The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (November 19 – 25).
- Broadway and Beyond, The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, November 20 – 24. A unique blend of family favourites and the latest musical hits by the Fortwilliam Musical Society.
- Belfast Beer and Cider Festival 2012, Ulster Hall, Belfast, November 22 – 24. With over 100 beers and ciders available in a range of styles, this festival will create the biggest bar in Ireland with traditional pub games, tutored beer tastings and live music.
- Soapmaking – Handmade for Christmas, Hunters Lodge, Killinchy, Co. Down, November 23. An introduction to melt and pour soap making for beginners or those interested in making soaps for Christmas. This is a hands-on workshop and you will leave with your own beautiful creations.
- Lady Windermere’s Fan, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, November 23. A classic Oscar Wilde comedy. Parlours and parties, eavesdropping, misunderstandings, secret information, letters falling into unintended hands and the wooing of pretty young daughters. Does Lady Windermere learn about life, love and the society she thought she knew so well?
- Christmas Switch On Illuminations, Lurgan Town Centre Plaza, Co. Armagh, November 23. A dazzling evening of Christmas festivities including festive stilt walkers, magical entertainment, carol singing and Santa who will illuminate the Christmas tree.
- Lisburn Christmas Lights Switch On, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, November 23. Lisburn lights up with the annual Christmas lights switch on with lots of entertainment including carol singing and free giveaways.
- Dickens Day 2012, Kilkeel, Co. Down, November 24. Celebrate the life and work of Charles Dickens with craft stalls, local schools singing carols, mince pies and mulled wine, a horse drawn carriage parade, and a light parade when everyone decorates their vehicles with lights and parades through the town.
- Starling Spectacle, meet on the Lagan Walkway on the Albert Bridge, Belfast, November 24. Catch one of Belfast’s most spectacular wildlife sights as thousands of starlings gather to roost at the Albert Bridge.
- Little Red Riding Hood, Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, November 24. A curious young girl weaves her way through the woods to her Grandma’s house. This is a journey full of surprises with a playful and imaginative re-telling of a timeless story.
- Santa’s Grotto, Hillmount Nursery, Belfast, November 24 – December 23. This indoor grotto will be a delight for children of all ages with animated scenes and real reindeers and donkeys.
- Georgian Day, Armagh City Centre, November 24. One of the most exciting and unique events of the Christmas calendar when Armagh will be transformed with market stalls offering indigenous crafts and food and local musicians.
- The Nutcracker, Waterside Theatre, Co. Londonderry, November 25. A magical story about a little girl who falls asleep after the Christmas gift-giving party and dreams that one of her toys – the handsome Nutcracker prince – comes to life and takes her off to the land of sweets where they fall in love.