How to Plan Your Perfect Christmas Day Out in Cardiff (ft. Cirque Scrooge)
Planning a magical day out to see Scrooge, A Cirque Spectacular at ICC Wales?
It’s set to be the hit Christmas show of the year, rolling off the success of last year’s hit Elf The Musical.
But don’t make the trip just to see the show. There’s so much going on this time of year around South Wales, that you can make a day of it, and the whole family can enjoy it.
So, let’s turn your evening or afternoon show into a whole festive adventure. Whether you're visiting as a family, couple, or group of friends, here's how to make the most of your day.
Morning Magic: Choose Your Adventure
Cardiff Christmas Market (13 Nov - 23 Dec, opens 10 am)
Perfect for everyone, the Cardiff Christmas artisan market spans St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street, and The Hayes.
Over 200 independent makers sell handcrafted jewellery, toys, ceramics, and Welsh treats. Families can browse together whilst kids enjoy the festive atmosphere, and there's plenty of hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts to keep little hands warm.
St Fagans National Museum of History (Weekends, 29 Nov - 23 Dec)
For a calmer family morning, head to this free outdoor museum where Santa's mischievous elves have scattered his reindeer across the historic grounds.
It's an interactive adventure that combines Christmas fun with Welsh heritage—and there's loads of space for energetic kids to explore.
Lunch Options for Every Taste
Whatever you choose to do in the morning, you’ll want to refuel come lunch.
Family-friendly favourites:
- The Grill at Celtic Manor Resort - The Grill’s tempting menu of wholesome ingredients delivers a mouthwatering selection of comforting favourites including succulent steaks, pasta, fresh fish, salads and burgers.
- Bill's in Wyndham Arcade - Relaxed atmosphere with high chairs, colouring sheets, and a varied menu including kids' meals. The Victorian arcade setting adds festive charm.
- Cosy Club on The Hayes - Spacious with plenty of room for pushchairs, bottomless brunch options for adults, and a children's menu. Right next to the Christmas Market.
- Cardiff Market - The historic indoor market offers diverse food stalls from Vietnamese to Welsh cakes. Kids can choose what they fancy, and there's a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
For couples:
- Steak on Six at Celtic Manor Resort - Award-winning signature steaks in a stunning setting with panoramic views
- Seaonsal Afternoon Tea at Celtic Manor Resort - This indulgent afternoon tea is renowned in South Wales and makes for a dream date for cake cravers and patisserie perfectionists.
- The Ivy Cardiff - Sophisticated all-day dining with modern British classics and Asian-inspired dishes. The Art Deco interiors and stunning first-floor bar create a romantic pre-show atmosphere.
- Daffodil Cardiff - Elegant city-centre restaurant offering festive three-course menus. Book the cosy corner by the fireplace for intimate dining.
- Graze at Hilton Cardiff - Quality Welsh cuisine with Cardiff Castle views. Their festive afternoon tea (available from 2 pm) is perfect for couples wanting something special.
Afternoon Adventures: More to Explore
Christmas at Bute Park Light Trail (21 Nov - 31 Dec, from late afternoon)
This mile-long illuminated walk features 15 magical light zones, including Water Willow and Icefall. The trail takes about an hour and is fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
Families love the Christmas Village with local food traders, whilst couples enjoy the romantic atmosphere of walking through the enchanted park. Super off-peak tickets are just £15 for adults, £5 for children—incredible value for families.
Cardiff Bay (All day, free)
For families needing to burn off energy before the show, take the short journey to Cardiff Bay. Let kids run around the waterfront, visit the free Senedd (Welsh Parliament) building, or grab an early dinner at one of the bay's many restaurants.
The Aquabus water taxi operates hourly between the bay and Bute Park, offering a fun travel option.
Victorian Arcades Shopping (All day)
Couples and families alike will love browsing Cardiff's seven beautiful Victorian and Edwardian arcades (The City of Arcades), all decked with twinkling Christmas lights. Castle Arcade, Royal Arcade, and Morgan Arcade are particularly stunning.
Independent boutiques, cafes, and quirky shops make for unique gift-hunting without the high street crowds.
The Main Event: Scrooge, A Cirque Spectacular at ICC Wales
Now for the reason you're here!
ICC Wales is approximately 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre in Newport, offering easy parking (book ahead for a flat rate of £ 6) or taxi or Uber services from Cardiff for around £20-25.
What to expect
This spectacular reimagining of A Christmas Carol combines Victorian magic with breathtaking cirque artistry. Charles Dickens narrates his beloved tale whilst extraordinary acrobats, aerial performers, and dazzling musical numbers bring the story to life.
Watch as Ebenezer Scrooge transforms through encounters with remarkable performers portraying Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future - culminating in Tiny Tim's wish for a dazzling Christmas circus coming true.
Show details:
- Running: 12th December 2025 - 3rd January 2026
- Duration: 2hrs 15 including interval
- Relaxed performance: 17th December (perfect for families with young children or additional needs)
- VIP packages available: Pre-show lounge, canapés, and prosecco
Family tips: The show suits ages from 4+ with its perfect blend of humour, spectacle, and heart. Younger children will be mesmerised by the acrobatics and colourful costumes, whilst adults appreciate the production values and faithful storytelling. Book interval snacks in advance if you have hungry kids!
After the Show
After a busy day, chances are you’ll want to relish in the magic from the show and put your feet up.
There are plenty of options to stay local, with ICC Wales offering exclusive package deals from £120 to £130 per couple (£180 to £200 for families) at nearby hotels. These hotels include breakfast and show tickets, and all offer these package deals: Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Court Hotel, and Tŷ Newport Hotel.
Perfect if you want a relaxing end to your magical day without having to drive home.
But, if you still have a bit of energy to burn off, head back to Cardiff for late-night festive fun at Sur La Piste (Alpine ski lodge bar at City Hall Lawn) or explore the illuminated streets.
The Christmas lights stay on until late, making the walk back through the city centre a sparkling finale.
Planning Your Perfect Day
So, let’s recap.
For families with young children: Morning at St Fagans National Museum of History → Lunch at Bill's or Cardiff Market → Afternoon at Cardiff Castle Ice Rink → Early evening Cirque Scrooge show → Hotel stay
For families with older kids: Christmas Market browsing → Lunch at The Grill at Celtic Manor Resort or Cosy Club → Bute Park Light Trail → Evening Scrooge, A Cirque Spectacular show → City Hall Lawn Funfair after
For couples: Leisurely Christmas Market stroll → Afternoon Tea at Celtic Manor Resort or The Ivy → Bute Park Light Trail at dusk → Evening Cirque Scrooge show → Drinks at Sur La Piste
Cardiff at Christmas offers the perfect backdrop for your Scrooge adventure. With activities for every age and interest, you can craft a day as relaxed or as packed as you like.
The combination of traditional Christmas markets, stunning light displays, Victorian charm, and world-class cirque entertainment creates memories that'll last long after the tinsel comes down.
Book Scrooge, A Cirque Spectacular tickets here today!
