9 Magical Christmas Activities for Kids Near Cardiff 2025

From spectacular cirque shows to enchanted light trails and visits with Santa, Cardiff and the surrounding area are brimming with festive magic this Christmas. Whether you've got toddlers or tweens, here are the nine best Christmas activities to create unforgettable memories this season.

1. Cirque Scrooge at ICC Wales

The ultimate Christmas spectacular that kids will remember forever

When: 12 December 2025 - 3 January 2026

Where: ICC Wales, Newport (20 minutes from Cardiff)

Age suitability: All ages - perfect for 4+

This isn't your average Christmas show. Cirque Scrooge reimagines Charles Dickens' beloved A Christmas Carol through breathtaking cirque artistry that will have kids' jaws on the floor. Extraordinary aerial performers fly through the air, acrobats defy gravity, and dazzling musical numbers bring Victorian London to life in spectacular fashion.

Why kids love it:

• Mind-blowing acrobatics and aerial stunts that look like magic
• Colourful costumes and stunning visual effects
• The story of Scrooge's transformation told with humour and heart
• Tiny Tim's wish for a dazzling Christmas circus comes true on stage
• Two-hour runtime with interval - perfect for attention spans
• Safe, comfortable, family-friendly venue

Special features:

• Relaxed performance on 17 December (perfect for children with additional needs)
• Accessible seating and facilities
• Pre-bookable parking at £6 flat rate
• Package deals from £120 including hotel stay and breakfast

Top tip: Book early for the best seats - this show is expected to sell out. The combination of storytelling, circus skills, and Christmas magic makes it the standout family show of the season.

Tickets: https://www.iccwales.com/whats-on/cirque-scrooge

2. The Royal Mint Christmas Experience

Meet Santa in his magical workshop and strike your own festive coin

When: 22 November - 23 December 2025

Where: The Royal Mint, Llantrisant (30 minutes from Cardiff)

Age suitability: All ages

Information: Here

What happens:

• Journey through Santa's enchanting workshop
• Meet Chief Helpers who tell tales of Christmas traditions
• Private time with Santa in his cosy grotto
• Every child receives an age-appropriate gift
• Strike your own Christmas coin (additional cost £7.95)
• Live festive performance included
• Professional photos available

Special sessions:

• Autism-friendly experience (first tour daily, smaller groups, reduced sensory triggers)
• Carer tickets available at £5-£7.50

Prices: Peak tickets vary, Ultimate Bundle packages available for groups of 4+

3. Christmas at Bute Park Light Trail

A mesmerising mile-long journey through 15 magical light zones

When: 21 November - 31 December 2025

Where: Bute Park, Cardiff city centre

Information: Here

Age suitability: All ages - fully accessible for pushchairs

This award-winning light trail is Wales' largest and the UK's most popular outside London. Kids will be spellbound as they walk through enchanted illuminations, including the shimmering Water Willow and the icy Icefall spectacle.

Highlights:

• 15 different light zones with jaw-dropping installations
• Walk in the shadow of Cardiff Castle
• Christmas Village with local food and hot chocolate
• Bute Park Tavern for warming up
• Takes about 1-1.5 hours at a kid-friendly pace
• Fully accessible paths

Budget-friendly tip: Super off-peak tickets from just £5 for children, £15 adults - incredible value for a magical hour!

4. Cardiff's Winter Wonderland

Ice skating, fairground rides, and festive fun at Cardiff Castle

When: 13 November 2025 - 4 January 2026

Where: Cardiff Castle grounds & City Hall Lawn

Age suitability: All ages

Information: Here

At Cardiff Castle:

• Undercover ice rink with magical Ice Walk around castle grounds
• Novice rink for beginners and wobbly first-timers
• Penguin skate-aids for little ones
• Christmas tree ride
• Arctic-themed lanterns
• Traditional Tafarn bar
• Hot chocolate, marshmallows, and festive food stalls

At City Hall Lawn:

• Family funfair with rides for all ages
• Big Wheel with spectacular city views
• Traditional games
• Sur La Piste Alpine bar (two-storey ski lodge)
• Free entertainment programme

Accessible sessions: Thursday afternoons for wheelchair users and additional needs

Top tip: Book ice skating sessions in advance - they fill quickly on weekends!

5. Find the Runaway Reindeer at St Fagans