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 24 – 30).
- Grimes and McKee’s Ugly Sisters, Grand Opera House, Belfast, December 19 – 29. Grimes and McKee return once more to the Opera House’s pantomime set bringing songs, sketches and beautifully choreographed movement, with a skew-whiff Christmas-related theme – described as the ultimate Christmas party night out.
- Free Christmas Mystery Movie, Eclipse Cinema, Downpatrick, Co. Down, December 24. Get into the real spirit of Christmas and enjoy a Christmas Eve mystery movie for free.
- Boxing Day Walk, Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Co. Down, December 26. Burn off the Christmas calories with a brisk guided walk. Feed the birds, visit the hides and enjoy the fresh air.
- Mince Pie Special, Steam Trains Ireland, Belfast, December 26. All aboard for a relaxing scenic journey on the Mince Pie steam train to Bangor – sit back and unwind with a complimentary mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.
- Boxing Day Race Meeting, Down Royal Racecourse, Maze, Lisburn, December 26. Come along and enjoy Christmas’ other great tradition – the Boxing Day Race Meeting at Down Royal.
- Peter Corry’s Music Box, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, December 28. Celebrate the festive season and rediscover the magic and wonder of Christmas past and present with this spectacular of music, song and dance starring Peter Corry and members of the Ulster Operatic Company.
- Hugo Duncan’s Country First, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, December 28. Radio Ulster’s ever popular Hugo Duncan ‘The Wee Man From Strabane’ brings his country jamboree to the Island Hall for a night of great country music.
- AVA Fairs – Antiques, Vintage and Art Fair, Slieve Donard, Newcastle, Co. Down, December 30. Antique dealers from all over come together and set up stalls selling their goods. If it is shopping with a difference you are looking for then look no further.
- Mystery of the Christmas Star, Armagh Planetarium, Co. Armagh, until December 31. Journey back more than 2000 years to Bethlehem and seek to discover a scientific explanation for the star the Wise Men followed to find the baby Jesus in the digital theatre show “Mystery of the Christmas Star”. This modern re-telling of the Christmas story will charm and captivate audiences of all ages.
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Millennium Forum, Co. Londonderry, until January 5. Featuring William Caulfield and a star studded local cast with a special ‘magical’ appearance by Daniel O’Donnell, this energetic Christmas treat is sure to be a hit with audiences far and wide.
- Irish and American Christmas Past, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, until January 6. Step back in time and experience a traditional 1700s, 1800s & 1900s Christmas in rural Ulster and Pioneer America. The whole family can enjoy a day out exploring the treasures the outdoor museum has to offer.
- Enniskillen 400, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, until January 25. Marking 400 years since the official foundation of the town of Enniskillen, this exhibition explores life in the seventeenth century beginning with Gaelic Rule. The photos are displayed alongside sonnets by writer and historian Seamus MacAnnaidh.