Excitement has already started, as a viral food vendor has revealed that they will be in attendance
(Image: SWNS)
The festive period is rapidly drawing near, and as the chilly, wet evenings arrive, we begin counting down to Christmas – and it’s nearer than we realise. Those eager to embrace the seasonal atmosphere will be pleased to learn that Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland 2026 will shortly be welcoming visitors – and a major food vendor has been announced.
The popular Christmas amusement will be open from Thursday, November 12, meaning the aroma of mulled wine and hot chocolate will pervade the city in less than two months.
Excitement has already started, as a viral food vendor has revealed that they will be in attendance. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Ben Newman, better known online as Spudman has run a jacket potato business in Tamworth for over 20 years. Since joining TikTok during the Covid-19 pandemic, he has amassed an impressive 4.2 million followers on platform.
Fans travel all across the world to try his famous jacket potatoes, and even Ryan Reynolds and Queen Camilla have tucked in to one of his spuds.
Welsh fans of the popular food vendor will be thrilled to hear that he is coming to Cardiff this Christmas.
Taking to TikTok Spudman said: “Middle of October, I need to do a Christmas announcement. Let’s get a special guest on.”
The vendor then donned a Father Christmas costume and continued: “Ho, ho, ho! Merry Spudmas! Spudman’s got me here to help announce where he’s going for his Christmas market. I hope all you boys and girls in Wales have been good, cause we’re coming to Cardiff! See you in Cardiff!
“12th of November to the 3rd of January, Cardiff Winter Wonderland! I have been so excited to tell you all about this, I have been keeping it inside. Cardiff, we are on our way!”
Social media users took to the comments to share their excitement.
One person said: “Finally. I’ve been begging you to come to Cardiff for a couple of years.”
Another added: “Excited to welcome you to Wales.”
A third said: “Omg I have been waiting for you to come this way. so excited finally !! Hope i get to meet you!!!”
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland will once again be hosted across two prominent city centre venues, including the grounds of Cardiff Castle and the lawns of City Hall.
As in previous years, site admission will be complimentary, though visitors will need to purchase tickets for the various attractions including the funfair, the giant wheel and naturally their yearly ice skating rink. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
They promise “festive fun for everyone, including seasonal ice skating, thrilling family funfair, winter treats and festive entertainment.”
This year Cardiff Castle will host ice skating and ice walk, Tafarn bar, food and drink and entertainment. Making its debut this year will be curling.
Accessible ice skating sessions will be provided, along with a smaller beginners’ rink, ensuring that skaters of all ages and capabilities can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. More experienced skaters can opt to venture outdoors along the ice walk.
Meanwhile, City Hall Lawn will feature the traditional giant wheel, family fairground attractions, food and drink outlets, and entertainment.
Making a comeback this year is the two-storey Sur La Piste – Ski Lodge Bar, perfect for immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere. Visitors can snuggle up with a blanket in one of the rustic wooden booths while enjoying mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland runs until Sunday, January 3, 2027, with opening times changing throughout the season. As in previous years, the attraction will remain closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Organisers recommend checking ahead before travelling to prevent any disappointment.
