Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• New Year’s Eve Package, Manor House Country Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, from £195pps. Welcome 2017 in style with a luxurious break in Fermanagh. Located in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, the award-winning 4-star Manor House Country Hotel combines old world charm with modern hotel luxury. New Year Package includes two nights’ accommodation, full Irish breakfast each morning, pre-dinner drinks & canapes, New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner in the Grand Ballroom with live entertainment and complimentary use of the health suite. Valid 30 Dec – 1 Jan. Pre booking essential. To book 028 (68) 622200
• New Year’s Eve Dinner, Corick House Hotel & Spa, Co. Tyrone, from £109pps. Nestled in the heart of the Clogher Valley, where style and elegance meet country hospitality, this idyllic four-star 17th Century hotel offers a haven of tranquillity. See in the New Year with family and friends with pre-dinner drinks and canapes while listening to a live harpist before dining on a four-course evening meal in the Carleton Restaurant followed by a piper bringing in the New Year.  Enjoy a fully cooked breakfast the following morning after spending the night in a deluxe room. Valid 30 Dec – 1 Jan. Pre booking essential. To book 028 (85) 548216

• Dine, Dance and Stay, Kilmorey Arms, Co. Down, from £89pps. Nestled in the Kingdom of Mourne, an area of outstanding natural beauty; the three-star Kilmorey Arms Hotel is an ideal location for a short break away. Start the New Year as you mean to go on and treat yourself to a luxurious night away with that special someone. Package includes overnight accommodation, four-course evening meal with complimentary bottle of prosecco, live entertainment by the Lunar Eclipse Band and full Irish breakfast the next morning. Offer valid 31 Dec – 1 Jan. Pre booking essential.  To book call 028 (41) 762220

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (December 19 – December 25).

• Around the World Christmas Winter Wonderland, Kool Kidz Childcare, Derry~Londonderry, until December 23. Enjoy a magical night out with the kids at Kool Kidz Childcare. With a fantastic synchronised light show, snow tunnel, market stalls, treasure hunts in a gingerbread forest and activity huts highlighting winter festivals of other cultures, it is a night not to be missed. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Christmas at QFT, Queens Film Theatre, Belfast, until December 23. If you love sitting down with a hot drink and watching a classic festive film then you’re in for a treat this Christmas at QFT. From timeless classics such as ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘Meet me in St. Louis’ to modern favourite such as ‘Miracle on 34^th Street’ and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

• Walled City Market, Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry, until December 23. The city’s Guildhall Square will welcome the very best of artisan traders, offering visitors a friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of speciality foods ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to homemade jams and preserves, artisan breads, cakes, sweets and treats plus handmade crafted products.

• Cairn Illumination Hikes, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Co. Armagh, until December 22. Don your walking shoes and climb to the summit of Slieve Gullion, home to the highest surviving passage tomb in Ireland, known locally as ‘the Calliagh Berra’s House’ on a winter walk. The walk will be happening at dusk so it is recommended for experienced hill walkers.  Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear essential. To book call (028) 30 828594.

• A Magical Christmas Experience, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, until December 23. Step back in time, join Father Christmas and explore Titanic Belfast’s traditional Christmas street scene from 18th December. Visit Ye Olde Picture House, peek through the toy shop window at the toys from a bygone era and check out the Post Office where Father Christmas has his elves hard at work! Hear a classic Christmas tale, challenge each other at one of our traditional games, or visit our old fashioned wardrobe and find the perfect outfit to transport you back in time. Booking essential. www.titanicbelfast.com.

• Lade of the Lake Festive Sailings, Manor House Country Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, until December 23. Hop on board the Lady of the Lake cruiser for a special festive cruise with mulled wine on arrival.  Enjoy the wintery landscape of the Fermanagh Lakelands as you cruise Lough Erne dining on a sumptuous four-course meal.  Cost £27.50pp. Booking essential. To book call (028) 68 62 2200.

