Down

Ride on the Lapland Express Steam Train through the County Down countryside, and visit Santa in his magical workshop. Kids get to meet Santa, tell him what they want for Christmas, and get a gift bag. You can also visit the buffet for drinks and snacks, our museum buildings, shop, and model railway.  Trains run every Saturday and Sunday until 18th December from 1:30pm-4:30pm each day – doors open about 1pm. www.downrail.co.uk/santa

Armagh

Make your family’s Christmas story magical this year with a visit to Santa’s captivating Wonderland at Kinnego Marina, Oxford Island, where you’ll enjoy a festive journey that you and your little elves will never forget!   You’ll believe you’ve been transported to the North Pole as the cosy Yurts at Kinnego are transformed into a Christmas-themed world where you can spy on Santa’s elves as they lovingly craft toys, post that all-important letter to Santa and, of course, meet the jolly man in red himself to share your Christmas wishes in person!  Santa’s Wonderland is open Thursday-Sunday from 8th December until 18th December.

Fermanagh

Make magical memories at Castle Coole when you come to visit Santa! Castle Coole will be home to Santa and Mrs Claus from 10^th to 18th 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. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa and he will be checking with parents just exactly how good they’ve been all year! Grown-ups can enjoy a warming mulled drink and a mince pie from the kitchen range as the children meet Santa and Mrs Claus.

Tyrone

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas in the Burnavon Cookstown without Carol and Jimmy’s Christmas Cracker! Join Carol Doey and Jimmy Cowan for an unforgettable night of chat and craic, music and mischief, and plenty of fun and festivities this Friday 9th December.

Derry/Londonderry

Christmas will be launched in spectacular style in Maghera with the Christmas Festival on Saturday 10 December from 12-7pm.  There will be plenty of family entertainment throughout the day including a festive, fun afternoon treasure hunt around the town centre, craft workshops, face painting, balloon modelling and prize draws- there will even be a Polar Bear Dunk!  The hub of the festival will be on the Coleraine Road where the Chair of Mid Ulster District Council and Santa will turn on the lights at 5pm at the newly relocated Christmas tree.  At 6pm the Lantern Walk will take place in the Walled Garden followed by Story Telling and Hot Chocolate in the Lurach Centre.

Antrim

Raceview Mill’s Indoor Food and Craft market will turn all festive on Saturday 10th December from 11am – 3pm, with a host of artisan market traders offering an array of bespoke and handcrafted Christmas items, ideal for the home or for last minute gifts. Of course no seasonal event would be complete without a visit from Santa and some carol singers to liven the spirit. Raceview tenant, The Dog Stop Spa Boutique, will also be running a very special photoshoot…for your pet dog!

Belfast

Lilly’s Magical Christmas comes to the Crescent Arts Centre from 9th to 11th December.  A magical enchanted Christmas story created for children and their families full of magical sounds, dance and sensory stimulation . Join Lilly to see what she discovers along her way to a very magical Christmas, one that will make you want to jump out of your seat to dance!

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Christmas will be launched in spectacular style in Maghera this year with the Christmas Festival taking place on Saturday 10 December from 12-7pm.

There will be plenty of family entertainment throughout the day including a festive, fun afternoon treasure hunt around the town centre, craft workshops, face painting, balloon modelling and prize draws- there will even be a Polar Bear Dunk!

The hub of the festival will be on the Coleraine Road where the Chair of Mid Ulster District Council and Santa will turn on the lights at 5pm at the newly relocated Christmas tree.

At 6pm the Lantern Walk will take place in the Walled Garden followed by Story Telling and Hot Chocolate in the Lurach Centre.

Don’t forget that you can be prepared with a lantern you made earlier by signing up to the Lantern Making workshop at the Lurach Centre.

To find out about Christmas events across Mid Ulster visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

The Enchanted Winter Garden returns to Antrim Castle Gardens for an extended period from Thursday 8 to Sunday 18 December, 4pm until 8pm each day.

