Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 Guide
Cardiff, Wales • 13 Nov – 23 Dec 2025 • Wales
Craft Focus Wales curates more than 70 independent Welsh makers across St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes.
Why visit in 2025?
- Daily rolling programme of artisan makers and jewellers
- Nearby Winter Wonderland ice rink and Big Wheel on City Hall Lawn
- Local produce from Welsh distillers, chocolatiers and cheesemakers
At a glance
Location
St John Street, Working Street & The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1AH
Opening hours (2025)
- Mon–Sat: 10am – 6pm
- Thu (late nights): until 7pm
- Sun: 10am – 5pm
Costs
Free entry; food, drink and activities (e.g. Cardiff Winter Wonderland rides) are paid separately.
Contact
Why Cardiff’s market is special
Cardiff Christmas Market showcases over 70 independent makers curated by Craft*Folk. Expect Welsh-made jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass, artisan food and seasonal treats you won’t find on the high street. Stalls rotate every few days, giving returning visitors something new to browse. The market winds through St John Street, Working Street and the Hayes, right next to Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades.
Just around the corner you’ll find Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland in front of City Hall, complete with the undercover ice rink, Ice Bar, helter skelter and Sky Wheel. Combining both makes for a full festive day out in the Welsh capital.
Getting there
By train
Cardiff Central station is a five-minute walk from the market with direct trains from London Paddington, Bristol, Swansea, Manchester and Birmingham. Cardiff Queen Street station is also nearby for Valley Line services.
By coach
National Express and Megabus serve Sophia Gardens Coach Station; FlixBus stops on North Road. From all coach drop-offs, it’s a 10–15 minute walk to the market. Local Cardiff Bus services stop throughout the city centre.
Driving & parking
City centre parking includes St David’s, John Lewis, Capitol and NCP Greyfriars Road. Park & Ride sites (e.g. Cardiff East) operate seven days a week with buses into Dumfries Place.
Accessibility
Most of the route is level and pedestrianised. Accessible toilets are available at St David’s Centre, Cardiff Market and Winter Wonderland. A Changing Places facility can be found at St David’s Dewi Sant.
Need-to-know details
- Tell me something unusual: Many traders are members of the Made in Wales collective, so you can pick up genuine Welsh language prints, handcrafted lovespoons and locally-distilled spirits.
- Year established: 1999.
- Typical attendance: Around 1 million visitors across the six-week run.
- Official opening: Usually led by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, with local choirs performing.
- Entry cost: Free.
Top things to see & do
- Shop local: Discover Welsh slate artwork, hand-poured soy candles, artisan gin, chocolate, knitwear and photography.
- Grab a bite: Sample Welsh cakes hot from the griddle, mulled wine, bratwurst and artisan coffee from the pop-up cabins.
- Winter Wonderland: Don’t miss the undercover ice rink and ski lodge bar in City Hall Lawn (book tickets ahead for peak times).
- Explore the arcades: Visit Morgan, Royal and Castle Arcades for independent boutiques, barbers and cafes tucked behind the main streets.
Make a weekend of it
Cardiff blends ancient history and modern culture. Tour Cardiff Castle, wander Bute Park’s winter light trails, visit National Museum Cardiff or head to Cardiff Bay for Techniquest, the Norwegian Church and waterside dining. Rugby fans can coincide their visit with festive fixtures at Principality Stadium.
Plan your trip
Accommodation
Book hotels or guesthouses as early as possible—weekend dates around the market book up quickly. Consider nearby villages for boutique stays.
Travel
Rail is often the most convenient way to arrive. If driving, look for park and ride services to avoid city-centre congestion.
Accessibility
Most markets provide accessible routes, but cobbles and temporary surfaces can be uneven—check the organiser accessibility guide linked below.
Weather Ready
Pack layers, waterproof footwear and gloves (touchscreen-friendly for photos). Early sessions are quieter; evenings bring the best atmosphere.