15 November 2022: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and there are a host of great-value events taking place in Northern Ireland to help get you in the festive mood.
From free-to-attend Christmas markets, pantos and enchanting seasonal experiences to events suitable for families, groups of friends or couples, Northern Ireland is gearing up for a bumper celebration this year.
A number of the events, such as Armagh Georgian Weekend, are less than two hours from Dublin, making them perfect for a day-trip. Alternatively, why not venture that little bit further to enjoy the Belfast Christmas Market and make a weekend of it by sampling the city’s lively bar and restaurant scene.
As shoppers increasingly seek out locally crafted gifts, there’s no shortage of choice with Northern Ireland’s shops, markets and experiences.
Discover Northern Ireland has put together the most unmissable events to ring in the season.
Share Village on Ice, County Fermanagh (18 November- 4 January)
- Share is kicking off the festive period with their fantastic indoor synthetic rink set on the shores of Lough Erne. Fully accessible and sure to create unforgettable memories, the magical ice rink is set under a canopy of twinkling lights. Themed sessions are planned to get the party started from 80’s night, country night and Disney sessions while customers can enjoy seasonal food and drinks. Need a break from the frozen fun? Take yourself off the ice and onto the inflatable bouncy castle or have a go on the new curling lane; this exciting extra comes included with your ticket price. There will also be letter writing to Santa and an opportunity to visit the man in the big red suit from 26th November for free. www.sharevillage.org/ice-rink
Belfast Christmas Markets, Belfast (19 November- 22 December)
- Although Belfast Christmas Market only began in 2004, it’s now one of the biggest winter events in Northern Ireland with more than 1 million people visiting each year. Support for local food and craft has increased with several St George’s Market traders joining in the festive fun. As well as even more local flavour, the market still offers something a little bit different with food and gift ideas from 32 countries from around the world. This year the food court at the market, with bench style seating, makes a welcome return, as does the much-loved carousel and vintage Helter Skelter, offering stunning views. Visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmasmarket
Titanic’s Magical Christmas Experience, Belfast (23 November – 23 December)
- Visit Mrs Claus in her cosy kitchen at Titanic Belfast, then stop by the bustling post office to write and post your Christmas letter, before letting your creative juices flow with some arts and crafts! And those on the ‘nice list’ will even get to meet Father Christmas himself. Make Christmas memories to last a lifetime – book your tickets today, visit www.titanicbelfast.com
Armagh Georgian Weekend, County Armagh (24 – 27 November)
- Enjoy Armagh’s delightful Georgian splendours. Enjoy a day rich in atmosphere where you can see the Gentry arrive by horse-drawn carriage while browsing the festive markets. This festive celebration includes majestic festival lights, recreations of this bygone time and guided tours from local historical experts. A highlight is the mesmerising light show which is beamed onto the walls of the city’s historic library building. Ticketed events include ‘Coming Home for Christmas’ and a Tea Party at the Palace. Visit www.visitarmagh.com/georgian
Aladdin Panto, Waterfront Hall, Belfast (24 November – 8 January)
- There’s no adventure quite like it! Aladdin in The Waterfront Hall promises to be a show like no other. Will Aladdin and Princess Jasmine end up happily ever after? Get ready to go on a journey as you and yours experience one of the greatest stories ever told with a stellar cast and production.
The Snow Queen, Lyric Theatre, Belfast (25 November – 31 December)
- This Christmas at the Lyric Theatre, Paul Boyd and the team that brought you the Lyric’s hit musicals Peter Pan, Alice The Musical, and Pinocchio The Greatest Wonder of the Age, present an all-new version of The Snow Queen. Join Gerda on her quest in Paul Boyd’s new musical adventure, a glittering spectacular for all ages adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale of courage, adventure, and friendship. www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Enchanted Winter Garden, County Antrim (26 November – 20 December)
- As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience. Visit the fairies in Wonderland Wood, drop in and see Santa and meet the sprites in Pixieland who will help fill you with the Christmas spirit. A Festive Fayre will cater for all tastes with local food and drink while a 35m high festive Ferris Wheel will take you beyond the tree-tops to gaze at the starlit sky. An Evening of Inclusive Enchantment will run on December 7 and 14 with reduced numbers, lighting and sound levels as well as a Sensory and Quiet room, ideal for children and adults with additional needs. Visit www.enchantedwintergarden.com
Christmas on Castle Island, County Fermanagh (26 November – 20 December)
- Hop onboard the fully accessible, magical water sleigh from Enniskillen Castle Jetty and be transported through an immersive Christmas tale before arriving on Santa’s Island. Follow the adventure through the guided activities and help the elves before joining Santa in his enchanting Nordic Grotto. Warm up with a hot drink and enjoy the magical lights and Christmas views and maybe even call into the Christmas Market before heading home. Visit www.bluegreenyonder.com
Cinderella Panto, Belfast & Derry (30 November – 2 January)
- You shall go to the ball and have a truly magical family experience at the MAC Belfast with the ultimate rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella. Packed with great song and dance routines, hilarious comedy, dazzling scenes, sumptuous sets and magical special effects, Cinderella in the MAC is fun for all the family from 4-94! Cinderella also comes to the Grand Opera House from December 3 until January 15 and to the Millennium Forum in Derry from December 1 until January 2, 2023. Visit www.themaclive.com or www.goh.co.uk or www.millenniumforum.co.uk
Hillsborough Light Trail, County Down (1 December – 1 January)
- Gather friends and family for an after-dark illuminated trail experience like no other. You’ll be blown away as over a million twinkling lights and festive sounds fill the grounds of the historical gardens, not to mention the giant baubles, tunnels of light and fire garden. There’ll be no shortage of talented independent food vendors present so make sure to leave room for some delicious treats. Visit www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle
Todd’s Leap Christmas Experience, County Tyrone (1 – 22 December)
- Bring your little ones to Todd’s Leap this Christmas where Santa’s mischievous little elves are wreaking havoc. While you visit this winter wonderland, the children can write and post a letter to the man himself, help the elves in the workshop, board Santa’s off-road sleigh and even meet Mrs Claus before choosing a present to go home with. Visit www.toddsleap.com
Mount Stewart Christmas, County Down (4 December – 8 January)
- Christmas is always the best time to visit the amazing Mount Stewart estate as its gardens come alive with festive spirit. Enjoy a range of Festive events including storytelling, Christmas craft workshops and get that jolly feeling going with a festive trail which starts on December 17 and runs until January 8. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart/
Walled City Christmas Market, County Derry (16 – 18 December)
- If you find yourself further west, a trip to the Walled City Markets in Derry should help you check off that list. Nestled in the Guildhall Square, the market is on the first two weekends of December and offers unique handmade crafts, mouth-watering artisan food and scrumptious, tasty treats. The square is also home to the Guildhall Craft Fair (25th – 27th of November). The Christmas Winterland Market is another in Derry~Londonderry to help you get everyone’s presents organised and takes place from 16th–18th of December. Visit www.visitderry.com/whats-on
Winter Circus, Belfast (16 December – 2 January)
- Join Tumble Circus for an all-new hour of hammer smashing Belfast inspired circus, comedy and riotous fun. Winter Circus is high skill, all human and all thrill circus featuring death defying aerialists, hardcore acrobats and mind-bending jugglers. Circus devilment and mighty craic, complete with dead on skills and big laughs. A warm welcome awaits you in the iconic heated Big Top. www.tumblecircus.com
Subject to availability. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. For more information on great places to visit in Northern Ireland visit, www.discovernorthernireland.com
