31 things to do every day in December
December starts tomorrow and there’s so much to do in and around Cardiff so we’ve compiled a list of daily events
IS THERE a better month than December?
Most people are in a festive mood as they enjoy the run-up to Christmas. And there’s so much happening before – and after – the big day (and even on December 25 itself ).
Make sure you make the most out of the month by consulting our December daily diary...
Saturday, December 1
Grab your antlers and kick off December in true festive style as the annual Reindeer Run returns to Whitchurch.
There will be plenty of family entertainment in the village, starting at 5.30pm, while the one-mile run, which raises money for Cancer Research Wales, begins at 7pm.
Entertainment includes a screening of The Greatest Showman, live music and food stalls.
For full details, visit www. crwreindeerrun.co.uk/2018/
Sunday, December 2
Follow in the footsteps of your rugby heroes at Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium and explore the halls in search of Santa Claus and the magical Christmas grotto.
As you wander through the stadium’s nooks and crannies, picking up vital clues along the way, the sights and sounds will immerse you into the world of Welsh Rugby that will be an adventure for the whole family, not just for kids.
Where: Principality Stadium, Cardiff (from December 1 to Christmas Eve). Visit www.principalitystadium.wales
Monday, December 3
Fans of Love Actually are in for a really special treat this Christmas as the popular Richard Curtis film will be screened in Cardiff with a live orchestra accompaniment.
The romantic score, by Craig Armstrong, will be played as the movie, which stars Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon, is shown on the big screen.
Where: St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Tuesday, December 4
Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a clever mind, is determined to change her own destiny, even if it means being a little bit naughty.
The popular stage production of the Roald Dahl story is in Wales for Christmas. Where: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (from December 4 to January 12). Visit www.wmc.org.uk
Wednesday, December 5
Tuck into mince pies, hot drinks and enjoy a festive evening as Ronald McDonald House Charities celebrates the run up to Christmas.
There will be choirs from Kings Monkton School and Cardiff Male Voice Choir as well as performances by soloist Hayley Byfield.
The event will help provide free accommodation for families with children in hospital and highlight the importance of keeping families together at Christmas.
Where: St John the Baptist Church, St John Street, Cardiff, from 6.30pm. Email RMHCSouthWales@uk.mcd. com or call 029 2097 2150.
Thursday, December 6
This Christmas, join Odyssey – Hijinx’s community theatre group – as they follow Hansel and Gedeon on their adventure into the woods.
Hansel, Gedeon and the Grimms’ Wood is a new production for the whole family, written by Llinos Mai, and features a large cast of disabled and non-disabled performers from Odyssey and Woodlands High School.
Where: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (from December 6 to 8). Visit www.wmc.org.uk
Friday, December 7
Christmas Nights at St Fagans features performances of Wales’ unique Christmas traditions: the Mari Lwyd and The Hunting of the Wren. You’ll find logs on the fire, carols in the chapel, traditional Welsh Plygain singing in the church and a brass band on Gwalia Green.
For the little ones there’ll be a chance to meet Father Christmas and you can ride the Christmas land train down to the Llwyn Yr Eos Farm to meet Mother Christmas in her kitchen.
Get creative at the craft workshops, there’s wreath making for grown-ups as well as family-friendly gingerbread decorating and more.
Where: St Fagans National Museum of History (from December 6 to 8). Visit museum.wales/stfagans
Saturday, December 8
Lisa Riley, Ben Richards and Gareth “Alfie” Thomas are teaming up for one of the biggest pantos in Wales – Beauty And The Beast.
A must for anyone whose Christmas isn’t the same without being a part of the festive panto tradition.
Where: New Theatre, Cardiff (from December 8 to January 13). Call 029 2087 8889 or visit www.newtheatre cardiff.co.uk
Sunday, December 9
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – Alive on Stage has returned to UK arenas to celebrate its 40th anniversary and there are two performances in Cardiff.
Conducted by Jeff Wayne, with the nine-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings, the most ambitious production yet will bring action closer to the audience for the immersive, musical experience.
