Christmas 2019: 100+ family-friendly events in and around Cardiff

Cardiff

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From where to see Santa and festive ice skating, to Christmas arts and crafts and even a Santa sleigh built entirely from Lego, South Wales is pulling out all the stops this Christmas with its festive events.

I’ve included everything I can find here but let me know anything I have missed in the comments below, on the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page or you can tweet me on @cardiffmummy

Events are categorised as follows: Charity events / Where to see Father Christmas / Festive weice skating / Christmas-themed events / Christmas carol concerts / Theatre, panto and other performances / Cinema and film.

All events are subject to change and cancellation so please check with organisers to avoid disappointment.

As always, it helps me massively if you can give this post a like a share or a comment on my social media channels

Have a fantastic festive season folks!

 This guide is sponsored by The Red Dragon Centre as part of Cardiff Mummy Says’ role as family blogger ambassador for the Cardiff Bay entertainment complex. The Red Dragon Centre is home to Hollywood Bowl for 10-pin family fun; family-friendly restaurants and cafes, and a huge Odeon cinema, which is the only digital IMAX® screen in South Wales.

To celebrate the launch of Frozen II, the centre has opened a magical Frozen Kingdom complete with ice throne, a snug castle turret, and a height-chart filled with life-sized arctic animals. It’s open daily until 6pm until the 5 January.

Also, look out for the giant eco-friendly polar bear, which was made from plastic bottles at the centre’s recent Frozen fun day. He’ll be on display throughout December.

Frozen II is just one of many family-favourite films showing at Odeon at The Red Dragon Centre over the festive season, with other big screen highlights including Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker, Jumanji: The Next Level, Cats, Spies in Disguise, and Little Women.

Tickets at the Odeon are now £5 all day every day, for standard 2D films when bought at the cinema. You can read more here.

Plus the Odeon offers family films for just £2.50 per ticket as part of Odeon Kids. These early morning showings (usually around 10am) take place every weekend and every day during local school holidays. They are a great chance to catch slightly older films on the big screen and a perfect low-cost indoor option when the weather’s not great. Visit the Odeon Kids page for latest listings.

As well as bowling fun at Hollywood Bowl, there’s plenty of choice for meals or snacks with family-friendly restaurants and cafes including Bella Italia, Five Guys, Spice Route, Oriental Garden and Cadwaladers.

Parking is free for up to six hours for customers of The Red Dragon Centre (subject to minimum spend and entering your registration number into the terminals at one of the outlets).

Charity events

 

Santa’s Sleigh

Cardiff

Monday 2 December – Pentwyn and Llanederyn

Tuesday 3 December – Rhiwbina

Wednesday 4 December – Whitchurch and Llandaff North

Thursday 5 December – Penylan/Roath

Friday 6 December – Fairwater/Radyr

Saturday 7 December – Ely

The volunteers of Cardiff Round Table will once again be taking Santa on a tour of the streets of Cardiff. Here are the details that have been announced so far – more areas and full routes to be confirmed. See their Facebook page for full details.

 

Reindeer Run

Whitchurch Village, Cardiff

Saturday 7 December; entertainment from 5.30pm; run starts at 7pm

Adults £15; children £12; under 5s £5 excludes t-shirt; entries close 17 November

A one-mile fun run plus an evening of family entertainment in Whitchurch Village plus an evening of festive entertainment including a street parade, Santa’s grotto and live music. Run, jog, dance, walk or skip the course while raising sponsorship for the RNLI. The event aims to raise £10,000.

 

2K Santa Fun Run and Doggy Dash

Barry Island

Sunday 2 December 10am-12pm

Adults £6; children free; dogs £2

Barry Town Council’s annual Santa Fun Run. This year will see the launch of the 2K Doggy Dash which will take place after the 2K Family Fun Run. All adult participants will receive a Santa Suit to complete the course in, all furry friends will receive some tasty doggy treats upon completion and all participants will receive a medal. The event will raise money for Atal Y Fro and The Intersensory Club. Registration closes on Friday 29 November 2019 at 4.30 pm

 

The Admiral Cardiff Santa and Elf Dash 2019

Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay

Sunday 8 December; 10am festivities and check in begins; 12pm Dash begins

£10 per entry; £30 for a team of four

Wales’s biggest festive fun run in aid of Welsh Hearts raises funds for hearts screening in Wales; placing defibrillators in Welsh communities and providing free CPR and defibrillator training. You can walk or run the 5K route across Cardiff Bay with fancy dress is encouraged. Entertainment will come from the Rock Choir and James Williams.

 

FREE Music and Mince Pies

Bethany Baptist Church, Rhiwbina

Saturday 21 December, 3pm-4pm

Brass quintet Blackweir Brass will help herald the arrival of Christmas with a range of festive and familiar tunes, and free mince pies and hot drinks will be served afterwards. This is an all age event and dementia friendly. Hosted by Live Music Now, the UK’s leading musicians development and outreach charity, a collection will be held to support their work, which includes bringing the transforming power of high quality live music to care homes and hospitals with isolated older people and those living with dementia, as well as rurally deprived primary schools and children with special educational needs and disabilities. Live Music Now is also currently working with Ty Hafan children’s hospice, and Noah’s Ark children’s hospital.

 

 

Where to see Father Christmas

 

Santa’s Grotto

Queen Street Cardiff (opposite Queens Arcade)

Until Tuesday 24 December; open daily from 10.30am

£6.50 per child including gift; no need to book

Housed in a traditional wooden chalet, dressed perfectly for the festive season, children can meet Santa and his elves. (Pictured above.)

 

FREE Your Santa in Cardiff Centre

Your Santa will be donating his time for free and meeting and greeting families at no cost. Weather permitting, please check Facebook for confirmation.

