From the 28^th November, meet Santa in his icy Christmas cavern and ride W5’s magical miniature train ride, The Winterland Express!

Meet Santa

A meeting with Santa is always a magical moment for a child. This year our Santa’s Grotto will give young children a memorable experience as little ones get the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his icy Christmas cavern. Children will be rewarded with a gift from Santa and parents will have the opportunity to buy a photograph of their child/children, or the whole family.

Meeting with Santa costs an additional £5 per child and includes a Christmas present containing a soft toy (retail value of £5.49). To guarantee a place, a Santa visit must be pre-booked via our online booking facility or by 028 9046 7790/7793.

Times and Dates

Saturdays and Sundays from 28 November – 20 December: 10.15am – 5.15pm

Thursdays and Fridays from 3 December – 18 December: 3.00pm – 5.45pm

Monday 21 December – Wednesday 23 December: 10.15am – 4.15pm

Winterland Express

This Christmas take a journey to the fairytale world of Winterland. Take a trip on the Winterland Express, our magical miniature train ride. Travel through the enchanted forest into the icy cavern to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland Castle, where a few surprises await!

The Winterland Express is FREE with admission to W5 and the ride lasts approximately 5 – 8 minutes. To guarantee a place, the Winterland Express must be pre-booked via our online booking facility or by 028 9046 7790/7793.

Times and Dates

Saturdays and Sundays from 28 November – 20 December: 10.15am – 5.15pm

Thursdays and Fridays from 3 December – 18 December: 3.00pm – 5.45pm

Monday 21 December – Wednesday 23 December: 10.15am – 4.15pm

For further information visit www.w5online.co.uk.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Indulgent Luxury Beach Escapes, Strand Lodge, Portstewart. Luxury weekend escape offers available from £450. Beautiful luxury beach house with breathtaking views and room for all the family. Why not take advantage of not just the house facilities but the vibrant local amenities including luxurious pamper treatment offers. Available until 28 May 2016. To book call 07802 388 941.

• Golf and Spa Break, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Chalets, Enniskillen. From £117pps. Enjoy an unforgettable break specially created for those that love to golf and spa! Relax with two nights midweek accommodation (Sunday to Thursday), one 4 course dinner, cooked breakfast each morning and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club. You can then decide which of you will enjoy a round of golf on the nearby Castle Coole Golf Course while the other enjoys a 30-minute spa treatment in the Elemis Spa. Treatments require advance booking. Available until 13 December 2016. To book call (028) 6632 3481.

• Exclusive Stay and Spa Package, Hunter’s Lodge, Killinchy, Newtownards. From £90pps. Luxury bed and breakfast accommodation with spa package at Pure Day Spa. Choose one of five treatments: ESPA express facial, aromatherapy back, neck and shoulder massage, dry flotation treatment, pure manicure, pure pedicure.  Spa package to last approximately 2 hours with full use of spa facilities and complimentary refreshments. Available until 13 December 2016. To book call (028) 9754 2703.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 16 – 22).

• Lisburn Christmas Lights Switch On, Market Square, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, November 19. Lisburn never disappoints with its spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On, featuring school children, street performers and carnival entertainment. Begins at 6pm.

• The Bard of Armagh 2015, Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Co. Armagh, November 20. The Bard of Armagh, Ireland’s Unique Festival of Humorous Verse is celebrating 21 years of uproarious bardic revelry. People travel from every corner of Ireland and abroad to savour this unique cultural entertainment event. The performers on the final night will attempt to generate tornadoes of laughter with the aim of being crowned the champion of humorous verse.

• 16th Belfast Beer & Cider Festival, Ulster Hall, Bedford Street, Belfast, November 19-21.This festival houses the biggest bar in Ireland featuring 70 hand pumps, pub games, tutored beer tastings, Champion Beer of Festival competition, local food stall and live music from late afternoons. There will be over 100 real ales and ciders featuring local and mainland breweries and for the first time all ciders will be from Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.belfastbeerfestival.co.uk.

