A wet Sunday evening turned into a joyous 90-minute stroll through stunning light displays, interactive installations and ethereal music at this beloved festive attraction
Embracing the Christmas spirit can be a bit of a challenge when you’re penning festive articles from September onwards. However, this past weekend, I decided to shelve my inner Grinch and head out into the chilly, drizzly Sunday in Cardiff to experience Christmas at Bute Park.
This event, now in its fifth year, is a light trail that has previously brought me joy. I must confess, my excitement for the installation, nestled in Cardiff’s beautiful city centre park beloved by locals and tourists alike, did start to fade after the first few years.
I found myself pondering, ‘How much can a light display in a park change year after year?’ While I still believe the most curmudgeonly of Grinches might agree with me, my visit to Christmas at Bute Park 2025 rekindled my yuletide cheer, reports Wales Online.
So last year, I opted out of the mile-long amble along the path that snakes through Cardiff’s verdant heart. I simply wasn’t feeling it. Fast forward to 2025, and the opportunity presented itself again. Let me tell you, I’m chuffed I seized it.
It was a delightful 90-minute journey that began in the rain, offered us a bit more precipitation, and an array of displays, interactive elements, and mesmerising light shows synchronised with hauntingly beautiful music that genuinely brightened my day.
The journey encompassed the twirling, sparkling fountains, Christmas Cascades, and Bubblicious – an interactive row of giant cylinders radiating neon colours that we all took turns tapping to select our preferred hue.
We encountered a neon grove and Dancing Dandelions – bursts of colour illuminating the gently swaying trees on a dark autumn evening.
Two installations by Welsh artists – Abercynon’s Ruby June Walker and Cardiff’s Patrick Richards – were truly stunning. Ruby’s Golau y Gaeaf (Winter’s Light) was a standout gothic window showcasing the traditions and symbols of a Welsh Christmas, including Mari Lwyd and Sion Corn.
It added a touch of folklore to the event, alongside one of my favourite two installations – the dragon, but more on that shortly.
Patrick’s Annwyl Siôn Corn (Dear Father Christmas) was a magical post box encircled by floating letters, inspired by children penning their wish lists to Father Christmas – a captivating sight amidst the natural surroundings.
The light installations that captivated me the most, made me marvel the most – allowed me to lose myself in the moment, were the Water Willows, lights cascading down the towering willow trees and dripping off their weeping branches. The sporadic specks of colourful lights transformed into a wave of colour, all synchronised with subtle, ethereal classical music.
As a die-hard Stranger Things fan, I was captivated by the enchanting lights and mystical aura of the willow stop. If I had a tree and some spare cash for the electricity bill, I’d love to recreate this spectacle in my own garden.
I’ve replayed the video of the Water Willows multiple times. Adding a dash of elegance were the chandeliers at Crystal Avenue – when viewed head-on, they resemble a massive snowflake. Simply stunning.
Walking through Delilah Ddraig’s lair, the ground was speckled with soft, glowing red-orange lights, casting a delightfully eerie glow on the final few stops before we ventured into the night.
It was an evening filled with festive cheer in the great outdoors. There’s something special about feeling raindrops on your face, tucking into a generous pot of cinnamon apple and pear crumble with custard, and witnessing the unbridled excitement of a thrilled six-year-old.
While not everyone may have a little one to accompany them, I believe those carrying a sense of wonder will thoroughly enjoy their visit to Christmas at Bute Park, regardless of their company.
Christmas at Bute Park is open until 31 December. For more details, including ticket purchases and information on inclusive evenings, visit www.christmasatbutepark.com.