From indie gems in the Victorian Arcades to new openings in Cardiff Market and big High Street names, the Welsh capital is shaping up as one of the UK’s most exciting festive food and drink destinations this Christmas.

Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire is celebrating the birth of its second critically endangered eastern black rhino calf – only the second rhino ever to be born in Wales and a major milestone for the European breeding programme.

St David’s Cardiff is turning up the festive magic this December with Win Your Wishmas – its biggest-ever Christmas giveaway, gifting £13,000 of shopping sprees and prizes, plus a new appeal to “gift Christmas” to five local families across South Wales.

Ivor Novello Award-winning artist Self Esteem will bring her acclaimed A Complicated Woman era to TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle next summer, with special guest Kae Tempest joining her for a huge outdoor headline show.

Arizona rock icons Jimmy Eat World are bringing their Bleed American 25th anniversary show to Cardiff Castle in summer 2026, joined by special guests Rise Against, The Get Up Kids and Jay Som for a huge night at TK Maxx presents Depot Live.

Cardiff-born entrepreneur Morgan Wilce is reshaping what a used car dealership can look like. At just 20, he’s grown Birchwood Motors from a £1,500 idea into a seven-figure business led by a young team in Cardiff

Alt-pop star Mae Stephens has announced her first ever UK tour for Spring 2026, including a Cardiff date at Clwb Ifor Bach on Friday 27 March – backed by Music Venue Trust’s Liveline Fund to support grassroots venues, artists and promoters.

New retail data from Beauclair, shared by FOR Cardiff, suggests December will be a “defining month” for Cardiff city centre - with Black Friday and Cyber Monday expected to play a crucial role in unlocking festive spending.

Much-loved Cardiff venues Tramshed and The Globe are returning to their independent roots, after being acquired by newly-formed Propaganda Independent Venues as Tramshed celebrates 10 years as one of the city’s key live music spaces.

Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter will headline a massive 50 Years of Punk celebration at Cardiff Castle on Saturday 1 August 2026, with The Stranglers, The Undertones and Cardiff’s own Panic Shack also on the bill.

Multi-award-winning songwriter and frontman Richard Ashcroft will headline TK Maxx presents DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle on Thursday 16 July 2026, joined by Tom Meighan and Apollo Junction for a huge summer show in the city.

Multi-platinum indie pop band Bastille are heading back to Cardiff Castle on Friday 10 July 2026 for TK Maxx presents DEPOT Live, with support from Arthur Hill and Carpetman in what’s set to be a huge summer show.

Global pop superstar Katy Perry is to head to Cardiff in 2026 for one of only two exclusive UK shows. One of the best-selling music artists in history, Katy will headline TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle on Tuesday June 30.

Offering a uniquely immersive shopping experience, KENJI’s St David’s store invites guests to enjoy an interactive and playful space, filled with creative spirit.

Garage and grime legends The Streets have added a Cardiff date to their 2026 tour of landmark album A Grand Don’t Come For Free.

Guests can keep cosy whatever the weather with hot mulled wine, winter cocktail specials and draught beers all whilst exploring a seasonal menu of indulgent street food

From drag-brunch to boy-band nostalgia, the December programme at DEPOT brings something for every kind of festive vibe. Whether you’re brunching with friends, belting out 90s classics, laughing through Bingo Lingo mayhem, or reminiscing over school-assembly style tunes - this is December, the DEPOT way.

The Christmas pop-up shop will be open in time for the Christmas light switch on in the city centre on Thursday, November 13.

Just days after completing the mammoth Busted vs McFLY sold out arena tour, it is announced the BRIT Award-winning band will take to the stage at TK Maxx presents DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle on Thursday June 25.

With a mission to combat social exclusion and foster community unity, the volunteer-run group Age Alive proudly hosted their Windrush Event, celebrating the rich legacy and achievements of the Windrush Generation.