Cardiff’s much-loved festive light trail returns with realms of joy, wonder, hope and magic – and lots of cheeky elves
Christmas magic is getting a fresh new soundtrack this year, as presenter and actress Justine Jones brings her own playful twist to the brand-new The Spirit of Christmas at Bute Park trail theme.
Known for her warm and engaging presenting style, BBC Morning Live’s Justine has lent her voice to a fun new video showcasing what visitors can expect from this year’s festive experience – with plenty of sparkle, surprises and seasonal magic along the way.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Cardiff’s Bute Park, The Spirit of Christmas at Bute Park returns with a brand-new theme for 2026, inviting visitors to enjoy an enchanting festive world as they make their way around the illuminated trail – which has a 10% off offer launching on Friday until the end of the month.
Visitors will step into a magical adventure where they must help keep the Christmas Spirit alive by journeying through four enchanting realms – Joy, Wonder, Hope and Magic – with the help of Mischievous Elves, Rainbow Ribbons and Starlit Reflections.
This year’s installations include Colossal Christmas – a supersized Brussels Sprout Christmas tree, complete with enormous crackers and twinkly lights, Rainbow Ribbons – a rainbow tunnel with an overhead UV canopy of colour, and Cosmic Canopy – a starlit passageway with Father Christmas and his reindeer soaring across a sky full of twinkling constellations.
Self-confessed festive fan Justine, who starred in BBC Wales’ comedy Mammoth as Becky the dinner lady and also regularly presents on BBC Radio Wales, said she was delighted to record a voiceover celebrating the new trail.
She said: “I absolutely love Christmas and what better way to enjoy the festive season than walking around a beautiful light trail with your family. It’s a breathtaking exhibit in the centre of the Welsh capital, and I am delighted to play a little part in this year’s trail. Recording a voiceover about Christmas in the middle of a heatwave was so funny, but I’m truly honoured to be a part of something so special.
“Most of my childhood memories are based around Christmas, and it’s such a magical time for families. I can’t wait to walk around and see this year’s trail. I know it’s going to be amazing.”
There are still tickets available and a 10% off ticket offer launches on Friday and runs until September 30th. Just use the code BUTE10 when you are purchasing tickets.
Alongside the new trail experience, visitors can once again enjoy the popular Christmas Village, featuring a selection of food and drink providers. Returning favourites will sit alongside exciting new street food vendors, ensuring there is something for every taste.
There will also be choir performances to add to the festive spirit, and two inclusive evenings for neurodiverse guests with reduced audience capacity and reduced audio volume.
Tickets are available at https://christmasatbutepark.com/