Getting into the spirit of Christmas is pretty hard when you write about it daily, more or less from the start of September. But this past weekend, I decided to lock my Grinch under the stairs and venture out to Cardiff on a cold, damp Sunday to visit Christmas at Bute Park, which is back for its fifth light trail in the city and one that I’d enjoyed in the past.

I’ll definitely admit, my enthusiasm for the installation, found in Cardiff’s stunning city centre park that’s loved by locals and tourists year-round, did wane a tad after the first couple of years. I found myself asking the question ‘how much different can the lights look in a park year after year?’ While I still think for the most grumpy of Grinches that might still stand.

But my experience of Christmas at Bute Park 2025 reignited my festive spirit. So I declined last year to take the mile-long stroll along the path that weaves through the green heart of Cardiff. I just wasn’t in the mood.

Flash forward to 2025, and the opportunity arose once more. Let me just say, I’m glad I took it. It was a joyous 90 minutes that started out soggy, gave us a little bit more rain and lots of displays, interactive moments and wondrous light shows timed with gorgeously ethereal music that put a real smile on my face.

The route took in the dancing, shimmering fountains, Christmas Cascades, Bubblicious – an interactive row of giant cylinders with glowing, neon colours, we all had a go at tapping along to choose our favourite colour.

There was a neon grove and Dancing Dandelions – pops of colour that lit up the dark, gently swaying trees on a dark autumn night.

Two installations by Welsh artists – Abercynon’s Ruby June Walker and Cardiff’s Patrick Richards – were beautiful.

Ruby’s Golau y Gaeaf (Winter’s Light) was a standout gothic window depicting the traditions and symbols of a Welsh Christmas, including Mari Lwyd and Sion Corn.

It brought a folklore-y moment to proceedings, alongside one of my favourite two installations – the dragon, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

Patrick’s Annwyl Siôn Corn (Dear Father Christmas) was a magical post box surrounded by flying letters inspired by children writing their lists and wishes to Father Christmas – an enchanting sight amongst the nature that we were surrounded by.

The light installations I loved the most were the Water Willows, lights cascading down the towering willow trees and dripping off their weeping branches. The intermittent flecks of colourful lights turned to a wave of colour, all in synch with unassuming, otherworldly classical music.

As someone who is totally into Stranger Things, the colour of the lights and mystical quality of the willow stop, I’d happily have that on display in my garden. If I had a tree. And money to spare for the electricity bill. I’ve watched the video of the Water Willows several times.

Adding a touch of glamour to proceedings were the chandeliers at the Crystal Avenue – look up at them straight on and they look like a giant snowflake. Beautiful.

Passing through Delilah Ddraig’s lair saw the ground dotted with soft glowing red-orange lights that gave a wonderful spooky aura to the last few stop before we escaped into the night.

It was a joyful evening of festive fun in the fresh air, there’s nothing like a few raindrops on your face, the added bonus of a mega pot of cinnamon apple and pear crumble with custard and the unfettered enthusiasm of an impressed six-year-old.

Not everyone might have a small child to take with them, but I reckon those with a pinch of wonder in their back pocket will enjoy Christmas at Bute Park with whoever they visit.

Christmas at Bute Park runs until December 31. For more information, including buying tickets and more on the inclusive evenings, visit www.christmasatbutepark.com