Step aside, winter just got a lot cooler, thanks to The Ice Bar at Cardiff Winter Wonderland. I recently ventured into this frozen oasis, and let me tell you, it’s more than just a place to sip a chilly beverage; it’s a sub-zero symphony of style and frosty fun.
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Ice Bar Cardiff 2023
First things first, the entrance is like stepping into Narnia, with shimmering lights guiding you through the icy gateway and ice sculptures, setting the tone for the frosty adventure ahead. However, unlike Narnia, it’s small once you’re past the wardrobe (door).
It is minus ten inside, so make sure you wrap up warm. Puffer coats are provided if you want an extra layer, and remember your gloves! Over 17 tonnes of ice are inside, and all the sculptures were carved on site.
Ice Bar Cardiff Prices
Pre-booking your tickets is essential. Ice Bar Cardiff Tickets are £12 per person off-peak and £15 at peak times. The Ice Bar Cardiff opening times are from 11am to 9pm daily. It starts at the end of November until early January. You book on the hour and have about 30 minutes inside the ice bar.
Ice Bar Cardiff Review
Once inside, you’re greeted by a spectacle of sculpted ice-themed around Cardiff and Welsh culture. The attention to detail is impressive. There’s an intricately carved castle bar that looks like Elsa built it, belting out “Let It Go”.
Gareth Bale’s face has been delicately carved into a massive slab of ice, and you come face to face with Gareth Edwards running down the line with a rugby ball in hand. Like the Instagrammable spot down The Bay, you can pose in front of a frozen version of the Wales Millennium Centre.
There are a few other sculptures lit up with fairy lights, including an Eagle and an etching of a dragon. Daffodils are inside the ice chairs and an ice tabletop football game to keep you entertained.
Ice Bar Cardiff Menu
Included in your price is an AU Vodka shot in various flavours. I highly recommend the Blue Raspberry. The drink is served in an ice shot glass, which keeps your beverage frigid and makes you feel like a sophisticated polar explorer. Plus, you get a drink of choice, including cocktails, Prosecco and beer. There are also non-alcoholic options.
Winter Wonderland Ice Bar Cardiff
Now, if you don’t like the cold, it’s not the cosiest spot in town. You’re in the wrong place if you’re expecting a mulled wine, mince pie, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. But hey, you don’t go to an ice bar for warmth – you go for the cool factor. The staff, clad in snug winter gear, are the real stars – not just for braving the cold but for keeping the drinks flowing.
So, grab your thermals, don your warmest coat (I wore my new Lands’ End Winter Coat), and prepare to sip in style at this icy masterpiece. It’s the coolest way to warm up your winter nights.
One thing you will want to do if venturing to Cardiff’s famous ice bar, is wrap up warm. Getting a whole new winter wardrobe can be pricey, but with Debenhams voucher codes you will find winter essentials from coats to boots at great prices.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
The annual Winter Wonderland Cardiff is in the heart of the city centre, on the City Hall lawns. The Christmas festival has funfair rides, games and a big wheel. There’s plenty of food and drink on offer, too. Entry is free. However, games, food and drink are chargeable.
Christmas events are spilling over to Cardiff Castle this year too, where you’ll find the outdoor ice rink and the ice walk within the public square in the castle grounds. Entry is free. However, skating (pre-booking required), games, festive food and drink are chargeable.
Winter Wonderland opening times are 16 November 2023 until 7 January 2024 between 11am and 10pm (12.30am on New Year’s Eve)
Travelling to the City Centre
Navigating Cardiff City centre during yuletide requires thinking ahead about your mode of transportation. Whether opting for public transport or securing a parking spot in advance, a bit of planning ensures a smoother journey, allowing you to fully savour the magic of Christmas in the heart of Cardiff.
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. And who doesn’t want to save money to spend on Christmas Eve?
Christmas Market Cardiff
If you’re visiting, make sure you also see the Christmas Market in Cardiff (until 23 December). A huge range of craft stalls and food can be browsed throughout the day in Alpine-style huts. Found on St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes, known as the Festive Quarter. Over 200 individual businesses sell a wide variety of arts and crafts, plus seasonal food and drinks each year.
Christmas at Bute Park
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better place to unwrap the festive cheer than Christmas at Bute Park? This annual event brings the holiday spirit to life with a dazzling, festive outdoor light trail that caters to visitors of all ages. The park comes alive with the sound of festive music and the scent of mulled wine.
Christmas in Cardiff
Unwrap the festive spirit of the Welsh capital! Cardiff is truly magical at Christmas. Dive into a winter wonderland with enchanting markets, dazzling lights, and heartwarming events. Explore restaurants that promise culinary delights, making this holiday season a feast for the senses. Here is a full round-up of what to expect during Christmas in Cardiff.
Celebrate Christmas Eve in Cardiff
It was the night before Christmas, and the city was buzzing with excitement. Children are eagerly counting down until Santa arrives leaving presents under their Christmas tree. It’s time to get together and celebrate with friends – fire up the hot chocolate, admire the twinkling lights and remember the true joy of the season. There are so many things to do on Christmas Eve in Cardiff.
Weird and Wonderful Welsh Christmas Traditions
I love listening to how everyone celebrates Christmas, and I am always interested in how different their traditions are. We all do Christmas in our own way. From spending time with family and friends to taking a tropical holiday. I also love how ancient Christmas traditions, some of which date back centuries, are still entwined in our modern celebrations. In the spirit of the season, here are some Welsh Christmas traditions.
Festive Food and Drink
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Christmas Hotels in Cardiff
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
easyHotel Cardiff
The easyHotel Cardiff is a 10-minute walk from the theatre. It has double rooms (with or without a window), accessible bedrooms and twin rooms. Found a short walk behind Cardiff Queen Street train station, the budget hotel has en-suite bathrooms, heated rooms in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. WiFi is free; pay and display and multi-storey car parks are nearby.
Radisson Cardiff
The Radisson Blue Hotel Cardiff is in the city centre. The 4-star hotel has smart TVs in the bedrooms, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, laptop-compatible safes, and limited onsite parking.
Dog friendly hotels in Cardiff
Your perfect dog-friendly escape in Cardiff awaits! Before I had my rescue dog, Ivan, I didn’t think Cardiff was very dog friendly. How wrong was I? The dog friendly hotels in Cardiff include national chain hotels, budget brands, pubs and country houses.
The Copthorne
The Copthorne, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, is a traditional 4-star hotel in Cardiff that is ideally located between the city centre and the coast of Barry Island. Ideal for business travellers, couples or families, it is a perfect base. You can expect free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and modern in-room amenities. Book early and save up to 20% off:
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offers a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. They have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business Sykes Cottages has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful. They range from cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
The surrounding areas
Don’t be afraid of staying out of central Cardiff, either. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
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