Wandering Welsh Girl Megan Carr gives us her thoughts on one of the city’s annual favourites … Cardiff Winter Wonderland!

A treasured family favourite, the Cardiff Winter Wonderland is the highlight of Cardiff’s festive season. Every year, families troop down in their buttoned coats and woolly scarves and red noses, excited for a seasonal day.

Ice-skating, the Alpine Village, the Funfair – Winter Wonderland has it all. And, a new addition this year, the all-weather clear roof above the rink which comes in super-handy for when the inevitable rain starts to pour.

Ice-skating is a fun sport for the whole family. An hour’s skate means you have plenty of time to build up your courage and pretend you’re part of Dancing On Ice. Or, if you’re not feeling that keen, plenty of people spend the time glued to the sides slowly making their way around the rink so you won’t be alone. And for the younger kids, there’s always the penguin friend they can take around with them ensuring that they’ve always got something to hold on to in case Mum or Dad takes an impromptu tumble.

Open throughout the day and evenings, there’s plenty of time for you to enjoy everything on offer. Live music in the alpine village means you can sing along to Christmas classics as you indulge in your festive treats. Bratwursts, chocolate crepes, hot chocolate, mulled wine …….. there’s something for everyone. Just remember to bring some cash as unfortunately cards are not accepted. A tad annoying, but not a deal breaker.

The funfair is a perfect addition to this wonderland making sure that the whole family is kept entertained. A tad expensive for a family, you may have to pick and choose your favourites. The Big Wheel offers beautiful views of the city, the snow jet ensures a laugh a minute, the Santa train – an exciting opportunity for the smaller ones or even the snow slide which doesn’t look quite as exciting as the rest, but is actually rather thrilling.

Skating sessions fill up pretty fast so you should probably get your skates on and make a move to Winter Wonderland this Christmas…. Now I’m off to my office Christmas party …. Merry Christmas!

Cardiff Winter Wonderland Tickets – adults (£9.50), child aged 3-7  (6.50), youth aged 8-16 (7.50), student (8.00), family of 2 adults, 2 children (£30.00)

by

Megan Carr of The Wanderings of a Welsh Girl