Make magical Christmas memories as you enjoy the Stunning Light installations, the Forest of Fire, Christmas Train, Reindeer Trail and of course Santa’s Grotto. You’ll also be enthralled by our dazzling new attraction the Wonderland Wood, where a stroll through the twinkling trees will reveal magical delights and sights as the fairies have sprinkled their dust to create a captivating kingdom!

For this year’s event we have teamed up with The Cancer Fund for Children who will be running Santa’s Grotto. In high demand during the Christmas season, Santa will have the help of charity volunteers who will make sure any visit to the Grotto is extra special.  Donations from the Grotto will go to the charity and help raise valuable funds for this worthy cause.

Matthew Allen, Corporate fundraiser for Cancer Fund for Children commented: ‘We are delighted to be working in partnership with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on their Santa’s Grotto at the Enchanted Winter Garden. As the chosen charity for the Council last year, we know the hard work the Council do in creating fantastic events and fundraising. This year, Cancer Fund for Children will benefit from all proceeds from this year’s Santa’s Grotto, so I would encourage everyone to come down between 8 -18 December, visit Santa while also supporting a fantastic local charity.’

Be enthralled and amazed in our Enchanted Winter Garden, where a sprinkling of Christmas sparkle has transformed the Gardens into a winter wonderland full of delights for all the family.

The Enchanted Winter Garden runs from Thursday 8 until Sunday 18 December from 4-8pm daily and there is no admission charge.

GUNS N’ ROSES NOT IN THIS LIFETIME TOUR SHOWS NO SIGNS OF STOPPING AS 25 YEARS LATER IT STEAMROLLS INTO SLANE CASTLE ON SAT 27 MAY 2017

Tickets On Sale Friday, 9 December at 9am

PART OF 35 MASSIVE STADIUM DATES LINED UP ACROSS EUROPE / NORTH AMERICA

AXL ROSE, DUFF MCKAGAN, SLASH
DIZZY REED, RICHARD FORTUS, FRANK FERRER AND MELISSA REESE
ALREADY OVER 2 MILLION TICKETS SOLD IN 2016 ALONE
PROVING GUNS N’ ROSES AND ROCK MUSIC ARE AS STRONG AS EVER

– New 2017 Stadium Dates To Start 27 May in Ireland with 18 More Dates Scheduled Across
The UK and Europe; Tour Returns To North America on 30 July in Minneapolis, MN with 15 Additional Dates Scheduled. Subject to licence.

LOS ANGELES (5 December 2016) – The resurgent Guns N’ Roses and their massively successful Not In This Lifetime Tour continue to show no signs of slowing down as the legendary band storms into 2017 with more than 30 stadium shows lined up across Europe and North America.  Starting on Saturday 27 May 2017 at Meath’s Slane Castle, the Live Nation produced tour will then steamroll into 18 more cities across the UK and Europe including shows scheduled in London, Paris, Madrid, Vienna, Copenhagen and more.  Following the European leg of the tour, the acclaimed band will once again return to North America for even more stadium dates starting on 30 July at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN and then move along to 15 more cities across the US and Canada including Denver, Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, St. Louis, Miami and more.  Tickets go on sale this Friday 9 December at 9am.

Speaking on the announcement Lord Henry Mountcharles stated “We are really thrilled to have one of the most excitIng rock n’ roll bands in the world coming back to Slane 25 years after they first played, the same month in 1992 which was critically considered to be one of the best Slane’s ever.”

While Lord Henry’s daughter Lady Tamara Conyngham is thrilled by next years headliners “I’m just so excited that I will finally get the chance to see one of the greats. I missed them the first time round the fact I get a second chance is pretty incredible.”

While son Alex recalled the last time Guns N’ Roses visited Slane “They were massive for us at the time and an amazing act to witness. I remember Axl coming out on stage and the crowd just going bananas. The energy was incredible.”

