Whilst the weather is getting colder and the nights are getting shorter, there are still plenty of things to do in Cardiff in the winter.
It's the time of year for knitted scarves, hot chocolates in cosy cafes, comfort food and festive shopping in Christmas markets.
It's an underrated season and if you're prepared to wrap up warm, there are lots to see and do, despite the chilly weather.
Here's our guide to some of the best winter activities in Cardiff...
Read more: Free things to do during Christmas 2021 in and around Cardiff
1. Go on a ghost walk
Not one for the faint-hearted but the cold, darker days are made for ghost-hunting and Cardiff Castle has a series of ghost walks taking place this winter.
Costing £16 per person (ages 12 and above) and lasting around two hours, explore this majestic castle at night where you will discover the incredible history of the historic building from its Roman origins, its transformation into the magical fantasy castle it is today and, of course, the many strange ghostly phenomena that have been reported here for many years.
The ghost tours run from Friday, November 12 to Sunday, November 28. For more details click here.
2. Update your winter wardrobe in Cardiff's Victorian Arcades
Update your winter look by checking out the boutique shops in Cardiff's beautiful Victorian arcades. These charming arcades house over 100 independent cafes, bars and shops right in the heart of the city.
Across the arcades, you'll find 150 years of Welsh retail history are brought together under a roof of classic Victorian and Edwardian architecture with modern elements as well.
You will find an impressive range of clothing boutiques, gift shops and retro fashion stores sandwiched in between independent cafes and restaurants.
3. Feel festive at Cardiff Christmas Market
The Cardiff Christmas Market will return to the pedestrianised streets of Cardiff city centre and feature a range of exhibitors.
The market will cover St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes and will run from Thursday, November 11 to Thursday, December 23.
Have a festive stroll through the plethora of traders and pick up some unique gifts for friends and family and spoil yourself with local crafts and produce.
There will also be food and drink traders selling festive favourites, such as mulled wine, hot chocolate and bratwurst.
Read more: Cardiff Christmas Market 2021: Full list of stalls, places to eat and opening hours
4. Warm up by the fire in the Cricketers
The Cricketers is located inside a traditional Victorian townhouse, with gorgeous architecture and classic high ceilings. It's a popular pub in the Pontcanna area and is a lovely spot to warm up on a cold day in the city.
Here you will find real Welsh ales, home-cooked Sunday lunches, as well as a lovely open fire to relax and warm your feet by after a winter stroll around Bute Park.
They also allow dogs, so you can take your pooch for a cheeky post-walk pint in this welcoming pub.
5. Enjoy a free Christmas carol concert
Enjoy free festive carols and a Christmas choir at the beautiful Urban Crofters in Roath on Sunday, December 19. This impressive church and cafe is a warm and welcoming space all year round but feels especially inviting at Christmas.
Get into the holiday mood with a superb selection of Christmas songs performed by the talented Roath Chamber Orchestra and support local music in Cardiff
Final event details will be announced on their website.
6. Go Ice skating at Winter Wonderland
What could be a better winter activity in Cardiff than indulging in outdoor skating in the city centre?
Cardiff's Winter Wonderland is back and it's spread over two sites, Cardiff Castle and the City Hall lawns.
This year the ice rink will be at the castle location as well as a 150m Ice Walk that will run through the castle grounds.
The tickets are on sale now for both the ice activities and one covers both of them. The dates the festive fun will be at the castle are Tuesday, November 6 to Sunday, January 2, 2022. The attractions will be open from 11am-10pm.
7. Have an indulgent hot chocolate
Winter is the time for cafes to up their hot chocolate game with extravagant hot chocolates to entice customers in. what could be nicer than warming up with a soothing hot chocolate, which is like a hug in a cup.
And there are some absolutely amazing ones on offer around Cardiff so you're never very far from a damn fine hot chocolate in the city.
Coffi co has some of the most gorgeous hot chocolates in Cardiff that look like a work of art, you won't be sure whether to eat it or drink it. Find out about other great hot chocolates available in Cardiff here.
8. Have a winter stroll around Roath Park
A chilly stroll around Roath Park is a fun and free activity to do in winter You can pack a festive picnic with shop-bought, or low-cost homemade Christmas sandwiches and a big flask of hot chocolate.
The Terra Nova Cafe is also open during the winter so you can also warm up inside their lakeside cafe with a hot drink and some delicious, home-cooked food.
If you are lucky, you might even be treated to some snow during the winter season, which makes this Victorian park look even more beautiful. If there's heavy snowfall, You can also do a little sledging with the kids on some of the slopes of the park and also build snowmen.
This winter, get your bobble hats on and have a stroll around the lake, feed the ducks and let the kids burn off some energy at its impressive park.
9. Book tickets for Christmas at Bute Park
This winter you can bring the whole family to experience the dazzling Christmas at Bute Park.
This special event will take visitors on a magical tour of festive delight around one of the capital city’s most beloved landmarks and through the biggest Christmas lights trail that Wales has ever seen.
Tickets are now on sale for this exciting, light-filled event and it runs from November 25, right through until, and including, New Year’s Eve.
10. Have lush winter cocktails
What could be a better way to celebrate the holiday season than with festive cocktails.
Whether you're taking a break during a festive shop or want some pre-party or dinner drinks, cocktails are so indulgent, especially at this time of year.
Among those offering festive drinks is The Ivy, which you will love for its amazing decor too. Check out those loos!
11. Have a proper roast dinner
Warm the cockles of your heart with a proper Sunday lunch. There are loads of great places to go in Cardiff but The Lansdowne pub in Canton is one of our favourites thanks to tasty homemade food and great atmosphere.
You can expect the traditional roast meats, as well as dishes like butternut and cashew roast, all served with proper Yorkshires, roast potatoes and parsnips, seasonal veg, proper gravy and cauliflower cheese.
This popular canton pub also has a cracking selection of craft beers and ales, as well as regularly featuring guest ales from local and microbrewers. Whilst the wooden interior may not immediately scream ‘cosy’, it’s got those classic pub touches such as chalkboard menu, friendly service and is also dog-friendly to boot.
To get the latest newsletters from the What's On WalesOnline team, click here.
