The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 17 – 23).
- Local Crafts Showcase, Tower Museum, Co. Londonderry, December 17. An innovative craft event to raise awareness of the arts and crafts projects which have been created by people with disabilities.
- Skate Odyssey – Public Ice Skating, Odyssey Arena, Belfast, December 18 – January 6. As part of the WinterFest programme, the Odyssey Arena will be transformed into the coolest place in town. Come along and experience the thrills of ice skating at the home of the Belfast Giants.
- The High Kings, Ardhowen, Co. Fermanagh, December 18 – 19. Multi-platinum artists The High Kings have been voted Ireland’s folk band of the year and will not disappoint with this showcase of lively new songs and rousing interpretations of old favourites.
- Traditional Music Nights, Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, December 20. Relax and unwind with a night of traditional music at the Adair Arms Hotel.
- A Giant Carol Sing, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, December 20. Brass bands and a number of local primary schools will help get you into the Christmas spirit by exploring the lighter side of Christmas with lots of carol singing.
- Winter Solstice Guided Hike to Summit of Slieve Gullion, Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh, December 20 – 22. Set on the summit of Slieve Gullion is the highest surviving passage tomb in Ireland and every year in the Winter Solstice the setting sun illuminates the passage inside. This year there will be three guided walks to the tomb. The walks will take place at dusk and suit experienced people only.
- Christmas Carol Service, Down Parish Church, Downpatrick, Co. Down, December 21. Celebrate Christmas and enjoy some beautiful singing at this carol service which starts at 5pm.
- Retro Dance, Ulster Hall, Belfast, December 21. Jive, swing and jitterbug the night away with Nightswing and Bellehoppers as forties and fifties dancing, music and fashion return to the Ulster Hall.
- Cultúrlann Christmas Party, An Cultúrlann, Belfast, December 21. This end of year celebration will showcase some home-grown talent as well as a stunning string quartet that will perform melodies including Muse, Radiohead, The Divine Comedy and much more.
- Christmas with The Priests, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, December 22. The Priests perform some of the most cherished seasonal songs including Ding Dong Merrily On High, O Come All Ye Faithful, Ave Maria and Silent Night.
- Christmas Concert, Mussenden Temple, Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, December 22. Enjoy an evening of Christmas songs, old and new, performed in a jazz/ swing style by High Carslow and friends.
- Introduction to White Water Course, Adventure Centre, Castlewellan Forest Park, Co. Down, December 22. A course designed to introduce paddlers with some experience of flat water to the delights of river journeys in a Kayak.