Festive Dining
Feeling peckish? See what festive treats we have to offer.
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There's so much to get you in the festive spirit this Christmas
Christmas in Cardiff 2025
Cardiff Christmas Markets | Cardiff Winter Wonderland | Christmas at Bute Park
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Cardiff is truly magical at Christmas. The festive season offers things to do with family and friends, as a couple or on your own. You will be spoilt for choice with things to do at Christmas in Cardiff. From carol singing to Christmas markets and delicious festive treats to enjoy, Cardiff has it all this December! There's plenty of holiday spirit to go around!
If you’re planning a festive break in the city, Future Inn Cardiff is the perfect place to stay. Ideally located in the heart of Cardiff Bay, it’s just a short journey from the Christmas attractions. With spacious rooms that sleep up to four, free parking, and a hearty Welsh breakfast to set you up for a day of festivities, it’s a great base for families as kids stay free, couples, and solo travellers alike. Plus, you can warm up after a chilly winter’s day with dinner or a festive afternoon tea in Thomas Bar & Restaurant, which serves fresh, locally sourced dishes with a twist.
Book a RoomChristmas In Cardiff 2025 Events
Christmas Shopping in Cardiff
You can do all of your Christmas shopping in Cardiff!
With large shopping centres, high street favourites, individual stores, and a thriving indoor market, Cardiff is the ideal destination for a shopping trip.
The real highlight of Cardiff’s retail scene is the Victorian and Edwardian arcades, full of independent boutiques and cafes, worth a visit as architectural gems.
Don't forget about the incredible Boxing Day Sales!
SHOPPING IN CARDIFF
Cardiff Christmas Market
Thursday 13 November until Tuesday 23 December 2025
10am to 6pm (5pm on Sundays)
A huge range of craft stalls and food can be browsed throughout the day in Alpine-style huts. Found on St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes, known as the Festive Quarter. Over 200 individual businesses sell a wide variety of diverse arts and crafts, plus seasonal food and drinks each year.
Free entry
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Farmers Market at Insole Court
Dates to be confirmed
9am to 1pm | Free entry
Found just outside the city centre in Llandaff is Insole Court. Within the grounds of the 160-year-old mansion house, which was recently saved by the community, you will find craft stalls and some of the best produce South Wales has to offer. Whilst there walk around the gardens, visit the house and the exhibition 'This House is a Stage'.
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Sunday Lunch with Santa
Sunday 7, 14 and 21 December 2025 | 12.30pm - 4pm
From £35 per person
From £21 per child (under 12’s) | Under 2’s are complimentary
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Christmas at Bute Park 2025
21 November - 31 December 2025 | 4pm to 8pm
The most extensive light trail Wales has ever seen is Christmas in Bute Park. The park is taken over by dazzling light displays, interactive installations, a flickering fire, and an enchanting fairy tree forest. Some of the best street food vendors can also be enjoyed. It's fun for the whole family!
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Cardiff Winter Wonderland 2025
Dates to be confirmed | 11am to 10pm (12.30am on New Year)
The annual Christmas Winter Wonderland is in the heart of the city centre, on the City Hall lawn. The Christmas festival has funfair rides, games and a big wheel. There’s plenty of food and drink on offer too. Entry is free. However, games, food and drink are chargeable.
Enjoy a drink at The Ice Bar, where it is chilled to minus 10 degrees, and absolutely everything is made of ice. The pre-timed slots in the sub-zero temperatures book fast, so get your tickets well in advance.
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Cardiff Castle Christmas 2025
Christmas events spill over to Cardiff Castle, too, where you'll find the ice rink and ice walk within the public square in the castle grounds. Get your skates on with family and friends, or enjoy a festive drink or feast under the twinkling lights in this magical setting. Entry is free. However, skating (pre-booking required), games, festive food and drink are chargeable.
The Castle will also be decorated for Christmas if you want to explore beyond the walls. Tour the beautifully decorated apartments and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions. You can also meet Santa in the Castle's Drawing Room, followed by seasonal treats in the library.
