Here are ten exciting things to do 4-10 December
Glenarm Castle Christmas Experience, Glenarm, County Antrim, 4-20 December. Come see the wonderful grounds of Glenarm Castle transformed into a twinkling, thrilling and tasty wonderland for all the family. There will be storytelling with Mrs Claus and the Polar Express train adventure. Father Christmas and his elves will be waiting with a special gift and the chance to take a special Santa picture. Ride the carousel and enjoy complimentary tea/coffee, biscuits, and refreshments for both adults and children in your ticket price. Check website for booking.
- Festive Afternoon Tea at Titanic Belfast, Belfast County Antrim, 10 December. Fancy some five-star service and fabulous festive luxury then prepare to be spoilt in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite. With the backdrop of the Grand Staircase and the sounds of live jazz music, this afternoon tea with sweet and savoury delights will really get you in the Christmas mood. You also get the chance to be to enjoy this all from replica White Star China. There’s even the option of a special children’s menu with a festive activity gift. Adults will also receive a complimentary festive cocktail on arrival!
- Santa Cruise, Killinchy, County Down, 4-31 December. Join a merry old elf who’s swapped his sleigh for a speed boat for a hair-raising ride around the islands of Strangford Lough. There’ll be carol singing and Christmas tunes as you ride the waves back to Santa’s Grotto. There’ll be the chance to get cosy by the fireside in the cabin with mince/apple pies, mulled wine or hot chocolate with a present for children. Wrap up warm and prepare for a fun day out that you will remember long after the mince pies are all eaten!
- Le Foyer des Artistes: Midwinter Gala Concert, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 6 December. Enjoy a Midwinter Gala Concert in St Columb’s Hall with Vivaldi’s epic Four Seasons framing the programme. International musicians will play on period baroque instruments to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Venetian masterpiece. Make sure not to miss this special experience.
- Santa Sunday, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 10 December. Why not take the pressure off in the run up to Christmas and celebrate with the whole family. Head to the Manor House Country Hotel and enjoy a lavish carvery lunch served with plenty of festive cheer perfect for a pre-Christmas relaxing get together. Tuck into an extra special seasonal dessert table including freshly made crepes whilst listening to festive live music. After your meal, stop by to say hello to Santa and get a professional photo at the Winter Wonderland Grotto. Booking essential.
- Mourne Alpacas Christmas Meet ‘n Greet, Dromara, County Down, 9-10 December. Visit this free Christmas pop-up shop on the alpaca farm in aid of Northern Ireland Childrens Hospice. When purchasing a Christmas gift an added 10% gifted on every gift voucher sold across the two-day event! Enjoy a hot chocolate and mince pies, as you get your Alpaca selfie, Alpaca hugs, and get to shop for some fabulous alpaca products in the Christmas shop. Book your car space to ensure your place
- Portaferry Christmas Twilight Market, Portaferry, County Down, 10 December. This festive indoor market takes place over two days at St Patrick’s Community Centre. Get into the Christmas spirit with an array of locally produced products, live music, kids crafts and activities, delicious street foods and an outdoor funfair. Admission is free.
- Mayor’s Tea Dance, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 6 December. Fancy a bit of nostalgia? The city’s Guildhall will ring to the sound of nostalgic old-time tunes with the chance to take a turn around the dance floor. There’ll be festive eats and it’s all free for local pensioners.
- Christmas Stocking Workshop, Portadown, County Armagh, 9 December. The chance for parents and children to get creative together in an unforgettable Christmas experience. This class offers the chance to create a unique Christmas stocking, a personalised craft to treasure for years to come! This class is suitable for children 7 and above. All materials will be provided, Check website for availability.
- Santa’s Enchanted Magical tour, Benburb, County Tyrone, 4-17 December. Step back in time as you and your family embrace on an enchanted, magical tour of Benburb Priory House. The tour will include letter writing on old slates in the magnificent grand library, peeking into the Fairy Godmother’s, Santa’s and Mrs Claus’s bedroom. Story telling with the Fairy Godmother and creating some magic, making reindeer dust with Mrs Claus. Finishing the tour with family time with Santa and picking up your gift from the elves in the workshop. When outside, visit donkeys, take a stroll around the grounds, warm yourself by the fire and admire the beauty of Benburb Priory which will be all lit up for Christmas.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/