Christmas at Bute Park – a magical light trail in Cardiff this Christmas

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Thanks to Christmas at Bute Park for providing us with complimentary tickets in exchange for this review.

Wow! Christmas at Bute Park is such an enchanting and magical experience. The light trail is absolutely beautiful with atmospheric music that really brings the projections and installations to life.

It’s not cheap at £18 per adult and £13 per child but it’s a high quality and awe-inspiring experience suitable for all ages; we loved it. I can’t imagine how long it took to put together and the sheer number of lights is very impressive.

This review contains lots of spoilers, so if you are visiting and don’t want to ruin the surprise you may wish to stop reading now. If you want to see it in action, head to the Cardiff Mummy Says Instagram page where you’ll find a Reel full of video snippets from our visit, plus photos on my grid and Instagram Stories.

You access the trail via the entrance on North Road near the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Once your tickets have been scanned you head down the Startlit Boulevard, where every tree on either side of the path is illuminated with lights covering every branch and the trunks. It looks wonderful. Each light attraction has its own musical accompaniment which really adds to the whole atmosphere. The music feels festive but isn’t the usual Christmas songs you’d expect at this time of year, which makes the event feel really inclusive.

From there, you pass through circles of lights swirling on the floor (my seven year old thought it was brilliant fun jumping on the moving lights) leading you to Fantastic Flora, large flowers blooming in neon orange and green.

Baubelicious sees large baubles overhead flickering in different colours, taking you on to Christmas Twist, a tunnel of multi-coloured neon arches.

The Flaming Fire Garden and is so impressive (although be aware if you have inquisitive toddlers). Intricately carved metal poles give glimpses of the fire burning inside; puffs of flame emerge from burning cauldrons and there’s a whole pathway (not accessible to visitors) dotted with potted flames.

Neon Glade sees dozens of poles flashing with different colours and light patterns.

Lazerlight was a real favourite of mine – a mesmerizing display of multicoloured flashing laser lights. It does get busy here, with everyone stopping to take videos and photos.

Walk through the lit The Enchanted Woods to reach Heart of Glass, a heart shaped disco ball accompanied by disco music.

The finale is Sea Of Light, a wonderful display which sees lights emerging from the floor almost like flowers blooming and lasers shooting upwards. It’s really mesmerising.

As well as the different installations, the trees are lit up in different colours, making for the most beautiful backdrop.

It took us around 50 minutes to make our way around the 1.4KM route. It is buggy/wheelchair accessible, using the park’s paths and specially built walkways meaning it wasn’t muddy as we’d worried.

There are lots of food and drink vendors along the way selling hot chocolate, mulled wine and other hot and cold drinks, waffles and churros and other street food. There are also toilets on site.

It’s on until 31 December although tickets have been selling so well that weekends are fully booked. There is weekday evening availability if you’re quick.

Christmas at Bute Park is at Bute Park Cardiff until 31 December. Tickets cost £18 for adults, £13 for children, under twos are free. Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult 3 children) cost £55.

For more information see the Christmas at Bute Park website here.

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