• Christmas at Hillmount, Hillmount Nursery, Upper Braniel Road, Belfast, November 21. Santa will be making a very special arrival at Hillmount along with his helpers Peppa, Mickey and Minnie! Join in the festive fun with live reindeer and free face painting. You can enjoy a delicious range of festive food and drink and the U105 crew will be there to supply the Christmas cheer!

• Festival of Light, Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, November 20-29. Based on the ‘Son et Lumiere’ shows that originated in France this year’s festive show promises to be a fascinating display. See the famous Lake Walk and wonderful art installations come alive to the sound of mystical music and shimmering colour. Take a peek inside the family home and enjoy the chance to see a selection of rooms revealed in a new light.

• Enniskillen Christmas Lights Switch On, The Diamond, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, November 21. Entertainment in the Diamond from 3pm with live music, face painting, balloon modelling, cartoon characters, stilt walkers and street entertainment as well as a flash dance routine. Santa and his parade will commence from Quay Lane Car Park from 4.50pm and will conclude with the lights being switched on at 5.30pm.

• Christmas Craft Market at Flowerfield, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Coleraine Road, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, currently running until December 19. Do you seem to spend each Christmas scratching your head to think of unique gift ideas for the special people in your life? Then look no further than Flowerfield Arts Centre. The award-winning arts centre will welcome another major Christmas Craft Market and exhibition offering unique hand-made crafts for sale at affordable prices, from some of the most exciting craftmakers in Northern Ireland.

• Visit Santa’s Workshop at the Linen Green, Unit 2 The Linen Green, Main Road, Moygashel, Co. Tyrone, November 19-23. Treat your kids this Christmas with a visit to Santa’s Toy Emporium. Children will be able to take part in a range of seasonal activities before getting to meet Santa and his crew for a beautiful photograph. Each child will receive a Christmas gift from Santa as well as a photograph to take home. For more information visit www.thelinengreen.co.uk.

• Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On, Bangor Town Hall, Castle Park, Bangor, Co. Down, November 21. Kick start the festive season and watch the skies above Bangor come alive with a spectacular fireworks display before the Christmas lights are switched on. Light switch on and fireworks commence at 5.30pm.

• C.S. Lewis Festival, various locations, Belfast, November 19-22. The third C.S. Lewis Festival marks the 52nd anniversary of the death of the renowned author, theologian, academic and creator of the incredible Chronicles of Narnia series. There will be something for everyone; theatre, workshops, craft fairs, films, talks, music and much more.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Christmas in Ards and North Down promises to be more festive AND fun than ever before this year with a packed programme of events for everyone, plus a choice of high street favourites, speciality shops and unique local craft fairs where you can purchase the perfect gift for someone special.

With support from local traders, Ards and North Down Borough Council officially launched its festive AND fun campaign today (12 November) with a seasonal online video that depicts a young girl’s dreams of the borough being transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland.  The video features Santa’s special helper in Ards and North Down, Bubbles (the Elf), who magically lights up each of the borough’s five towns – Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber and Donaghadee – ready for all the festive fun ahead.

The video can be viewed on the Council’s Facebook page, where you can also access information about upcoming events and promotions.  And the fun doesn’t end there.  Throughout the festive AND fun period there will be competitions, opportunities to participate in more videos and lots of other festive Facebook joviality.

Speaking at the launch Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, said:

“Ards and North Down is simply the best place to visit and shop this Christmas. The Council, in conjunction with all five local chambers of trade, will be delivering a superb programme of nearly 40 events across the borough to help residents and visitors prepare for, and celebrate, Christmas 2015.  This includes Christmas light switch ons, a pop up ice skating rink, craft fayres, musical performances, a pantomime, Christmas movies and more.   Bubbles the elf may make a special appearance at some of these – access our full events programme to make sure not to miss him!”

He continued: “Initiatives to encourage people to shop locally this Christmas will also feature.  A ‘Borough Bus’ will travel between the area’s five towns, allowing passengers to stop off and enjoy an hour of Christmas shopping in each on Saturday 5 December.  Special promotions will run in different towns on different days (check online for details).”

