Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of What’s On this weekend across NI.

Down

Ride on a steam train through the County Down countryside, and visit Santa in his magical workshop. Kids get to meet Santa, tell him what they want for Christmas, and get a gift bag. You can also visit our buffet for drinks and snacks, our museum buildings, shop, and model railway.  Trains run from 2pm-5pm each day – doors open about 1:30pm. Pay on arrival at the station in Downpatrick, no need to book in advance. Open every Saturday and Sunday between now and Christmas.

Armagh

Be prepared to howl with laughter as the 2015 Christmas pantomime, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, arrives at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre. This magical, fun-filled adventure is presented by a fabulous cast of characters, and bursting with catchy songs, loads of audience participation and plenty of bite! All the better to entertain you with! Families and children will get right up close to all of the action with loads of chances to cheer on Little Red Riding Hood, her friends The Three Little Pigs, and Boo the big and very bad wolf!  Runs from 4th – 20th December.

Fermanagh

Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule stopping off at SHARE on Sunday 6th December and Sunday 13th December to spread some festive joy. Enjoy a family day out with a scrumptious 4 course meal and visit Santa for a present and to post your letter to the North Pole.  Promises to be a fun festive day with guest appearances from Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Tyrone

Join An Creagan this Friday 4th December for their outdoor courtyard market filled with Christmas lights, music, food, craft beers & ciders and crafts from local producers. This is a perfect day out for the family while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere in beautiful surroundings and an ideal opportunity to choose handmade original gifts for all the family from special presents and personal commissions to simple stocking fillers.

Derry

The annual pantomime extravaganza by local Limavady Drama Group returns to the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady for some superb festive family fun with a production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Wed 2, Thur 3 & Fri 4 December – shows at 7.30pm. Sat 5 December – shows at 2.30pm & 7.30pm.

Antrim

Join Ma, Da, Mary, Mags, Youcef and all their friends in My Big Fat Belfast Christmas at Theatre at the Mill 4th December to 2nd January.  Directed by Fionnuala Kennedy, it’s a guaranteed Christmas Craic’er’!  Wee Mary is travelling home for Christmas to introduce her new boyfriend, Youcef, to the ‘family’, yes, the whole family! Back in Belfast, Mum Mary is up to her eyes stuffing the turkey, with Dad Joe, who has enlisted the help of a cheeky bottle of Baileys, under strict orders to dress the tree.  Meanwhile, Mary’s younger sister, Mags, really couldn’t care if the Queen of Sheba herself was flying home.

Belfast

Step back in time, join Father Christmas and explore Titanic Belfast’s traditional Christmas street scene at the Magical Christmas Experience!  Visit Ye Olde Picture House, peek through the toy shop window at the toys from a bygone era and check out the Post Office where Father Christmas has his elves hard at work! Enjoy a wondrous Christmas tale, challenge each other at one of our traditional games, or visit our old fashioned wardrobe and find the perfect outfit to transport you back in time.  Write your letter to Father Christmas and let your creative juices flow with our Christmas crafts – don’t forget to take your masterpieces home to share with your families. Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off our ‘Naughty or Nice’ list, before visiting Father Christmas in his Old Curiosity Shop!

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