10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things to do 24 – 30 November
- Armagh Georgian Weekend, Armagh, County Armagh, 27 – 30 November. Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to Armagh. Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century. Armagh Georgian Festival promises to be a weekend which brings the city’s Georgian history and stories to life, where you can uncover some of our city’s hidden gems and take part in a range of activities and experiences.
- Friendship Four at The SSE Arena, Belfast, 28 – 29 November. Set to take place at The SSE Arena, the Rochester Institute of Technology, Sacred Heart University, Miami University, and Union College will go head-to-head for the coveted Belpot Trophy, which was last won by Boston University in 2024. For local ice hockey and sports fans, the tournament provides a rare opportunity to see four top U.S. college teams go head-to-head in the heart of Belfast.
- Thanksgiving at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 29 – 30 November. Join the Partridges of Slippery Rock in the Folk Park’s Western Pennsylvania Log House as they prepare their turkey dinner and eagerly await the return of their only son, Joseph, an infantryman in the Union Army. This performance will take place several times throughout the day, so you’ll have multiple opportunities to catch it. Sample traditional Thanksgiving food like Succotash, try your hand at American games and enjoy toe-tappin’ live music.
- Christmas at The Ballance House, Glenavy, County Antrim, 29 November. Lots of festive fun and flavour awaits you – visit Santa & his elf in the Parlour by lamplight and a warming turf fire. There’ll be plenty of free Christmas fun in their kids barn with take-away crafting decorations. Start your Christmas shopping in their craft market and enjoy soup and mince pies in the tea barn. Plus, the special musical guest is Kellswater Band, while a piper will start the Christmas Fair.
- Ballycastle Christmas Market at The Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 30 November (and 14 December). A fabulous festive fanfare is in store for all. The market will be festooned with artisan treats galore, quirky gift ideas, sumptuous, handcrafted treats, and much more. The market will be filled to bursting with eclectic treasures, delicious seasonal temptations and quirky handcrafted gifts from the very finest artisans.
- Mission Santa at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 29 November – 23 December. It’s a real code red. Join their E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure. Your out-of-this-world adventure will include admission to a full-dome show in the dome theatre, help save Santa inside mission control during a live theatrical show, along with a visit to see Santa, a present for each child and a printed family photograph.
- Christmas at W5, Belfast, 29 November – 23 December. Step into a world of wonder as the spirit of the season takes over every corner of W5. From magical storytelling sessions and indoor snowball fights to festive quizzes and creative crafts, there’s something to fill every heart with holiday cheer.
- Christmas Art & Craft Fair with North Down Craft Collective at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, County Down, 30 November. Meet local artists and makers and shop their beautiful, handmade craft pieces. From textiles to ceramics, paintings to prints, and plenty more in between, it’s the perfect opportunity to find unique and thoughtful Christmas gifts.
- Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 29 – 30 November and 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 their enchanted woodland, meet Santa and his merry elves, and soak up the glow of dazzling lights and joyful laughter.
- The Spirit of Christmas Lunch Experience at The Boatyard Distillery, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 26 November – 19 December. Treat your colleagues, friends, or family to a festive experience that’s fun, indulgent, and perfectly timed for busy schedules. Their Christmas distillery soirée offers a sophisticated, stress-free way to celebrate the season, all in just three hours.
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.

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 
This year’s event introduces a host of exciting new features designed to elevate the experience for visitors of all ages. 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.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: