The Cardiff Christmas Festival is a spectacular new entertainment attraction being staged inside a unique venue in the grounds of Sophia Gardens. Adding another unique offering to to Cardiff’s Christmas Season, four incredible shows will offer something for everyone – Santa’s Wish, Castellana, Welsh Of The West End & My My ABBA The Christmas Concert – and will be performed in the round, in the intimacy of a 570-seat Spiegeltent, promising in every second to transport visitors to a nostalgic and magical world.

A European Spiegeltent (or magic mirrors) is the ultimate cabaret and music salon. It is a hand-hewn pavilion used as a travelling dance hall, Bohemian entertainment salon and wine tasting marquee since the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They used to be the number one attraction at Belgian funfairs.

The tent is built from wood, cut mirrors, canvas, leaded glass, and detailed in velvet brocade. Each one is unique with its own name, personality, and style. Only a handful of these special and legendary tents remain in the world and The Fortuna, owned by Dutch company Van Rosmalen, is one of the most beautiful, playing host to some of the world’s greatest performers and musicians.

SANTA’S WISH – A MAGICAL NEW MUSICAL

“On a cold winters night that crept into dawn, some fresh snow fell softly… a Snowflake was born…”
Snowflake the magical elf is in a really tricky spot. Santa’s sleigh has crashed and he is nowhere to be seen.

Will you be able to help find Santa?

Can Snowflake the Elf conjure up a plan to get Santa home in time and save Christmas?

Do the Magical Wish Jars hold the answer?

Do you truly Believe?

This heart-warming family musical adventure, enriched with original songs, immersive storytelling and a sprinkling of circus magic is guaranteed to leave the whole family bursting with festive joy and happiness.

Performed in the beautiful, ornate and intimate Fortuna Spiegeltent within the historical grounds of Cardiff Castle, this is the Christmas experience not to be missed and is suitable for all ages.

The World Premiere of this new musical takes place on 2nd December, and the show will run for a strictly limited season until 24th (Santa is a very busy man and has to be home by Christmas Eve).

Believe, the magic will come true!