{"id":604055,"date":"2025-11-30T21:20:48","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T21:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/604055\/"},"modified":"2025-11-30T21:20:48","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T21:20:48","slug":"feast-of-christmas-offerings-across-ni-puts-a-premium-on-festive-fun-for-all-the-family-little-kids-and-big-alike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/604055\/","title":{"rendered":"Feast of Christmas offerings across NI puts a premium on festive fun for all the family… little kids and big alike"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n<\/p>\n

Belfast<\/p>\n

\"Belfast<\/p>\n

Belfast Christmas Market <\/p>\n

Christmas Markets<\/p>\n

The Belfast Christmas Markets, located at City Hall are free to enter and set to run until December 22.<\/p>\n

Visitors browse hundreds of stalls selling festive food and gifts.<\/p>\n

Pantomime<\/p>\n

There is a range of pantomimes already under way across Belfast.<\/p>\n

The Grand Opera House\u2019s May McFettridge is starring in The Adventures of Pinocchio while the Waterfront Hall is hosting Jack and the Beanstalk.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile grown ups can enjoy the Waterfront\u2019s adult panto \u2013 Red Riding Hoodz. <\/p>\n

W5<\/p>\n

Festive Fables is W5\u2019s Christmas event this year at the Odyssey Complex.<\/p>\n

The event is running until December 23 and is free with admission into W5.<\/p>\n

This festive story-time brings seasonal tales to life in a cosy, imaginative setting and is ideal for children under the age of eight. <\/p>\n

2 Royal Avenue<\/p>\n

2 Royal Avenue in the heart of the city centre is hosting a Winter\u2019s Den this year, offering the public a range of free festive events up until New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\n

There are different events targeted towards both children and adults.<\/p>\n

Many are drop-in events, but for some \u2013 including their popular gift wrapping workshop \u2013 you need to book a slot ahead of time.<\/p>\n

Antrim<\/p>\n

\"Sarah<\/p>\n

Sarah McIlmoyle welcoming visitors to the Enchanted Winter Garden in Antrim (Kelvin Boyes\/Press Eye)<\/p>\n

Enchanted Winter Garden<\/p>\n

Every year Antrim gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring light trails and festive food stalls.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s garden is free to enter and is running until December 20.<\/p>\n

The garden’s opening hours are 4.30pm until 9pm.<\/p>\n

Christmas Markets<\/p>\n

There are several Christmas markets in Co Antrim this year.<\/p>\n

Ballymena Market runs from December 3-8, at Wellington Court.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s open from 11am to 4pm.<\/p>\n

The Larne Market runs from December 10-15 at Broadway. I t\u2019s also open from 11am to 4pm.<\/p>\n

Both markets are free to enter.<\/p>\n

The Mayor’s Christmas Carol Evening<\/p>\n

This evening of festive song is on Wednesday, December 11 at Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey.<\/p>\n

The Ballyduff Silver Band, The Courtyard Community Choir, The Bridge Association and Glengormley School of Music are set to perform at the free event.<\/p>\n

Armagh<\/p>\n

\"Armagh<\/p>\n

Armagh Observatory is hosting Mission Santa<\/p>\n

Newry Christmas Market<\/p>\n

This year, Newry is hosting its first ever Christmas Market.<\/p>\n

The market is in Newry\u2019s city centre and runs every Thursday-Sunday until December 21.<\/p>\n

It is free to enter and visitors can explore 70 stalls offering local and unique gifts and festive food.<\/p>\n

There is also live festive music throughout the market.<\/p>\n

Together at Christmas<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The event is open to everyone and free to attend.<\/p>\n

Mission Santa<\/p>\n

The Armagh Planetarium is hosting Mission Santa again this Christmas.<\/p>\n

The event runs until December 23 and costs \u00a320 per adult and \u00a325 per child with admission to a full-dome show in the dome theatre included in the price.<\/p>\n

Children can help save Santa inside mission control during a live theatrical show. <\/p>\n

Following the show, families can visit Santa to get a present and printed family photo.<\/p>\n

Down<\/p>\n

\"Slieve<\/p>\n

Slieve Donard is decked out for Christmas <\/p>\n

Killyleagh Annual Christmas Festival<\/p>\n

The Christmas Festival is returning to Killyleagh once again this year on Wednesday, December 3 from 4pm. <\/p>\n

The event is free and visitors can walk around the artisan market offering crafts, food and gifts. <\/p>\n

There will also be an evening lantern walk for children, carols and choir performances. <\/p>\n

Santa is set to arrive at 5pm in Santa\u2019s Grotto at the Masonic Lodge before the town Christmas tree is scheduled to light up at 6pm.<\/p>\n

Slieve Donard<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Cranfield Alpaca Christmasfest<\/p>\n

Forget the reindeer \u2013 animal lovers can enjoy meeting some alpacas in Cranfield this Christmas. <\/p>\n

For just under \u00a320 you can meet, walk and feed alpacas, followed by some Christmas crafts for both adults and children \u2013 something to take home and treasure.<\/p>\n

The experience lasts one hour and pre booking is essential, and please remember to wear warm, waterproof clothing and footwear. <\/p>\n

Fermanagh<\/p>\n

\"Marble<\/p>\n

Marble Arch caves<\/p>\n

Mrs Claus’s Cottage at Killykeeghan Nature Reserve<\/p>\n

Until December 23, families can step into the warmth of Mrs Claus’s cosy cottage at the Marble Arch Caves. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Tickets for the event start at \u00a315.<\/p>\n

Santa\u2019s Corner at the Share Discovery Village <\/p>\n

Every weekend until Christmas the Share Discovery Village will be transformed into Santa\u2019s Corner. <\/p>\n

For \u00a310, children can experience a traditional Santa\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n

Londonderry<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Christmas tree at Guildhall Square<\/p>\n

The Ebrington Winter Light Trail<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Tyrone<\/p>\n

\"Lazertag<\/p>\n

Lazertag at Jungle NI, Moneymore<\/p>\n

Ulster American Folk Park <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 perfect for a family photo. <\/p>\n

Jungle NI <\/p>\n

For festive thrill-seekers, Jungle NI is running some special Christmas events until December 23, with adult tickets costing \u00a318 and children\u2019s costing \u00a310. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"From markets with stalls selling gifts and produce from around the world to pantos designed to entertain every…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":604056,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5011],"tags":[1211,779,2378,35745,1817,1384,1248,1611,1144,1210,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-604055","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-northern-ireland","8":"tag-antrim-news","9":"tag-armagh-news","10":"tag-belfast","11":"tag-christmas","12":"tag-derry-news","13":"tag-down-news","14":"tag-fermanagh-news","15":"tag-jessica-rice","16":"tag-northern-ireland","17":"tag-tyrone-news","18":"tag-uk","19":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115640748705150675","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/604055","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=604055"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/604055\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/604056"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=604055"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=604055"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=604055"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}