As the nights draw in, there's nothing like brightening up your house with pumpkins and cute ghosts to inject some Halloween cheer but as soon as October 31 is over and you pack them away it can feel a little bleak - however, it also means Christmas is around the corner.
And while it might be a bit too soon to dig out the Christmas tree and tinsel at home, you can still get some early festive cheer thanks to the launch of Cardiff Christmas Market and the neighbouring German Christmas Market - bye-bye pumpkins and ghosts, it's time for Santa hats and mulled wine.
Cardiff Christmas Market is a real highlight in the Welsh capital during Christmas time and when I visited on the opening day for the 2023 event this week it instantly put me in a festive mood. A total of 70 wooden stalls with twinkling lights are dotted around St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street and Trinity Street from now until Saturday, December 23 and they sell so many Christmas goodies, you cannot help but feeling festive.
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There is also a huge range of food on offer, including fudge, churros, Welshcakes, hot roasted nuts, and mac and cheese, not to mention drinks like cider, mead and wine. In particular, I couldn't resist the Hot Welshcakes by Mum and Me and drooled over the Chock Shop brownies - I really must return there.
There was just so much to look it as I slowly made my way around the market and you really could lose yourself for hours here. I was quickly filled with inspiration for Christmas gifts and as someone who likes gifting, this instantly filled me with more festive cheer. I also spotted many things that I fancy receiving as presents this Christmas. Gentle hint to friends and family...
The Bees Delight stall stood out for me, selling natural products like moisturising cream, lip balm, lotion bars and more all made from honey and bees' wax. They looked so soothing and perfect to help keep my skin feeling great all winter long. Craft-wise I really liked Welsh Coast Pebble Craft where you will find some gorgeous pieces of pebble art with driftwood and Bespoke Pet Portraits by Sarah, where you can get a portrait of your pet on a bauble - an adorable item for your tree.
Feeling a little hungry after my window shopping spree, I headed over to the German Christmas Market, which is separate but runs alongside Cardiff Christmas Market, and enjoyed a Yorkshire pudding wrap for £9.50. This was a very hearty portion of a huge Yorkshire pudding filled with turkey, roast potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and vegetables and it was delicious.
The roasties were delightful and nice and fluffy on the inside, the Yorkshire pudding was crispy and held all the food well and there was plenty of veg in there too, allowing me to convince myself it was a healthy lunch option. My only complaint was not enough gravy, but you could add apple and cranberry sauce to your own preference.
While there was no Christmas music playing in the background quite yet - come on, someone please play Jingle Bells - there were some tunes being played at the German market, adding to the atmosphere. And while it wasn't packed with visitors during lunchtime on the opening day (it was raining at the time) I can imagine it will be heaving in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The stallholders appeared to be delighted to be back and were really friendly and keen to chat. Ahead of the opening, James Barker from Ye Green Men stall, said: "The atmosphere is everything. Year on year we hear from people telling us that Cardiff Christmas Market is their favourite of all the Christmas markets that they visit, people do tours of festive markets and to hear them say that Cardiff is the best and their favourite makes you feel so proud."
Claire Brown from Claire’s Hand Painted Glass said: "Cardiff Christmas Market is the highlight of the year! I love the festive spirit and I get to meet new and existing customers."
Overall the Cardiff Christmas Market is well worth a visit, a great place to pick up gifts and support independent and local businesses and you will come away feeling more Christmassy than ever. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
