Here are ten exciting things to do 11- 17 December
Magic & Mistletoe at Magheramorne Estate, Larne, County Antrim, 11-17 December. Encounter all the fantastic live characters, explore Magheramorne Farmyard, discover The Polar Village, solve the clues, and meet the most magical of all, Father Christmas. Included in your ticket price is a selection of delicious festive treats from toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate to mince pies and mulled wine. Each child will also go home with a special festive gift. Allow two hours to complete the trail which can be tricky in places to navigate with a pram.
- Christmas Movies at the Museum, Belfast, County Antrim, 11-17 December. Come along to the Ulster Museum and enjoy some family favourite festive films. Everything from Elf, Arthur Christmas to Frozen 2 will be on show in the lecture theatre. You can even bring your own popcorn!
- Winter Circus by Tumble Circus, Belfast, County Antrim, 15 December- 2 January. This thrilling circus showcases some hardcore acrobats, eye-popping jugglers, and hilarious comedy acts. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season with a unique take on festive fun for all the family! So, head along to the heated Big Top in the city’s Cathedral Quarter and prepare to be amazed by feats of jaw-dropping dexterity. The event includes a relaxed performance, specifically designed to welcome people of all ages with Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Condition, or sensory and communication disorders.
- Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, throughout December. Fancy a trim and want to learn all about trains at the same time? Well, here’s your chance! The Johnston family’s decision to combine their traditional skills with their interest in local railway history has led to one of the most unique and fascinating attractions in Northern Ireland. So gets your locks looking lovely and take in the locomotives! This unique spot seamlessly blends a traditional barbershop with a railway museum boasting one of the largest collections of Irish Railway memorabilia.
- Visit Father Christmas and his Elves at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 11-23 December. Stroll through the snowy streets of Ulster and America in Omagh! Elves will guide you to the magical home of Father Christmas and Mrs Claus, where you will get a gift and fill up on yummy shortbread and spiced apple juice. The chief elf will even read The Night Before Christmas as a special treat. The ticket price also covers admission to the Folk Park.
- Shortcross Gin Discovery & Tour Experience, Crossgar, County Down, 15 December. Enjoy a tour in this scenic corner of Northern Ireland while soaking in the sights and aromas of a working distillery. Get a chance to try Northern Ireland’s award-winning craft gin and enjoy neat tastings, a lesson on how to pour the perfect G&T, as well as creating a bespoke label and wax dipping your own personalised bottle of gin to take home. This distillery provides a thoroughly modern experience in ancient settings which is perfect for any gin lover.
- Christmas in the Poorhouse, Belfast, County Antrim, 15-16 December. This an interesting window into the stories of Belfast’s disadvantaged. This tour uses research from Clifton House archives to tell the story of the Christmases of the 18th and 19th century. The guided tour will be interwoven with augmented reality, allowing you to step back in time, and see how the building would have looked then. You will uncover what kind of food was available to the poor children of the city and what efforts were made to try an introduce some festive cheer. The modern-day visitor will be guaranteed refreshments on arrival!
- Christmas Craft Fair, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 6 December. Celebrating its 29th anniversary this year, the event showcases an exquisite range of bespoke craft items created by design-makers and artisan food producers from across the island. So, if you need that perfect bespoke gift this is the perfect place to find it!
- Crafty Christmas fun at Armagh Museum, Armagh, County Armagh, 16 December. Discover Christmas traditions from the past, have a go at making seasonal crafts and enjoy an afternoon of festive stories from renowned storyteller Janice Witherspoon. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Santa in the Bramley Barn, Armagh, County Armagh, 11-17 December. Get into the festive spirit at Long Meadow Farm! Drive through the magical orchard to the enchanting Bramley Barn. You will be welcomed into Santa’s grotto where you can hear a Christmas story, sip on hot chocolate, and make some reindeer food. There’s the chance to write your all-important letter and take part in some arts and crafts including designing a plate or glass for Santa. You will also receive a Christmas book and have the chance to chat to the man himself and have a photo opportunity to cherish for years to come.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/