• Cinderella, Grand Opera House, Belfast, until January 15. ‘He’s behind you!’ ‘Oh no he’s not!’ Panto season is back and what better way to celebrate that heading to the Grand Opera House for this year’s performance of Cinderella starring May McFettridge and singer Gareth Gates. Will Cinderella make it to the ball in time and meet Prince Charming? Booking essential.  www.goh.co.uk/cinderella.

• Strabane Community Carol Service, The Alley Theatre, Co. Tyrone, December 20. Gather your family and friends and head to the Alley Theatre for a heart-warming festive evening of carol music. Enjoy music from St Joseph’s Brass Band and the wonderful harmonies from Strabane Chamber Choir and soloist Alyson Keys with readings from local clerics.

• White Christmas with Cantilena, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, December 21. We all dream of a White Christmas and Happy Holidays so join Armagh’s sensational a cappella group ‘Cantilena’ as they pour some festive spirit into the Christmas Celebrations and ring in the festive season in their own inimitable a cappella style. Booking essential.

• Go West and Nik Kershaw, Belfast Waterfront, Belfast, December 22. The 80s are back! Two critically acclaimed legends of the era join forces in this major concert. With millions of album sales, and iconic hits from both artists such as, ‘We Close Our Eyes’, ‘Call Me’, ‘The King of Wishful Thinking’, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Good’, ‘The Riddle’, ‘I Won’t Let The Sunday Go Down’. This authentic 80’s double bill is a concert not to be missed!

To celebrate its first Christmas, Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy is inviting 100 lucky ex-pats to ‘Come Home to HomePlace’, with a complimentary visit to the centre’s exhibition from Tuesday 27^th to Friday 30^th December.

Anyone homeward bound for the festive season simply needs to register and then bring proof of travel – plus two paying friends or family from home – to enjoy a journey through the new arts and literary centre which marks the life and literature of Seamus Heaney.

Speaking about the seasonal promotion, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Trevor Wilson, said:

“Home is never closer to the heart than at Christmas, and we are delighted to be offering a warm welcome back to ex-pats who travel from across the world at this time of year to be with family and friends.

“And where better to visit than HomePlace, located at the heart of the area where the poet and Nobel Laureate had his roots and where he returned to time and again, both in person and through his work.

“The exhibition itself explores Heaney’s deep-rooted connections with this place and its people, featuring dozens of personal stories, photographs and artefacts, as well as the voice of the poet himself, and will resonate with anyone who is coming home”.

Complimentary entry to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace exhibition is available on production of proof of travel from outside of Northern Ireland (e.g. boarding pass, plane or ferry ticket) and when accompanied by two other full-paying adults. The ‘Come Home to HomePlace’ offer is valid only from Tuesday 27^th to Friday 30^th December 2016.

To book for the ‘Come Home to HomePlace this Christmas’ offer, please register by email with seamusheaneyhome@midulstercouncil.org.

Phoenix Natural Gas is sending its warmest wishes to local families this festive season with the launch of a new competition that will see one lucky family have a dream come true this Christmas by granting their dream wish.

As part of its sponsorship of the MAC’s Christmas show, Pinocchio, Phoenix Natural Gas launched a new attraction, the Phoenix Wishing Wood, located on the ground floor of the MAC, and a special Christmas competition.

Families and children are invited to visit the enchanted Phoenix Wishing Well deep in the heart of the Phoenix Wishing Wood and make a wish upon a special magic coin. Phoenix Natural Gas will then reward one lucky child by granting their festive wish this Christmas.

Geri Wright, Communications Manager at Phoenix Natural Gas said, “After 20 years in Northern Ireland, Phoenix Natural Gas is at the heart of many homes and we are delighted to launch this exciting competition and make one family’s Christmas wish come true this festive season.”

“The Phoenix Wishing Wood was created by a team of local artists to provide a sensory experience for little ones and families alike. As they soak up the magic of the Phoenix Wishing Wood, children and families can smell the real Christmas trees, listen to the sounds of crunching snow, throw a few (fake) snowballs and get a photograph with the 8ft snowman, commissioned specifically for the Wishing Wood.”

