Festive season has well and truly arrived in Northern Ireland.
As we prepare for Santa's arrival, hot chocolates by the fire and celebrations with loved ones, there is plenty of Christmas activities to enjoy before the big day.
From ice skating events to festive plays, there is something for everyone to enjoy right across the country this Christmas.
Read more: Santa Claus arrives in style to CastleCourt's Winter Wonderland Grotto
Here is a round-up of some Chirstmas-themed events happening across each council area in Northern Ireland:
Belfast
Belfast Christmas Market
The Christmas market has been the focal point of festive celebrations in the city centre for the last 17 years.
With traders from 21 different nationalities and a host of brilliant gift, food and retail options, a trip to the Christmas market is an essential when visiting the city.
The market runs until Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 6pm.
Opening hours:
- Monday – Wednesday, 10am – 8pm
- Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 10pm
- Sunday, 12noon – 6pm
Cinderella - The Midnight Princess
Starring Belfast’s own Corrie Earley, Jayne Wisener as the Fairy Godmother and Richard Croxford as the King, Cinderella promises to be a heart-warming family show packed with magical moments, incredible illusions and stunning songs inspired by Mozart, reimagined in a new way.
Cinderella takes to the stage from 30th November and co-produced by the MAC and award-winning children's theatre company, Cahoots.
What makes this production unique is the additional element of magic and illusions, so audiences can expect something really special.
Winter Skate at the SSE Arena
Holiday magic is back at The SSE Arena, Belfast with the return of Winter Skate.
Winter Skate gives members of the public the opportunity to skate at the home of the Belfast Giants. This event will run on selected dates throughout December and the start of January.
Tickets are priced at £8 per person for standard skate sessions, including skate hire; £26 for a family of four or £31 for a family of five.
An Enchanted Christmas at W5
From 26 November, W5 are decking the halls for some magical family fun this Christmas.
On selected dates across the festive period, you can step into Santa Square and meet the Big Man himself, be transported to another world with The Storyteller's Winter Tales, enjoy a reading of T'Was the Night Before Christmas in our Over the Hills & Far Away Zone, plus lots more.
There are a number of family drop-in sessions including snowball fights and a North Pole post office too.
Santa Experience at Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory
Enter the magical world of Christmas at Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory Belfast, running between December 9 and December 23.
When arriving each child will get to make and decorate their own Christmas Chocolate, then moving on to making their own letter for Santa (all colouring & writing materials provided).
While the children are working hard at their personal creations Santa will visit for a Christmas Story. One family at a time will then be called to post their Santa letters and meet the big man himself.
Santa's Post Office
It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas in Belfast City Centre as Santa’s Post Office, brought to you by Belfast One Christmas Days, opens its doors at 2 Royal Avenue on 19 November until 23 December.
Little ones can join Santa’s elves, provided by c21 Theatre Company, in the magical post office, where they will enjoy free activities such as arts and crafts and design their own special letter to Santa Claus. To make sure the mail reaches the North Pole in time, all letters can be posted in Santa’s special post box.
Wildlife Wonderland at Belfast Zoo
Over two weekends in December, visitors will notice a touch of magic in the air at Belfast Zoo as they get into the festive spirit for the season.
On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December, and Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December, visitors can come to enjoy festive feeding times as Santa will be treating the animals to Christmas gifts such as wrapped boxes, crackers and stockings.
Children can then explore the beautiful 55-acre site by taking part in ther Christmas Trail and be in with the chance of winning a ‘zooper’ goodie bag.
Winter Circus
Join Tumble Circus for an all-new hour of hammer-smashing Belfast-inspired circus, comedy and riotous fun.
Winter Circus is a high-skill, all-human and all-thrill circus featuring death-defying aerialists, hardcore acrobats and mind-bending jugglers.
A warm welcome awaits you in the iconic heated Big Top in Writers Square from December 16 to January 2 where your comfort and safety are a priority.
Grimes and McKee’s Christmas Craic-er
A brand new Christmas comedy from the not-at-all brand-new Grimes and McKee’s.
Kings of Christmas Conor Grimes and Alan McKee return to the Lyric Theatre Mainstage from December 2-30 2022.
This latest sketch show from the comedy duo is a guaranteed great night. Non-stop laughs and festive frivolity and fun, NOT for the whole family.
Derry City and Strabane
The Guildhall Craft Fair
The eagerly anticipated Guildhall Craft Fair is making a long-awaited return to the craft calendar.