Saturday 30 November, 10am-12pm
Toy Appeal launch in St Davids Shopping Centre

Saturday 14 December, 6.30pm-8pm
Winter Wonderland near Ice Rink, Shows etc

Sunday 15 December, 10am-1pm
Queen St, The Hayes, St Mary St, Open Market…(maybe St Davids Shopping Centre if permission is granted)

 

Father Christmas and Friends

St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff

Saturdays and Sundays 30 November-Sunday 22 December

£5-£7 per child, per activity

General entry to St Fagans is free (just pay for parking) and then pre-book each individual activity, Meet Father Christmas (£7 per child) where he’ll tell you some stories in front of the fire in Cilewent Farmhouse, meet each child individually and give them a gift; Cooking With Mother Christmas (£6 per child) and help her make some sweet treats to take home; Write your Christmas letter in the Victorian Schoolhouse with the help of the elves and post it in ST Fagans’ tiny post office (£5 per child); Christmas Craft with the Elves (£5 per child) where children can make some decorations to take home and hang on the tree. All sessions are available in Welsh and English. Also see Christmas events section below for details of other events happening as part of St Fagans Christmas weekends.

 

Santa’s Grotto

Caerphilly Garden Centre

Monday 11 November-Tuesday 24 December, see website for opening hours

£7 per child; photos from £3.25 each

Visit Santa in his Grotto at Caerphilly Garden Centre.

No need to book although the centre recommends arriving early as peak days will be busy and the queue will close when full.

 

Santa’s Grotto

Woodland Walk Garden Centre, Pontypridd

Saturdays 9.30am-4.30pm and Sundays 10.30am-4pm

£7.50 per child; £3.50 per photo

Santa will once again be visiting Woodland Walk this year and he’s bringing his real reindeer with him. No need to book; just turn up. Queue will close at 12pm and will reopen depending on how busy it is. .

 

Christmas Around The World

Pugh’s Garden Village, Radyr

Until Monday 24 December

Adults £5; children £17 including gift; must be pre-booked

It’s the award-winning Christmas experience that sells out in record time so availability is very limited – although there are still a few daytime weekday slots left for those of you whose children aren’t in school. The experience includes a 30 minute journey through Christmas Around the World, visiting different rooms along the way towards and including meeting Santa. A photo opportunity with Santa is available and the photo can then be purchased in a folder from the Toy Shop along with other photo merchandise, starting from £6). This year Pugh’s are raising money to support Cancer Research Wales.

 

Santa’s Ice Adventure

Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe

Until 23 December

Adults £3; children £12.50 including gift; must be pre-booked

While Pugh’s Radyr focuses on the half hour experience, the Wenvoe centre offers more of a traditional visit. The focus is on visiting Santa as the main experience, without the prior room-by-room journey of Radyr and is perfect for families who want a shorter one-on-one family visit with Santa, especially younger children. The elves in the North Pole need your help! They can’t find their way back to Santa. Embark on an enchanting walk-through Santa’s Ice Adventure to solve all the clues to find Santa in his Cosy Cabin with some help from the elves and their animal friends. The experience lasts 6-10 minutes. A photo opportunity with Santa is available and the photo can then be purchased in a folder from the Toy Shop along with other photo merchandise, starting from £6.

 

Santa’s Victorian Christmas

Cardiff Castle

Selected dates until 23 December

Children £12.95 including a gift

Adults £6.95

A new experience for 2019, enjoy a candlelit evening of festive family fun, in the beautiful setting of the castle’s traditionally decorated Victorian apartments. Be greeted by costumed characters, eager to share the Yuletide traditions of yesteryear, and have your photo taken by the tree in the Entrance Hall. Follow the Candy Cane Trail through the Castle to the Drawing Room, where a wonderful visit with Santa Claus awaits. Gifts will be given and warming winter treats served in the Library before you head for home.

 

 

Santa’s Toy Mine

Rhondda Heritage Park

Saturday 23 November-Tuesday 24 December

£10 per person

Santa is once again setting up his Toy Mine at the former colliery. Children will be guided on a magical journey with surprises around each corner. They will meet the great man himself and receive a special gift to take home.

Accompanying adults will get a hot drink and a mince pie upon arrival.

Other activities include a Chocolate making workshop, £7.50 per person, and a craft workshop, £5 per person.

 

 

Father Christmas and his elves

Cefn Mably Farm Park

Weekends from Saturday 29 November-Sunday 22 December, plys Wednedays and Fridays from 2.30pm, last booking 4.30pm

£8 per child plus usual entrance fee

Book in advance to see the man in red and his elves plus enjoy the rest of the farm’s attractions including farm yard animals, a petting corner, plus indoor and outdoor play areas.

 

 

SOLD OUT Meet Father Christmas

Tredegar House, Newport

Saturdays and Sundays 30 November-22 December; timed slots 10.30am-4pm

£4 per child in addition to usual entry prices.

Adults £11.20; children £5.60; family £28 or free to National Trust members

Father Christmas will be stopping over in the stables at Tredegar House this year as he makes preparations for his busiest night of the year. Tickets will only need to be purchased per child and families may bring as many additional members as they wish. You can book in advance or turn up on the day subject to availability.

See Christmas Events section below for details of Christmas Traditions and Christmas market at Tredegar House.

 

Santa’s Grotto

Pyle Garden Centre, Bridgend

Selected dates between Saturday 23 November and Monday 23 December

£8.50 per child

Book early to visit the famous Steel Works Santa in his grotto, as last year’s event sold out. Children will meet with Santa and get to choose a gift from a varied selection. Proceeds will go to Alzheimer’s Cymru and Surf School Porthcawl; Disabled Equipment Fund.

 

Afternoon tea with Santa

The Crepe Escape Cardiff Bay and Penarth

Sunday 1, Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 December (see Facebook events for which location)

Singalong with Santa’s Elves to lots of Christmas songs. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea. Each table will meet Santa,  receive a gift and have the chance to take photos.