The first event of the season is the ever-popular Bangor Christmas switch on at its new sea front location at the McKee Clock, Queen’s Parade, Bangor on Saturday 21 November (5.30pm).  A spectacular fireworks display will accompany the switch on.  A special Christmas market, providing a sneak peak of the festive gifts and goodies on offer in Bangor shops, will also run on Saturday 21 from 11am – 7pm.

Find out more about all our events at visitardsandnorthdown.com.  For festive pictures, updates and promotions ‘like us’ on Facebook.

Join us on Friday 13 Nov at 7.45pm, as TV presenter, author and architectural historian Dan Cruickshank talks about The Destruction of Warsaw.

Dan Cruickshank who is best known for his popular BBC2 series The Best Buildings of Britain and What the Industrial Revolution Did For Us is also noted for his highly successful cultural investigations screened as Around the World in 80 Treasures when Dan travelled through 36 countries in just four and a half months.

Dan Cruickshank grew up in Poland after moving from London to Warsaw at the age of seven with his Communist parents, and shares clips from his new programme in which he makes a very personal journey to revisit his boyhood home.  Dan talks about the destruction of Warsaw and how the city’s shattered identity was rebuilt in the post war years, describing how these early experiences helped shape his views on heritage, architecture and art.  There will be an opportunity for audience members to ask Dan about his life and experiences travelling around the globe.   Come along and hear about his fascinating world.

For Tickets contact Box Office: 028 9034 0202 or our website: thecourtyardtheatre.com

Saturday 28^th November heralds the return of the much anticipated Georgian Day celebrations to Armagh City. For many, this is the beginning of the Christmas season as the Georgian era ushered in so many of the traditions we still follow today.

This family friendly event, now in its 12^th year has been inspired by Armagh’s unique and historic Georgian cityscape. Georgian day helps to bring the city’s Georgian history and stories alive in an interactive way and allows the visitor to step back in time and immerse themselves in all things Georgian. The city will be transformed with activities and entertainment taking place from 10am – 9pm; the majority of which are free of charge.

Over 70 festive stalls will line their way around the city streets offering locally produced food, drinks and high quality gifts. To add to the occasion, stallholders will serve their customers attired in Georgian dress and throughout the day there will be Christmas music and entertainment from Georgian singers. The local Georgian gentry will be strolling around the city streets, ready to inform and entertain their visitors and to encourage everyone to take part in the traditional games and workshops taking place.  The scent of warm mince pies and mulled wine will linger in the air and add to the unique atmosphere.

Many of the beautiful Georgian buildings which create the attractive backdrop to this event will be open during the day for tours. These include the Archbishops Palace, Public Library, Observatory and Gaol and a city walking tour will also be available.

Traditional horse and carriage rides around the iconic Mall encapsulate the Georgian atmosphere. (A small charge applies and tickets must be booked online.) Be sure to wrap up snugly and don’t forget your camera! This may be Georgian day but social media shares are allowed #georgianday!

A new addition to the 2015 festivities is the Children’s Christmas market, open from 1-9pm. Located in The Shambles Yard, this magical experience, designed with children in mind includes real reindeer, a carousel, festive bakery and Post Office, Christmas fairy, storytelling and disco. The stalls have been specially selected to appeal to children. Christmas workshops including glass bauble and Christmas cookie decorating plus letter writing to Santa will ensure everyone is entertained. Activities at the Children’s market continue well into the evening with fire performers and large willow lanterns providing a canvas in the night sky. Gingerbread Alley is sure to appeal to children of all ages. Come along and see the work of our talented local chefs. A family treasure hunt weaves its way around the city and provides a prize to all entrants – Georgian chocolate!

As darkness descends on Armagh, the Georgian Day lightshow bursts into life. The new show entitled “Twas the Light before Christmas” transforms the Market House into a shimmering canvas with images and other special effects, set to festive music and marking the arrival of Santa Claus to the city. This show takes place on the hour between 5-8pm; tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

To facilitate your visit to Georgian Day, a free park and ride system will be in operation throughout the day. Many of the local retailers will be providing festive offers.

For more information on Georgian Day and what’s happening in Armagh this Christmas visit www.armagh.co.uk/georgian or contact Armagh Visitor Information Centre T: 028 3752 1800. This event is kindly supported by Tourism Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast Weekend, Armagh City Hotel, Armagh. From £99pps. Guests can enjoy a luxurious en suite bedroom and delicious modern Irish cuisine in the Friary Restaurant and live entertainment every weekend. There is also free car parking. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 3751 8888. Please quote promo code Autumn Leaves.

• 2 Night Golf Break, Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch. From £97pps. 2 nights bed and breakfast with evening meal voucher to the value of £20 on one night and a round of golf at Spa Golf Club. Just a short distance from the scenic Mourne Mountains, the Millbrook Lodge is a family owned hotel, where the charm of a beautiful Georgian building has been carefully integrated with modern comfort and amenities. Mon to Thurs – £97pps, Fri or Sat – £107pps. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 9756 2828. Please quote Promo Code Autumn Leaves.

• Romantic break, Ramada Da Vinci’s Hotel, Derry, Derry~Londonderry. From £89pps. Enjoy a romantic weekend getaway in the City of Derry at Da Vinci’s Hotel for two night’s bed and breakfast, an evening meal on one of the evenings plus the choice of a bottle of wine in your room or a walking tour of the historic Derry Walls. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 7127 9111. Please quote Promo Code Autumn Leaves.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 9 – 15).

• Tonic Health & Wellness Festival, Queens Road, Queen’s Island, Belfast, November 11. This festival will highlight a range of health and wellness options on offer for individuals and families by providing a range of natural therapies, nutritious healthy food options, demos and topical workshops and talks. There will be a healthy kids and families area, crafts and complementary therapy taster sessions, to name but a few.

• What A Feeling, The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, November 14. ‘What A Feeling’ is a high energy musical journey through the 1980s that will transport you back to the days of shoulder pads, legwarmers and big hair. The music, the lights, the clothes – all packaged into a two hour fast moving spectacular show that will keep you entertained and dancing in the aisles from start to finish. Show begins 8pm.

• Belfast Christmas Light Switch-On, Belfast City Hall, November 14. Join the Lord Mayor of Belfast and special guests on Saturday November 14 from 6.45pm – 7.30pm as they light up the city with the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event. Further details to be announced shortly.

• Atlantic Sessions Festival, Portrush and Portstewart venues, Co. Antrim and Co. Londonderry, November 12-15. Now in its sixth year, Atlantic Sessions on the North Coast is gathering a great reputation with performers and music lovers. It is a high quality musical feast showcasing original music interpreted by artists in a number of ways from traditional to contemporary and electric to acoustic.

• Twilight Market at St George’s Market, East Bridge Street, Belfast, November 11. St George’s Market will play host to the first ever Twilight Market to be held in the city’s award-winning venue. The local market will be transformed into foodie heaven where visitors will be able to feast on some of the unique food elements that make up Belfast’s thriving foodie sector. There’ll be a wide selection of local pop up restaurants and local food producers, all combined with entertaining chef demonstrations, food tastings, chef talks and live music and DJs. From 6-11pm.

• William Kennedy Piping Festival, Victoria Street, Armagh, Co. Armagh, November 12-15. The festival celebrates the worldwide community of piping and has hosted piping traditions from all over the globe and is now recognised as the premier International Piping Festival in the World.

• The Psychic Ghost Walk – Newry, from The Bank Bar, Newry, Co. Down, until December 20. The Psychic Ghost Walk includes a visit to Gallows Hill and the haunted atmospheric tunnels beneath the city streets. Visitors are advised to wear sensible shoes and clothing to suit the weather. Takes place Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9pm – 11pm.

