Wow. Just wow. Cardiff Winter Wonderland 2023 has opened and it has totally blown me away. I now feel super festive, even more than I thought was possible, and desperate to go back.

Cardiff Winter Wonderland opened on Thursday, November 16, and is spread across two locations in the Welsh capital. At City Hall Lawns you will find the big wheel, the rides, and the ice bar. And at Cardiff Castle, you will find the ice-skating, which is the main attraction, and more food and drink stalls. Let's start with City Hall Lawns.

First of all, there is nothing quite like seeing the huge Ferris Wheel dominating the space - then you know it is Christmas in Cardiff. This part of Winter Wonderland is bright, glittery, loud, busy and exciting. On opening night there were already people queuing up for the 5pm opening and this just added to the joy. The air is filled with excitement here, you get a real buzz just being surrounded by it all.

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New for this year is the pirate ship ride and then there are of course the classics like the dodgems, fun house, and Santa's Express Train. Also new this year is that the seating is undercover, decorated with brilliant hanging snowflakes, and this means you can enjoy the fun whatever the weather.

Surrounding the seating are food options, like Greek and sweet treats, the main bar, selling festive fancies like mulled wine and mulled apple cider, and the ice bar. I won't spoil too much about what it is like in the ice bar, which you do have to book and pay for separately, but it is very good. There is real talent and craftsmanship shown in the ice displays and please believe me when I tell you it is freezing! It made the outside feel warm.

Opening night at City Hall Lawns was packed with excitement, the kind that makes you feel like a giddy kid at Christmas, and was a real treat. The buzz from everyone was infectious, the lights were bright and quickly I couldn't decide which ride I wanted to try first.

Moving over to Cardiff Castle, where the atmosphere is more calm and truly beautiful. Cardiff Castle looks stunning all year round and over my years living in Cardiff I have some very fond memories there from summer gigs to slipping and sliding on the ice rink. This year it has outdone itself. The castle and its grounds look simply stunning and incredibly beautiful. It is here you feel the real magic of Christmas. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.

Stunning huge Christmas trees glitter against the dark night, the ice walk centrepiece is a massive glowing shooting star and there are other incredible light displays including Santa reading from a very long list. It feels calmer here, as Christmas music plays compared to the charts that burst out the speakers at City Hall Lawns, and more peaceful as you take in the incredible sight around you.

It was a bit quieter at Cardiff Castle on opening night, however there were still lots of people milling around, and the ice skating looked great fun.

Overall, I feel Cardiff Winter Wonderland provides something for everyone. If you want the excitement and fast pace head to the rides at City Hall. If you want a more gentle and beautiful feel head to Cardiff Castle. My recommendation? Go to both, either on the same or different nights, and really experience everything Christmassy Cardiff has to offer in the capital city many of us call home.