Tea with Santa

Pyle Garden Centre, Bridgend

Selected dates between Monday 3 and Thursday 20 December; 5pm-7pm

Adults £10.99; children £15.99

Children will join with Santa and Elsie the Elf for a unique dining experience, with arts and crafts, a singalong story and some quality time with Father Christmas. Children’s tickets include a toy of their choice worth £8.99 and a choice of hot meal and a cold drink. Adult ticket includes a hot drink and a choice of sandwich from the menu.

 

 

Santa Claus Tours

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Wednesday 4-Tuesday 24 December

Children £12, adults £8, family (2+2) £36

Follow in the footsteps of Wales’ rugby heroes as you explore the halls in search for Santa Claus and the magical Christmas grotto. Feel the buzz of the Ray Gravell press room and stand in the footsteps of international players in the team changing room entering Santa’s Grotto.

 

Santa’s Grotto

Ikea Cardiff

Saturday 30 November-Monday 23 December, 11am-5pm

£10 visit and gift; £12 visit, gift and photo

Meet Santa at his magical grotto at IKEA Cardiff, as well as helping to raise much needed funds for Noah’s Ark’s Jungle Ward appeal, which cares for more children with complex medical conditions and young people in mental health crisis. Plus every visitor will automatically be entered in to a prize draw to win £300 in IKEA vouchers!

 

Afternoon tea with Santa

Coldra Court Hotel at The Celtic Manor Newport

Saturday 7, Saturday 14 and Friday 20 December,

Adults £28, children 2-12, £14

Saturday 21 and Monday December

Adults £30, children 2-12, £15
Tuesday 24 December

Adults £32, children 2-12 £16

1pm-2.30pm

Santa and Mrs Claus have set-up their Christmas Grotto at the Coldra Court Hotel and have kindly invited everyone down to visit over a delicious themed afternoon tea at The Rib Smokehouse & Grill. As well as their own special afternoon tea, children will also enjoy a very special visit to Santa’s Grotto to see Santa and will receive a small gift to celebrate the festive season.

 

 

Santa’s Grotto

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Saturdays and Sundays 7, 8, 14 and 15 December

£6.50 per person plus usual entry fee

Father Christmas and his Elf will be ready to meet children in a magical grotto at Techniquest. After telling Santa what they would like for Christmas, each child will receive a gift (worth £3). Must be pre-booked.

 

 

Green Santa

Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend

Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December

£15 per child, adults free

Visit the only Green Santa in South Wales, wearing his traditional green robes in an enchanting and natural outdoor setting for a magical Christmas experience. The journey starts at the Visitor Centre, before guests are taken up to the Grotto in the wood for craft making. Then each child receives at least three minutes with Santa, complete with a gift. Must be advanced booked. Selling fast!

 

Father Christmas Grotto

Blaenavon Ironworks

English sessions on Sunday 8, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 December; Welsh sessions on Sundays 1 and 7 December; 11am-4pm

£5 per child including a gift; plus usual Ironworks entry prices adults £5.80, children £3.50, family (2+3) £16.80. Entry is free for members but grotto charges still apply.

See Father Christmas in the grotto at the Ironworks. English and Welsh sessions available. Pre-booking essential. Free Christmas trail also available on site. Last entry 3.30pm.

 

Santa Specials

Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway

Saturday 30 November, Sunday 1, Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December

£15 per person

Enjoy a train ride to Blaenavon High Level, where, next to a roaring fire, you will meet the big man himself in the station grotto. The train will return to Furnace Sidings following a non-stop run (through Furnace Sidings) to Whistle Inn (please check opening times of the Whistle Inn Pub if you are planning to visit, as this is not part of the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway). As well as the opportunity to meet with Santa, each child will receive an age appropriate gift. For the adults there will be sherry and a mince pie. The buffet carriage will be transformed into a festive waiting room along the platform, so you can stay warm while waiting for the steam train to return.

 

Breakfast with Santa

Bedwellty House and Park, Tredegar

Saturday 1, Sunday 2, Saturday 8, Sunday 9, Saturday 15, Sunday 16, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 December 10am-12pm

Adults £6.50; children £12.50; must be pre-booked

Enjoy a scrumptious family breakfast with Santa every Saturday and Sunday in December.

As well as meeting Santa in his Ice House Grotto, there will be festive crafts and soft play
Suitable for children aged 3-12 years.

 

Meet Father Christmas

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Friday 13, Saturday 14, Sunday 16 December

£8 per child, plus normal admission prices.

Father Christmas will be meeting children and giving out gifts in the beautifully decorated house.

Some dates sold out; limited availability.

 

Father Christmas and Medieval Christmas

Caerphilly Castle

Saturday 7 December, 10.30am-4pm, bilingual sessions

Sunday 8 December, 11am-4pm, English only sessions

£5 per child (plus standard admission); must be pre-booked.

See Father Christmas in this splendid medieval castle, and join in with some festive arts and crafts too.

 

SOLD OUT Father Christmas and Victorian Christmas

Castell Coch

Saturday 7 December, 10.30am-4pm, English only sessions

Sunday 8 December, 11am-4pm, bilingual sessions

See Father Christmas in the splendid Victorian castle, plus festive arts and crafts, and games too.

 

Father Christmas

Chepstow Castle

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, 11am-3.30pm

£5 per child plus usual admission

Visit Father Christmas at the castle with Welsh and English sessions available. Book in advance.

 

Breakfast with Santa

Bedwellty House and Park, Tredegar

Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 December, 10am-12pm

Adults £6.50, children £12.50; ages 3-12

A hot breakfast prepared by Mrs Claus, served with tea, coffee and juice; followed by time to visit Santa in his Ice House grotto and to enjoy crafts and soft play.

 

Family Festive Afternoon Tea

Bedwellty House and Park, Tredegar

Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 December, 2pm-4pm

Adults £20.00, children £16.50; ages 3-12; advance book

A traditional afternoon with a festive twist. Served with unlimited freshly brewed tea or coffee – or add a glass of mulled wine or prosecco. Dine in a Christmas themed dining area, where children and families can enjoy crafts and activities, as well as a visit from the Bedwellty Elf to ensure they have a visit to see Santa in his Ice House Grotto.

