From the switch on of a mile of Christmas lights in Cookstown, to the Christmas Market in Magherafelt, and a Magical Kingdom in Dungannon, you’ll be spoilt for Yuletide cheer this year in Mid Ulster.
The feast of festive events, organised by Mid Ulster District Council, kicks off on Friday 24th November at 5.30pm in Cookstown, with the switch on of the Christmas lights in the town. An evening of family entertainment awaits before a mile of magical Christmas lights illuminate the main street and the festive countdown begins.
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th also sees the return of the Winter Craft & Food Fair to the Burnavon, Cookstown. Running over the two days (10am to 5pm on Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday), you’ll have all the time you need to shop for the perfect, unique Christmas gifts and festive foods.
Santa will be setting up home at the Burnavon from Thursday 7th to Wednesday 20th December in his new Magical Grotto (admission including professional photo souvenir is £8). For full details of dates and times, contact the Burnavon on 028 8676 9949.
Magherafelt Christmas Market is back bigger and better than ever this year, from Friday 24th through to Sunday 26th November, bringing more than 30 artisan food and craft stalls with tempting treats and wares for you to buy.
There’ll be Christmas story-telling in the Bridewell from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday and from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday, and Santa will be stopping by his grotto on Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2pm. The switch on of Magherafelt’s Christmas lights, and accompanying street party and fireworks display will take place on Saturday 25th from 6pm – 8.30pm in the town centre.
Meanwhile in Dungannon, Ranfurly House, situated at the heart of the town centre and gateway to the Hill of The O’Neill, once again leads you into a magical Christmas kingdom (running Friday 24th – Sunday 26th November), with a host of seasonal workshops, space dedicated to children’s entertainment, crafts and food stalls, Santa’s elves and, perched on the Hill, Santa’s Grotto. The switch on of Dungannon’s lights will take place on the Hill, Friday 24th November at 7.30pm.
The following weekend sees the turn of Maghera and Coalisland to launch their festive celebrations, with Christmas in Maghera celebrations happening in The Lurach Centre, Maghera Walled Garden and the town centre from 2pm on Saturday 2nd December. The Lurach Centre will host children’s Christmas workshops, before the Walled Garden brings the magic of Christmas alive before Santa leaves his potting shed to switch on the town’s Christmas lights at 6pm.
Mid Ulster’s Christmas celebration finale happens in Coalisland town centre from 1pm on Sunday 3rd December. The festive fun begins at 1pm at the Cornmill Heritage Centre and continues with the CRAIC theatre hosting a fun-packed evening of entertainment. Children can also stop by to see Santa and there’s a chance to pick up some seasonal gifts at the Christmas Fair in the Parochial Centre. The town’s lights will be switched on at 5.20pm.
For full details of all the festive fun happening across the Mid Ulster District visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas