Armagh City will once again light up for Christmas on Saturday 29^th November with a state-of-the-art Georgian Day animated lightshow providing the most spectacular Christmas party in Northern Ireland.

The brand new lightshow ‘A Winter’s Tale’ will form part of the annual Georgian Day celebrations which take place in Armagh City Centre from 10am to 8pm. Due to high demand,  this year’s shows must be pre-booked at www.armagh.co.uk/lightshow.  Shows are free to attend and take place at 5.00pm, 6.00pm, 7.00pm and 8.00pm.

‘A Winter’s Tale’ will be a show to remember, providing an evening of high-energy entertainment in front of an audience of thousands. A truly unmissable experience for children and adults alike as the beautiful Market House bursts into life with a dramatic lightshow projected onto the building. Set to a mix of popular and festive music, the show will transform the building into a shimmering canvas for images, special effects and new for this year live stage action. No Christmas light switch on would be complete without a visit from Santa…so boys and girls better watch out, as Santa Claus is coming to town in the show’s grand finale!

The event is part of the City’s annual and much-loved Georgian Day celebrations, which are now in their eleventh year.  As one of the most exciting and unique events of the Christmas calendar, Georgian Day sees the city of Armagh transformed with market stalls offering stunning gifts and food to excite the Christmas shopper. The event will be in full swing from 10am to 8pm, with a wide range of activities for all the family to enjoy. During the day, the streets will be bustling with people as festive music, horse-drawn carriage rides and the smell of mulled wine and warm mince pies exude a unique Christmassy atmosphere for all to enjoy. A festive market with stalls from all over Northern Ireland will be packed with unique, handmade and unusual gifts whilst Georgian characters roam the city streets telling stories about the etiquette of Georgian life in the city. New for 2014 is also a mix of creative craft workshops at The Shambles Yard in Armagh including workshops in Georgian Appliqué and personalised Georgian Christmas decorations. Workshops must be pre-booked at www.armagh.co.uk/georgian.

A spokesperson for Armagh City & District Council comments: “Georgian Day is a great day out for all the family and there is no end to the entertainment on offer. The day would not be complete without a dramatic lightshow finale providing the biggest Christmas party around and opening the doors in spectacular style to a month of festive celebrations throughout December’

To make things easy for visitors, there will be a free ‘park and ride’ scheme running from Elim Church, Armagh Business Park and the Navan Centre & Fort. For more information contact Armagh Visitor Information Centre on 028 3752 1800 or visit www.armagh.co.uk/georgian.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (December 1-7).

• Santa’s Magical Island, Rams Island, Lough Neagh, Co Antrim, December 5-7. For the first time ever, Ram’s Island will be transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with decorations and illuminated with fairy lights.  This unique ‘Santa’ experience will take place for one weekend only, and will include a ride aboard the Elf Quad Train, toasting marshmallows at the camp-fire, kid’s treats, and a gift from Santa Claus, there might even be a glass of mulled wine for the adults!  Booking is essential.

• Days Of Christmas Past, Ulster American Folk Park, Co Tyrone, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21. This festive season takes the family back in time to experience the magic of a truly traditional Christmas. Visit the toymaker in his workshop, let the Folk Park Mummers entertain and amuse you, taste delicious seasonal treats and meet Santa and Mrs Claus who have a gift prepared for every child!

• 8th John Joe Gordon Trad. Weekend, Black Cat Cove, Belleek, Co Fermanagh, December 5-7. The fun filled weekend begins with an opening concert featuring all-Ireland Accordion Champion Mickey Curran playing in the Black Cat Cove, amongst many others. Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of traditional culture from fiddle and dance workshops to singing sessions throughout the exciting three day event.

• Carols by Candlelight, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Holywood, Co Down, December 5.  Sing traditional carols and listen to seasonal readings in the atmospheric lamp-lit Omagh Meeting House and celebrate Christmas as they did in times gone by.

• Children’s Day, Lissan House, Drumgrass Road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, December 7. Enjoy a day for the kids at this enchanting country residence set within a 260 acre demesne of ancient woodland and forestry with storytelling, craft work, letters to Santa and refreshments accompanied with a visit to Santa.

• Festive Carol Concert, Stormont Parliament Buildings, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, December 5. This wonderful evening promises to get you in the Christmas spirit with seasonal readings and performances from highly regarded Soprano, Lynda Barrett, and the fabulous Methody Choir. Following the concert guests will be treated to mulled wine and mince pies in the wings of the Great Hall.

• Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle, 60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, Co Londonderry, December 5.  Meet Santa and his colourful Elves at The Jungle! Explore the woodland petting farm where activities and tasty treats are on offer.  New attractions include Santa’s house and Elf workshop complete with special sound effects and lighting.

• Mystery of the Christmas Star Digital Theatre Show, Armagh Planetarium, Co Armagh, December 1-6. Join Armagh Planetarium as they journey back more than 2000 years to Bethlehem. This modern retelling of the Christmas story in the Digital Theatre will charm and captivate audiences of all ages.

• An Creagán Christmas Craft Fair, Coolnharen Road, Omagh, Co Tyrone, December 6. A perfect day out and a great opportunity for the family to choose handmade original gifts from special presents to simple stocking fillers, while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere in the beautiful surroundings. Children can meet Santa in his grotto and Yuletide musical entertainment will bring the season to life as festive aromas fill the air.

• Ulster Orchestra Christmas Concert, Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, Bangor, Co Down, December 4. The Ulster Orchestra will deliver a cracker with this year’s Christmas Concert, providing a jolly blend of traditional carols and favourite orchestral music that can’t fail to put you in the Christmas Spirit.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

Down

Holywood Christmas lights switch on by the Mayor of North Down takes place at  4.30pm this Saturday at Holywood Library, with Christmas themed activities throughout the town and in Holywood Library from 11.00am to 6.00pm including a Christmas market and family entertainment.

Armagh

Armagh’s much loved Georgian Day returns for its eleventh year on Saturday 29^th November, to mark the beginning of the Christmas season.  See Armagh in all its festive glory, sparkling with lights as the City goes back to its Georgian roots.  Adding to Armagh’s established retail offering will be over 50 festive stalls, hosted by traders in Georgian costumes, lining the streets for a unique experience that cannot be missed.

Fermanagh

Share Discovery Village will be hosting a Christmas food and craft fair on Saturday the 29th of November from 12noon-4.00pm.  Stalls are available for sellers for £15.  It promises to be a great family fun day out with Santa arriving and a bouncy castle for the kids.  Stock up on your Christmas shopping!

Tyrone

Omagh’s Christmas lights will be switched on this Thursday 27^th November. Entertainment will begin at 6.30pm with music by the Whistling Donkeys, St Connors PS Choir and local singer Sinead Taggart. Special guest this year is Nathan Carter and his band with the evening concluding with fun and Christmas festivities with Santa himself parading through High Street. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 8pm. To facilitate the switch on event, a temporary street closure on High Street will be in operation from approximately 4.30pm – 9.00pm.

Derry

Magherafelt District Council will once again be serving up a treat with their Speciality Christmas Market which will run over three days  from Friday 28^th November (6pm-10pm), Saturday 29^th (10am-10pm) and Sunday 30^th (2pm-6pm). In addition, Magherafelt Council has arranged FREE car parking in the Pay and Display Car Parks from Thursday 27^th November until Sunday 30^th November 2014.  On Saturday the 29th November at 7.00pm join Cool FM for a captivating evening of festive fun, with prize giveaways and the arrival of Santa and a fanfare of fireworks. Together these events will bring a fabulous atmosphere to Magherafelt and an even better aroma.

Antrim

Join Mr Hullabaloo, Jingles, and a sparking cast of characters at the Courtyard Theatre Newtownabbey in an enchanted world of princesses, fairy godmothers and magic spells.  The team that brought you Cinderella, Aladdin, Snow White and Jack and the Beanstalk returns with a brand new production of Sleeping Beauty that will have you singing, dancing and clapping along! Sleeping Beauty opens Friday 28^th November.

Belfast

Jack and the Beanstalk is brought to life by a fabulous cast of larger than life characters this year at the Waterfront Hall this Christmas. Children will love being part of this magical adventure as it unfolds, cheering the goodies, booing the baddies and joining in with the catchy sing-along songs! Jack and the Beanstalk opens on the 27^th November.

The Holywood Christmas Switch On is taking place this Saturday, 29 November and will include an action packed programme with entertainment for all the family in Holywood Town Centre.

The highlight of the day will be Santa arriving on a military fox led by The Royal Scots Borderers 1^st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland Pipes and Drums  with The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Peter Martin who will be  switching  on the lights at 4.30pm. The switch on will be taking place at the Christmas tree outside Holywood Library.

The streets will be hiving with activity with performances from The Singing Elves, a Santa letter-writing workshop, a Christmas card-making workshop, a magician, face-painting, stilt walkers and so much more!

