The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 9 – 15).
Colmcille’s Spiral, The London Street Gallery, Co. Londonderry, December 1 – 15. A present day re-imagination of ideas from the distance past, stemming from the rich legacy of the sixth-century monk, through an ambitious collaboration of artists, writers and academics.
Santa in the Barn, Orchard Acre Farm, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, December 1 – 15. A Victorian Santa will welcome children into the cosy Eco Barn where they will have an opportunity to meet Santa as he relaxes in his homely surroundings. There will also be a chance to help Mrs Claus in the kitchen and enjoy Christmas crafts.
NI Photographic Association Annual Print Exhibition, Ballymoney Town Hall, Co. Antrim, December 2 – 21. This exhibition comprises of 75 prints featuring a wonderful variety of subjects including portraits, natural history, landscapes and seascapes, architecture, sport and many others in both monochrome and colour.
A Christmas Trilogy, Space CRAFT, Belfast, December 5 – 24. An annual exhibition incorporating framed pieces, handmade decorations, ornaments and much more. Take this chance to treat someone you love to a locally made gift or to invest in a distinctive piece for your home.
Santa’s Magical Grotto, The Burnavon, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, December 6 – 21. Enjoy a special visit to Santa’s magical workshop where there will be an opportunity to write and post a letter to Santa, meet Santa and receive a gift.
Santa Experience, Mount Stewart House & Gardens Co Down, various datesDecember 6 – 21.Visitors will travel through the grotto, meet the Elves in their workshop, and will be served complementary refreshments before the group visit Santa and Mrs Claus.
Lapland Express, Downpatrick and County Down Railway, Co. Down, December 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22. Board the Christmas train at Downpatrick Station and take a trip to Inch Abbey before meeting Santa at his special North Pole workshop where the children will receive a present from Santa.
Hidden History in the Belfast Hills, Falls Road Library, Belfast, December 11. An interactive presentation on the heritage of the Belfast Hills including the history, wildlife and all who have walked upon them. It also includes information on the recent archaeological finds that stretch back to the Neolithic age.
Magical Christmas at Castle Coole, Castle Coole Estate, Co. Fermanagh, December 14 – 22.Castle Coole will be home to Santa and Mrs Claus as they busily prepare for Christmas. Grown-ups can enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie from the kitchen range as the children meet Santa and Mrs Claus.
Gingerbread Alley, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, untilDecember 24. Tis’ the season for all things gingerbread so why not come along and see festive gingerbread creations in all their glory. Local businesses have put their hearts and souls into making incredible, edible creations from churches to castles.
Colmcille’s Spiral, The London Street Gallery, Co. Londonderry, December 1 – 15. A present day re-imagination of ideas from the distance past, stemming from the rich legacy of the sixth-century monk, through an ambitious collaboration of artists, writers and academics.