Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland this week (December 5 – December 11).

• Night at the Museum, Ulster Museum, Belfast, December 9 – 10. Ever wondered what happens in the Ulster Museum at night? The night will begin with a 45-minute lighted tour of the Museum, followed by a movie and sleepover. Free popcorn will be provided for all guests for the cinema event only, as well as a light buffet breakfast for those staying over. Suitable for ages 7 – 12.  Children to be accompanied by an adult.

• The Nutcracker, Playhouse Theatre, Derry~Londonderry, December 8. The Royal Ballet’s glorious production of The Nutcracker, created by Peter Wright in 1984, is the production par excellence of an all-time ballet favourite. Tchaikovsky’s glittering score, the gorgeous festive stage designs and The Royal Ballet’s captivating dancing – including an exquisite pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince – make this Nutcracker the quintessential Christmas experience.

• Festive Flowerworks, Banbridge Old Town Hall, Co. Down, December 10. A fun and creative morning of floral design suitable for beginners. Romaine Hodgen of Flowerworks will guide you through a Christmas themed design which you can take home to be the centrepiece of your Christmas display. All materials supplied but please bring scissors or secateurs.

• Santa’s Magical Kingdom, Argory, Co. Armagh, December 7. Take a magical journey to see Santa in the grotto and meet his team of helpers from the North Pole. Passports to Santa’s Magical Kingdom issued to each child on booking and stamped on arrival. Includes complimentary festive refreshments. Booking essential.  To book call (028) 8778 4753.

• Belfast Community Gospel Choir Christmas Show, Belfast Waterfront, Belfast, December 11. Get in the festive spirit with BCGC at the Belfast Waterfront! This show will feature everything from Christmas classics to big gospel ballads. Audience participation is encouraged, so warm up your vocal chords, bring your baubles and prepare for a very BCGC Christmas! Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC) is Northern Ireland’s first and only multicultural gospel choir. Their dynamic performances are charged with joy, passion and energy.

• Fermanagh Choral Society Christmas Concerts, Castle Coole, Co. Fermanagh, December 9 – 10. Join us for an evening of traditional Christmas songs and some not so traditional as the Fermanagh Choral Society put on their annual Christmas concerts. Castle Coole provides a stunning backdrop and a festive atmosphere for the evening, setting the tone for the rest of the season. Come for the music and stay to enjoy some seasonal treats in the Breakfast Room by the fire afterwards.

• Arco String Quartet, Clandeboye Estate, Co. Down, December 7. One of Ireland’s leading quartets invite you to an evening festive music by candle light, that will leave you full to the brim of Christmas spirit. Expect to hear music from all the ages, from traditional carols to current Christmas pop favourites, all originally arranged and handcrafted and in the unique Arco String Quartet style. With special guest appearance from singer/songwriter David C Clements, this promises to be a truly magical evening.

• Days of Christmas Past, Mellon House, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone, until December 18. Looking for a traditional Christmas Santa experience where the kids meet Santa, Mrs Claus and all their festive friends? Step back in time to a traditional Christmas in Omagh with this magical family Christmas experience. Special pricing applies, please check website for details. www.nmni.com/uafp

• The Winter Fair, Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, December 8. The Winter Fair is the meeting place for the dairy industry in Northern Ireland, where top class cattle compete for the title of supreme champion and trade stands display innovation industry advances. Visitors will see the highest quality of dairy cattle livestock on show as well as having the opportunity to find out what the industry has to offer.

• Maghera Christmas Festival & Lights Switch On, Derry~Londonderry, December 10. Enjoy street entertainment, craft workshops, face painting, balloon modelling and prize draws as you wait for Santa Claus to arrive and turn on the town lights.  Following the big switch on, join in on a lantern walk in the Walled Garden, followed by storytelling and hot chocolate.