Members of Newport Youth Academy and Barnardo’s young carers group were among the first to take to the ice, taste the treats and brave the rides at a special launch event last night.
Now fully open to the public, Newport Winter Wonderland promises family-friendly fun this festive season, right in the heart of the city centre.
The star attraction is a covered real ice rink, where you can glide (or slip and slide!) whatever the weather.
Other attractions include a Ferris wheel, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and fairground rides.
If you’re looking for tasty treats, there’s plenty of choice on offer including:
- German sausages, burgers, loaded fries
- Waffles, crepes, doughnuts
- Christmas carvery
- Specialist coffees, and deluxe hot chocolates
- Traditional sweets and confectionery
Take a seat at the outside seating area or head over to the bar where there is also undercover seating.
All nestled under festoon lighting and Christmas decorations, Newport Winter Wonderland is sure to get you in the festive spirit.
As well as being among the first to visit Winter Wonderland, the members of the youth academy and young carers group were also each given tickets to an upcoming Dragons match and a tour of the stadium by staff from Rodney Parade.
Councillor Emma Corten, cabinet member for culture and communications, said:
“We were very pleased to be able to offer some of Newport’s young people the chance to be the first to experience Newport Winter Wonderland. They all had an amazing time and I hope families from across Newport and further afield will join us over the next few weeks to experience such a great city centre attraction.
“There really is something for everyone this festive season in Newport and we’re so excited that Newport Winter Wonderland promises to be one of our must-do activities - make sure you book your ice-skating slot early!”
Newport Winter Wonderland is open from Thursday 21 November 2024 until Sunday 5 January 2025. General opening times will be 3pm to 10pm on weekdays, 11am to 10pm on weekends and during school holidays – please check the website for specific dates and times, particularly on Bank Holidays.
Entry to the wonderland, located just off Kingsway at the site of the old Newport Centre, will be free. Rides, activities and ice skating will be subject to a charge and skating can be pre-booked.
Find out more and book your ice-skating slot at www.newportwinterwonderland.co.uk
Newport Winter Wonderland is being brought to the city centre by Holmes Funfairs in partnership with Newport City Council and Friars Walk, and is supported by UK Government funding.
Festive Newport
Newport Winter Wonderland is just one of the amazing Festive Newport events and activities taking place across the city.
Partners including the council, Newport Now BID (Business Improvement District), Friars Walk, Newport Live, Kingsway Centre and Newport Market are as busy as elves getting ready to make it a glittering season.
A sparkling package includes:
- Free parking every Saturday in council-owned city centre car parks from 16 November to 31 December.
- Santa’s workshop events, bauble photo opportunities and festive food stalls in Friars Walk
- Christmas market stalls in the city centre (High Street)
- Festive shows including the panto Dick Whittington in The Riverfront and a series of events in Newport Market including the City of Newport Male Choir
- Santa’s grotto, Christmas jumper competitions and Christmas market stalls in the Kingsway Centre
For details of all the Festive Newport events visit www.newport.gov.uk/christmas
There’s also a wide range of events and activities taking place across the city – you can find out more at www.whatsoncityofnewport.co.uk It’s also free to advertise, so if you’re planning an event, make sure you register it.