 

Santa Story Trail

Bedwellty House and Park, Tredegar

Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21, Monday 23 December, 11am-12.30pm

£12.50 per child; advance book

Go in search of Santa in this fun and festive story trail with Louby Lou. After the story trail, enjoy a snack and a visit to see Santa to receive a gift.

 

Christmas at the Farm

Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran

Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Friday 20, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 and Monday 23 December; 10am-4pm

Cost per child TBC in addition to usual entry of adults £6.50; children £5.40; under 2s free; family (2+3) £23.50

Father Christmas will be taking residence in his cosy farm grotto and meeting children. There will be other festive activities including an animal nativity daily at 11.30am.

Father Christmas will also be present at the Twinkley Twilight Christmas Celebration evening on Tuesday 10 December between 4pm and 8pm, which includes Twilight Animal Nativity, Starlit Tractor Rides among other activities.

 

Santa’s Winter Wonderland

Cwmcarn Forest Visitor Centre, Crosskeys

Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December

£6 per child

Meet Santa and his busy elves in his wintery wonderland, Stroll through the snow-covered garden and watch the cheeky elves create magic in the workshop. Book in advance.

 

Storytime with Father Christmas

Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, 10am-4pm

£7 per child, one free adult per child, £5 for additional adulys

Be amazed as Father Christmas arrives at Pit Top at 10.15am, travelling 300ft UP from underground on his way to Lapland. Once he’s arrived there will be an opportunity to visit him in his cottage. Also taking place is a Christmas market, selling crafts and gifts, make your own Christmas crafts (additional charge), plus singing from local choirs. Must be pre-booked.

 

Santa’s Grotto

Tee-Rex Adventure Golf Cardiff, Cardiff

Weekends in December, 11am-5pm

£6 per child plus usual entry costs

Walk through the elves forest cabin, decorate biscuits, get your glitter tattoo, writ your letter and then meet the big man himself. Book in advance.

 

Breakfast With Santa

Coffi Co, Mermaid Quay

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December, 9am-11am

£15 per child

Children will receive pancakes with Nutella plus a fruit juice or fruit shoot drink, with Santa in store. Each child will receive a gift from Santa. Tickets can be purchased in store.

 

 

Festive ice skating

 

Admiral Ice Rink

Winter Wonderland, Cardiff Civic Centre

Friday 8 November-Sunday 5 January

Prices from: adults £11, children £9, family £35; penguin skate aids £5 (for children under 4ft, must be pre-booked)

The Civic Centre is once again home to Winter Wonderland. Expect fairground rides and games, festive food and drink – plus the famous undercover ice rink once with is clear-span roof, meaning the weather won’t dampen your skating plans. Plus new this year is the Alpine Ice Trail, a 250m open air trail, taking skaters around the Winter Wonderland site.

 

The Great Skate

Celtic Manor Resort, Newport

22 November-5 January

From £5-£13, depending on peak or off-peak bookings

The popular ice rink returns to the Celtic Manor Resort. Set against a backdrop filled with pretty twinkling lights, and accompanied by festive music, festive food and drink also on sale.

 

Ice skating

Caerphilly Castle

Friday 6 December-Sunday 6 January, 12pm-9pm Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10am-9pm Fridays-Sundays

Adults £9, children under 14 £6.50, family (2+2) £27

For one month, Caerphilly Castle will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland, where guests can enjoy outdoor skating on a real ice rink and indulge in treats from a pop-up cafe. Ten penguin-shaped ‘ice walkers’ per session will be available at an extra cost for younger guests, (first come first served).

 

 

Christmas events

 

Illuminate Wales

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot

Thursday 21 November-Monday 23 December

Sessions available from 4.45pm-8pm

Peak adults £14, children £10; off peak adults £12, children £8. Children 3 and under free.

A magical, after-dark and illuminated trail around the beautiful, historic gardens of Margam Park.. Journey through light tunnels, watch digital animations come to life. See Margam’s landmarks such as never before. Limited availability. Must be pre-booked. The trail should take 60-90 minutes.

 

FREE Santa Express, Lego Train

Tacoma Square, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 30 November-Sunday 5 January

More amazing Lego creations in Tacoma Square! Following last Christmas’s Santa’s sleigh, this festive season will see the Santa Express on display in Cardiff. The steam train has an elf driver plus two carriages stuffed full with 24 presents and a Christmas tree – complete with 20 baubles – all made with a total of nearly 300,000 Lego bricks. It took eight Bricklive builders 1,664 hours – three months – to build. Visitors will even be able to climb aboard the train for the perfect Christmas selfie. The display is visible any time, but access to sit on the train will only be available 10am-6pm daily.

 

Christmas crafts

Newport Wetlands

Saturdays and Sundays from 23 November-15 December, 10am-12pm and 1pm-2pm

Log Reindeer – £8 / Wooden Snowman Ornament – £3 / Rustic Christmas Tree Decoration – £2

Magical craft sessions where you can have a go at creating sustainable, eco-friendlier Christmas decorations this year, an activity that can get the whole family involved. Each craft is priced individually and includes a free DIY bird feeder to take home to help keep our birds full this winter.

 

12 Days of Christmas Trail

Amelia Trust Farm, Barry

Saturday 30 November-Monday 13 January

£2.50 per child plus usual farm entry

Hidden around the Farm are the 12 Days of Christmas, solve the festive clues and find each day. This is an outdoor activity; wellies recommended!

 

Christmas Nativity Barn 

Thornhill Farm Shop

From Saturday 30 November

£2 per person

See Thornhill Farm Shop’s barn transformed into a nativity scene with real goats, donkeys, cows, sheep, with Baby Jesus in the manger. All proceeds go towards animal feed for the year.

 

St Fagans Christmas Weekends

St Fagans National Museum of History

Saturdays and Sundays 30 November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 December, 10am-5pm

Entry is free to St Fagans but charges apply for some activities.