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Festive Afternoon Tea
1 until 31 December 2025 | 1pm-5pm
Savoury sandwiches
Scones with clotted cream and jam
Selection of homemade cakes
Unlimited tea or coffee
£21 per person | £15 for under 12's | Under 2's complimentary
Upgrade to bottomless bubbles for up to 2 hours for £36 per person
Did you know that Future Club Rewards Members get double points and a drink on us when dining in Thomas Restaurant?
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Cardiff Christmas Festival 2025
Various Dates depending on the Performance
The Cardiff Christmas Festival and its iconic Spiegeltent is in the grounds of Sophia Gardens in the centre of Cardiff. 2025 productions included My Favourite Things - Christmas Cabaret Spectacular, Welsh Of The West End, The Snow Queen, Dafydd Iwan Gyda Pedair, Aled Jones Christmas Songbook featuring The Snowman, My My Abba - The Christmas Show, The Bohemians - The Ultimate Queen Show, The Rat Pakc Swinging at Christmas and Disco Inferno. It's ideal festive entertainment for all the family or to spend time with friends.
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Cardiff Christmas Parties
December 2025
Indulgent festive food and unforgettable festive season vibes right in the heart of Cardiff Bay. Whether you are planning a Christmas Party Night with colleagues, friends, or family, Future Inns have got you covered.
This year you can choose between glittering party nights, a more casual bar bingo with street food, or festive menus in Thomas Restaurant.
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Cardiff Bay Christmas
To be confirmed
If you want free things to do in Cardiff this Christmas, the Christmas Trail will get all family members in the festive spirit. The Cardiff Bay Trail is the best opportunity to explore The Bay and track down eight themed characters. There are prizes to be won every week.
Previous trails have included gingerbread people, snow trail and reindeer trail, with a kick-off event at the Red Dragon Centre.
Mary Poppins at Wales Millennium Centre
3 December 2025 - 10 January 2026
Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before, featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.
As the official hotel partner, ticket holders get 20% off bed and breakfast rates.
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Boxing Day in Cardiff
Friday 26 December 2025 | 12pm - 5pm
After a hectic big day, there’s no need to wrap up the festive season just yet. Indulge with three courses from our special Boxing Day Menu in Thomas Restaurant.
If you're still in the Christmas spirit, you could start with a Bucks Fizz or Mulled Wine or choose from the large selection of alcoholic and soft drinks.
3 courses for £27 per person
There's also double points and a drink on us for Future Club Rewards Members
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Family New Year's Eve Party
Wednesday 31 December 2025 | 7pm - 1am
The family-friendly New Year's Eve party includes a 3-course hot buffet and our resident party DJ to keep everyone entertained throughout the evening.
As we welcome 2026, there will be a glass of bubbles for the adults to raise a glass with.
From £65 per person
From £45 for under 12's | Under 2's complimentary
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Cardiff Christmas Gift Guide 2025
This festive season, skip the stress and give the gift of unforgettable experiences. Whether you're treating someone to a cosy Cardiff staycation, a mouth-watering Sunday roast, or a sparkling cocktail dinner, Future Inns has the perfect present for everyone on your list.
With a wide range of gift vouchers available to buy online – and valid for 12 months – it’s never been easier to spread some festive cheer. So, wrap up your Christmas shopping from the comfort of your sofa, and let Future Inns help you make this holiday season one to remember.
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Cardiff Hotel with Free Parking
Future Inn Cardiff is a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of Cardiff Bay, one of the city's most vibrant areas. It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone.
Added touches like a laptop safe, complimentary robe, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, tea and coffee-making facilities, and filtered water to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking, a rare perk in such a central location, as well as the availability of electric car charging.
It is incredibly easy to get to Cardiff city centre from Future Inns:
Make a Reservation
Book direct for the best rates guaranteed
Book your stay online, where we guarantee the best rate, or with our Reservations Team at 02920 487111 or reservations.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk.
Book RoomFuture Club Rewards
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!
find out moreCardiff Bay Restaurant
Thomas Restaurant is a vibrant dining venue in the heart of Cardiff Bay that offers a memorable culinary experience.
Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and Welsh dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region.
From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Brains beers, Penderyn whiskey and vodka, Benjamin Hall gins, and Cariad wines.
Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.
For guests staying at the hotel, there's 24-hour room service.
Reservations can be made on 02920 487111 or thomas@futureinns.co.uk, or online:
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