Cardiff's Winter Wonderland Returns

21 September 2022

The capital’s biggest Winter attraction is back from 15th November – 8th January!

With summer now over, planning for winter festivities across the city is underway, and Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland has announced their biggest ever event layout is back. 2021 saw the event split across two locations to maximise festive fun, and this successful layout will return this year, ensuring the biggest Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland ever seen is here to stay. Visitors can again enjoy the festivities at both City Hall Lawns and Cardiff Castle, two locations at the heart of Cardiff City Centre.

In what has proven to be a hugely popular feature, Cardiff Castle will once again be home to the ice skating, which includes the beautiful, covered ice rink and magical 150m open-air ice walk, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Norman keep.

The Castle will also be home to numerous food vendors, where visitors can enjoy a delicious Yorkshire pudding wrap, or have fun toasting marshmallows over an open fire with friends. These tasty treats can be enjoyed at the new and extended seating area, with improved views of the skating.

Over at City Hall, visitors can enjoy the bright lights and sounds of the rides and attractions or ride the Big Wheel offering some of the best views of the city. The food and drink choice doesn’t stop either, with new vendors to grab a hot chocolate, mulled wine, or German sausage from on a cold winter’s night.

Cardiff’s only Ice Bar is also back this season, this time with increased capacity of 40 people per session, as well as new venue hire options for work Christmas parties or birthday celebrations. This year, the bar will also be offering Funkin cocktails alongside its previous selection of beer, prosecco, and flavoured vodka shots.

Equally popular, Sur La Piste, the alpine ski bar will return in its extended format giving cosy après-ski vibes. New for 2022, its outdoor roof terrace will now be home to all live entertainment, serenading us through to Christmas.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke-Davies, said: “The festive season is always special and with Winter Wonderland back and bigger than ever, the traditional Christmas markets returning, the festive lights sparkling, and a whole lot more on offer for visitors and residents to enjoy, this year is shaping up to be a very merry Christmas in Cardiff.”

Organiser of Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland, Norman Sayers, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland to the city again this Winter, and especially the return of our biggest ever layout offering maximum fun for visitors to enjoy.”

“Occupying two key sites means Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland can again complement the wider winter activities being held across the city – including the traditional Christmas Market and Santa’s Grotto on Queen Street.”

“With the increased capacity to the ice bar as well as a new theme and sculptures for 2022, we’re looking forward to welcoming even more visitors to our unique attraction.”

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland will be open from 15th November 2022, with ice skating tickets on sale now: https://cardiffswinterwonderland.com/buy-tickets/

Accessible ice-skating sessions with reduced volume are open every Wednesday morning and are available with an accessible ticket which provides access for one personal assistant or carer.

Traditionally ice-skating slots sell out fast, especially on weekends. It is highly recommended that tickets are pre-booked for both ice-skating and the ice bar to avoid disappointment.

General admission to both City Hall Lawns and the Castle Grounds public square is free for visitors to explore over the winter period.

You can keep up with the latest from Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland via:

Facebook.com/CardiffsWWL

Twitter.com/CardiffsWWL

Instagram.com/cardiffswinterwonderland

More information on Cardiff Castle’s Christmas events for 2022 can be found at www.cardiffcastle.com