• Gutz, Alley Theatre, Railway Street, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, November 12. ‘Gutz’ promises to be an explosion of creative dance, drama and music. The Alley Theatre is delighted to be welcoming back this must-see musical featuring a star studded cast, phenomenal 10 piece live band and an extensive chorus. Begins at 7.30pm.

• Ulaid – Three Of The Very Finest, Duncairn Centre for Culture & Arts, Duncairn Avenue, Belfast, November 13. Three of Ireland’s favourite musicians will take you on an emotive and uplifting musical journey, from Ireland to the neighbouring Celtic regions and they will chart the path from the ancient music of the Gael to the modern face of traditional Irish music today! From 8pm.

• Fermanagh Choral Society – A Celebration of Music, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, November 15. Fermanagh Choral Society, Sligo Concert Band and Churchill Silver Band will be taking part in a celebration of music in St. Macartin’s Cathedral and conducted by Donal Swain. From 7pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Down

Take in the stunning scenery at Edenmore Golf Club at their Wedding Fayre on Sunday 8^th November. Find out what they can offer both you and your wedding guests for your special day as they host a varied list of respected and successful exhibitors within the industry.  Enjoy a delicious drinks and canape reception in the elegant foyer – FREE ENTRY for all guests and goodie bags for the first 50 bride and grooms-to-be and prize draws throughout the day.

Armagh

The most popular of all classical ballets, Swan Lake, and the world-renowned Moscow Ballet – La Classique demonstrate their continued quality of dance and performances in a dramatic production of this timeless favourite set to Tchaikovsky’s superb score at the Market Place Theatre Saturday 7^th November.  The ballet is a favourite of ballerinas and audiences alike; all leading dancers want to dance Swan lake during their careers and all audiences want to see them dance in this, the ultimate fairy tale ballet.

Fermanagh

Featuring a company of 12 dancers, Ballet Ireland is delighted to return to the Ardhowen Theatre with the comical ballet Coppelia on Saturday 7^th November. Franz and his financee Hildy are curious about the beautiful girl, Coppélia. Jealous of Franz’s infatuation with Coppélia, Hildy begins to suspect things are not all that they seem.

Tyrone

When Gulliver returns from another amazing experience at sea, his family are more than a little perplexed at the Alley Theatre this Saturday evening.  They had just about coped with the giants, the tiny people, the floating islands and outlandish inventions. But a world ruled by horses? That’s a different kettle of fish. Only one thing is certain; family life will never be the same again.  Join us for an uproarious theatrical adventure as Gulliver and his family learn to live together in a strange new world where weird is the new normal.

Derry/Londonderry

Enjoy a family afternoon of classic cartoon shorts from Disney at Roe Valley Arts Centre this Saturday afternoon.  Featuring all the favourites including Mickey Mouse, Daffy Duck, Sylvester the Cat and Tweetie Pie, Pluto the Dog and more, the compiled shorts are a trip down memory lane for Mum and Dad and guaranteed hilarious entertainment for the kids. Pre-screening workshop for children also available from 11am-1.30pm

Antrim

Join James Huish and his amazing 10 piece band pay homage to a timeless legend at Theatre at the Mill on 5th and 6th November.  2015 is the year that the incredible “King Of Swing” Mr Frank Sinatra would have celebrated his 100th birthday.  James could not let this year pass without a tribute concert dedicated to the life of his biggest idol and inspiration.

Belfast

Moscow Ballet, La Classique, brings Sleeping Beauty to the Waterfront on Thursday 5^th November.  Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous music fills the air as enchanting characters come to life during this sparkling, multi-coloured spectacle.  Join our King, Queen, Good and Evil Fairies, Fairies of Gold, Silver, Diamonds and Sapphire, the handsome Prince, and of course, Princess Aurora, as they weave their magic!  Sleeping Beauty is a story lovingly re-told and re-enacted down through the generations, but never before performed so magnificently as by Russia’s finest, Moscow Ballet La Classique.

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