Also see Father Christmas section above for details of payable activities including meet Father Christmas, Baking with Mrs Claus, Festive Crafts, and Letter Writing to Father Christmas, taking place on all of the above dates.

30 November–1 December:

St Fagans Makers Market in the Atrium, Traditional Fairground, Christmas Craft and ‘design a card’ competition (1-4pm)

7–8 December:

St Fagans Makers Market in the Atrium, Traditional Fairground, Christmas Craft and ‘design a card’ competition (1-4pm)

14–15 December:

Y Fari Lwyd and Hunting The Wren (free performances of unique Welsh Christmas traditions); Carols in the Chapel (booking essential), Traditional Fairground, Christmas Craft and ‘design a card’ competition (1-4pm)

21–22 December:

Brass Band performances by Taff Vale Brass, Carols in the Chapel (booking essential), Traditional Fairground, Christmas Craft and ‘design a card’ competition (1-4pm)

 

 

FREE Christmas – The Story

Tabernacl Welsh Chapel, The Hayes Cardiff

Saturday 30 November-Saturday 21 December 2019 (except Sundays). (Mondays to Saturdays)

Christmas – The Story is back for its 10th year in Cardiff city centre. Each 20-minute performance tells the nativity story using both actors and puppets. Performances are every 40 minutes from 10am-5.20pm. No need to book (unless you’re a school or group trip).

Also at the following venues; check online for performance times

Green Street Methodist Church, High Street, Aberdare

Monday 2-Saturday 7 December

Tabernacl Chapel, Derwen Road, Bridgend

Saturday 30 November-Saturday 7 December (except Sunday)

St Mary’s Church, Holton Road, Barry

Monday 9-Saturday 14 December

English Baptist Church, Lammas Street, Carmarthen

Monday 9-Saturday 14 December

 

 

O Christmas Tree trail

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

Saturday 23 November-Friday 3 January

Adults £12.10, children £6.05, family £31, free for members

Spot 12 alternative Christmas trees around the house and gardens that tell the story of Dyfffryn.

 

Winter Lights Trail

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

Wednesday 18 December-Friday 5 January, 4pm-7pm

Adults £12.10, children £6.05, family £31, free for members

Experience a magical after dark walk and see the gardens lit up like never before. The house and gardens will be awash with light and colour for this magical trail. Visit the house and see the Christmas decorations sparkling.

 

A Techniquest Christmas Carol

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Adults £8.20, children £6.70, under 3s free, family (2+3) £26

Saturday 7 December-Sunday 5 January, weekends and school holidays

A live science show for all the family, with a festive twist. Discover some alternative Christmas gifts, how to make decorations using chemistry, plus a crash course in untangling Christmas lights.

 

The Great Sleigh Adventure

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Saturdays and Sundays 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22, Monday 23 December

£3.50 per person, plus usual entry fee Adults £8.20, children £6.70, under 3s free, family (2+3) £26

Join the newest North Pole division – the Arctic Circle – and overcome the disaster that has struck Christmas. Pieces of Santa’s sleigh are scattered across a snowy Techniquest. You and your team are in a race against time to defeat the towering snowmen, decipher secret blueprints and solve cryptic clues to fix the sleigh before Christmas comes around.

 

Kids’ Christmas Party

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 14 December, 5pm-8pm

£7 plus booking fee; age guidance 3-8

Two floors of hands-on exhibits, treats, music and entertainment. Free face painting and free balloon modeller, plus goodie bags for children aged 3-8. Grab a selfie with Santa, plus discover how to make decorations using chemistry in live science theatre show, A Techniquest Christmas Carol.

 

Christmas at Tredegar House

Tredegar House, Newport

Saturday 30 November-Sunday 22 December, 11am-4pm weekdays, 10.30am-4pm weekends

Adults £11.20, children £5.60, family £28, members free

Tredegar House will be decked out with lavish traditional decorations. Travel through time to explore traditions past and present, get stuck into traditional Christmas activities, soak up the festive atmosphere and treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Meet Father Christmas has sold out (although details are above in case you’d like to bookmark for next year).

 

Wooden Reindeer Trail

Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend

Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, 11am-3pm

£3.50; no need to book, pay on the day

Santa has lost his reindeer in Bryngarw – can you help find them? Collect a map from the visitor centre, along with a bag of reindeer food and then head out onto the trail to find the lost reindeer. Collect a sticker for each reindeer before heading back to write/post a letter to Santa. The trail takes 30-40 minutes and is muddy in parts. The terrain is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

 

Santa Feeds the Deer

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot

Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 December, 10.30am

Car £16, including parking

Come and watch Santa as he feeds Margam’s deer. Please pre-book.

 

Elf Me Workshops

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot

Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Saturday 21, Sunday 22, Monday 23 December, 9.15am, 11.30am, 1.45pm; Monday 23 December; 75 minute workshops

Children £15; adults £4 (includes a ticket for Santa Deer Feed)

The ultimate Christmas experience which will transform participants into a Margam Park elf. Perfect for budding elves aged 3-12 years old who want to become official little helpers of Father Christmas. Expect fun, laughter, games, arts & crafts. Transform into a certified elf, complete with rosy red cheeks ready for Christmas action.

 

Christmas Tales

Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths

Saturday 7 Dec, 11am-4pm

Adults £4.20, children £2.50, family £12.20 or free to Cadw members

Festive tales with a traditional storyteller. Tales at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

 

Victorian Christmas

Aberdulais Falls, Neath Port Talbot

Fridays 13 and 20 December 5.30pm-8.30pm

Adults £6.50; children £3.25; family £16.25 or free to National Trust members

Visit Aberdulais after dark for a candlelit walk, story-telling and traditional festive treats. Wrap up warm and take a candlelit walk to the waterfall and see it all lit up. Enjoy festive story-telling with Mr/Mrs Claus, write Christmas letters and take part in festive family activities, or cosy-on up in the tea-room with a hot drink and mince pie.