Where: Cardiff Motorpoint Arena (on December 9 & 10). Call 029 2022 4488 or visit motorpointarenacardiff. co.uk
Monday, December 10
Have you been to Cardiff’s Christmas Market on The Hayes yet?
How about popping along there today to pick up some unique Christmas handcrafted gifts (for yourself as well as your loved ones). You will also find Christmas decorations and a host of delicious refreshments, including a Yorkshire pudding wrap.
It’s open daily until Sunday, December 23 with late-night openings too.
Tuesday, December 11
Celebrate Christmas with talented pupils from the Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Music Service as they stage their festive showcase.
The performance by the musicians of the future features orchestras, bands, singers and a massed choir.
Where: St David’s Hall, Cardiff at 7pm. Call 029 2087 8444 or visit www. stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Wednesday, December 12
Welsh Hearts has organised a very special Christmas concert – We 3 Tenors. Featuring three of Wales’ finest Welsh tenors – Sam Furness, Rhodri Prys Jones, and Huw Ynyr Evans – they will perform heart-warming renditions of your favourite arias and duets, including a helping of Christmas classics to get you in the mood for the festive season.
The evening will raise funds for the charity. Where: Llandaff Cathedral at 7.30pm. Call 029 2240 2670 or visit www.llandaffcathedral.org.uk
Thursday, December 13
Celebrate Christmas with a traditional carol concert performed by National Museum Cardiff’s choir in the beautiful surroundings of the Main Hall.
Mulled wine and mince pies will also be on sale. Readings and carols will be in Welsh and English. Where: National museum Cardiff at 3.30pm. Visit museum.wales/ cardiff/
Friday, December 14
It’s one of the nation’s favourite Christmas films and now Elf is being staged as a musical in Cardiff this Christmas – and we can’t wait.
It stars pop legend David Essex as Buddy the Elf’s father and Love Actually star Martine McCutcheon as Buddy’s girlfriend, Jovie. Buddy the Elf will be played by comedy actor Tam Ryan.
Where: Cardiff Motorpoint Arena (from December 14 to 16). Call 029 2022 4488 or visit motorpointarena cardiff.co.uk
Saturday, December 15
There’s nothing better than a Christmas concert and this one from City Voices Cardiff will feature performances of some of your favourites – both old and new.
The local mixed choir has 180 members and over the last 10 years has been involved with raising £50,000 for various charities.
Join them for festive tracks like O Holy Night and Fairytale of New York.
Where: St David’s Hall, Cardiff at 3pm. Call 029 2087 8444 or visit www. stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Sunday, December 16
Watch your favourite Christmas movies with a difference – in the surroundings of Cardiff Castle.
The day-only pop up launches with the Macaulay Culkin 1990 hit Home Alone and there are also screenings of Elf and Gremlins.
There are several screenings throughout the day but some are already sold out and others are selling quickly, so be fast...
Where: Cardiff Castle. Visit www. cardiffcastle.com
Monday, December 17
We love afternoon tea and at Christmas they are extra special.
Book yourself a table at the Park Plaza Hotel and enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, including roast turkey and cranberry mayonnaise, warm sultana scones, festive miniature cakes and miniature gourmet mince pies.
It costs £19.95 Monday to Friday or £26.95 for a Champagne afternoon tea on weekdays.
The festive afternoon teas run throughout December. Visit www. lagunakitchenandbar.com
Tuesday, December 18
Icons is a show which sees global cabaret sensation Le Gateau Chocolat explore the songs and music of his personal icons, including Kate Bush, Whitney, Meatloaf and Pavarotti.
Where: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (from December 18 to 22). Visit www.wmc.org.uk
Wednesday, December 19
Flossy & Boo: The Alternativity is a cabaret-style theatre show which sees Flossy and Boo delving into the festive season in all its messy glory, hangovers and all...
Where: Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff (December 18 & 19). Visit www.chapter.org
Thursday, December 20
Jack & the Beanstalk is the 2018 RCT panto. Jack is sent to market by his mother to sell the family’s treasured cow. Little does he know that swapping dear Daisy for a bag of magic beans will lead to an adventure he will never forget...
