparing for the Cardiff Winter Wonderland.
Some might be too early, but Christmas is just around the corner. You may be panicked about present buying or if you have enough jumpers for the cold weather. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a festive day out to enjoy the Christmas season fully. Cardiff Winter Wonderland is the perfect way to do just that.
When is Cardiff Winter Wonderland?
The attractions will open on November 15 2022 and stay open until January 8 2023. On its opening day, it will open at 5 pm and close at 10 pm.
After that, Mondays through until Thursdays until December 4 it will be open from 12 pm to 10 pm. Fridays and Saturdays will see it open an hour earlier from 11 am until 10 pm. From December 5 onwards, it will be open from 11 am every day.
Opening times will differ slightly on occasional days. On Christmas Eve, the attractions will close at the slightly earlier time of 8 pm. It will then be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. New Year’s Eve will have an extended opening time, closing at 12:30 am. So, if you feel like welcoming the new year on the big wheel, Cardiff Winter Wonderland will be just the place for you. However, the next day, New Year’s Day, the attractions will close earlier at 8 pm once again.
All days in between and after will have its usual opening hours.
What Attractions Will Be There?
Cardiff Winter Wonderland has plenty to do, including drinks, food, drink and more. Though entry to the attractions is free, you will probably have to pay for the individual event.
The Ice Rink and Ice Walk will be returning to the grounds of Cardiff Castle once again, spreading the festivities across the city. You’ll need to book ahead, but there are still plenty of tickets available. Students get a discounted price of £12.50 as long as you can provide a valid student ID. Apart from that, it will cost £15.50 for adults, £11.50 for children and £39.50 for a family ticket. The Ice Rink is covered so even if it’s raining you can still enjoy the fun, however, the Ice Walk isn’t. Though there aren’t plans to close if it rains, you may want to bring a spare pair of socks.
If Ice Isn’t On Your Nice List
If skating isn’t your thing, there is plenty of delicious festive foods (and drinks!) for you to try. There’s the Ice Bar chilled to a freezing minus 10 degrees, but the drinks will definitely keep you warm. The food stands will offer crepes, hot chocolates, Yorkshire pudding wraps and marshmallows toasted on a real open fire. Oh, and even some mulled wine if you’re feeling extra festive.
If you’re going with kids, or are just young at heart, there are funfair rides to get you dizzy. The rides require tokens which can be purchased in booths dotted around Cardiff Winter Wonderland. Tokens are a pound each, but it’s well worth it to be thrown around on the waltzers whilst Mariah Carey blares out. It’s all our Christmas dreams come true.
And last but not least, Cardiff’s giant wheel will be making its much-loved return. Grab a hot chocolate, a friend and a huge scarf and take in Cardiff’s winter sites from the top of the world. Top tip: head down (or up!) at night time when all the Christmas lights are in full swing.