There are a host of other things happening throughout the day too. Come along and enjoy The Christmas Market which is taking place on High Street.  From 11am, over 30 unusual stalls, from local traders, will be selling their Christmas themed wares with plenty of delicious food on offer too.

Also situated at High Street, there will be a giant inflatable snowman which kids can enter and enjoy a disco complete with flashing lights!  Guaranteed to be a hit with the little ones!

There are activities taking place inside The Library too where The Holywood District & Community Council are running an action-packed programme (from 11am) which will include children’s activities, crafts and demonstrations.

Commenting on the event, North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Manager; “Alison Stobie said: Everyone is invited to come along to Holywood to soak up the atmosphere of the Christmas Switch On and enjoy a day of good cheer with lots of Christmas shopping and don’t forget the whole event is free!”

Also commenting on the day, Town Centre Manager Stephen Dunlop said: “Holywood always produces an excellent Christmas fair and every year it’s different and exceptionally well supported. Saturday 29 November will be a magical day and Santa will be on the street collecting Christmas letters from all the children so I would advise getting there early and shop local this Christmas.”

And the Christmas fun doesn’t end there! Project 24 is also hosting a whole array of fantastic Christmas events which will be fun for the whole family taking place at various locations around the town. Called “The Fairy Tale of Bangor,” the fun starts on Friday 28 November at 4pm in Ward Park where children can enjoy an afternoon of fairy tale entertainment, story-telling and lantern-making in “The Enchanted Garden.”

Then at 5.30pm, the Lantern Parade will leave Ward Park and guided by rainbow lights will make its way back to Project 24 via Prospect Road and High Street for the Christmas Light Switch on and Winter Wonderland.

Browse the Festive Market for some Christmas shopping, get creative and make your Letter to Santa, visit Santa’s Grotto and deliver your letter personally! And don’t miss Santa on his sleigh with his reindeer and so much more including a bouncy castle, photo booth, face painter and live music!

The Grand Switch On will take place at 6.30pm with The Mayor of North Down & Special Guests.

Watch out for Fairytale Characters giving away chocolates throughout the locations – find the Golden Ticket to receive VIP Treatment for ‘Movie in the Hub’

The village of Groomsport will also be switching on their lights on Friday, November 28. There will be a short carol service for children and adults starting at 6.30pm in Groomsport Presbyterian Church, then The Mayor of North Down will switch the lights on at 7pm.

Please note these are primarily outdoor events, please dress appropriately. All events are subject to change. Admission and activities are all FREE.

For further information, please phone our Tourist Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

We have four great give aways running at the moment.

To be in with a chance of winning a family pass to the Jungle NI’s Christmas Wonderland Experience click HERE

To win tickets to the opening night of Tinseltown at Theatre at the Mill click HERE

To win one of 5 pairs of tickets to the festive Crooning at Christmas at the Market Place Theatre Armagh click HERE

Win passes to Santa’s Red Letter Day at the Crawfordsburn Country Park – click HERE

All Present & Correct . . .

A new nature-friendly Christmas Santa visit has just been launched. A long time ago before Santa wore a red suit, his clothes were green, blending in with his surroundings and at one with nature. So Mother Nature & Father Christmas will team up to bring a greener approach to the festive season at this unique grotto event, at Crawfordsburn Country Park, near Bangor, County Down (5-7 December 10.30am to 5.00 pm).

The event is hosted by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and supported by Translink. Crawfordsburn Country Park Manager, Nikki Ardill commented:

“I love Father Christmas and it is a very special treat that he is visiting Crawfordsburn for a three-day fun-packed event”.

Each Santa visit must be pre-booked online through the Santa’s Red Letter Days site. At a cost of £15 per child the visit includes a small gift and two ‘selfies’ – one with our green-suited Santa & one with a real Lapland owl; a small make and take recycled craft and facepainting, plus the chance to decorate a Christmas biscuit to enjoy with a soft drink or to take home and hang from your tree! Children not visiting Santa get free admission.

Adults and guardians go free, however older children and big children alike are not forgotten as the environmental art team will help visitors craft a bespoke recycled decoration to take away for £3 with a donation of £1 per decoration going to Mission Christmas to help fund fun for others less fortunate this year.

As a special treat, Sunday 7 December also includes a free admission green Christmas fair. Exhibitors include local environmental and animal charities, sustainable gifts, upcycled and vintage stalls. Make and take workshops for bat & bird box construction, fat ball snacks for our feathered friends and festive print making by Seacourt Print Workshop will be available on Sunday (small donation to cover resources will apply to these activities).

