Discover NorthernIreland has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (27 November – 3 December).

 

1. Dreamworks Animation in Concert, Belfast, 28 November. A one night only special event at the SSE Arena, featuring music and iconic movie moments from DreamWorks Animation’s hit films including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and many more. The concert features favourite moments from DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved films with music performed by The RTE Orchestra.
2. Basketball Hall of Fame Classic Belfast 2017, Belfast, 1-2 December. For the first time in history, college basketball will be played outside of the United States of America in Europe at Belfast’s SSE Arena. The two-day tournament will feature Holy Cross vs. Manhattan College and La Salle University vs. Towson University, followed by consolation and championship play on the second day.
3. The Carol Ship on Strangford Lough, Co. Down, 1-2 December. Christmas starts in Portaferry and Strangford as Christmas music rings out across Strangford Lough. The Strangford Ferry will be decorated with Christmas lights and choirs and musicians will perform on each sailing. There will be Christmas markets in Portaferry and Strangford and children’s entertainment in both villages.
4. Ulster Orchestra – The Snowman: Family Concert, Belfast, 2 December. One of the most popular children’s books ever written, The Snowman is even more enchanting when it’s experienced in this big-screen, animated version at the Waterfront Hall, with live music by the Ulster Orchestra and a young singer performing the iconic ‘Walking in the Air’.
5. Christmas Fair at The Argory, Co. Tyrone, 2-3 December. The festive period is not complete without a visit to The Argory’s Christmas Fair, featuring a number of craft, food and drink stalls, as well as traditional festive entertainment. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere and see this National Trust house decorated at Christmas. Prices: Child £2.50, Adult £6, Family £14.50, members go free.
6. Jack and the Beanstalk, Derry~ Londonderry, 1 – 31 December. Telling the story of peasant boy Jack and his attempts to please his impoverished mother and win the hand of Princess Jill, Jack and the Beanstalk remains one of the best-loved pantomimes of all time. Packed with great song and dance routines, hilarious comedy, dazzling scenes and magical special effects is this spectacular show at the Millennium Forum, starring William Caulfield as Dame Trot.
7. Sound of Light and Christmas Procession, Derry~Londonderry, 1 December. The Sound of Light and Christmas Procession is something very special and is a highlight of this year’s Christmas celebrations. Follow the sound of light trail through the historic quarters of the old city. The trail will include light installations, music, projection, performance throughout cultural venues and outdoor spaces upon and within the city walls.
8. Enniskillen Christmas Craft & Food Fair, Co. Fermanagh, 2 December. Escape the high street crowds and enjoy a festive day out for all the family at the Enniskillen Christmas Craft & Food Fair in Enniskillen Town hall. Soak up the atmosphere among the craft and food stalls and pick up that something special for a loved one.
9. Gingerbread Alley, Co. Armagh, 25 November-22 December. A chance to view the stunning exhibition at of gingerbread creations by local chefs and bakeries at Armagh Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre. This year’s competition theme is Happily Ever After, with the winning creation being announced on Georgian Day (25th November).
10. Murder Mystery Evenings, Co. Tyrone, 1-2 December. It’s Christmas 1943, war rages abroad but here at the big house the enemy lurks within. There has been a murder but who did it, what has ice-cream got to do with it? Join Lissan House for some fatal attraction, fun and forensics. Come dressed to kill in 1940’s style service or civvies. Tickets £35 each, includes a glass of bubbly on arrival. To book call 028 8676 3312.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.