Celebrating its twenty-eighth anniversary this year, the event showcases a wide range of bespoke craft items created by craft design-makers and artisan food producers throughout Ireland.
The fair takes place in the historical Guildhall in Derry’s city centre and is renowned for attracting a large number of visitors looking for that special gift or purchase for Christmas.
Christmas Light switch on
Santa will be the guest of honour on a magical procession through the streets of Derry and Strabane, switching on the Christmas lights as he passes by.
The processions will feature a number of festive characters and beautiful bespoke Christmas-themed mobile installations.
You can catch a glimpse of Santa and his friends in:
- Strabane Saturday 26th November 2021 | 4.30pm
- Derry Sunday 27th November 2021 | 6pm
Christmas markets
Check off your Christmas list with a trip to the markets this December.
Nestled in the Guildhall Square, the markets will take place on Saturday 3rd December and Friday 16th - Sunday 18th December offering unique handmade crafts, mouth-watering local artisan food and scrumptious, tasty treats.
Support your local traders this Christmas and Shop local:
- Saturday 3rd December ( Walled City Market)
- Friday 16th - Sunday 18th December Winterland Market
Mayor's Magical Christmas Experience
The North Pole gang have received a special invitation from The Mayor to come and visit the children of Derry and Strabane and to make sure they are prepared for a Christmas like no other.
Santa’s Elf & Safety Team will put you through your paces with their rigorous ‘Santa Preparedness Routine’.
Watch a stunning puppet performance by Banyan Theatre and join Santa’s Circus Elves for some festive fun and games.
- Strabane: The Alley - Sun 4th Dec | 12pm - 5pm/ Free
- Derry: Main Hall, Guildhall - Friday 9th Dec | 5pm - 8pm | Sensory Evening Sat 10th & Sun 11th Dec | 12pm - 5pm
Mid and East Antrim
Santa Express
It’s that time of year again to deck the halls and work out who has been naughty and who has been nice.
What better way to welcome in the festive period by booking on the festive Santa Express Steam Trains? Hop on board and be transported out to their site in Whitehead, a journey of approximately 35 minutes during which a certain man in a red suit will meet everyone.
On arrival at Whitehead, Santa’s elves will be there to distribute presents to all travelling children. At the platform, you will have about 40 minutes to get pictures with Santa and to post your letter to him in their very special postbox.
Carrickfergus Christmas light switch on
Friday 25 November, 4pm – 7pm. An afternoon of family fun with music, dance and Christmas characters to get you in the spirit before the light’s switch on at High Street.
From festive characters, face painting, toast your own marshmallows, Christmas carnival games and mini carousels, there is lots of festive fun for the family,
Help the Mayor and Santa countdown to the official lights switch on at 6.30pm approx. Enjoy the magical finale where a fabulous fireworks display will take place at approx. 6.45pm from Fisherman's Quay.
Larne Christmas activities
Friday 25 November, 6pm – 8.30pm. Join us at the Town Hall for a cinema screening of the ‘Elf Movie’ provided by MayWe.
Saturday 26 November, 11am – 3pm. Come along to the Christmas Craft Fair by LetsCraftNI in Larne Town Hall. Festive Flower Arranging demonstration 11.45am
Christmas Wreath Making (fresh greenery) demonstration 1.45pm. Big Telly ‘Elf Factory’ will be in the Town Hall from 11am – 3pm, a fun interactive experience for all ages.
Christmas in Ballymena
Thursday 1 - Saturday 3 December and Thursday 8 – Saturday 10 December. Come along to the Christmas Market in Alexander Street Car Park from 11am – 3pm. Seasonal Music throughout.
Come along to the Elf Factory interactive experience at the Tower centre on:
- Friday 9 December from 3pm - 7.30pm
- Saturday 10 December from 11am - 3.30pm
Seasonal Sounds
There will be festive performances taking place in Carrickfergus throughout December. The Brass and Silver Band concerts will entertain shoppers in Carrickfergus town centre from 2-3pm on 3, 10 and 17 December.
- 3 December - Third Carrick Band
- 10 December - CWA Brass
- 17 December - CWA Brass
Ards and North Down
Santa's Sooty Christmas
A festive panto at The Portico of Ards, Meetinghouse Street, Portaferry on December 11.
Cheerful chimney-sweep Rudi is cleaning all the chimneys – to make sure they are ready for Santa but Rudi gets a very nasty shock.
One very big chimney is well and truly blocked… and not with soot… but with toys…! Stuck there by the dreadful witch Fluella the Fluesy! Wicked Fluella loves grunge and grime and wants to stop Christmas by blocking all the chimneys so that Santa can't deliver the presents.
