Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 23 – 29).
- Ards Christmas Lights Switch On, Conway Square, Newtownards, Co. Down, November 27. Come to Conway Square and enjoy the spectacle of Ards Art Centre being lit up like a giant, illuminated Advent Calendar! The event will also feature a special festive performance by The Bangor Ladies Choir and Donaghadee Male Voice Choir, street themed theatre and a Christmas Market. Christmas market from 11am, main event from 7pm.
- Armagh Georgian Day, Armagh City Centre, Co. Armagh, November 28. See Armagh in all its festive glory as the city marks the start of the Christmas season by going back to its Georgian roots. Highlights include live music, family treasure hunt, magical animated lightshow and festive market, as well as a special Christmas market for children.
- The Wonderful Winter Vintage and Handmade Fair, Malone House, Barnett Desmesne, Belfast, November 29. Frock Around The Clock will be returning to beautiful Malone House Belfast for the ‘Wonderful Winter’ Vintage & Handmade Fair on Sunday 29th November. Featuring 45 stalls of vintage, handcrafted & upcycled fashion, furniture, homewares, jewellery, sweet treats, toys and much more, it’s the perfect place to find all your unique Christmas gifts under one roof! From 12-5pm.
- The RTE ConTempo String Quartet, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, November 25. Described as “one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today,” the RTE ConTempo String Quartet have performed over 1400 concerts including Carnegie Hall and Berlin Philharmonic Hall. As well as works by Schumann and Mozart, the quarter will play Janacek’s ‘Intimite Letters’ which inspired Brian Friel’s play ‘Performances.’
- A Most Peculiar Wintry Thing, Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, November 25. A new exciting festive children’s show by composer and Belfast Music Laureate Brian Irvine. Explore the magic and mystery of winter with a dynamic blend of original music, improvisation and audience interaction.
- Thanksgiving Day, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, November 26. Join the Partridge family in Slippery Rock, Butler County as they prepare for their Thanksgiving dinner of 1863 and explore how the cherished American holiday started. Taste seasonal dishes of succotash and pumpkin and shoofly pie.
- Northern Ireland Farm Toy and Model Show, Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush, Co. Antrim, November 27. Enter an exciting world of miniature toy and model tractors, uncover the handiwork of local producers offering handcrafted replicas and search for old, rare or discontinued models as the Farm Toy and Model Show celebrates its tenth anniversary.
- The Winter’s Tale, Movie House, Dublin Road, Belfast, November 26. Shakespeare’s timeless tragicomedy of obsession and redemption performed by Kenneth Branagh’s Theatre Company comes live from the Garrick Theatre in London and stars Branagh himself with Dame Judi Dench. Begins at 7.15pm.
- Treasure Hunt Adventure, Seascope NI Lobster Hatchery and Marine Research Centre, Kilkeel, Co. Down, November 28. See the smiles on children’s faces as they enjoy a fun treasure hunt at Northern Ireland’s first lobster hatchery visitor experience and marine research centre.
- Ballycastle Town Christmas Market, Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, November 29. Come along, enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and pick up a gift or two at the Ballycastle Christmas Market, known for its great selection of artisan produce and variety of knowledgeable, friendly traders.
Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.