The Not In This Lifetime Tour has sold over 2 million tickets throughout 2016 while also grossing over $200 million to become the year’s most successful rock tour proving beyond a doubt that the attitude, spirit and influence of both Guns N’ Roses and the rock & roll genre are as strong as ever.  The history-making Not In This Lifetime Tour, which visited 21 cities (25 shows) in less than 2 months, wrapped the first North America leg last summer before setting its eyes on South America.  In South America, the band completely sold out all 15 dates of the tour including 13 stadium dates.

Following the group’s 1985 formation, Guns N’ Roses injected unbridled, unrivalled, and unstoppable attitude into the burgeoning Los Angeles rock scene. The spirit went on to captivate the entire world with the release of their 1987 debut Appetite for Destruction –the best-selling U.S. debut ever, moving 30 million copies globally.  In 1991, the seven-time platinum Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II occupied the top two spots of the Billboard Top 200 upon release. Over the course of the past decade, Guns N’ Roses have performed sold out shows and headlined festivals worldwide following the critically acclaimed release of 2008’s RIAA platinum-certified Chinese Democracy. Six studio albums later, Guns N’ Roses are one of the most important and influential acts in music history and continue to set the benchmark for live performances connecting with millions of fans across the globe. Guns N’ Roses’ are Axl Rose (vocals, piano), Duff McKagan (bass), Slash (lead guitar), Dizzy Reed (keyboard), Richard Fortus (rhythm guitar), Frank Ferrer (drums), and Melissa Reese (keyboard).

# # #

www.gunsnroses.com

#GnFnR

GUNS N’ ROSES – NOT IN THIS LIFETIME TOUR 2017

Europe

Saturday, May 27, 2017	Meath, Ireland	Slane Castle
Tuesday, May 30, 2017	Bilbao, Spain	San Mames Stadium
Friday, June 2, 2017	Lisbon, Portugal	Passeio Martimo De Alges
Sunday, June 4, 2017	Madrid, Spain	Vincente Calderon Stadium
Wednesday, June 7, 2017	Zurich, Switzerland	Letzigrund
Saturday, June 10, 2017	Imola, Italy	Greenfield
Tuesday, June 13, 2017	Munich, Germany	Olympiastadion
Friday, June 16, 2017	London, United Kingdom	London Stadium
Tuesday, June 20, 2017	Gdansk, Poland	Stadion Energa Gdansk
Thursday, June 22, 2017	Hannover, Germany	Messe
Saturday, June 24, 2017	Werchter, Belgium	Classic
Tuesday, June 27, 2017	Copenhagen, Denmark	Telia Parken
Thursday, June 29, 2017	Stockholm, Sweden	Friends Arena
Saturday, July 1, 2017	Hämeenlinna, Finland	Kantolan tapahtumapuisto
Tuesday, July 4, 2017	Prague, Czech Republic	Letnany Airport
Friday, July 7, 2017	Paris, France	Stade de France
Monday, July 10, 2017	Vienna, Austria	Ernst Happel Stadion
Wednesday, July 12, 2017	Nijmegen, Holland	Goffert Park
Saturday, July 15, 2017	Tel Aviv, Israel	Hayarkon Park

North America

Sunday, July 30, 2017	Minneapolis, MN	U.S. Bank Stadium
Wednesday, August 2, 2017	Denver, CO	Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Tuesday, August 8, 2017	Miami, FL	Miami Marlins Stadium
Friday, August 11, 2017	Winston-Salem, NC	BB&T Field at Wake Forest University
Sunday, August 13, 2017	Hershey, PA	Hersheypark Stadium
Wednesday, August 16, 2017	Buffalo, NY	New Era Field
Saturday, August 19, 2017	Montreal, QC	Parc Jean Drapeau
Monday, August 21, 2017	Ottawa, ON	TD Place Stadium
Thursday, August 24, 2017	Winnipeg, MB	Investors Group Field
Sunday, August 27, 2017	Regina, SK	New Mosaic Stadium at Evraz Place
Wednesday, August 30, 2017	Edmonton, AB	Commonwealth Stadium
Friday, September 1, 2017	Vancouver, BC	BC Place Stadium
Sunday, September 3, 2017	George, WA	The Gorge
Wednesday, September 6, 2017	El Paso, TX	Sun Bowl Stadium
Friday, September 8, 2017	San Antonio, TX	Alamodome
Sunday, September 10, 2017	St. Louis, MO	The Dome At America’s Center