With a little magic… and a lot of help from the children in the audience, can Rudi and the Toys get Santa unstuck?
Christmas Evenings at the Ulster Folk Museum
Experience a magical Christmas evening in Ballycultra and get involved with Christmas crafts, sample traditional fayre and listen to festive music performed by Fortwilliam Musical Society.
Wander the cobbled streets adorned with handmade wreaths and fairy lights, and sample traditional Christmas fayre and get involved in Christmas-themed craft stations and meet their craft demonstrators, who’ll be making traditional decorations.
Opening hours:
- Friday 9th December 18:00-21:00
- Friday 16th December 18:00-21:00
Newtownards Christmas light switch on
Enjoy fantastic seasonal fun in Newtownards with the return of the Christmas Market. Along with festive entertainment and Santa’s Grotto at The Precinct on South Street, the town will be abuzz as you enjoy the atmosphere.
The local market will adorn High Street and South Street in the town centre, offering everything from crafts to hot food, a seasonal bar, local produce and handmade gifts.
Highlights include the brilliant String Ninjas, captivating festive performers, bringing that magic touch in the evening in the lead up to the big switch on. Saturday 26 November - 10am–7pm Town Centre| Switch on 5pm, Conway Square.
Newry, Mourne and Down
A Homemade Christmas at Rowallane Garden
Join Rowallane Garden over the festive season for a homemade Christmas.
Look out for alternative Christmas trees, homemade decorations and go for a winter wander as you look forward to Christmas. Grab a winter warmer from their café, wrap up and explore Rowallane Garden.
- Cones and Conifers walk – Daily 10am – 4pm from 28 November
- Seasons Readings – Daily - 10am – 4pm from 28 November
- Festive Make and Take – Daily - 10am – 4pm from 28 November
- Fun in the Barn – Daily 10am – 4pm
- Patterson’s Spade Mill in the Stable Yard - Wednesday 7 and Sunday 11 December – 10am – 3pm
- Pomander Balls and Candle Making demonstration – Wednesday 14 and Sunday 18 December – 1pm – 3pm
Twilight Market at Montalto Estate
Join us at this free event for two special seasonal evenings during our Twilight Market on December 9 and 10.
This will take place in our stable yard with magical Christmas lights and live music. Enjoy an excellent array of artisan food, unique handmade gifts, mulled wine, and craft stalls from local Northern Irish suppliers, offering something for everyone; the perfect place to pick up your ideal Christmas gifts.
If you're looking for a gift that lasts all year, The Shop and Christmas Shop will also be available to purchase presents, vouchers, and annual memberships.
Christmas Artisan Market at Castle Ward
The Artisan market at Castle Ward showcases a handpicked selection of local designers and artisan makers so it's the perfect place to pick up your locally crafted Christmas gifts this year.
The Stable yard will be dressed in Georgian style with Christmas lights, accompanied by their living history actors telling you the stories of those who called Castle Ward home during the 18th century. On their late night opening, enjoy a night-time experience of Castle Ward lit up by the twinkling lights.
The Artisan Market runs from 2 – 4 December.
Lisburn and Castlereagh
Festive Fun at Dundonald International Ice Bowl
Christmas is a magical time of year when family and friends get together to celebrate the festive season at Dundonald International Ice Bowl.
Breakfast with Santa - Mrs Claus will be working hard on Saturday 3rd, 10th & 17th December cooking breakfast in the grotto kitchen Following a delicious breakfast, children can choose from one of three activities, ice skating; tenpin bowling or Indiana Land, to complete their fun festive morning.
Skate with Santa - Take to the ice throughout the month of December and enjoy a yuletide skate with Santa, himself! Glide, swirl and dance along to the very best festive music for a truly magical winter experience. Santa will be skating on the rink on Saturday 3rd, 10th & 17th December from 1.30pm-3pm & 3.30pm-5pm.
Hillsborough Light Trail
A dusting of seasonal magic will land throughout Hillsborough Castle and Gardens as the Christmas at Hillsborough Light Trail makes its return this December.
Over a million lights and seasonal sounds will once again fill the air at the historical venue, where glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colours will come to life amongst a trail of larger-than-life illuminations where mistletoe memories will be made.
Almost half of Hillsborough Castle’s 100 acres of gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland, where visitors can contemplate a choreographed colour-changing avenue of trees, get a glittering welcome in the Walled Garden, a dazzling Yew Tree Walk and even get a glimpse into Father Christmas’ workshop.
Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
Head to Hillsborough for festive seasonal cheer at the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market on December 9.
Stroll through the market set up along the historic setting of The Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort. The market will be filled with the sounds, sights and tastes of Christmas with an eclectic mix of independent and artisan food producers, artists, designers of handmade crafts, health and beauty and homewares.
The grounds of Hillsborough Fort provide a unique background to enjoy a hot drink and bite to eat. Delicious aromas will be floating through the winter air from a range of gourmet street-food and drink vendors each with their own distinctively seasonal menus developed using the best of Northern Ireland produce.
Causeway Coast and Glens
Santa at the Stables
Santa at the Stables is running on 18th, 19th & 20th December and is the perfect experience to get you in the festive spirit. You will then meet Mrs Clause and enjoy a hot chocolate and decorate a Christmas cookie while Mum and Dad enjoy a hot coffee and homemade bun.
Afterwards, you will then hop in the Green Machine and travel to the grotto where you will write your letter to Santa and have it stamped by his trusty elves! Followed by photographs. Then you will walk with the elves to post your letter to Santa, followed by making reindeer food and toasting marshmallows.
After this, you will head out to ride one of our friendly reindeer or unicorns, then finally you will head off along the magic trail to meet Santa in his magical caravan.
Christmas Cavalcade
The festive programme will commence from the 17th November - 3rd December 2022, with this year also seeing the welcome return of the much-loved children’s favourite Santa’s Grotto.
The yuletide journey will continue throughout the Borough coming to various locations during November and December, with the final procession reaching Kilrea on Saturday 3rd December.
Children will be able to visit Santa in his Grotto before he commences his cavalcade journey in all 9 locations; so, wrap up well and ensure you arrive in plenty of time to enjoy what promises to be an atmospheric adventure for all the family.
Quiet Time:
Santas Grotto:
Christmas Cavalcade:
Antrim and Newtownabbey
Elf’s Christmas Emporium
The Elf’s Christmas Emporium is set to open its only location outside of Lapland on Friday 9 December and will remain until Saturday 24 December at The Junction Retail Park.
The award-winning collaboration between Cahoots and The Junction returns for its fourth project and will be bursting with Christmas cheer, magical mysteries and spectacular surprises, Elven Shopkeeper Theodore Stumblebumm’s lease at The Junction will feature a line-up of renowned Northern Irish creative talent with international and West End credits.
The Shop at the Top of the Town
'The Shop at the Top of the Town' is a seasonal musical drama created by one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting new playwrights, Michael Cameron and is directed by Colm G Doran - featuring original music by Garth McConaghie.
The show steps back in time to Christmas in Belfast 1972, the heyday of the classic luxury stores when Robbs, Anderson & McAuley and Robinson & Cleaver all competed for the best festive window displays while children queued patiently for their trip to Santa’s Winter Wonderland.
The Shop at the Top of the Town will run from December 2-31 at Theatre at the Mill.
Christmas Light switch on
Get into the festive spirit this Christmas for Christmas Light Switch Ons across Antrim and Newtownabbey. There will be lots of free, festive family fun across the Borough hosted by Cool FM presenters, the events will each feature an innovative performance by Tumble Circus. Local talent will take to the stage including primary schools, choirs, musicians and dance academies to get you in the mood for Christmas.
Santa will also make an appearance during the event alongside a special guest before the Christmas lights are switched on, lighting up the Borough for Christmas 2022 Events are as follows:
- Friday 25 November 2022, 6pm-7.30pm: Glengormley and Randalstown
- Saturday 26 November 2022, 4.30pm-6pm: Ballyclare
Fermanagh and Omagh
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.
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.
Christmas at Marble Arch Caves
An epic adventure invites you to explore a trail of elves who have gotten themselves in a world of funny scenarios and predicaments in the woodland. You’ll never guess what they have been up to this year.
This activity includes an Elf Escape Activity Booklet (1 per child) which contains an Elf Escape trail map, an Elf Report Card and a number of fun Christmas puzzles to complete.
This session begins with the children using their elf escape map to find the elves following a number of elf sightings and reports of elf activity in the woodland in the lead up to Christmas. They will then judge whether the elves should go on Santa’s naughty list by completing an elf report card which they can send to Santa himself through our special Santa Mailbox here at the Marble Arch Visitor Centre.
Enniskillen Winter Wonderland
Cancer Connect NI is delighted to announce the return of Magical Winter Wonderland to the Island town of Enniskillen.
