The Department of Justice has offered insight on what Christmas will be like behind bars in 2025

Rob Currell GAU audience writer

15:44, 24 Dec 2025Updated 18:08, 24 Dec 2025

Landing A in Magilligan Prison CSU(Image: CJI)

Christmas is generally seen as a joyful time of year, but circumstances for many individuals can vary dramatically during the festive season — depending on their situation. In Northern Ireland’s prisons — places that have housed an average daily prison population of 1,911 inmates per day in 2024/2025 — the scenario is different to most.

Prison can be a challenging place for those who are incarcerated during the Christmas period, with feelings of isolation, reflection, guilt, and anxiety being prevalent for some. Many prisoners miss their families and the normal holiday atmosphere which can bring forth fond memories, as well as regrets, of the outside world.

The Prisoner Fellowship of Northern Ireland, an organisation that runs the Christmas Hope Project provides support for prisoner’s families and gives each incarcerated prisoner a Christmas card. The importance of Christmas, for people of all walks of life is not lost on those who run the prisons.

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A spokesperson for NI Prison Service said: “Christmas is a very important time in prisons. Each year staff and prisoners will hold events to both mark the season and support the rehabilitation of prisoners through charitable work, Carol Services and other events which are attended by staff, partner agencies and prisoners.

“For example, this year Maghaberry staff and prisoners raised £11,000 for the Cancer Fund for Children and collected hundreds of items for local food banks.

“On Christmas Day, prisoners receive a traditional dinner and will partake in a range in activities organised by prison staff including a park run at Magilligan. There will also be virtual visits with families throughout the day at all three prisons.

“Like other front-line public services, prisons cannot close down over the holiday season and our staff continue to support those in our care. They are a credit to the Service and the wider community.”

Davis House at Maghaberry Prison, Northern Ireland(Image: PA)

Currently, there are three operational prisons up and running in Northern Ireland. These are Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn which is the highest security and largest facility in the region. Magilligan Prison near Limavady is a medium security facility which mainly contains shorter-term adult male prisoners. Lastly, Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison houses both youth offenders and women.

Details of the actual contents of what will be provided as part of a prisoner’s Christmas dinner in Northern Ireland have not been publicly released this year. But, traditionally, offerings typically include items such as roast turkey, ham, roast potatoes, other vegetables and Christmas pudding.

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