 

FREE Dippy about Christmas

National Museum Cardiff

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

Celebrate Christmas with Dippy the dinosaur. Make Christmas crafts from recycled materials and make a pledge of an earth saving action for our promise pledge tree. This event will be delivered by bilingual facilitators (Welsh and English).

 

Festive fancy dress competition for dogs

Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay

Sunday 15 December, 2pm

Get your canine companions dolled up in their best festive fancy dress and enter Mermaid Quay’s doggy dress up competition. Cash prizes up for grabs include £100 first prize, £200 second prize, £100 third prize plus two runners up prizes of £50. Free to enter but donations to Opt to Adopt, Newport City Dogs Home, are encouraged.

 

Christmas Jumper Party

Parc Play, Cardiff

Friday 20 December, 5.15pm-7.15pm

Children 4-12 £8, children 1-3 £6.50, members £3. Includes hotdog, juice and gift

Festive fun and games at the play centre which brings outdoors, indoors.

Must be advanced booked. Not suitable for children under one.

 

Christmas Trail

Chepstow Castle

Saturday 21 December-Sunday 5 January, 10am-4pm

Adults £7.30, children £4.40, family £21.20

Come and follow the fun festive trail around the castle!

 

Christmas carol concerts and festive singalongs

 

Carols in the Chapel

St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff

Saturdays and Sundays 14, 15, 21 and 22 December

English: 10.30am-11am; 12pm-12.30pm; 2pm-2.30pm; Welsh 3.30pm-4pm

£5 per person; book in advance

The Museum’s 18th century Pen-rhiw Chapel will host St Fagans’ annual festive sing-a-long, with lots of traditional tunes and a few contemporary Christmas classics.

 

FREE Christmas Concert

National Museum Cardiff

Sunday 1 December, 1pm

Singers from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama will perform classic Christmas carols and songs, with some audience participation expected!

 

FREE Christmas Carol Concert

National Museum Cardiff

Thursday 12 December, 3pm

Celebrate Christmas with a traditional carol concert performed by the Museum choir. Carols in this event will be bilingual – Welsh and English. Mulled wine and mince pies will be on sale.

 

The Promise of Christmas

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Saturday 7 December, 3pm

Adults £12-£14, children under 12 £5, 12-16s and over 60s £1 off adult ticket price

A musical journey through the Christmas story with carols and songs, both traditional and modern, plus exciting music from the orchestra. Join with Cambrensis Choir, The Promise of Christmas Youth Choir and the St David’s Praise Choir in a celebration of the birth of Jesus.

 

City Voices Cardiff Christmas

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Sunday 8 December, 3pm

A festive treat for the whole family, expect a mix of old and new Christmas songs, including the ever-popular audience participation Twelve Days of Christmas! Proceeds to Headway Cardiff and South East Wales, which works to improve life after brain injury.

 

Only Men Aloud

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Monday 9 December, 7.30pm

£30-£38

The contemporary male voice choir present an evening of festive numbers with specia; guests including West End and Broadway superstar John Owen Jones, Tonypandy’s Sophie Evans, who has just starred as Glinda in Wicked in the West End, plus Only Boys Aloud.

 

Carols at Victoria Park

Victoria Park Bandstand, Cardiff

Wednesday 11 December, 6.30pm-8pm

Join the Community Park Rangers for a traditional carol concert on Victoria Park bandstand. Wrap up warm and bring a torch if you have one.

 

 

A Christmas Concert of Seasonal Music and Carols

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Thursday 12 December, 7.30pm

£11-£14

A Christmas concert of seasonal music and carols, in aid of Noah’s Ark Appeal. The evening will feature organist Jane Watts, fanfare trumpeters and the guards brass ensemble of the Welsh Guards, massed choir of staff and friends of NHS Wales, as well as children from a local primary school.

 

Christmas Celebrations

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Friday 13 December, 7.30pm

£15-£43; family one adult and up to two children £15

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales get festive with their popular annual Christmas Celebrations. A selection box of musical treats including Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride; Troika from Lieutenant Kijé by Prokofiev; Trepak from The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky, plus a singalong medley of Christmas favourites for all the family.

The performance will be recorded for broadcast so although it is suitable for families, it might not be suitable for children unable to sit quietly for the duration.

 

Theatre, panto and other performances

Les Misérables

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 26 November-Saturday 4 January

£23-£75

Age 8+; no under 2s

(Limited availability; many shows close to sold out or single tickets only)

One of the world’s most popular musicals, Cameron Mackintosh’s new staging of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical Les Misérables has been a Broadway smash hit.

With scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs, I Dreamed A Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master Of The House, and many more.

 

Cinderella

The Riverfront Arts Centre, Newport

Thursday 28 November-Saturday 4 January

From £8-£22

Two hours of song, dance, drama and traditional panto fun as the Riverfront presents its family-friendly panto offering, Cinderella. More details to follow.

 

The Snow Queen

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Friday 29 November-Tuesday 31 December

£16-£26, concessions £2 off, under 25s half price

Aimed at children age 7+ and their families, The Snow Queen is the Sherman’s Christmas production for older children. This new adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen classic follows best friends Kay and Gerda. The two have grown up together, played together and lived together. But one day that all changes when Kay is stolen away from Gerda by the sinister Snow Queen. Proving that the bond of true friendship can’t be broken that easily, Gerda sets out on a daring journey to save Kay from the cold-hearted queen.

 

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – The Film: Live in Concert

Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff

Saturday 30 November 2pm, Sunday 1 December 2pm, Monday 2 December 10am and 12pm

£10

Age guidance 3+

Watch the hand-drawn animated film adaptation of the bestselling children’s book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, which was written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. The film will be accompanied by a live orchestral soundtrack composed and conducted by Stuart Hancock and performed by the Royal Welsh College Chamber Orchestra. Follow the intrepid adventures of siblings Stan, Katie, Rosie, Max, the baby and Rufus the dog, who set off on an expedition in search of bears, determined to ‘catch a big one’.

