The Christmas period has well and truly arrived across Co Tyrone, with the festive lights now switched on across many parts of the county.
As we prepare for Santa's arrival, hot chocolates by the fire and celebrations with loved ones, there are plenty of Christmas activities to enjoy before the big day.
From ice skating events to winter wonderlands, there is something for everyone to enjoy right across Co Tyrone this Christmas.
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Here is a round-up of some Christmas-themed events happening across the county in the weeks ahead.
Christmas in the Country at Ulster American Folk Park
December 9 to January 2. Experience the magic of Christmas past as you stroll around the wintery landscape of rural Ulster, from the humble surroundings of a single-room cabin to the elaborate Christmas of the Campbell House.
Meet Mrs Mellon and watch her bake Christmas pudding on the open hearth, and sample some Christmas cake and ginger cordial. Captain Mummer will bring the Murmer characters to life with an entertaining performance, celebrating one of the oldest Christmas traditions of rural Ulster.
Journey to the New World with a wander down the snowy paths of their American Street, seeing how immigration influenced Christmas decorations and festive food in Pioneer America. Listen to traditional Christmas music in the Barn, taste Christmas cinnamon muffins and even purchase some bespoke Christmas cards.
The Glenpark Estate ice-rink is coming...
There has been much excitement for the opening of an ice rink at the Gortin park. Join them for festive fun on the ice this December and January.
Key information on the ice rink:
• The tickets are valid for one-hour slots starting on the hour.
• Slots consist of 50 minutes on the ice then 10 minutes to hand back boots.
• Tickets £10 per person (plus booking fee) and this includes ice skate hire.
• Spectators go free (no need to book).
Omagh Winder Wonderland
1 December – 1 January. Enjoy all that is on offer at Omagh Winter Wonderland throughout the festive season - Includes Omagh Eye, Funfair, Christmas market, Mistletoe & Wine Bar, local entertainment and performances and other seasonal activities.
Embark in a magical Christmas trail to reach Santa’s Grotto. Not only will meet the man himself inside his grotto…you will get entertained by Mrs Claus and our mischievous elves!
The magical grotto will be aglow from Friday 2nd December through to Friday 23rd December.
Winter Wonderland at Todd's Leap
Following an incident on our Zip Line in 2014, Santa and his Elves set up a home at Todds Leap & this year they're back. Santa's mischievous little elves are wreaking havoc from December 1-22 so tour their amazing Winter Wonderland.
You can:
- Write your Letter to Santa
- Visit the Elves in the Post Office & Stamp & Post your Letter
- Get your Ticket to for Santas Sleigh
- Board Santas Off Road Sleigh
- Help the Elves in Santas Workshop
- Meet Santa & Mrs Clause in their Cabin
- Choose your Present with the Wise Old Elf
Comedy Christmas Cracker at the Alley, Strabane
The Alley Theatre is excited to announce Strabane Comedian Ro Boyle is bringing his boiler room show to a bigger audience for a Christmas special on Saturday 17th December.
Ticket holders can expect more people and bigger laughs with an amazing line-up including Diona Doherty, William Thompson, Aaron Mc Cann, Fintan Harvey and Eamon Mc Elwee.
The Christmas Special will see side-splitting work from some of the country's best comedians. Hosted by Strabane's very own stand-up comedian, Ro Boyle, whose work includes Big Massive Podcast, Boiler Room Comedy Club, Orange is the new Green and Strabanter, you'll enjoy a night of hysterical laughs and festive cheer with this incredible line-up.
Seasonal Saturdays
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Seasonal Saturdays begin on Saturday 03 December 2022 from 12.30pm in both Enniskillen and Omagh. There will be performances by Fermanagh Concert Band and St Eugene’s Brass and Reed Band, carol singers and festive characters. There will also be a special guest appearance by Santa during the afternoon in both towns.
The Seasonal Saturdays continue on 10 and 17 December 2022 including festive music provided by local artists Aiden Scott Browne and Brothers Inc in Omagh and Cathy McGovern and Shaun Loughrey in Enniskillen. The festive entertainment will provide a warm welcome for residents and visitors in both towns.
Kenwell's Christmas Shop
You can check out the magic of Christmas at this amazing Christmas shop in the village of Dromore.
We went to speak to the owners of Kenwell's ahead of the busy Christmas season, and we were blown away by the 30,000 decorations they had on show.
It's definitely well worth a trip out to do a bit of last minute decoration shopping to get you in the festive mood.
Are there any other Christmas events happening across Co Tyrone we should know about? Get in touch via our MyTyrone Facebook page to let us know.
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