Last updated: 15 August 2025
Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 runs Thursday 13 November to Tuesday 23 December, bringing festive sparkle to St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street in the heart of Cardiff. Free to enter and just a short walk from Cardiff Central and Queen Street stations, the market blends artisan stalls, Welsh-made gifts and irresistible food and drink. Use this guide for the dates and opening times (Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00, Sundays 10:00–17:00, with late-night Thursdays in December until 19:00), an easy map and location info, and practical tips on parking (St David’s, NCP Greyfriars), public transport and hotels within walking distance. We’ll also highlight what’s new in 2025, accessibility details, family-friendly advice and insider pointers to beat the crowds—so you can plan a smooth, sparkle-filled visit to Cardiff’s biggest Christmas shopping experience.
Key Info — Cardiff Christmas Market 2025
• Dates: Thu 13 Nov – Tue 23 Dec 2025
• Today’s hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00 (Dec Thursdays until 19:00) | Sun 10:00–17:00
• Late nights: Thu 4, 11, 18 Dec 2025
• Location: St John St, Working St, Trinity St & Hills St, Cardiff CF10
• Map: Get Directions.
• Entry: Free
• Stalls: ~200 across the season (≈100 at any one time; weekly rotation)
• Nearest stations: Cardiff Central (≈7 min walk), Cardiff Queen Street (≈8 min)
• Parking: St David’s (CF10 2EF), NCP Greyfriars (CF10 3AD)
• Park & Ride: Pentwyn & Leckwith (weekends/selected dates)
• Accessibility: Step-free streets; accessible toilets in St David’s Shopping Centre
• Dog friendly: Dogs on leads welcome in outdoor areas
• Good to know: Most stalls take contactless; carry some cash for buskers; quietest times are weekday mornings
What’s New in 2025
• Confirmed season & hours: Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 runs Thursday 13 November to Tuesday 23 December, with trading 10:00–18:00 (Mon–Sat), late to 19:00 every Thursday in December, and 10:00–17:00 on Sundays.
• Fresh makers each week: Craft*Folk has published the 2025 rotation “periods,” so the line-up changes weekly. If you visited early in the run, you’ll see a different mix of stalls later on—great for repeat visits and gift hunting.
• Taster stalls and first-time exhibitors: Look out for short “taster” pitches (often on Trinity Street) where new creators trial their products—ideal spots to find one-off gifts before they sell out.
• Easy planning for late nights: December’s Thursday late openings are confirmed; for 2025 those dates fall on 4, 11 and 18 December—perfect for after-work shopping and dusk photos under the lights.
• Bigger festive picture in Cardiff: The Bute Park Light Trail returns 21 November–31 December 2025 with a refreshed route and new installations—pair it with the market for a full evening out in the city centre.
• Around three decades of tradition: Media previews note the market has been running for about 30 years, with hundreds of independent makers appearing across the season—expect plenty of authentic, Welsh-made gifts.
(Details may evolve; check the organiser’s site before you travel.)
Location, Map & Market Layout
The market threads through St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street — the pedestrian spine of Cardiff’s shopping district, just five minutes on foot from Cardiff Central station.
About 100 wooden huts are on site at any one time, with exhibitors rotating weekly across four booking “periods,” so every visit feels fresh.
What Makes Cardiff’s Market Unique
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Three Decades of Craft*Folk Heritage — celebrating its 30‑year milestone in 2025.
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200+ Independent Stalls over the six‑week run, championing Welsh makers and small UK creatives.
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Meet‑the‑Maker Culture — most vendors design or produce their goods, so you can hear the story behind each piece and often request custom work.
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Weekly Refresh — with rotating stallholders, new food and gift discoveries await on every return trip.
Food & Drink Highlights
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Mulled Wine & Craft Cider served in reusable eco‑cups.
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Fresh Welsh Cakes cooked on a traditional bakestone — try them with a salted‑caramel twist.
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Yorkshire‑Pudding Wraps stuffed with turkey and trimmings (a social‑media favourite).
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Artisan Chocolatiers & Cheesemongers perfect for gift hampers.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options are easy to find. Thursday late nights tend to have the liveliest street‑food buzz.
Entertainment & Special Events
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Live Choirs & Brass Bands appear outside St John’s Church most weekends.
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Craft Demonstrations — watch wood‑turning, glass‑blowing or lino‑printing in select huts (check the day’s blackboard).
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Family Fun — storytelling sessions with Santa are run in partnership with nearby shopping centres.
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Charity Carollers collect for Welsh homelessness charities — toss in your spare change!
Accessibility, Facilities & Sustainability
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Flat, well‑lit streets with step‑free access; accessible toilets inside St David’s Shopping Centre (two‑minute walk).
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Assistance dogs welcome; pets on leads allowed in outdoor areas.
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Contactless payment accepted at most stalls, but keep some cash for buskers and charity buckets.
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Craft*Folk provides recycling points and encourages low‑plastic packaging — bring a tote and reusable cup for discounts on hot drinks.