Families will begin their experience at the railway station located at Eden Street. Once checked in at the ticket booth, you will be greeted by Mrs Claus and her elves. You will be invited to board our AMAZING Polar Express which is the only road TRAIN in Ireland.
The Polar Express will travel through the beautiful town of Enniskillen, discovering the festive windows along the route taking excited parents and children to a secret castle location.
Special elves invite families to experience a flight with Santa's magical Snowman in Ireland's first 16 Seater Venturer Simulator, before visiting Mrs Clauses' toy shop where a beautiful Santa gift awaits you.
Mid Ulster
Christmas Wonderland at Jungle NI
From December 2-23, the Jungle’s Christmas Wonderland is the perfect festive family day out and offers something for all ages, just outside Magherafelt.
This festive family event is unique in its offerings for not only can visitors share a meet and greet with Santa but, they can also have a giggle with his colourful Elves, enjoy The Jungle’s exciting adventure activities, get creative with a spot of Arts & Crafts or grab a cuddle with the curious creatures in the Woodland Petting Farm. And The Jungle offers the very best way to end a Christmas day out: with a festive tale told by Mrs Claus herself.
Father Christmas will meet and greet little ones in his magical Christmas Grotto delivering his fantastic Christmas gifts and posing for a treasured family photo. For older kids and teens who don’t want to hang out with Saint Nick, there are a host of Jungle adventure activities and Arts and Crafts to keep them entertained.
Christmas Lights switch on
Cookstown town centre is the first to light up this year, with the town's lights switch on to take place on Friday 25 November from 6.30pm to 8pm.
William Street will come alive with entertainment from Stewartstown Panto, Tullylagan Pipe Band and Band of Gold, finishing with a fantastic parade to count down to the lights switch on by Santa. Magherafelt will see its lights switched on on Saturday 26 November, with an artisan market taking place in the town that weekend.
Also on Saturday 26 November, Dungannon will turn into a hub of festive fun at Market Square, with music and family activities. Coalisland will show off its brand-new Christmas tree at the Cornmill on Sunday 4 December, with performances from the Craic theatre also taking place at the event.
Maghera will also see council-run lights switch on events in the Walled Garden and the town centre on Saturday 3 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
Winter Food and Craft Fair
Saturday 26 November 10am to 5pm and Sunday 27 November 1pm to 5pm - Admission Free.
The Winter Craft & Food Fair at the Burnavon has become Mid Ulster's premier craft event in the run-up to the festive season. Back with a bigger and better selection of quality producers, this popular annual event will feature many familiar producers, alongside just as many exciting newcomers as we can fit in.
Running over the weekend you will have all the opportunity you need to browse and shop for the perfect Christmas presents and festive foods.
Armagh City, Bandridge and Craigavon
Georgian Christmas Festival
Armagh will spark the magic of Christmas with the return of its award-winning Georgian Festival celebrating the Cathedral City’s rich Georgian heritage in colourful splendour with a four-day programme of family favourite events.
Fun, food and frolics feature throughout the busy festival programme, which until Sunday 27 November, and is wrapped around the hugely popular Georgian Day festivities on Saturday 26 November.
Taking place in and around its historic venues and along the cobbled streets and squares of Ireland’s oldest city, visitors are in for a real spectacle of historic grandeur, old-time festive traditions, awe-inspiring illuminations and great food and drink.
Snowtube with Santa
Join in the festive fun this Christmas Season at our very exciting Snowtube with Santa Event at Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre.
The event is suitable for children aged 3-13 years old and will consist of:
- 30 minute tubing session
- Visit to see Santa
- Small present
Please note, for our younger snow tubers aged 3 years, or for young snowtubers that are unable to get out of their tubes unaided, their 30 minute snowtube session will take place on the Junior Slope where they can safely tube at a more leisurely pace.
The Alpine Lodge Café will be open serving hot food and all your festive favorites, from mince pies to mulled wine.
Live Nativity
This Christmas, check out the stunning Live Manger at Tannaghmore Animal Farm – a truly magical experience for all the family to enjoy
You will find Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the three Kings in a remake of that world famous stable complete with donkey, sheep, cows and other animals. Featuring Galway sheep, Irish Moiled cows and pygmy goats, you will find this heart-warming nativity display in a converted outhouse on the farm.
This annual event is one of the most popular displays at Tannaghmore, with people coming from far and wide to see it – particularly because all the animals are rare breeds! The Live Nativity will begin on Sunday 4th December and will run until Sunday 1st January.
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