“We want children to be inspired by the magic of the woodland and get creative with their entries. With the Phoenix Wishing Wood expected to attract close to 500 families over the next four weeks, we hope to see lots of entries to the competition and who knows, it could be your family’s wish coming true this Christmas.”

The MAC’s Christmas show ‘Pinocchio’, which is sponsored by Phoenix Natural Gas, opened on Tuesday 29 November.

This family musical is perfect for six years plus, but younger audiences will enjoy the live music and the dazzling magic that local company Cahoots NI is renowned for. Directed by Paul Bosco McEneaney, expect thrilling acts of illusion that will leave you bewildered.

The Phoenix Wishing Well will remain in place on the ground floor of the MAC throughout Christmas until 1st January 2017 and is completely free to visit. The MAC and Phoenix Natural Gas invite you to come along and make your wish. The winner of the Phoenix Natural Gas competition will be announced in early January.

Full competition details available at: www.phoenixcompetition.com

#PhoenixWishes

Antrim Castle Gardens was awash with activity as people came in their droves to the Enchanted Winter Garden as it opened on Thursday 8 December. The stunning light installations transform the gardens into a magical setting, perfect for getting you in the Christmas Spirit.

You are invited to be Enchanted by the Wonderland Wood but only if you have been frightfully good!  Watch Fairy Trixie cast her magical spell down by the wishing well; see the candy cane tree and the sugar drop stop all down by Lollipop Lane.  Take part in the Reindeer Trail or take a ride on The Christmas Train, make a festive treat in the arts & craft workshop, not forgetting a trip to Santa’s Grotto.  Make sure a visit to the Enchanted Winter Garden is on your wish list this Christmas.

An extra special treat is lined up for Sunday 18 December  as part of its “On Your Doorstep” series of concerts, members of the Ulster Orchestra’s brass section will be performing a selection of sparkling festive favourites at the Enchanted Winter Garden . The music starts at 6pm, so come along and enjoy a programme of warming Christmas tunes, performed by Northern Ireland’s finest professional players!  Bringing Enchanted Winter Garden to a spectacular finale.

There is no parking available at Antrim Castle Gardens with the exception of blue badge holders; however a free Park n Ride service from Junction 1 will be operational from Wednesday 14 – Sunday 18 December. Car Parking is also available at Central Car Park Castle Mall, Castle Street and Railway Street.  Please respect our local residents and do not park in residential areas.

This free family fun event is open daily from 4-8pm and is an ideal Christmas outing for the whole family to enjoy.

Friday 9 – Thursday 15 December

Friday 9 December, Silver Jewellery Workshop
Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

£40 per person
10am – 4pm
Spend a day of fun in the workshop and create a silver necklace or earrings. Booking essential.

Info: ardsarts.com, 028 9181 0803

Friday 9 and Saturday 10 December, Pip Utton is… Charles Dickens reading A Christmas Carol

Bangor Castle (Fri) & Portico, Portaferry (Sat)

£10, includes mulled wine and mince pies

After a sell-out show in Ards in 2015, we are delighted to welcome back Pip’s wonderfully atmospheric incarnation of Charles Dickens.

Info: ardsarts.com, 028 9181 0803

Saturday 10 December, Christmas Crafts for Children in Ards VIC

Ards Visitor Information Centre, Regent Street, Newtownards

Free

11am – 3pm

Make your very own snowman at this free craft activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Info: (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 10 December, Festive Sculptural Textiles Workshop
Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

£20 per person
10.30am – 3pm
Learn how to make your own festive robin using traditional textile techniques and skills in a modern and innovative way. Booking essential.

Info: ardsarts.com, 028 9181 0803

Saturday 10 December, Christmas Arts Scheme
Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

£15 per child
10am – 3pm
This creative workshop will include Christmas arts and crafts, Jumping Clay and festive drama games. Suitable for children 6-12. Booking essential.

