By Molly Spencer and Eve Yates
The time is finally upon us. The Christmas lights have been switched on along St Mary’s street which can only mean one thing. Time to start preparing for Christmas! It is now officially December so I won’t accept anything other than Christmas joy and the best way to get it started is with all the Christmas markets that can be found in and around Cardiff.
Starting off strong Pontcanna Christmas market 15th Nov – 21st Dec) is now up and running everyday Saturday (10am-2pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm). On Kings Road Yard, just a short walk across Bute Park, you’ll find Christmas in full swing with food, hot drinks and crafts for that perfect Christmas present. It’s never too early to be prepared! If you are a fan of mulled wine, warm pastries and all things Christmas buzz then I definitely have to recommend Pontcanna for all your Christmas goodies and to get a change of pace from the bustle of Cardiff city centre.
Cardiff Bay of course cannot be forgotten with various events happening throughout December. Whilst there has been no announcement yet – Cardiff Bay usually hosts a Christmas trail with previous themes featuring reindeer and gingerbread so keep an eye out as there will hopefully be a new trail released soon! Keep the 11th December free if you fancy something to release your inner child, as there is an adult only event happening at Techniquest involving a Christmas- themed live science show and other magical science demos. Tickets are £17 and you must be ages 18+ in order to attend. Tickets include a whole evening of fun with a welcome drink at arrival followed by a Christmas trail, star tours in the planetarium and other Christmas events.
(13th Nov- 23rd Dec) Closer to town you’ll find the market stalls and artists promoting their crafts and selling their work. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sundays 10am-5pm, leaving plenty of hours for everyone to explore the stalls no matter their schedule. Throughout the festive quarter there are over 200 individual businesses selling a wide variety of diverse arts and crafts alongside seasonal food and drink, such as the crowd favourite: Yorkshire pudding burrito. Both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are available throughout the market to purchase whether you fancy a pint, some mulled wine or simply a hot chocolate with extra whip cream and marshmallows.
Of course I have to finish off with Cardiff’s own market and winter wonderland (13th Nov – 4th Jan). The epitome of Christmas joy and winter markets in the centre of Cardiff, you’ll find carnival games, rides and marshmallows to toast. Everyone’s favourite pirate pendulum ride and snow storm waltzer returns alongside bumper cars to keep you entertained all evening. If you cross over the road and head towards the castle you’ll find the perfect space for some ice skating through the castle grounds but make you sure you pre book tickets. Students do not fear as they have remembered our bank accounts with student prices available.
No matter where you venture throughout Cardiff, the season is just beginning, and the winter markets are a fabulous day out with plenty to explore. Although watch your bank balance as you might find a homemade trinket and a hot chocolate hard to
resist!
Despite Cardiff being well-known for its Christmas markets, there are so many more festive activities and markets to see right on your doorstep. Only a train journey away you can see some of the best Christmas markets in the UK and have your own Christmas market crawl. And only 50 minutes away is one of the UK’s biggest Christmas markets; Bristol has lots of unique Christmas activities, setting it apart from other markets across the UK (7th Nov – 23rd Dec). With over 40 festive stalls selling unique gifts, crafts and seasonal treats, this market in the heart of Bristol city centre is a must visit. If you’re going with some friends, you could book a private gondola or hot air balloon (both of which are stationary). You can enjoy a cheese fondue, charcuterie board or drinks package to get into the festive spirit. The Bristol Christmas Village also has lots of attractions on offer, such as live music, food and drinks, curling, Christmas escape rooms and a rollahub. Bristol has lots of unique Christmas activities for you to enjoy this year if you’re looking for a fun festive day out.
For less than £10 for a return ticket (with a railcard), Swansea is an accessible stop to visit this year for its Christmas market (29th Nov – 22nd Dec). The main streets of Swansea city centre are filled with local stalls selling lots of festive treats, such as gifts, crafts and food. With an Alpine bar area and a carollers cabin, visiting the Swansea market is a great way to get into the festive spirit. They also have a Waterfront Winterland, with ice skating, a live music stage, food and drink, a Christmas tree maze and fairground rides. They’re even selling the infamous Yorkshire pudding wrap. Swansea has spared no expense this year when it comes to the variety of rides and attractions on offer, If you fancy a change from Cardiff this year, Swansea is a great place to mix things up.
For less than £5 and only 15 minutes away on the train, Newport is so close to visit the Christmas market this year (22nd Nov – 23rd Dec). With the traditional Winter Wonderland having an ice rink, rides, and stalls selling festive food and drink, Newport is a great city to visit. The Kingsway centre will be transformed into a festive wonderland, with local traders, independent food stalls and crafts.
Despite it being a bit further away, Bath was awarded the best Christmas Market in the UK last year. The Christmas market (27th Nov – 14 Dec) “wanders through the heart of Bath’s historic city centre” and has the cathedral as a backdrop. Selling clothes, crafts, food, gifts and jewellery, Bath has 250 independent stallholders and caterers. There is also live music and an ice rink to enjoy. If you’re looking for that perfect, picturesque, cosy Christmas feel, Bath might have what you’re looking for
To sum up, while Cardiff at Christmas has lots on offer across the city centre, which might be everything you’re looking for, why not branch out this year and explore some of the Christmas markets close by. Not only will you be supporting more local businesses, but it’s also an opportunity to see some cities you might not have visited before. And you can never have too many Yorkshire pudding wraps.