10 things to do in Northern Ireland

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (17 – 23 December)

 

  1. Daniel O’Donnell, Derry~Londonderry, 19 December. No stranger to the Millennium Forum stage, Daniel O’Donnell returns to delight his many local fans. It’s no surprise he is one of the best loved artistes of our time, both at home and abroad. After more than thirty years in the spotlight as an engaging entertainer, he is still in love with performing and with audiences the world over.
  2. Ulster v Munster, Belfast, 21 December. There will be a wide variety of food and drink options available, as well as live music from a local artist in the Clubhouse Bar. All topped off with an intense battle on the field as Munster descend on Kingspan Stadium.
  3. Gandeys Greatest Snowman Circus, Belfast, 23 November – 6 January. Gandeys, Britain’s largest circus company, comes to Belfast Winter Wonderland with an all-new show, The Greatest Snow Man Circus. This one-hour show features international circus artistes from Mexico, Ukraine, Switzerland and Europe. Packed full of comedy from Chico Rico – Europe’s superstar clown – and thrilling circus acts, it has been specially created, costumed and choreographed to be Belfast’s must see show this Christmas.
  4. The Hedgehog Prince, Limavady, 22 December. The Hedgehog Prince is based on an old traditional folktale and uses puppetry, object theatre and original music which will enchant young and old alike. The perfect Christmas outing for the family at the Roe Valley Arts Centre.
  5. Winter Solstice, Armagh, 21 December. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a lantern-lit walk to Navan Fort and take part in a solstice ritual of morning meditation reflecting on the past and welcoming the arrival of new light. Appreciate the calmness and serenity of watching the sun rise over the sacred site of Emain Macha on the shortest day of the year, before returning to the centre for an optional breakfast.
  6. Lisburn Light Festival, Lisburn, 22 November – 25 January. Share the Magic of the Season at Lisburn Light Festival. Over one million lights will illuminate the City Centre with a spectacular Light Canopy, glimmering the length of Bow Street. Experience the dazzling 40 foot Christmas Tree in Market Square and get into the festive spirit as you dance on the interactive light floor below glistening disco balls.
  7. The Magic Of Christmas, Belfast, 19 December. Following its huge success last year, this magical concert is now a central part of the Ulster Orchestra’s annual festive offering. Playing all your favourite songs such as Winter Wonderland and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, it’ll definitely ‘look a lot like Christmas’ at the Waterfront Hall.
  8. Santa Claus is Coming to The Boulevard, Banbridge, 6 – 24 December. As the festive season begins to get under way, The Boulevard in Banbridge is the perfect place to take your little elves (and canine companions) along to meet Santa Claus, unwrap fantastic offers across stores and avail of late-night shopping.
  9. Winter Skate, Belfast, 15 December – 4 January. Skating sessions at the home of the Belfast Giants, the SSE Arena, take place this festive season. Enjoy a family day out by purchasing a site pass which allows access to skating, W5 and a Giant’s Game.
  10. Margaret Keys ‘The Gift of Christmas’, Derry~Londonderry, 21 December. Due to popular demand, chart-topping internationally renowned Irish Soprano Margaret Keys returns home once again to perform an exclusive evening of beautiful music this Christmas at the Waterside Theatre.

 

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