Pretty Christmas market in castle with ice rink, curling and huge food star opens today

Detailed summary

A Winter Wonderland inside a castle opens today, alongside the city's Christmas market. There really can't be many city winter wonderlands inside a castle anywhere in Britain and…

A Winter Wonderland inside a castle opens today, alongside the city's Christmas market. There really can't be many city winter wonderlands inside a castle anywhere in Britain and it makes for a magical experience, especially with a young family.

This year it's again split across two locations, with half in Cardiff Castle and the other a five-minute walk away at the museum. The castle setting is especially beautiful, with an open-air ice trail weaving through the scenic castle grounds with a unique backdrop under the stars (there's also an undercover rink). A separate Christmas market takes place near both locations across the city centre.

New for 2026 is Bavarian curling, a traditional wintertime team sport played on real ice in which you compete in teams to get your wooden curling stick as close to the target as possible. You can book a private lane and you don't need to be any good on the ice to enjoy!

After all that exercise on the ice it's time to warm up in the cosy and surprisingly warm Tafarn bar, where wooden tables with open fires and soft sofas make for a snug and comfortable setting to enjoy a drink from the well-stocked bar.

I spent around 90 minutes in the castle (you could easily spend way more time there) before heading over to the museum, where there's a funfair, lots more food options (including a very special guest - see below), the Sur La Piste Alpine bar and, of course, the Big Wheel. The rides include the Ice Breaker Ship, the Apres Ski Party fun house, Deep Impact, dodgems and there are options for very young children.

The Alpine bar is as warm and comfortable as the Tafarn across the road, with lots of cosy booths to settle into - I could have happily spent the evening here, even if it wasn't in the middle of Winter Wonderland. As well as a bar with lots of options you can also get mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Winter Wonderland opening times vary by day but generally range from 11am-11pm.

There are plenty of food and drink options at both the…

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