Delight in the sparkle, cheer and magic of our Christmas events
Whether it’s a short break with loved ones, a day out or a giant experience, Northern Ireland has everything you need to make this year’s Christmas merry and bright.
From classic pantos to candlelit concerts and mindfulness mornings to artisan markets, there’s a packed programme of events taking place across Northern Ireland sure to get you into the spirit of the season and help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Discover Northern Ireland has compiled an enchanting list of events to make your festive season truly unforgettable, and you’ll find even more fun to explore in our Festive Guide: https://discovernorthernireland.com/featured-pages/your-giant-guide-to-short-breaks-ni
Belfast
- Christmas by Candlelight, Ulster Hall – 16 December – Step into the spirit of the season with an unforgettable evening of beloved Christmas classics performed live by candlelight. From timeless favourites like White Christmas and Let It Snow to the enchanting melodies of O Holy Night and Winter Wonderland, this is a celebration of music and magic you won’t want to miss.
- The Elf Inspectors, The Mac – until 24 December – Oh no – the magic of Christmas has disappeared. Step into a world of wonder and join the Elf Inspectors on a mission to bring it back. This interactive theatre adventure, created by the award-winning Replay, promises festive fun for all ages.
- Festive Fables, W5 – until 23 December – This Christmas, little ones are invited to pull up a log, snuggle in and step into a world of festive wonder. W5’s Festive Fables storytime brings Christmas to life in a cosy, imaginative setting, where twinkling lights and winter wonder fill the air. From playful elves to daring reindeer, sparkling snowflakes and enchanted forests, storytellers make Christmas come alive with every word.
- A Magical Christmas Experience, Titanic Belfast – until 23 December – Make memories at A Magical Christmas Experience. Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year. Meet your Elf guide and travel as a group on a new immersive journey to the North Pole. You’ll visit the Enchanted Forest, make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree and take some time to explore the Elves’ Workshop.
County Antrim
- Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim Castle Gardens – until 30 December – Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a glistening, festive wonderland once again. The resident fairies have a few new ideas of how to make Enchanted Winter Garden more magical than ever before. But the true magic? You’ll have to come and see for yourself.
- All Aboard for Christmas, Whitehead Railway Museum – until 22 December – Step into the magic of Christmas at Whitehead Railway Museum. Hop aboard a short steam train ride, pen a letter to Santa, make food for the reindeers, decorate gingerbread men and meet Santa in his grotto.
- Lisburn Light Trail at Castle Gardens – until 22 December – Step into a world of pure festive magic this Christmas as the Christmas Light Trail makes a return to Castle Gardens. Come along and take in the wonderful sights of the light show and visit the mini Christmas Market. The Light Trail is the perfect final stop on your festive day out in Lisburn after doing some Christmas shopping.
County Armagh
- Cantilena at Christmas, Market Place Theatre, Armagh – 23 December – Seasonal favourites Cantilena return to The Market Place Theatre to get you in the festive spirit as we count down to Christmas once again. Check out The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre website for other fantastic performances and events.
- Mission Santa, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium – until 23 December – It’s a real Code Red! Join their E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure. Help save Santa inside Mission Control during a live theatrical show, along with a visit to see Santa. Your out-of-this-world adventure includes admission to a full dome show in the dome theatre, a present for each child and a printed family photograph.
- Winter Solstice in the Woods with Xhale, Slieve Gullion Forest Park – 20 December – This is the perfect chance to stop and connect with the Winter Solstice light on Slieve Gullion mountain. Forest Therapy Practitioner, Ann will support you to slow down, rest and reconnect with nature.
County Down
- Christmas Cracker Show, Montalto Estate – 13 December – Step into the Carriage Rooms for a magical celebration filled with festive tunes, joyful dances and fairytale fun with Santa, Buddy the Elf and friends. Enjoy sing-alongs, interactive activities and plenty of photo opportunities, all sprinkled with Christmas magic and cheer.
- The Snowman™ and the Snowdog, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens – until 4 January – Discover a winter wonderland at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens with The Snowman™ and The Snowdog trail. Stroll past hand-painted sculptures through the gardens, relive scenes from the beloved film, meet Santa on select days and enjoy the castle’s festive decorations.
- Christmas Festive Family Trail, Mount Stewart – until 4 January – Wrap up warm and set off on a magical winter adventure at National Trust’s Mount Stewart this winter with this festive family trail. Embrace the winter chill and get out in nature this festive season.
County Fermanagh
- Santa’s Corner, Share Discovery Village – until 21 December – Santa’s Corner promises an unforgettable festive experience this Christmas. Write your personal letter to Santa, dash around like Rudolf on the bouncy castle and meet Mr Claus himself.
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Ardhowen Theatre – until 13 December – Since they released the concept album in 1969, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s multi award-winning show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals.
- Christmas at Marble Arch Caves – until 23 December – Embrace the festive spirit with a variety of exciting events and experiences for everyone. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or a cozy escape in the warmth of the Visitor Centre, there’s something for you to enjoy. Make Marble Arch Caves a part of your holiday plans this season.
County Londonderry
- Beauty and the Beast, Millennium Forum – until 31 December – Get the whole family ready for an enchanting adventure bursting with dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy and spectacular dance routines. Beauty and the Beast promises fun for all the family.
- Christmas Wonderland, The Jungle – until 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, and soak up the glow of dazzling lights and joyful laughter.
- Cosy Christmas Stories with Mrs Claus at Seamus Heaney HomePlace – 14 December – Join Mrs Claus in the Helicon for a heart-warming afternoon of cosy Christmas stories. Little ones are invited to gather beside the twinkling Christmas tree as Mrs Claus shares her favourite festive tales and leads a few cheerful Christmas songs sure to lift everyone’s spirits.
County Tyrone
- Santa Trail, Glenpark Estate – until 22 December – Enjoy a magical festive day out with twinkling lights, delicious treats and lots of joyful moments. Meet Santa in his cosy grotto and create cherished Christmas memories with the whole family.
- Christmas at the Ulster American Folk Park – until 22 December – Experience Christmas as it was celebrated in rural Ulster centuries ago, from a single-room cabin to the festive Campbell House. Meet Mrs. Mellon and sample her traditional Christmas cake. Explore the wintery streets of America, enjoy festive décor and flavours and see how European settlers shaped the American Christmas. Write a letter to Father Christmas, take a photo at the sleigh and let the kids discover the Christmas tree trail.
- Little Bo Peep’s Christmas Mix Up at Strule Arts Centre – 16 and 17 December – Join Little Bo Peep and her pet Baa-Baa the Black Sheep on a festive adventure. When Bo Peep’s sheep go missing just before the Christmas Fair, chaos unfolds. With help from the audience, can they find the flock, foil a witch’s wicked dinner plans and save Santa’s Christmas Jumper? Filled with laughs, songs and Christmas cheer, you’re in for a wooly good time at this fun-filled family show.
For a winter stay with tonnes of great value, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. You’ll find even more information on the best places for food and drink, local Christmas markets, snug and cosy accommodation and of course… festive shopping.
Events are subject to availability.