10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things to do 1 – 7 December.

 

1. Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens, County Antrim, 28 November – 30 December. Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a glistening festive wonderland once again. Among the highlights is the debut of the Enchanted Tree Choir, a new attraction that will see the trees of the forest brought to life. With an expanded funfair, Enchanted Grotto, Festive Food Fayre and Twinkling Light Trail, the resident fairies have made it an experience to remember. Bookings will be available every 30 minutes from 16:30-19:30.
2. A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast, Belfast, 28 November – 23 December. Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year on a guided tour of their Magical Christmas Experience. Meet your Elf guide, visit the Enchanted Forest, Elves Workshop, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen before meeting Father Christmas on a journey to the North Pole.
3. Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, 29 November – 4 January. This festive season, step into a world of Christmas magic as The Snowman™ and The Snowdog come to life at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Wander through 100 acres of wintry wonder on a charming outdoor trail featuring beautifully hand-painted Snowdogs. Discover sculptures and one iconic Snowman™, inspired by the beloved animated film. Make your day even more special and explore the castle’s beautifully decorated rooms filled with festive cheer.
4. Christmas at Marble Arch Caves, County Fermanagh, 1 December – 4 January. Step into the nearby woodland for Elf Escape, Heroes vs Villains on an elf-tastic quest (£4pp) or visit Mrs Claus’s Cottage for a special storytime. Marble Arch Caves are offering Guided Cave Tours of the subterranean underworld from 1-23 December (10:00 to 15:30) and for those home for the holidays from 27-31 December, running from 11:00 to 15:00.
5. Christmas at W5, Belfast, 29 November – 23 December. From magical storytelling sessions and indoor snowball fights to festive quizzes and creative crafts, there’s something to fill every heart with holiday cheer at W5. Make your way to Santa’s Workshop in AMAZE, where cheerful elves will reveal the Naughty or Nice List before guiding families to a glowing grotto for a special one-on-one moment with Santa himself, complete with a gift and photo opportunity to treasure.
6. Christmas Wonderland, Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 29-30 November; 5-7, 11-14, 16-23 December. The Jungle becomes a twinkling world of festive wonder, where every path sparkles and every corner hides a little Christmas cheer. Families can wander through the enchanted woodland, meet Santa and his merry elves, hop on the Jungle Express and get transported through the magical forest, with the good company of Buddy The Join in on the all singing, all dancing Stage Show, adventure activities, toasted marshmallows with the Elves and visit the woodland farm.
7. Santa Trail, Glenpark Estate, County Tyrone, 5-22 December. Step into a winter wonderland where sparkling lights, festive music, and the scent of Christmas fill the air. Meet Santa in his cosy grotto and some Christmas creatures on the farm, enjoy shortbread and hot chocolate for all the family followed by the essential ride on the festive tractor with crafts and surprises for the kids.
8. Lisburn Twilight Market, County Antrim, 5 December. The market will be filled with the sounds, sights and tastes of Christmas. Enjoy a hot drink and bite to eat from one of the award-winning vendors. Stroll among the bustling mix of artists, crafters, health and beauty and homeware providers. Santa himself just might find time in his busy schedule to pop along for a chat or bring his elves for some Christmas crafting!
9. Deck the Doors wreath making workshop, Long Meadow Cider, Portadown, County Armagh, 6 December. Get into the festive spirit at Bramley Barn with a creative Christmas wreath-making workshop. Guided step-by-step, you’ll learn how to design and build your own beautiful wreath from scratch using a mix of seasonal foliage, dried flowers, seed heads, berries, ribbons, and more. With all tools and materials provided, you’ll have everything you need to craft a unique piece that will brighten your home throughout the festive season. Sip on warm spiced apple juice or a glass of cider and enjoy seasonal nibbles as you create!
10. North Coast and Glens Christmas Market, County Antrim, 5 December. Naturally North Coast & Glens (NNCG) are an award-winning, community market celebrating the best of our local food, culture, heritage, and traditions. Special Christmas Markets will be held in Ballymoney on December 5^th and Roe Valley on December 6^th from 11am.

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.