 

The Scarecrow’s Wedding

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Monday 2 December, 5.30pm, Tuesday 3 December 10am and 1.30pm

Adults £14, children £10

Age guidance 3+

Scamp Theatre present this heart-warming and award-winning adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book. Wedding plans for scarecrows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are all going smoothly until Harry leaves Betty’s side and the devilishly smooth Reginald Rake tries to take Harry’s place. Will Harry make it back in time to save their special day?

 

The Curious Muchness of Stuff and Nonsense

Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Thursday 5-Saturday 7 December 7pm, plus Saturday 3pm

Adults £9, children £6

Age guidance: 5+

It’s Wonderland but not as you know it in this re-imagining of Lewis’ Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland presented by Odyssey, Hijinx Theatre’s community group. Dum has lost Dee, the Queen has lost her tarts, and the Hatter’s lost the plot… When Alys follows the White Rabbit into Wonderland, a world of silliness and surprises awaits. Followed by her overprotective mam and faithful cat, Alys discovers the magical delights and darkest depths of a Wonderland full of colourful, comical and curious characters.The Curious Muchness of Stuff and Nonsense features a large cast of disabled and non-disabled performers from Odyssey and Woodlands High School.

 

Aladdin

The Paget Rooms, Penarth

Thursday 5 and Friday 6 December, 7.30pm, Saturday 7 December 1pm and 5pm, Sunday 8 December 1pm

£10-£12

Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) present their annual pantomime. More details to follow.

 

Aladdin

Blackwood Miners’ Institute

Friday 6-Monday 30 December

Adults £18.50, children £15.50, family £60

Julian Lewis-Jones stars in this blend of whit, slapstick, singing, dancing, romance, magic, mystery and excitement. (Please note Owen Money is no longer able to perform in the show after collapsing recently. Wishing you a speedy recovery Owen).

 

The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Monday 2-Tuesday 31 December (also Friday 8 and Saturday 9 November; and touring Wales in November)

Perfect for children aged 3 to 6 and their families, The Ugly Duckling is the Sherman’s show for younger children and their families. Join the Ugly Duckling as they waddle their way through the changing seasons on an exciting journey to a place they can call home, meeting a whole host of charming farmyard friends on the way. Audiences can choose from both English and Welsh language productions. The show will tour Wales during November. Full of enchanting music and playful characters The Ugly Duckling is the perfect heart-warming treat for ages 3 – 6 and their families this Christmas.

 

Cinderella

New Theatre, Cardiff

Saturday 7 December-Sunday 12 January

£19.50-£40

Gok Wan stars as Fairy Gokmother in Cinderella, while Mike Doyle and Ceri Dupree play the Ugly Sisters, and Phil Butler performs as Buttons, in this year’s panto offering from the New Theatre. Cinderella will feature laugh-out-loud comedy, jaw-dropping special effects, stunning song and dance and plenty of boos and hisses as the classic fairy tale is brought magically to life panto-style.

 

The Nutcracker On Ice

International Conference Centre, Celtic Manor, Newport

Wednesday 11 December-Sunday 5 January

£20.25-£46.13 (show and dinner packages also available)

Age 5+ (no under 2s)

Following sold-out seasons at the Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium and several world tours, The Imperial Ice Stars bring their dazzling production of The Nutcracker on Ice to the UK’s most prestigious new event destination, International Convention Centre Wales at the Celtic Manor Resort. Set against a backdrop of colourful projections, opulent costumes, magic tricks and special effects, the 23-strong cast of World, European and National Championship-level skaters dance to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score on a frozen stage. The new venue seats 1,500 people over two levels and will host 37 performances of The Nutcracker on Ice over the festive period.

 

Santa’s Christmas Countdown

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Wednesday 11 December, 10.30am and 1pm

£8.50, family £30

Age guidance: 2-7 years old

Santa’s Christmas Countdown is a 45-minute, interactive family show featuring Dotty the Elf, Dasher the Reindeer, Jack Frost and Pompom the Penguin as they help to fix Santa’s broken Christmas countdown calendar and retrieve the magical goodies which have disappeared. The interactive show includes musical festive favourites Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and more. After the show each child will get to meet Father Christmas and receive a specially wrapped present from him.

 

Llygoden Yr Eira (Snow Mouse)

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Thursday 12 December, 1.30pm and 4.30pm; Friday 13 December 10am and 1pm

Adults £8, children £7, family £28

Ages 0-5 years

This Welsh language production is an enchanting winter’s tale for the youngest theatre-goers, featuring puppetry, play and music. Winter has arrived and the woods are covered white. A child wraps up warm and runs outside to play in a sparkling new world. But what’s hiding under the snow? A little mouse, fast asleep. Sliding, tumbling and laughing, the two new friends explore the winter wonderland together. Produced by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Iolo present in association with the Welsh Drama Society, Swansea.

See here for tour dates around Wales in November and December.

 

 

Sherlock Holmes and a Festive Case of Mistaken Identity

The Gate Arts Centre, Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff

Friday 13 December 6pm, Saturday 14 December 11am and 2pm

Adults £7, children £5, family (2+2) £20, children 3 and under free

It’s December in London and Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr Watson are wrapping presents and ironing their stockings when the phone rings with news of a mystery that needs solving. Expect humour, plenty of interactive elements and a festive twist in this family Christmas show.

 

Bert & Cherry’s Christmas Plum Pudding

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Saturday 14 and Monday 16 December, 10.30am and 12.30pm

£8 per person

Featuring songs from Bert’s three popular Tiddly Proms alongside festive favourites, this interactive live musical show is an ideal way to introduce little ones to theatre and live music. Bert is in a festive mood; the Christmas tree is up and he’s wrapped up everything ready for the big day. Cherry is coming to help put the finishing touches to the decorations and all their friends will be popping in too. As usual expect a lively story, lots of silly songs to sing along to and a large helping of musical plum pudding.

