Step Into the Magic: My Visit to Jack Frost at the Cardiff Christmas Festival

9 Dec

If you’re looking for the perfect family Christmas activity in Cardiff this year, let me tell you about one of the most joyful festive surprises I’ve experienced. Jack Frost at the Cardiff Christmas Festival. Running from 6–28 December, this magical musical takes place inside the beautiful Spiegeltent at Sophia Gardens, and honestly, it’s unlike anything you’ll find in a traditional theatre.

The moment I stepped inside the tent, all warm wood, twinkling lights and booth seating, I knew this was going to be special. Because the show is performed in the round, it feels wonderfully immersive; the cast are right there with you, and the whole experience feels relaxed, cosy and full of festive buzz. Families chat happily before the show, children point excitedly at the stage and lights, and there’s a lovely sense that we’re all about to go on a winter adventure together.

A Cast Full of Festive Magic

What really makes Jack Frost shine is its cast. Every single performer brings something unique and heart-warming to the story:

Logan Burrows absolutely is Jack Frost, cheeky, charming and full of energy. With his bright grin and crystal-clear vocals, he’s instantly lovable.
Mia Jae, as Gwen Frost, adds warmth, compassion and a lovely softness to the show. The family bond between Gwen and Jack becomes the emotional thread holding everything together.
Kate Powell gives us a fabulously sparkly Mrs Claus, sassy, motherly and totally iconic. She radiates festive spirit from the moment she appears.
Molly Mae Fisher is pure joy as Sparkle the Elf. Children in the audience adored her; she’s like a little burst of Christmas energy.
James Rockey, as Kringle the Toy Tycoon, brings the laughs, big, bold and brilliantly eccentric.
And then… Bryn the Polar Bear, played by David Horgan Harding. I’m not exaggerating when I say he’s a scene-stealer. He sings, he dances, he’s hilarious and honestly, he could carry his own show. The kids absolutely lost it every time he appeared.

The musical numbers are bright, catchy and full of that classic festive sparkle. With clever lyrics, joyful melodies and beautifully crafted arrangements, the songs manage to feel both fresh and wonderfully Christmassy. I left the Spiegeltent humming and I wasn’t the only one. The children around me were singing all the way back to the car.

This is exactly the kind of Christmas show that becomes a family tradition, warm, joyful and full of heart.

The Cardiff Christmas Festival: More Than Just a Show

What I love about the Cardiff Christmas Festival is that Jack Frost is just one part of it. The whole festival feels like a cosy winter village tucked away in the heart of the city. Around the Spiegeltent you’ll find festive food, hot chocolate, treats, warm seating areas and a busy, cheerful atmosphere that makes the whole evening feel like a Christmas outing rather than just a theatre trip.

There are plenty of other events running throughout December too, family shows, comedy nights, live music, variety performances and festive spectaculars. Whether you’re planning a big family day out, a festive night with friends or something Christmassy to do in Cardiff after work, the festival has options for everyone.

And of course, all of this sits alongside Cardiff’s wider seasonal celebrations, the Christmas lights, the markets, the winter activities around the city centre and the general December magic Cardiff does so well.

Why You Should Go This Year

If you’re searching for family Christmas activities in Wales, festive things to do in Cardiff, or simply something that guarantees smiles on little faces, Jack Frost is exactly the kind of show you want in your festive calendar. It’s warm, funny, beautifully performed and totally enchanting.

As someone who loves Christmas but gets overwhelmed by the big crowds and busy shopping streets, this felt like a perfect pocket of festive joy. A cosy tent, a happy audience, talented performers, and a story that reminds you what Christmas is all about.

I genuinely can’t recommend it enough.

So, if you’re planning your Christmas days out, whether you’re local to Cardiff or travelling from across Wales make sure you add the Cardiff Christmas Festival to your festive list. And if you can, catch Jack Frost. It’s a magical winter treat for the whole family.