Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

Down

Get into the festive spirit at the annual Ards Christmas Light Switch On this Friday 24th November. Join Cool FM’s Pete Snodden for a superb evening of Christmas fun featuring ‘Spark!’ a mesmerising street theatre show combining drums and light, that will lead the spectacular lantern parade from Ards Arena at 6.45pm.  At 7.00pm the parade will arrive in Conway Square for one last performance from Spark before the switch on finale.  Children’s entertainment including face painting and balloon modelling will be available in Conway Square from 5.30pm – 7.00pm.

Armagh

The mists of time will descend on Armagh this weekend  for a celebration of the city’s glorious and historic past for the annual Georgian Festival.  A packed schedule of unique events for history buffs, tourists, families and foodies alike, will provide an unforgettable weekend across the city.  Now in its 14th year, Georgian Day culminates in the unmissable spectacle of the annual Animated Light Show which continues to attract thousands to watch Market House burst into life, transforming it into a shimmering canvas. This year’s ‘Five Gold Rings!’ show promises to be a show to remember.

Fermanagh

 

Christmas officially starts in Enniskillen on Saturday 25th November with the Christmas lights switch-on in the town centre. The town will become a hub of live entertainment from late afternoon to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season so come along and get into the festive spirit! Enjoy Festive Family Fun at the Buttermarket from 12.00pm-4.00pm – visit Santa, enjoy festive music & Christmas arts and crafts. Entertainment will start at 3.30pm on The Diamond with music from Full Moon Fever & Sean Magee. Enjoy the Christmas lantern parade and Santa Train before the official switch on at 5.00pm.

Tyrone

 

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.

Derry/Londonderry

Get in the festive spirit and join Santa and his special guests at the Derry Christmas Lights Switch On, Thursday 23rd November from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.  There will be entertainment by walkabout street characters and live festive music on stages in Guildhall Square by Sensation and in Waterloo Place by Superstition. Special guests include Pantomime stars from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Jack and the Beanstalk

Antrim

The Victorian Street Fair and Steam Train Rides on Saturday 25th November, takes the form of a street fair with train rides at the Whitehead Excursion Station, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the unique steam experience.  Visitors will be able to see at close hand how this magnificent machine works.  You will be able to talk to the Driver and Fireman and to see the footplate.  Option to enjoy a visit to the Whitehead Railway  Museum and cafe.  Train rides running from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.

Belfast

Join Titanic Belfast from 22nd November  to the 23rd December to explore the Elves’ Workshop in the Magical Christmas Experience!  Step through the Old Curiosity Shop to enter the Magical Workshop and watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his elves count down to their favourite night of the year. Peek into the toy shop where the elves have been hard at work and join Mrs Claus at her cosy kitchen to hear Christmas tales, before letting your creative juices flow with our arts and crafts or work with Father Christmas’ elves to write and post your Christmas letter.  Don’t forget to make a Christmas Wish to hang on the Magical Wishing Tree. Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off our ‘Naughty or Nice’ list by our Chief Elf, then journey through the enchanted forest and meet Father Christmas!

 

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.