10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 1 – 7 December.
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.- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!
- 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 5th and Roe Valley on December 6th 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.

Expect bigger and brighter lights, more exciting sites and four additional nights.
Discover a beautiful selection of handcrafted gifts and artwork made by over 20 talented local artists and crafters at Made in AND : Pop Up Christmas Shop!
Embrace the crisp air and golden hues of the season with the Lodge Hotel’s Autumn Escape Getaway, from £115 per room (based on two adults sharing). Stay in one of their comfortable rooms and enjoy a bed and breakfast package designed to make your stay feel like a true seasonal treat. As part of your escape, you’ll receive a £15 dining credit per adult to use in their restaurant. Offer valid until 15 December. Visit
Relax and rejuvenate this winter with Ballygally Castle’s whiskey retreat package. From £125 per person, sink into your own slice of coastal calm. Unwind in the privacy of your charming room, complete with Netflix, and savour a complimentary miniature of McConnell’s Irish Whiskey while enjoying popcorn to share. Awake the next morning and enjoy a full Irish breakfast. Offer available until 31st December 2025. Visit
As the days grow shorter, retreat to the warmth and comfort of the historic Culloden Estate. Enjoy an exclusive 15% discount and a complimentary upgrade to the next room category. Melt away tension in the spa, complemented by 10% off spa treatments and ESPA products. From £195 per room, available until 19th December 2025. Visit
Nestled in the captivating town of Bushmills, a short distance from the iconic Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills Townhouse offers an exquisite blend of luxury suites and superb dining. Starting from £90pp, the offer includes complimentary bubbles on arrival, a three-course dinner and breakfast the next morning. Available now through to end of December. Visit 
This year’s market promises to be the most exciting yet. Following the largest number of applications to date, a line-up of 50 outstanding makers from right across Northern Ireland has been curated – a vibrant showcase of creativity, craftsmanship and festive inspiration.
There’ll be talking teapots, singing candlesticks, dancing dogs and a bunch of wily wolves to deal with, but with your help, can Belle reverse the curse?
Join Hastings Hotels in celebrating 400 years of history, hospitality and charm with a special overnight escape by the sea, starting from £150 per room per night. Enjoy the ultimate coastal experience with an overnight stay and a limited edition Ballygally Castle Signature Candle for you to take home as a memento of your stay. The next morning, wake and indulge in a freshly cooked full Irish breakfast as the perfect send off before you go. Offer is available until 30th November 2025. Visit
Embrace the festive season and indulge in a luxury shopping break in the heart of the Walled City with Bishop’s Gate Hotel’s festive shopping package. Starting from £199 per night, you can book now and pay later with an offer that includes overnight stay with cooked to order breakfast, three-course dinner in The Gown Restaurant, a glass of prosecco on arrival and 10% off all gift purchases at Walled City Crafters. Offer is available Sun-Fri in November and December. Visit 