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

Down

Make magical memories at WWT Castle Espie with a day out to see Santa and his elves from 3rd to 18th December.  Tickets are available to purchase online and include refreshments, access to the Santa experience and nature reserve plus children receive a gift from Santa.

Armagh

‘Santa’s Magical Solstice Christmas‘ at the Navan Centre & Fort will take you on an enchanted Christmas journey to the magical land of Lapland as day quickly turns to night and the wonder of the Solstice takes place from 3rd to 22nd December.  Santa will be waiting to meet all the boys and girls, and of course, he has a gift for all the children!  Planning to go to the Cinderella at the Market Place Theatre?  Buy your Theatre ticket at the Market Place Box Office, showing your Santa’s Magical Solstice Christmas ticket and get £2.50 off per ticket for the panto for the following performances:

Friday 9th Dec. at 6.30pm, Friday 16th Dec at 6.30pm & Friday 23rd Dec at 6.30pm.

Fermanagh

Christmas shoppers are in for a treat as Fermanagh and Omagh District Council once again hosts its Christmas Craft and Food Fair in Enniskillen on Saturday 3rd December from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, with stalls located in both the historic Town Hall and in the bustling Diamond in the centre of the town.  This popular event which follows hot on the heels of the highly successful  Christmas lights switch-on, is always a major attraction and provides the ideal opportunity for shoppers to sample and purchase a range of locally made food delights and handmade crafts, alongside soaking up the festive atmosphere, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the season and finding those unique gifts for family and friends.

Tyrone

Don’t miss this year’s Coalisland Christmas Lights Switch-On, which takes place on Sunday 4th December at the Cornmill Centre. To help build up to the big switch on, supported by Mid Ulster District Council, DJ Marty Lo and the stars of the CRAIC pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will start the celebrations at 5pm. To add to the atmosphere, you’ll be treated to an evening of festive fun, including street entertainment, giveaways, music from local talent, a music and dance performance by the very talented cast of CRAIC and other surprises.  While Santa will be busy right across Mid Ulster over the coming weeks, he’ll be in attendance to make sure the lights are on by 6.30pm.

Derry

In Magherafelt, a fantastic array of 25 artisan food and craft stalls, will be the centrepiece of the 2016 Magherafelt Christmas Market and Christmas Lights-switch on , taking place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th December.  Enjoy browsing and sampling the locally produced food and drink, or take time to unwind in the lounge with a craft beer, hot mulled wine or just sit and relax. There will be lots of hints and tips for Christmas feasts and local bands and school children will perform in the marquee over the weekend. Vote for your favourite taste too, as local butchers compete for the crown of “Magherafelt’s Best Banger” or enter the Christmas Jumper Competition taking place on Sunday 4 December!  All wrapped up in this smorgasbord of treats will be Magherafelt’s Christmas Lights Switch-on on Saturday 3rd December at 7pm, with Chair of Mid Ulster District Council and Santa of course, finishing the evening of festive fun with a spectacular fireworks display.

Antrim

See Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Courtyard Theatre until the 17th December This sparkling production features an outstanding cast, puppetry, dazzling sets and lavish costumes.  All ages can join in the excitement as this timeless fairtytale unfolds.  Special guest, Santa, will be handing out presents at the end of the show.  With just 180 seats, this intimate venue is perfect for children to get up close to the action.  Don’t miss out on the truly magical experience of a Christmas pantomime.  RELAXED PERFORMANCES: Saturday 26 Nov at 1pm and Saturday 3 Dec at 1pm. SIGNED PERFORMANCE: Sat 3 Dec at 7pm

Belfast

This Saturday 3rd December, for one night only, Elvis will be at Belfast Cathedral.  The ELVIS Spectacular stars 2012 European Champion Mr Ciaran Houlihan with his TCB Band and The SWEET Sensations. Ciaran looks, sounds and moves just like the King of Rock and Roll and we’re certain the show will be a night to remember – Book your tickets now! Belfast Cathedral are delighted to host this show where Ciaran and his band will perform some of ELVIS’s great gospel hits including “How great thou art”, “Come all you faithful”, “Amazing Grace” and “The Lords Prayer”- as well as many of The KING’s huge Rock ‘n Roll hits! Tickets are £15 with limited parking available at Belfast Cathedral for £4.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.