From markets with stalls selling gifts and produce from around the world to pantos designed to entertain every age, Northern Ireland has something for everyone this December
Belfast
Belfast Christmas Market
Christmas Markets
The Belfast Christmas Markets, located at City Hall are free to enter and set to run until December 22.
Visitors browse hundreds of stalls selling festive food and gifts.
Pantomime
There is a range of pantomimes already under way across Belfast.
The Grand Opera House’s May McFettridge is starring in The Adventures of Pinocchio while the Waterfront Hall is hosting Jack and the Beanstalk.
Meanwhile grown ups can enjoy the Waterfront’s adult panto – Red Riding Hoodz.
W5
Festive Fables is W5’s Christmas event this year at the Odyssey Complex.
The event is running until December 23 and is free with admission into W5.
This festive story-time brings seasonal tales to life in a cosy, imaginative setting and is ideal for children under the age of eight.
2 Royal Avenue
2 Royal Avenue in the heart of the city centre is hosting a Winter’s Den this year, offering the public a range of free festive events up until New Year’s Eve.
There are different events targeted towards both children and adults.
Many are drop-in events, but for some – including their popular gift wrapping workshop – you need to book a slot ahead of time.
Antrim
Sarah McIlmoyle welcoming visitors to the Enchanted Winter Garden in Antrim (Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye)
Enchanted Winter Garden
Every year Antrim gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring light trails and festive food stalls.
This year’s garden is free to enter and is running until December 20.
The garden’s opening hours are 4.30pm until 9pm.
Christmas Markets
There are several Christmas markets in Co Antrim this year.
Ballymena Market runs from December 3-8, at Wellington Court.
It’s open from 11am to 4pm.
The Larne Market runs from December 10-15 at Broadway. I t’s also open from 11am to 4pm.
Both markets are free to enter.
The Mayor’s Christmas Carol Evening
This evening of festive song is on Wednesday, December 11 at Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey.
The Ballyduff Silver Band, The Courtyard Community Choir, The Bridge Association and Glengormley School of Music are set to perform at the free event.
Armagh
Armagh Observatory is hosting Mission Santa
Newry Christmas Market
This year, Newry is hosting its first ever Christmas Market.
The market is in Newry’s city centre and runs every Thursday-Sunday until December 21.
It is free to enter and visitors can explore 70 stalls offering local and unique gifts and festive food.
There is also live festive music throughout the market.
Together at Christmas
On Wednesday, December 3 at 7.30pm carol singers across Armagh city are coming together to perform in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral.
The event is open to everyone and free to attend.
Mission Santa
The Armagh Planetarium is hosting Mission Santa again this Christmas.
The event runs until December 23 and costs £20 per adult and £25 per child with admission to a full-dome show in the dome theatre included in the price.
Children can help save Santa inside mission control during a live theatrical show.
Following the show, families can visit Santa to get a present and printed family photo.
Down
Slieve Donard is decked out for Christmas
Killyleagh Annual Christmas Festival
The Christmas Festival is returning to Killyleagh once again this year on Wednesday, December 3 from 4pm.
The event is free and visitors can walk around the artisan market offering crafts, food and gifts.
There will also be an evening lantern walk for children, carols and choir performances.
Santa is set to arrive at 5pm in Santa’s Grotto at the Masonic Lodge before the town Christmas tree is scheduled to light up at 6pm.
Slieve Donard
Every Sunday leading up to Christmas families who enjoy their Sunday dinner in the Slieve Donard Hotel can meet Santa while they enjoy their festive food.
Cranfield Alpaca Christmasfest
Forget the reindeer – animal lovers can enjoy meeting some alpacas in Cranfield this Christmas.
For just under £20 you can meet, walk and feed alpacas, followed by some Christmas crafts for both adults and children – something to take home and treasure.
The experience lasts one hour and pre booking is essential, and please remember to wear warm, waterproof clothing and footwear.
Fermanagh
Marble Arch caves
Mrs Claus’s Cottage at Killykeeghan Nature Reserve
Until December 23, families can step into the warmth of Mrs Claus’s cosy cottage at the Marble Arch Caves.
They’ll meet the kind-hearted Mrs Claus herself and explore her charming festive home. Join her as she shares heartwarming holiday tales, and children can also join the elves in their workshop to create special keepsakes.
After story-time, children will join Mrs Claus’s cheerful elves in their busy workshop to create their very own festive keepsake and decorate a delicious gingerbread man to take home.
Tickets for the event start at £15.
Santa’s Corner at the Share Discovery Village
Every weekend until Christmas the Share Discovery Village will be transformed into Santa’s Corner.
For £10, children can experience a traditional Santa’s Grotto where they write letters to Santa, play on bouncy castles, get their face painted, find a balloon animal, and play some traditional festive games.
Londonderry
The Christmas tree at Guildhall Square
The Ebrington Winter Light Trail
This December, Ebrington will be transformed into a magical Winter Light Trail, a free event running from December 8-14, bringing festive sparkle to the heart of Derry city.
Visitors can wander through captivating light installations and projection displays that will illuminate the site, creating a vibrant, immersive experience for all ages to enjoy.
From December 12-14, in collaboration with The Playhouse, there will be pop-up storytelling sessions located near the historic Keep, perfect for families looking to soak up some Christmas magic.
On December 11 and 12, Urban Events will host a Christmas pop-up market from 4-9pm, showcasing the best of local traders, crafts, and festive treats in collaboration with the Legenderry Food Network.
Tyrone
Lazertag at Jungle NI, Moneymore
Ulster American Folk Park
Wander through the wintry, cobbled streets of Ulster decorated for the festive season, from the humble surroundings of a single-room cabin to the indulgent Christmas of the Campbell House.
Meet Mrs Mellon and taste traditional Christmas cake, enjoy the festive sounds of brass bands, and take a horse and carriage ride around the Folk Park (weather permitting).
Children can get hands-on with festive crafts, play with wooden toys, follow the Christmas bauble trail and write a letter to Father Christmas. There are marshmallows to toast, popcorn chains to make, and a festive sleigh – perfect for a family photo.
Jungle NI
For festive thrill-seekers, Jungle NI is running some special Christmas events until December 23, with adult tickets costing £18 and children’s costing £10.
On arrival, you’ll be welcomed into the Christmas marquee by some elves before hopping on to the The Jungle Express and getting transported through the magical forest, with the good company of Buddy The Elf.
Children can meet Santa and Mrs Claus before taking part in some exciting adventure favourites such as archery, bungee trampoline, a climbing wall, rodeo reindeer or a paintball target range.