 

Red

Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 14-Sunday 29 December; performances 10.30am and 4.30pm most days

Age guidance: 7+; no under 2s

£10

A raucous journey to a fairy tale wood where trees whisper, strange creatures lurk and wolves run wild. Meet a dream beaver and three Not Wise Owls under a moon-lit sky. Inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, this humorous family show sees a group of unlikely heroes find themselves in an enchanted misadventure with Grandma Red; a raucous old lady on a spirited mission to bring back forgotten stories.

 

Snow White

Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Saturday 14 December-Sunday 5 January

£17.50-£20; open weekend £15

Porthcawl’s annual panto is the magical fairy tale of Snow White, with a dastardly villain, a hapless comic and a hilarious panto dame, as well as spectacular sets and costumes, fabulous songs and dances, and bags of slapstick fun. After the Magic Mirror declares Snow White to be the fairest in all the land, the Wicked Queen is sent into a jealous rage. Will her friends be able to save Snow White from the Queen’s wrath and will they all be able to live happily ever after?

 

Cinderella

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Thursday 19 and Friday 20 December 7.30pm; Saturday 21 December 11am and 2.30pm, Sunday 22 December 2.30pm

Adults £15, concession £12, group of 4 £48

Barry’s Billboard Ensemble present their annual pantomime. Join Cinderella as she transforms from rags to riches, outwits her Wicked Stepmother and Ugly Sisters and with the help of the Fairy Godmother, wins the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. Expect a fabulous local cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses in this family-friendly show.

 

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia accompanied by the Russian State Ballet Orchestra

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Thursday 19-Tuesday 31December-

£9.25-£50, family tickets available

Coppélia

Thursday 19 December, 7pm; Friday 20 December, 2pm and 7pm

This light-hearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in between.

The Nutcracker

Saturday 21 December 2pm & 5:30pm, Sunday 22 December 2pm & 5:30pm; Monday 23 December 2pm & 7pm; Tuesday 24 December 2pm

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is the most famous of Christmas ballets. When midnight strikes on Christmas Eve, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems. Toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…

 

Swan Lake

Friday 27 December 2pm & 7pm; Saturday 28 December 2pm & 5:30pm; Sunday 29 December 2pm & 5:30pm; Monday 30 December 2pm & 7pm; Tuesday 31 December 2pm

The famous romantic ballet is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tutu as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

 

The Christmas Clock

Preseli Room, Wales Millennium Centre

Friday 20-Sunday 22 December

From £7

Christmas never seems to arrive! But what if the magic of Christmas is hidden inside the waiting? If you don’t do some really excellent waiting, you may miss out on all the sounds, smells, tastes, textures and sparkles as you count down towards the big day. Join the spirits of Christmas exploring traditions of the festive season, plus plenty of great tips for helping children cope with excitement and anticipation. All performances are relaxed with key word signing, and sensory play is integrated throughout. Touch Tours will take place 15 minutes before the performance begins. There’s no need to book for Touch Tours, just turn up on the day.

 

Cinema and film

I’m focusing on special film events and cheap family screenings at holidays and weekends here, rather than regular cinema screenings.

 

 

CBeebies Christmas Show: Hansel and Gretel (U)

Chapter, Odeon, Cineworld, Vue, Showcase, 

Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December (check individual cinemas for days and times)

A cinematic screening of the CBeebies Christmas Show, including interactive content exclusively created for cinemas alongside the Hansel & Gretel stage performance recorded at Edinburgh Festival theatre. The show is an adaptation of fairy-tale classic Hansel and Gretel and will again feature many of CBeebies’ most popular talent, including, for the first time – Waffle the Wonder Dog.

 

Singalong: The Greatest Showman

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, 11.15am

Adults £5.90, children £4

Inspired by the story of circus master PT Barnum, Hugh Jackman leads an all-star cast in this bold and original musical filled with infectious, show-stopping performances. Sing along to them all in this interactive screening, complete with subtitled lyrics.

 

 

Christmas films

Snowcat Cinema, Penarth Pier Pavilion

Saturday 14-Tuesday 24 December

Adults £8.50, children £6, must be advance booked

It’s A Wonderful Life, Elf, Home Alone and The Muppets’ Christmas Carol are among family-friendly films being shown at Snowcat. All events likely to sell out so do book well in advance.

 

 

The Snowman: Festive Film Screening

Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre, National Museum Cardiff

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm

£6 per person

Watch the classic Christmas film The Snowman for a truly magical experience this year. You’ll feel part of the film as you walk through a winter wonderland entrance and then cuddle down in the theatre for the heart-warming tale. After the film they will be a chance to meet a snowman for a photo opportunity.

 

Christmas Underground Cinema

Cardiff Castle

Saturday 21-Sunday 22 December

£5 per person

Elf, Home Alone and The Muppets Christmas Carol are among the festive film being shown at Cardiff Castle this Christmas. Some events are already sold out, so book quick.

 

Frozen II Activity Day 

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Saturday 21 December, 10am

£22

Join Beth Morris for a fantastic day of art and creativity, in the last Film Activity Day of 2019.

Watch Frozen II and be inspired by all things wintery, as you explore the world of the film through a mixture art activities during a three-hour workshop. Please bring packed lunch, spaces limited.

 

 

Odeon Kids

Odeon Cinema, The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay

The 10am weekend and school holiday showings are £2.50 per person. Films to be announced; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.

 

Movies for Juniors

Cineworld, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff

The 10am weekend and school holiday Movies for Juniors showings are just £2 per person. Check online for schedule; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.

 

Mini Mornings

Vue Cinema, Millennium Plaza, Cardiff

The 10am weekend and school holiday Movies for Juniors showings are just £2.49 per person. Check online for schedule; films are usually a few months old rather than new releases.

 

Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff

A different family film every week

£4/£3 booked in advance; see website for full listings.

 

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