Info: ardsarts.com, 028 9181 0803

Friday 16 – Thursday 22 December

Friday 16 December, Festive Swing with Swingabella
The Queen’s Hall, West Street, Newtownards

£12, includes mulled wine and mince pies

8pm
A close-harmony vocal trio bringing back the sassy sound of the ‘30s and ‘40s – the Swing era.

Info: ardsarts.com, 028 9181 0803

For a full listing of our Christmas events within Ards and North Down Borough Council see visitardsandnorthdown.com/Christmas

Make Someone’s Christmas

#ANDmakesxmas

Exhibitions

Exhibition: Toy Stories

Until Sunday 29 January

Long Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

This fun exhibition will look back at toys enjoyed by all from across the decades.

Exhibition: All Wrapped Up for Christmas exhibition

Until Saturday 24 December

Ards Crafts, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards

A showcase of handcrafted gifts and ideas for Christmas at this free to visit exhibition.

Exhibition: Juniper

Until Saturday 21 January

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

A series of atmospheric richly detailed and fantastical illustrations depicting the story of Juniper and her companions.

Exhibition: Absorption

Friday 9 December 2016 – Saturday 21 January 2017

Sunburst Gallery, Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

A solo exhibition of unique, textured and colourful sculptures by Ellie Niblock.

Our Christmas Story at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh continues with the ever-popular ‘White Christmas With Cantilena’ on Wednesday 21 December at 8pm.

We all dream of a White Christmas and Happy Holidays so Armagh’s sensational a cappella group ‘Cantilena’ pour some festive spirit into our Christmas Celebrations as they ring in the festive season in their own inimitable a cappella style. This evening of well-known traditional carols and popular Christmas songs, accompanied by the festive atmosphere, mulled wine and mince pies, will definitely put a Christmassy glow in your cheeks. Early booking is strongly recommended for this ever-popular show that welcomes the holidays in true festive style. Tickets for this superb event are £19, which includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

If you fancy a bit of post-Christmas rock, why not join The Pat McManus Band on Thursday 29 December at 8.30pm. Following their sell-out gig here in February we just had to invite them back! The ‘Pat McManus Band’ are a powerful three piece blues | rock trio, headed up by the former ‘Mama’s Boys’ and ‘Celtus’ guitarist/violinist virtuoso Pat McManus. Pat is today considered to be one of the last remaining individual guitar heroes of a generation of Irish guitarists, after the sad and early loss of both Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore. ‘Mama’s Boys’ were one of the greatest rock bands to come out of Northern Ireland.

Pat has gone on to a hugely successful career with award-winning recordings and playing across the globe and here in Ireland including The Blues On The Bay Festival and Ballyshannon Festival. Tickets are priced £13 each.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews. For information on Christmas In Armagh visit www.ourstoryofchristmas.com | #ourstoryofchristmas

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Casino Night, Corick House Hotel & Spa, Co. Tyrone, from £85pps. Nestled in the heart of the Clogher Valley, where style and elegance meet country hospitality, this idyllic four-star 17th Century hotel offers a haven of tranquillity. Check in to a deluxe room for one night before partaking in a fun filled evening with roulette wheels, dice games and blackjack before enjoying a cooked breakfast the following morning.  Valid 16/17 December. Pre booking essential. To book 028 (85) 548216.
• Marine Court Hotel, Bangor, Co. Down, from £70 per person sharing triple room. Looking for a night away with the girls? Beautifully situated overlooking the marina on Bangor’s seafront, this three-star hotel offers spacious bedrooms and a health and fitness club. Package includes overnight accommodation, a delicious four-course evening meal, afternoon cocktail making lesson, VIP entry to Calico Jacks Nightclub as well as access to the healthy suite and a fully cooked breakfast the following morning. Available until 17 December. To book call (028) 91 45 1100
• The Heritage Break, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, from £135pps. The exquisite Grade B1 listed Bishop’s Gate Hotel is perfectly positioned within the historic city walls in the heart of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter. The Heritage Break includes luxurious accommodation for 2 nights, full Irish breakfast each morning, a gourmet dinner in ‘The Gown Restaurant’ on one evening, walking tour of the historic city with Martin McCrossan City Tours and a visit to the Tower Museum or the new Siege Museum. Valid until 31 December. To book call (028) 71 140300.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (December 12 – December 18).

