Here are ten exciting things to do 20-27 November
Armagh Georgian Weekend, Armagh, County Armagh, 24-26 November. Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to this elegant city of saints and scholars. Delve into the city’s history through the buildings, characters, and customs of the 18th Century. Hear the clip clop on horses’ hooves on the mall, listen to musicians and meander through the streets filled with the smell of spices and chestnuts. There’ll be an array of sumptuous food, wonderful crafts, and street entertainment, all set against the elegant backdrop of Armagh.
- RUA Annual Exhibition, Belfast, County Antrim, 20-27 November. Come along to the Ulster Museum and see the wealth of local and global talent on offer. The Royal Ulster Academy is back and has over 300 pieces of art all using a diverse range of materials to inspire. You can even buy a work that takes your fancy as a truly exclusive Christmas gift! Free to attend and no booking necessary.
- C.S. Lewis Festival, Belfast, County Antrim, 24-26 November. Celebrate the legacy of this beloved author C.S Lewis as The Square named in his honour will be transformed into a winter wonderland, hosting a delightful array of family-friendly Narnia and Christmas-themed activities. There’ll be an outdoor screening of The Polar Express, and an enchanting market, storytelling from the White Witch, sensory play sessions and much more. The nearby St. Mark’s Church in Dundela, where the author was christened by his grandfather will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Lewis’ death with a free tour of the church.
- Mind Of Sound – In the Heart of The Cave, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 25 November. This wellness experience in the fabulous Marble Arch Caves is truly memorable. This sound bath is a powerful and transformative experience using a gong, drumming, and harmonic singing. Musician Andy Tyler is a member of the UK College of Sound Healing and brings a contemporary approach to rhythmic entrainment with meditative sessions that are deeply relaxing and memorable. Check website for availability.
- Mission Santa, Armagh, County Armagh, 25 November- December. Prepare to blast off on a Christmas adventure at the Armagh Planetarium and Observatory. Join the E.L.F crew for an immersive Christmas Experience which includes admission to ‘The Alien Who stole Christmas’ full-dome show, a visit to see Santa and a gift for each child. Take away a family photograph as a memento. Each mission will last up to two hours with selected late-night availability. Booking essential. Check website for availability.
- Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim, County Antrim, 17-19 November. As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes to life with a magical Christmas experience for all the family. Visit the Wonderland Wood with twinkling lights, drop in to see Santa, enjoy the rides and attractions and mouth-watering Christmas fayre. Check website for availability.
- Sloe Gin and Soda Farl Making, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 24 November. In this immersive class you will make your own griddled soda farls before making your own individual jar of infused sloe gin. The sloes have been locally foraged in and around Bellaghy. Take home what you make after enjoying a light supper of Irish stew. Booking essential, only available for over 18’s.
- Columbanus Community Folk Festival 2023, Bangor, County Down, 25 November. A festival of workshops in various locations across Bangor will celebrate the Irish missionary who hailed from the town. Learn about the story of Columbanus, poetry and writings of the monastic scribes, and join a session of foot tapping, traditional Irish music provided by special guests Ards CCE musicians. Booking essential for all events.
- Santa’s Island Adventure, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 25 November- December. Located on an enchanting island in the heart of Enniskillen. Hop onboard the water sleigh at Broadmeadow Enniskillen and prepare for a festive experience for all to enjoy! Help the elves before joining Santa in his enchanting Nordic Grotto. Decorate your own Christmas Bauble, and trek along the North Pole Walk. Enjoy the magical lights and Christmas views and maybe even call into the coffee shop for a wee treat before heading home with a host of memories. Allow two hours of this experience. Check website for availability.
- Vintage & Handmade Christmas Fair, Omagh, County Tyrone, 26 November. Come along to the Silverbirch Hotel for Tyrone’s biggest indoor Christmas Vintage & Handmade Fair. There’ll be all sorts of collectables, retro clothing, records, handmade crafts, antiques, and jewellery. There’ll also be great food on offer to fuel hungry shoppers! A lovely venue for lovers of begone treasures and curios.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/