Should you wish to leave your car at home, Translink will help keep your carbon footprint to a minimum and once you arrive at the event upon receipt of a valid train ticket you will receive a £2 discount off one entry to Santa’s Red Letter Day’s plus a free selection box will be given to each child travelling to the event by train. A free NIEA pickup service is available from Helen’s Bay Train Station to the Crawfordsburn Visitor centre from 10.00am to 4.30pm by contacting 028 91 853621.

Translink’s Lynda Shannon said: “Translink has a range of great value tickets including a third-off day return train tickets for travel after 9.30am as well as our Friends & Family discount ticket* to get you to Helen’s Bay Train Station with onward travel provided by NIEA to Crawfordsburn Country Park when you pre-book.”

From Monday 17 November the event will be promoted at Central Station, Belfast, using a special backdrop reminiscent of Sergeant Pepper, depicting the various landmarks on the way to Crawfordsburn and offering a free make and take craft experience to station visitors from 2.30 pm to 5.30pm on Thursday 20 November.

And don’t forget your green Santa
experience would not be complete without breathing in the great outdoors – follow a trail in the Crawfordsburn country park, in the woodlands, on the beach or a visit to the waterfall.

The event is an official Mission Christmas present drop-off point for Cash for Kids, from Monday 17 November to Friday 19 December. Individuals and organisations are invited to donate toys between these dates and Cash for Kids will collect and distribute all donations from the visitor centre in time for Christmas.

For further information and updates about visiting or exhibiting please phone 028 9073 0195 or visit the website: www.santasredletterdays.co.uk

whatsonni.com have 10 passes up for grabs! Enter free  HERE

Steeped in history and legend, with majestic highlands, lush rivers and rugged valleys, County Tyrone and the Sperrin Mountains is one of Northern Ireland’s most unspoilt and wild areas.

The county is well known for its spectacular countryside, stunning mountain ranges, traffic free wide open spaces and beautiful, largely undiscovered landscapes making Tyrone and the Sperrins ideal for a break in the outdoors, especially in the crisp winter weather.

The region is ideal for those who like to get outside in the fresh air, whether that’s to enjoy a gentle stroll around the Sperrin foothills or a more exhilarating mountain walk.  After an invigorating walk there are lots of cosy pubs and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a drink and rest their feet beside a roaring fire. From walking and cycling to more adventurous pursuits, there’s something to suit all interests and abilities.

“The county is a land of mystery and discovery, it has it all,” said Pauline Gormley, NITB’s Destination PR Officer.  “You can visit a Neolithic monument set in breath-taking scenery in the morning, immerse yourself in the unforgettable stories of mass emigration in the afternoon before a relaxing meal at an award-winning restaurant in the evening.”

Pauline continued:  “The range of activities, outside pursuits and forest walks is irresistible for lovers of the great outdoors and the county also has lots to offer those wanting to combine shopping, pampering and sampling delicious food.

“The arts and culture scene is alive and interesting, full of fascinating places such as the Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitors Centre and talented artists including Mairead McClean who recently won the MAC Live art title.  Famous sons and daughters include professional golfer Darren Clarke, country songstress Philomena Begley and theatre director and dramatist, Brian Friel, whose upbringing in County Tyrone gave them a unique view of the world that made them successful.”

Get outdoors

Todds Leap in Dungannon is the ideal day out for outdoor enthusiasts who want to try something that will give them an adrenalin rush and get the blood pumping through their veins. The list of exciting activities is endless and includes archery, clay pigeon shooting, JCB driving, rodeo bull, blindfold driving, climbing wall and off road driving.

Davagh Forest in Cookstown is an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests. Outdoors enthusiasts will love the mountain biking and walking trails as well as the impressive 16km trail with some challenging rock slab drops. There is even more mountain biking available in the form of a 13km trail around the beautiful grounds of the Blessingbourne Country Estate in Fivemiletown and visitors to the estate can stay at the recently opened quaint ‘Gate Lodge’ cottage.

For people who like to be out on the water Blackwater Canoe Trail is perfect as it allows visitors to enjoy an amazing journey through the stunning countryside of Co. Armagh and Co. Tyrone. The river leads into Lough Neagh and canoeists should keep an eye out for the range of wildlife available to see including kingfishers, otters, herons and owls.

Visitors who like to take it a little bit easier can use their car to explore Co.Tyrone and experience one of the Sperrin’s four scenic driving routes which are included in the National Geographic’s prestigious list of the world’s top 101 scenic drives for 2012. The routes encompass the central, south, east and north areas of the Sperrins and offer the perfect way to explore and uncover this unique region.

Spectacular views are apparent throughout the county and stand out locations include the Owenkillew Valley and Butterlope Glen as well as Pigeon Top Mountain near Omagh.   Mullaghcarn which rises above Gortin Glen Forest Park and Bolaght Mountain near Castlederg are renowned for their beauty and Robbers Table outside Omagh is also an excellent off road hill walk with breathtaking views of the Bluestack and High Sperrin Mountain ranges.

Historical Tyrone and Sperrins

Co. Tyrone is brimming with historical sites and information on heritage and tradition. There is nowhere more atmospheric than standing in amongst the Beaghmore Stone Circles which consists of seven stone circles discovered during peat cutting in the 1940’s. Tullyhogue Fort is an area full of historical significance and attracts hundreds of visitors every year and Harry Avery’s Castle in Newtownstewart is a must see for any budding historians. The castle was built around 1320 by a local chieftan of the O’Neill clan but named after Harry Avery. The castle is known for its unusual design as Irish Chieftans of the time rarely built stone castles.

Guests to the county should also visit the Clogherny Wedge Tomb at Plumbridge which is a Scheduled Historic Monument.

Days Out

Nestled in a quaint and tranquil setting in Omagh is An Creagán which offers a range of facilities and activities for families, couples, individuals and corporate groups. This modern building presents a unique blend of stunning landscapes, wildlife, exciting outdoor activities and family fun. Activities available include walking, cycling, rally driving, music, dance and storytelling.

If travelling near the Moy, The Argory is the perfect destination for an exciting day out over the winter months as visitors can step back in time in this house which was built in 1824 and has not changed since the turn of the century. Alternatively try Lissan House in Omagh which is an enchanting country residence set within a 250 acre demesne of ancient woodland and forestry.

Visitors can learn lots about their history and immerse themselves in the story of Irish emigration at The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. The park is a great family day out and has so much to explore from the thatched cottages of Ulster to a full scale emigrant sailing shop to log cabins of the American Frontier.

Stay over and relax

Visitors to the town of Ballygawley should take some time out at Lavender Day Spa which is perfect for a relaxing day out with friends or family and offers a wide range of soothing treatments from facials to massages and reflexology.  Corick House Hotel and Spa in Clogher is also a great destination for those looking for complete relaxation and a special treat and with eight luxurious treatment rooms including a couples room, visitors will go away feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Corick House also offers luxurious accommodation and guests can relax in one of the forty three Georgian style bedrooms.

Shop ‘til you drop

For a little seasonal shopping, Co Tyrone is full to the brim with busy streets offering varieties of shops ranging from cutting edge designer to high street. The Linen Green Designer Village in Dungannon is perfect for those looking for a day of shopping with everything they need in the one place and both Cookstown and Dungannon town centres are known for their variety of places to shop, relax and unwind and are perfect for shopaholics.

If local craft or something homemade is what you’re after Carol Kinloch Beaded Designs is situated just outside Omagh and produces unique hand stitched beaded jewellery from her workshop.

Other craft shops available include Dasalee Textile Art which is based in Dungannon and offers a unique array of mounted or framed artwork and Michelle Butler Ceramics in Omagh which hosts a range of handcrafted ceramic items from large pots to jewellery.

Food glorious food

Foodies will delight in the range of delicious restaurants that Co.Tyrone has to offer including The Brewers House in Donaghmore, Viscounts in Dungannon, Tullylagan Country House in Cookstown and the award winning Oysters in Strabane. Food enthusiasts will also enjoy the Tyrone Food Trail which showcases food producers, restaurants accommodation providers and tourist attractions across the Tyrone region. The Deli on the Green in the Linen Green Designer Village in Dungannon is renowned for its delicious food and is perfect for shoppers who want to take a break after a hard day of retail therapy.

For an abundance of local seasonal produce Dungannon and Omagh both have Farmers Markets which host a wide variety of delicious food including vegetable stalls, bakery goods, farm quality pork, beef and lamb as well as stalls from local bakerys.

For information and for your chance to win a weekend break at Corick House Hotel and Spa log onto http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/sperrins/

Deliciously decadent Emcee Peter Quigley is our mercurial Master of Ceremonies at the Courtyard Theatre Cabaret Club.

Over three special evenings our mirror ball will seductively shimmer around our house band; our spotlights fix on two sensational singers; and finally four cheeky cabaret dancers will complete the breathy mix as the ensemble perform a popular cabaret and party mix in salute to 2014.  You will be directed to your table by one of four willing waiters bursting to break out in song.

New Year’s Eve will be a particularly heady evening as we bid farewell to the old year.  Dress Code: decadent dress encouraged.

Mon 29 Dec – Wed 31 Dec

Tickets £16.50 (29 and 30 Dec)  £22 (31 Dec)

Time: Sun & Tue 8:30pm Wed 9pm

North Down is getting ready to light up for Christmas with a series of special Christmas events planned across The Borough.

The Bangor Christmas Switch On will commence at 5.30pm on Saturday, 22 November, when crowds will gather in Castle Park in front of The Town Hall to watch the skies above Bangor come alive with a spectacular fireworks display choreographed to all your favourite Christmas classics, before the Christmas tree lights are ceremoniously switched on.

This year, the lights will be switched on in front of a packed Castle Park by The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Peter Martin.

Commenting on the event, Alison Stobie, Tourism Manager, North Down Borough Council, said, “The switching on of the Bangor Christmas tree lights is the perfect event to make everyone in the family feel like the festive season has arrived, wrap up warmly and come along and enjoy the show.” She went on to say; “On a more serious note, please make sure to follow all safety instructions on the night. As well as producing an amazing show, safety is our priority at this event, so it is extremely important that you obey health & safety rules and co-operate fully with the marshals. Remember also that due to the volume of people it may be necessary to close some roads and the Omniplex cinema and The Aurora should be temporarily accessed from the Gransha Road between 5pm and 6pm.”

Then on Saturday 29 November, there will be more family festive fun in Holywood with their annual Christmas Light Switch On Event. Featuring a Christmas Market, activities in the library, a visit from Santa and even some Singing Elves, the event promises to be a great day out for the whole family. The market trades 11am – 6pm and the lights will be switched on by The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Peter Martin at 4.30pm.

And the Christmas fun doesn’t end there! Project 24 is also hosting a whole array of fantastic Christmas events which will be fun for the whole family taking place at various locations around the town. Called “The Fairy Tale of Bangor,” the fun starts on Friday 28 November at 4pm in Ward Park where children can enjoy an afternoon of fairy tale entertainment, story-telling and lantern-making in “The Enchanted Garden.”

Then at 5.30pm, the Lantern Parade will leave Ward Park and guided by rainbow lights will make its way back to Project 24 via Prospect Road and High Street for the Christmas Light Switch on and Winter Wonderland.

Browse the Festive Market for some Christmas shopping, get creative and make your Letter to Santa, visit Santa’s Grotto and deliver your letter personally! And don’t miss Santa on his sleigh with his reindeer

and so much more including a bouncy castle, photo booth, face painter and live music!

The Grand Switch On will take place at 6.30pm with The Mayor of North Down & Special Guests.

Watch out for Fairytale Characters giving away chocolates throughout the locations – find the Golden Ticket to receive VIP Treatment for ‘Movie in the Hub’

The village of Groomsport will also be switching on their lights on Friday, November 28. There will be a short carol service for children and adults starting at 6.30pm in Groomsport Presbyterian Church, then The Mayor of North Down will switch the lights on at 7pm.

Please note these are primarily outdoor events, please dress appropriately. All events are subject to change. Admission and activities are all FREE.

For further information, please phone our Tourist Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

This year take the advice of Santa’s Elves, and pop into Bangor Visitor Information Centre for a stress free Christmas shopping experience!

With an array of ideas for gifts and stocking fillers we can help make light work of any Christmas shopping list.

Bangor Visitor Information Centre located at Tower House on Quay Street, opposite Bangor Marina stocks beautiful jewellery, unusual stocking fillers, unique Guinness and Titanic gifts as well as a range of candles, leather goods, local history books and so much more!

We have a great selection of locally made goods from delicious jars of Irish whisky marmalade by the Off Beat Bottling Company to Bog Standard candles, scented sachets and car air fresheners.

We are also stockists of Northern Irish ‘sayings’ cards, mugs, coasters and key rings made by local Bangor man Jeff Meredith, gifts that are proving to be a massive hit at St Georges Market!

During December our friendly staff will be delighted to offer you a complimentary gift wrapping service to make this a hassle free shopping experience from beginning to end.

Opening Hours:

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 9.15am-5pm
Wed: 10am-5pm
Sat: 10am-4pm

Sun: Closed

Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

For more information on the range of gifts available at the Visitor Information Centre call 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com