Nobody does Christmas like Chapter. From food and films to books, beer and bratwurst you need look no further than this guide for cultural and culinary treats this festive period. If you prefer your Christmas a little more Grinch-like then panic not, we’ve even got some treats for you in our ‘enough already!’ section. Apart from that, have a read, grab a mulled wine and get inspired.
WinterFest
A packed month of festive fun at Chapter kicks off on Thurs 1 Dec with a German style festive market and fun events for all of the family. As ever with Chapter, the cultural offering is matched by the culinary with mulled wine, new German beers, hog roast, roasted chestnuts and a full festive menu to compliment the Oh So Crafty Christmas Fair which runs on Sat 3 and Sun 4 Dec. WinterFest runs from Thurs 1 to Sun 4 Dec, but the fun doesn’t stop there…
Cinema
As well as a packed programme of award season favourites like Sully, starring Tom Hanks, and the amazing Arrival, starring Amy Adams, Chapter has some perfect festive flicks this December including It’s A Wonderful Life (U) from Tues 20 to Sat 24 Dec and numerous screenings of The Muppets Christmas Carol (U) from Sat 3 Dec. Not exactly a Christmas movie, well there are no carol singers or large family gatherings, but Trading Places has all the trappings of a great holiday movie with a staff party, a drunk and disgruntled Santa Claus, themes of generosity and redemption and its screening at Chapter from Tues 20 Dec. The Bad Film Club also continues with two terrible movies for a fun filled festive end to the year.
Theatre
Last Christmas, a play that wowed Cardiff audiences last year, is the story of Tom who, returning home for Christmas, is confronted with the ghosts of his past. Forced to face his demons, will he be able to rescue his family and his future in this brilliant one man show written by Matthew Bulgo, playing at Chapter on Fri 9 and Sat 10 Dec? Other theatrical highlights include Affinity Female Voice Choir presenting Dreaming of Christmas on Sun 18 Dec and the classic Norwegian fairy tale with original music, puppetry and a sprinkling of magic: The Giant Who Had No Heart In His Body on Mon 19 Dec.
Food
You’ve heard of ‘café culture’, well Chapter is the very definition of ‘culture café and never more so than at Christmas. Enjoy a two course Christmas meal for £17.95 at Chapter with a menu to tantalise all taste buds. There’s Pembrokeshire turkey, pan fried sea bream, quorn Shephard’s Pie and creamy vegan pumpkin lasagne as well as gorgeous deserts and mince pies with warm drinks to finish it all off. There is also the hugely popular Festive Food Fayre on Sun 18 Dec where you can be inspired by the tantalising aroma of scrumptious food, stock up on Christmas treats, stocking fillers, gorgeous chocs, tasty cheese, delicious meats and maybe something special from the Caffi Bar too.
Shopping
Chapter’s shop stocks a range of goods to suit every taste and budget. There’s an eclectic range of ceramics, artwork, jewellery and goodies from local designers all perfect for stocking fillers this Christmas. There’s also an extensive range of greetings card! If you prefer something a little more crafty then Chapter’s Oh So Crafty Christmas Fair on Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec, all day returns crammed with fabulous ceramics, textiles, jewellery and homeware. Maybe you’ll find something a little different and a little local for your friends and family this Christmas!
Give the gift of culture…
If you have a friend or family member who’s a bit of a culture vulture or is looking for a New Year’s resolution then why not treat them to 12 months of discounts on tickets, food, drink and much more at Chapter with a Chapter Friend membership. This great gift of culture comes in Bronze, Silver and Gold and offers year round offers and benefits. Chapter gift cards are also available and come in denominations of £5, £10 and £20 and can be redeemed on live performances, film screenings, satellite broadcasts or food and drink at the bar or café. Each gift card purchase comes with a choice of decorative wallets to finish off this ideal stocking filler in style.
Enough Already
There’s also a packed programme of non-Christmassy events at Chapter this December including stand-up comedian Fin Taylor, whose show Whitey McWhiteFace took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm this year and now he’s coming to Cardiff on Thurs 15 Dec with his unique blend of social commentary. There’s also live music from the godmother of acid folk Alison O’Donnell on Tues 6 Dec and two acting legends dominate the screen after dominating the Cardiff stage recently with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart performing live from London on Chapter’s big cinema screen in Pinter’s No Man’s Land on Thurs 15 Dec.
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org