Cardiff Christmas Market: The Complete Guide

Cardiff is the capital and biggest city of Wales and is the country’s most frequented destination, welcoming an average of 20 million tourists every year. It is also one of the United Kingdom’s most popular retail destinations, with shopping playing a huge role in the city’s economy. Among the most special places to visit in the city if you want to find unique items is the Cardiff Christmas Market.

Christmas markets are a staple during the festive season – this is where you can find buy the perfect holiday gift or enjoy seasonal treats such as hot chocolate or mulled wine. While there are not a lot of Christmas markets in Cardiff, the city does have a major holiday where both locals and tourists come together to do some Christmas shopping. Stalls are put up in various places across the city centre starting as early as November.

If you are planning to head over to the Welsh capital for the holidays, a visit to the Cardiff Christmas market is a must. After buying everything you can at the market, keep your shopping bags and other belongings safe at a Cardiff luggage storage locker and continue to check the other holiday-themed attractions in the city. Then, you can easily come back for your items after doing some sightseeing around Cardiff.

Cardiff Christmas Market

The Cardiff Christmas Market is an event organized by CraftFolk, an organization established in 1992 that aims to support artists and creators that are looking to showcase and sell their original artwork and creations. Held annually at the Cardiff city centre, the market has been operating for nearly three decades and is one of the most popular holiday traditions in the city.

in 2022, the Cardiff Christmas Market will take place from November 10th until December 23rd and will feature stalls all over the heart of the city, particularly St Johns Street, the Hayes, Trinity Street and Working Street. Shop for special items like hand thrown ceramics, hand sewn pillows and textiles, traditional pewter and much more.

The market will feature an extensive program featuring more than 200 individual stalls – a mix of new and returning exhibitors as well as food and drink producers who will be selling their hand made products.

What to Do in Cardiff in Winter

Even though it can get quite chilly in Cardiff during the winter, the fun holiday-themed events and attractions across the city make the cold worth it. If you’re done exploring the Christmas market and are looking for other fun things to do during your stay, Cardiff has something for you.

One activity that should be on top of your list is Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland, which is the biggest winter attraction in the Welsh capital. Taking place from November 15th of 2022 until January 8th of 2023, the event will have numerous winter-themed features, such as an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, an alpine ski bar, and Cardiff’s only Ice Bar. There will also be several vendors that will sell festive food and drinks.

To maximize the festive cheer and fun, Winter Wonderland will be bringing back last year’s format and will be held in two key locations in the Cardiff city centre, namely City Hall Lawns and Cardiff Castle. The event is great for all kinds of travelers, whether you are with your kids, friends or even on your own. To get more detailed information for your visit, check out Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland official website.

Where to Stay near Cardiff Christmas Market

Because the Cardiff Christmas Market will be held in various locations in the heart of the city, it is not that difficult to find a place to stay nearby. In fact, the majority of the capital’s most renowned hotels and accommodations are located within the city centre.

One of the best hotel options just a stone’s throw away from the Christmas market is the Clayton Hotel, a 4-star hotel with high quality rooms and facilities. Apart from being a short distance away from the market and other shopping hubs, the Clayton is also located right next to Cardiff’s central bus station and train station, making it easy for you to travel around the city.

Another excellent option is the 4-star Hotel Indigo, which is situated just around 300 meters from Cardiff Castle. The hotel boasts a range of modern amenities and is surrounded by some of the city’s best shops and eateries and is centrally located; some of Cardiff’s top attractions are just walking distance from the hotel.

What to Buy at Cardiff Christmas Market

The Cardiff Christmas Market has become somewhat of a unique visitor attraction in the Welsh capital and offers an alternative to the big malls and chain stores that can be found almost anywhere else. Additionally, doing your Christmas shopping at this holiday market allows the buyers to connect directly with the creators and makers and buy their work straight from them. For more info on the 2022 exhibitors and schedule, visit the official Cardiff Christmas market website.

Some of the items that you can expect to find at the holiday market include artwork, ceramics, woodwork, knitwear, leather goods, arts and crafts, jewellery, textiles, clothing, Christmas decorations, home products and more unique gifts. Festive food and drinks can be found at the market, with seasonal specialties such as Bailey’s hot chocolate, hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts available for you to enjoy. Local delicacies such as Welsh honey, Welsh cheese, hot Welsh cakes and craft brews will also be for sale at the market.

Prepare for Cardiff Christmas Market 2022

The Cardiff Christmas Market is one of the best places in the city to go Christmas shopping and enjoy the festive cheer. What’s more, the influx of visitors to the holiday market is also beneficial to both the vendor’s livelihood as well as the city’s economy. It is a truly magical experience and one that you should not miss when visiting the Welsh capital.

Do note that because of its popularity, there’s a likelihood of big and busy crowds. Luckily, the Christmas market is around for over a month and if you want to avoid large groups of people, it’s best to visit during the earlier half of the market’s run and avoid peak hours during the day. Or, you may want to mingle with the masses and be in the busyness of Christmas celebrations!