It truly begins to feel festive ...

As the holiday season draws near, there’s a magical moment that I eagerly anticipate every year - the time when our local Christmas lights illuminate the night sky, casting a warm and festive glow upon the streets. And in Cardiff, this moment is nothing short of spectacular. When Cardiff’s Christmas decorations light up the city, it is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the best experiences you can have during this time of the year in the entire UK. The city comes alive with a vibrant display of colours, transforming the streets into a winter wonderland. Wrapped up warm and surrounded by the ones I love, gathering with my family to witness this beautiful sight has become one of my fondest traditions. The joy, excitement, and sheer spectacle of Cardiff’s Christmas lights have also become cherished memories for my children. It's an annual event they eagerly look forward to, marking the beginning of the festive season in our household. Cardiff truly knows how to capture the spirit of Christmas, making it a magical time for families like mine to come together and celebrate the wonders of the season.

On Wednesday 15th November the illuminatations will light up the season. Brighter. Better. And more dazzling than ever. Winter Wonderland will open its merry doors for another year, and the bustling Christmas Market and Festive Quarter will already be underway. 

Places to shop in Cardiff

• Queens arcade
• St David's Centre
• Queen Street
• Royal arcade
• Duke Street arcade
• High street arcade
• Wyndham arcade
• Castle arcade
• Cardiff Market
• Dominions arcade
• Capitol Centre‍
  

What Christmas activities are on

• Christmas at Bute Park
• Winter Wonderland
• The Ice Rink and Ice Walk
• Santa Experience at the Cardiff Principality Stadium
• Cardiff's Festive Food & Drink quarter
• The Ice Bar
• 'Believe' Christmas grotto experience in St David’s center

‍

What Christmas shows are on

• Santa's Wish
• The Nutcracker
• Snow White and the seven dwarfs
• Castellana
• Swan Lake

Festive Food in Cardiff

• The Botanist
• The Ivy
• Chapel 1877
• Henry's
• Daffodil
• Pieminister
• Cornerhouse 
• Miller & Carter
• Marco Pierre White
• The Potted Pig
• Cosy Club

‍

Places for a Christmas Drink

• The Alchemist 
• The Coconut Tree 
• The Ivy
• The Botanist
• Peppermint 
• Henry's 
• Dirty Martini  
• Chapel 1877
• Brewdog
• The Cardiff Stable 
• The Cosy Club
• Be At One Cardiff 
• Elevens Bar & Grill 
• The Dead Canary 

As with everything on my platforms, these are only things I can recommend from personal experience. I'm sure there are lots of other incredible things to see and do in our city, and if you've discovered any special gems and would like to share, please get in touch!

Follow me on Instagram on @MotherOfGrom to see our festive moments in our favourite city

Wishing you all a beautiful Christmas season and awesome adventures into advent!