Getting There: Transport & Parking
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Train | Cardiff Central (mainline) and Cardiff Queen Street are both < 10 min on foot. |
| Bus | Most Cardiff Bus services stop at St Mary Street or Greyfriars Road. Some services run discounted festive returns on weekends — check 2025 fares with Cardiff Bus before you travel. |
| Park & Ride | Sites at Pentwyn (east) and Leckwith (west) operate daily from 9 am. |
| Car | Closest multi‑storeys: St David’s (CF10 2EF) and NCP Greyfriars (CF10 3AD); arrive before 11 am on Saturdays to dodge queues. |
| Bike & E‑Scooter | Nextbike and VOI docking stations line The Hayes. |
Hotels Near Cardiff Christmas Market 2025
Where to Stay Nearby
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Clayton Hotel Cardiff — four‑minute walk; often runs “Shop & Stay” rates including mulled‑wine vouchers.
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Future Inns Cardiff Bay — free parking and direct Bay‑to‑Centre bus, ideal for families.
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Budget Picks — Sleeperz (next to Central Station) or easyHotel (Queen Street). Book by early September for the best prices.
More Festive Things to Do in Cardiff
| Attraction | Dates | Why Go? |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Wonderland (Cardiff Castle & City Hall lawns) | Dates TBC, typically mid‑Nov – early Jan | Ice rink, Ice Bar and giant Ferris wheel beside the castle. |
| Christmas at Bute Park Light Trail | 21 Nov – 31 Dec 2025 | Wales’s biggest illuminated walk with 15 light zones and pop‑up street‑food village. |
| Pantomime at New Theatre | Early Dec – Jan | A Cardiff Christmas tradition — celebrity guest stars guaranteed to shout “It’s behind you!”. |
Insider Tips to Beat Crowds & Save Money
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Arrive before 11 am or after 4 pm on weekdays for the quietest browsing.
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Thursday late openings deliver magical night‑time photos without Saturday crowds.
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Bundle Tickets & Rooms — many hotels package Bute Park or Winter Wonderland entry with overnight stays.
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Dress in Layers — sea breezes funnel up St John Street; thermal socks are your friend.
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Scout First, Buy Later — do a full circuit before committing; the variety can overwhelm even seasoned shoppers.
Final Thoughts
Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 offers the perfect blend of authentic Welsh craftsmanship, festive street food and city‑centre convenience. Bookmark this guide, share it with travel companions and get ready to tick off every item on your holiday bucket list — from sipping spiced cider under fairy lights to finding one‑of‑a‑kind gifts your friends will love. Nadolig Llawen!
Cardiff Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1. When does Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 start and finish?
Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 runs from Thursday 13 November to Tuesday 23 December 2025, giving visitors six festive weeks to explore.
Q 2. Where is Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 located?
The market takes over St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street in Cardiff city centre, just a five‑minute walk from Cardiff Central rail station.
Q 3. Do I need a ticket to enter Cardiff Christmas Market 2025?
No — entry is completely free; you only pay for the food, drinks or gifts you choose to buy.
Q 4. What are the opening times for Cardiff Christmas Market 2025?
Stalls open 10 am – 6 pm Monday to Saturday (extended to 7 pm on December Thursdays) and 10 am – 5 pm on Sundays.
Q 5. How many stalls will be at Cardiff Christmas Market 2025?
Over the full run you’ll find about 200 independent stalls, with roughly 100 on site at any one time and a fresh mix of makers rotating weekly.
Q 6. What food and drink can I expect at Cardiff Christmas Market 2025?
Expect hot Welsh cakes, giant Yorkshire‑pudding wraps, gourmet hot chocolate, mulled wine, craft cider, artisan cheese, hand‑made chocolates and plenty of vegan, veggie and gluten‑free options.
Q 7. Is Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 dog friendly?
Yes, well‑behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor areas, although individual food huts may restrict entry.
Q 8. Is Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely — the streets are flat and step‑free, and accessible toilets are available inside nearby St David’s Shopping Centre (two‑minute walk).
Q 9. Can I pay by card at Cardiff Christmas Market 2025?
Around 90 % of stalls accept contactless cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for charity buskers and smaller traders.
Q 10. How do I get to Cardiff Christmas Market 2025 by public transport?
Take a train to Cardiff Central or Cardiff Queen Street (both under 10 minutes on foot) or use Cardiff Bus services that stop at St Mary Street and Greyfriars Road; weekend Park‑and‑Ride buses run from Pentwyn and Leckwith.
Q 11. Where can I park near Cardiff Christmas Market 2025?
The closest multi‑storeys are St David’s (CF10 2EF) and NCP Greyfriars (CF10 3AD), but spaces fill quickly on Saturdays — arrive before 11 am or use Park‑and‑Ride.
Q 12. What hotels are within walking distance of Cardiff Christmas Market 2025?
Good nearby options include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Sleeperz Hotel, easyHotel Cardiff and the family‑friendly Future Inns Cardiff Bay (10‑minute bus ride).
Q 13. What else is there to do in Cardiff at Christmas 2025?
Combine your visit with Cardiff Winter Wonderland, the Bute Park Light Trail and a traditional pantomime at the New Theatre for a full festive itinerary.
Map
Official market map & directions
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