• Christmas Moonlight Paddle on the Lagan, Belfast, until December 14. Are you in charge of the staff Christmas party? Enjoy an alternative Christmas party with a paddle on the River Lagan, followed by cookies and hot chocolate to wind down and warm up! Booking essential  To book call (028) 90 461711 or email info@brysonlagansports.org.

• Made in Liverpool, Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, December 17. Uniquely and unlike other Beatles tributes ‘Made in Liverpool’ are resident in the very place where pop/rock history’s greatest band were discovered. Born and bred in Liverpool the band performs to audiences World-wide. Their performance as The Beatles is unique, uncontrived and mind blowing, the show has an electric atmosphere and is not to be missed!

• A Magical Christmas, Castle Coole, Co. Fermanagh, until December 18. Castle Coole will be home to Santa and Mrs Claus from 10-18 December as they welcome children into their magical Christmas home – the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Start your journey through the magical tunnel with one of Santa’s elves up to the elves’ workroom where Mrs Claus will greet you. Meet Santa in the kitchen where he’ll get everyone gathered up in front of the range for a chat where each child will leave with a special gift.

• Zat you Santa Claus?, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady, Derry~Londonderry, December 15. Named after the Louis Armstrong Christmas classic, come and celebrate the magic and miracles of the festive season with Dublin-based Emilie Conway and her acclaimed band. The perfect warm up to your winter wonderland Christmas, this will be in our candlelit, cabaret style set-up and is a BYO event.

• Christmas Unwrapped with the Ulster Orchestra, Alley Theatre, Co Tyrone, December 17. Join the Ulster Orchestra for a very special performance of enchanting carols and festive music. This hugely popular and lively sing-a-long Christmas show will include all of your festive classics and promises to be fun for all the family – so have your tinsel, bobbles and sleigh bells at the ready for a Christmas cracker of a show!

• The Mystery of the Christmas Star, Armagh Planetarium, Co. Armagh, until December 21. Join Armagh Planetarium this Christmas and journey back more than 2000 years to Bethlehem, and seek to discover an explanation for the star the Wise Men followed to find the baby Jesus in “Mystery of the Christmas Star”. The Star of Bethlehem is an iconic astronomical event whose true origin remains unknown even today, in spite of years of speculation and research.

• Santa at Shean’s Experience, Sheans Horse Farm and Heritage, Co. Antrim, until December 18. Explore the indoor magical forest and the village square where the elves will roast you some marshmallows and offer you some tasty treats. Hop on the Santa Express to the Nativity scene followed by a visit Santa’s grotto where each child will receive a festive present.

• Raucous – Presented by Tumble Circus, Writer’s Square, Belfast, until December 15 – 17. Join in the fun and enjoy a Gala Cabaret Circus Club featuring daredevil acrobats, jaw dropping trapeze, stand-up comedy, cheeky burlesque dancers, special guests and live DJ. Let the exciting mix of local and international acts charm you and leave you wanting to see more under the heated Circus big top in Writers’ Square, in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Food and bar will also be open through-out the show.

• Comber Farmers’ Market Christmas Special, Comber, Co. Down, December 15. Get all your essentials for the Christmas period at Comber Farmers’ Market Special Christmas Markets and support local producers.  The market opened in July 2014 and has built up a strong reputation for selling fresh, seasonal, award winning food and plant products.

• Messiah by Candelight, St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Co. Armagh, December 15. For over 200 years Handel’s Messiah masterpiece has been enthralling audiences worldwide and leaving them humming along to The Trumpet Shall Sound and Hallelujah. This performance will be presented by The Palestrina Choir, Dublin along with four soloists and the Lyric Opera Ensemble.  For tickets contact (028) 37 522813.