From ‘nonna holiday’ to nutcrackercore and gothmas, here’s what’s shaping the holiday season. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Deck the halls and showcase your festive flair with these seasonal schemes (Meri Meri/PA) One of the wonders of Christmas is putting up the decorations… and foraging for those sentimental trinkets, glitzy trimmings, garlands and twinkling lights galore. But what if you’re rethinking your Christmas aesthetic; fancy a shift in style and theme, and have your heart s

This recipe is inspired by traditional Irish soda bread. Clodagh McKenna’s seeded cheddar sunflower bread recipe (David Loftus/PA) “Beautiful, isn’t it? This recipe is based on the wonderful traditional Irish soda bread that the whole world should know how to make,” says This Morning resident chef Clodagh McKenna. “I’ve added Cheddar for flavour, but leave that out for the classic recipe. This loaf is cut into wedges, so every person can tear off their own, and they make it l

It’s not too soon to start thinking about entertaining on the big day, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Kit out your kitchen with these quickie makeovers and festive finishing touches (Alamy/PA) With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to get your skates on if a stylish kitchen refresh is on the cards. Especially if you’re hosting, and entertaining family and friends over the holidays – with a focus on seating everyone comfortably and choosing decor as twinkly as the tree. N

If you’re looking for inspiration this Movember, here are the famous people to look to. Jacob Elordi makes it into the top eight best moustaches (Alamy/PA) Once written off as a relic of the 1970s, the moustache is staging a confident return, fuelled by a new generation of style-savvy men reclaiming the upper lip. From Jacob Elordi to Timothée Chalamet, celebrities are starting to sport this contentious facial hair more and more on the red carpet. But getting a moustache righ

From best for affordability to trend discovery – here are the top recommended beauty advent calendars of the year. (Cult Beauty/PA) Choosing a beauty advent calendar isn’t always straightforward. There’s the worry of make-up shades that don’t suit, products you’ll never use or scents that miss the mark. Still, that uncertainty hasn’t dampened the nation’s enthusiasm for these festive countdowns – in fact, they’ve become one of the beauty industry’s biggest indulgences of the

A simple sirloin that will become a staple dish. Gaucho’s churrasco de chorizo (Sam A. Harris/PA) “One of Gaucho’s original offerings, this steak borrows the word churrasco from the Brazilian equivalent to asado,” explains Gaucho culinary director Anthony Ekizian. “It is a butterfly- cut, marinated sirloin and delivers a bold, smoky South American char. For the best results, choose steaks that are around eight centimetres thick.” Gaucho’s churrasco de chorizo Ingredients: (Se

Spa-style bathroom decor echoes a sense of luxury, says Sam Wylie-Harris. From bathroom sprawl to sustainability, these designs will inspire a makeover (Almay/PA) When it comes to wellbeing and projects around the home, the bathroom is one of the best places to start. After all, setting the scene for some me time, pampering ourselves with some favourite smellies to reduce stress, and boosting one’s overall mood is top of the sensory checklist… especially if you’re hankering a

The Strictly Come Dancing judge talks to Lauren Taylor about feeling good, getting older and his life as a novelist. Anton Du Beke (Nicky Johnston/PA) Anton Du Beke has revealed the most common remark made when he’s recognised in public is how surprisingly youthful he looks. “My favourite comment of all time is, ‘Oh, you look much younger in real life!” says the Strictly Come Dancing judge who turns 60 in July. Although he jokes he is “a bit depressed” about the upcoming mile

Sherman Theatre has today confirmed the cast of its production of Alice: Return to Wonderland (28 Nov 2025-3 Jan 2026), a dreamlike and uplifting new show, written and directed by Hannah McPake and based on Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. Alice: Return to Wonderland at The Sherman Theatre Sherman audiences will know Hannah as the lead actor in last year’s A Christmas Carol; the highest grossing show in the company’s history. One of the company’s best loved artists,

Sherman Theatre and Theatr Cymru’s new Christmas co-productions for younger children, The Frog Prince - and the Welsh-language Biwti a Brogs - will tour venues across Wales November 2025-January 2026, including a six-week run at the Sherman in Cardiff. The Frog Prince at The Sherman Theatre These brand-new productions are written by Gwawr Loader and directed by Elin Phillips - both familiar to Sherman audiences as actors in countless past productions, including The Lion, the

Cardiff just got a serious flavour upgrade with Hickory’s Smokehouse, serving up an authentic taste of the Deep South. Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff From the moment you walk in, it’s all rustic wood, twinkling lights and the hum of blues and barbecue. The vibe? Straight out of Louisiana with a dash of Tennessee swagger. Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff We kicked off with a round of appetisers that hit harder than a Southern sunrise. The Brisket Popcorn Bites were melt-in-your-mout

Cardiff’s iconic Spiegel Theatre returns to Sophia Gardens this year, with 12 mesmerising shows in the schedule for 2025. Spiegel Theatre returns to Sophia Gardens Cardiff Christmas Festival kicks off from 4th December, where Jack Frost: A Magical Christmas Musical will take centre stage for the whole month. But if toe tapping hilarity isn’t your thing, there’s a whole variety of acts also on offer - making it the perfect place in the city to enjoy some festive theatrical ma

Make the season sparkle at The Vale Resort with the gift of time well spent, think indulgent escapes, gourmet feasts and one-of-a-kind experiences designed to delight everyone on your list. The Vale Resort Overnight stays Midweek Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Break (from £190 for two) The perfect midweek retreat, including a delicious three-course dinner, a restful night’s sleep in a beautifully appointed room and a hearty Welsh breakfast. Spiced Rum Making B&B Break (from £299 for

Get ready to sprinkle some science into your Christmas, Techniquest is turning up the festive fun with Santa visits, live experiments and dazzling after-dark adventures. Christmas at Techniquest E xperience even more magic at Cardiff's science discovery centre this December as Santa will be making special appearances in the lead up to the big day (6-7, 13-14, 20-23 December). As well as hands-on exhibits and plenty of space to play and explore, Techniquest's team will be perf

From tree shopping to Santa spotting, Gower Fresh Christmas Trees is everything Christmas should be, magical, heartwarming and unforgettable for the whole family. Christmas at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Step into a Winter Wonderland, a sparkling world bursting with joy and imagination. Wander through scenes filled with polar bears, talking trees and busy elves crafting toys for children around the world. Every corner is alive with festive cheer, leading you to the man of the

November marks what would have been Tina Turner’s 86th birthday. So, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who redefined music, style and strength for generations. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre B orn Anna Mae Bullock on 26 November 1939 in the small town of Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina Turner’s journey to global stardom is the stuff of legend. With her unmistakable raspy voice, high-octane performances and unshak

As the festive season approaches, the search for the perfect gift is on. But what if, this year, instead of stocking fillers you could gift a moment of magic? Single White Female Iconic thrillers, heart-warming musicals and adventures for the whole family await at Wales Millennium Centre, find unforgettable experiences for everyone on your list . Single White Female 27 – 31 January 2026| Tickets from £17 The 90s cult classic takes to the stage for the very first time, starrin

Sephora brings the glamour (and the cwtch) to Cardiff with a showstopping new store opening. Sephora opens in St Davids Shopping Centre Cardiff Sephora UK has officially landed in Cardiff, marking the iconic brand’s first ever store in Wales and its 11th location nationwide. Opening in St David’s Centre, this milestone moment brings the world’s most loved beauty playground to the heart of the Welsh capital. Sephora opens in St Davids Shopping Centre Cardiff Beauty fans across

The festive season is set to sparkle once again as Christmas returns to Bridgend County Borough, bringing with it a host of seasonal shopping promotions and a calendar full of festive fun for the whole family. Christmas in Bridgend County This year, town centres across Bridgend, Maesteg, and Porthcawl will be transformed into enchanting Winter Wonderlands , complete with dazzling Christmas Light Switch-Ons and lively parades organised by the local Town Councils. Visitors c

Housebuilder sets late October deadline for buyers to reserve and be in by Christmas Barratt David Wilson Redrow South Wales (BDWR) This October, Barratt David Wilson Redrow South Wales (BDWR) is reminding house-hunters that there’s still time to secure a new home and be settled in by Christmas. With a reservation deadline of 24 October 2025, BDWR South Wales has available homes within a range of plots across South Wales — from Swansea to Cardiff and Newport. Buyers who act q