Step Into Christmas
With only 44 days to go (on November 10th) Christmas is just around the corner, is tonight too early to begin celebrating the festive season?
If the idea of tonight’s festive celebrations fills you with a sense of dread and you share the views of Ebenezer Scrooge at Christmas time, rest assured there is something for everyone; so less of that "Bah Humbug!" attitude, go and make the most of what Cardiff has to offer.
Tonight is the beginning of the festive season for Cardiff which hosts 'Step into Christmas' which will transform the city centre from a soggy shopping centre to winter wonderland between 4-8pm. For a full list of activities and a map go here.
The main event of the entertainment will be the official switch on of the Christmas lights on Queen Street by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Delme Bowen at 5pm. The great news is that the event is absolutely free and the weather is due to stay dry with only medium level cloud hanging above according to the met office. Even if the Welsh weather takes a turn for the worst, the sparkle will prevent the weather from dampening anyone’s spirits. There is set to be over 28 acts and around 80 performances on the night in and around the city centre. The sites include Queen Street, Castle Quarter in the High Street, The Hayes, St John Street and in St David's.
Steven Madeley, Centre Director of St David’s, told TheSprout: “Tonight’s event will kick off Christmas in Cardiff with a bang! The entertainers in St David’s, along The Hayes and all through the city centre will create a real carnival atmosphere – something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a great way to mark the switching on of the lights and the start of the festive season. I hope everyone who joins us for the celebration has a fantastic time!”
Children's TV favourites Ben and Holly from The Little Kingdom will be among the amazing attractions to spread the festive cheer. Santa's Grotto is also returning to Cardiff city centre, based on Churchill Way open from 10am each day.
With all of the hustle and bustle going on in the city, traffic will be busy, but there is an alternative. Cardiff East park and ride will be offering free parking, which is good news for your bank balance and the environment! All you need to do is go here and download your free voucher. The service which is usually £3 will run from 3pm and it runs from Pentwyn Interchange to Dumfries Place via Newport Road.
The city centre will be jam-packed with things to see and do. Among the vast amount of entertainment there will be a variety of bands to see on High Street including The Mighty Peas who will be performing three shows on the bandstand, to help get you into the swing of things, The Red Hot Santas will be playing Christmas favourites and if that isn't enough Cardiff will also be a host to a more traditional feel of music from carol singers in Victorian dress to Cardiff's very own Admiral staff choir.
There will also be plenty of opportunity to get started with your Christmas shopping. For the less organized of us this may seem slightly optimistic, but 'Step into Christmas' will see the opening of the Christmas markets. And for all you shopaholics there is a special discount page so grab the chance of a Christmas bargain whilst you can. Shopping hours will be extended until 8pm throughout the Christmas period.
Christmas time is a very exciting time of year, with all the lights, music, shopping, food, sights and smells. They all help to make the damp and dreary days and dark evenings more bearable. If winter makes you want to hide away in front of the TV in your pjs and your idea of being festive is putting up the Christmas tree and watching countless classic Christmas films on repeat and stuffing yourself full of chocolate, perhaps 'Step into Christmas' will inspire you to get into the Christmas spirit earlier than you would usually. It’s an event for friends, family, children and adults alike. The streets of Cardiff will be filled with traditional Christmas elements, transformed into a winter wonderland full of festive cheer, so make sure you don't miss out!
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IMAGE: Winter Wonderland, Cardiff by joncandy