Where: Park & Dare, Treorchy (from December 14 to Christmas Eve). Visit rct-theatres.co.uk
Friday, December 21
It’s Black Friday (the Friday before Christmas not to be confused with the big shopping event that happened a few weeks ago), so if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!
Pull on your best Santa outfit or sequins and pay a visit to your favourite city centre bars for a festive tipple or two.
Just remember not to overdo it as you don’t want a hangover that lasts way past Christmas...
Saturday, December 22
Many of us welcome in the New Year with Jools Holland’s Hootenanny but now you have the chance to see him performing live in the run-up to Christmas with his acclaimed Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond will be accompanying Jools and also performing with Jools will be vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Mabel Ray.
Cardiff Motorpoint Arena. Call 029 2022 4488 or visit motor pointarenacardiff.co.uk Where:
Sunday, December 23
Duckie is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling with a message of tolerance and self-acceptance at its core.
Family friendly glamour and glitz take centre stage as critically acclaimed cabaret star Le Gateau Chocolat breaks out of his shell in his first work for children, a classic tale of identity and belonging.
Where: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (from December 20 to New Year’s Eve). Visit www.wmc.org.uk
Christmas Eve
What could be a better start to Christmas than seeing the most festive ballet of them all on Christmas Eve?
The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia return to the Welsh capital with their trio of seasonal performances and the Tchaikovsky favourite, The Nutcracker, is the most famous of fantasy ballets.
Where: St David’s Hall, Cardiff at 2pm. Call 029 2087 8444 or visit www. stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
Christmas Day
You’ve opened your pressies, there’s a long wait until lunch so get yourself out there and go for a bracing swim for a good cause – and work up an appetite for all that turkey and Brussels sprouts.
The Porthcawl Christmas morning swim is at Coney Beach and registration is open from 10.30am while the swim itself starts at 11.45am
The event has been going for 54 years and is raising money for Prostate Cymru this year
Register at christmasswim.org
Boxing Day
If you missed your Christmas morning swim in Porthcawl then you can always enjoy a Boxing Day dip at Lido Ponty in Pontypridd.
Work off those calories you consumed on the big day with a few laps of the pool.
Bookings open on Monday, December 3. Visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk and search for Lido Ponty.
Thursday, December 27
What better post-Christmas treat than a visit to the panto?
The Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl is renowned for its festive shows and this year theatre-goers can enjoy Sleeping Beauty.
With some fabulous songs and dances, and plenty of audience participation (not forgetting the amazingly creative sets and props) this is something for the whole family. Just don’t forget to pack those Christmas sweeties.
Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl (from December 15 to January 6). Visit www.grandpavilion.co.uk Where:
Friday, December 28
Need to get a bit of exercise? Pay a visit to the Celtic Manor Resort and take to the ice for The Great Skate, a new facility for Christmas 2018.
Set in the rooftop garden, there’s a clear roof so you feel like you are skating in the open air but it doesn’t matter if it rains.
The ice rink is open throughout December and until January 6. Visit www.celtic-manor.com
Saturday, December 29
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole this Christmas to meet all of your favourite characters. Catch up with the White Rabbit (he’s still running late) or join the Mad Hatter for tea...
Sherman Theatre’s Christmas shows are a staple of the festive season and this production of Alice In Wonderland is no different. Today is your last chance to see it.
Where: Sherman Theatre, Cardiff (throughout December until December 29). Call 029 2064 6900 or visit www.shermantheatre.co.uk
Sunday, December 30
If you loved The Nutcracker, then you can also catch The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia performing Cinderella.
The world’s favourite rags to riches fairy-tale where dreams can come true is a magical mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, lively choreography and colourful costumes.
Where: St David’s Hall, Cardiff, at 2pm & 5.30pm. Call 029 2087 8444 or visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
New Year’s Eve
Round off the year with a visit to Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland.
You can take to the ice, enjoy some of the fairground rides (90m Drop Tower, anyone?) or just tuck into the festive food and drink on offer at the stalls.