Tickets for Slane Castle are priced from €89.50 incl. booking fee and on sale this Friday, 9^th December at 9am from www.ticketmaster.ie. Subject to licence

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

For more see:

www.mcd.ie

www.ticketmaster.ie

If you like your Christmas gifts to be handmade, unusual or beautifully original then come along to Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart, where for a fourth year the popular Christmas Craft Market and Exhibition is open.

A showcase for local craft makers and artisans who, joined with named artists display and sell their work. Choose from ceramics, accessories, glass, decorative art & jewellery to name but a few tempting goodies.

The Centre offers plenty of free parking with no admission charge, and the market is now open daily Monday to Saturday, until 20th December 2016. Filled with inspirational ideas for unique presents, spotting the perfect gift couldn’t be more enjoyable.

On Friday 9^th December come along to a free Christmas floral demonstration by Jennifer Mitchell. Starting at 11.00am, Jennifer will demonstrate seasonal floral arrangements and give some tips on the same. Tea & Coffee with shortbread will be offered compliments of the house.

The Flowerfield Christmas Market and Exhibition opens each day, Monday – Friday 9.00am-5.00pm and on Saturday from 10.00am -3.00pm

Come and explore the magic of Christmas in the Antrim Forum on Saturday 10 December at 3.30pm at the annual Christmas Carol Service hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

The Education Authority Youth Concert Band will add musical magic to the voices of the children from primary schools throughout the Borough, capturing the true spirit of Christmas through readings and song. This year’s event will be compered by Claire McCollum.

Admission is free however there will be a door collection with all proceeds donated to the Mayor’s nominated charities: Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, Lighthouse and Help for Heroes.

For more information on the Christmas Carol Concert please T. 028 9446 3113 ext. 31368 or email Kerry.Brady@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Titanic Belfast has been crowned the ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards in the Maldives.

Having already beaten the Colosseum, the Acropolis and the Eiffel Tower to become Europe’s official Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast sailed its way to victory to become the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.

With over 1 million votes cast from over 216 countries in the awards, known as the ‘Tourism Oscars’, Titanic Belfast was awarded the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction title. It beat off stiff competition from eight global finalists, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Las Vegas Strip, USA, Machu Picchu, Peru and Guinness Storehouse, Ireland. It is the first time an attraction from Ireland, North or South, has won the prestigious accolade.

Tim Husbands MBE, Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive, said; “Over the past few years, we have continued to go from strength to strength but to be voted the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction by both the industry and the public for excellence and for our original product, is really the jewel in our crown. We are delighted that this award firmly shines a spotlight not only on Titanic Belfast but Belfast and Northern Ireland, and celebrates our authentic insight and connection to RMS Titanic.

“The Titanic story captures hearts and minds throughout the world and at Titanic Belfast, this is no exception. Our interpretation of the story and ability to engage with visitors on many different levels has been fundamental in winning this award. With the award, we hope to attract more tourists to Northern Ireland to discover it. A huge thank you to our staff and all our supporters that voted, locally and across the world, to help us reach this iconic goal of being the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.”
Northern Ireland got behind Titanic Belfast in the bid to become ‘King of the World’, with the public, industry partners, well-known personalities, politicians, sports stars and businesses providing their support to put the local landmark on par with previous winners including the Taj Mahal, Las Vegas Strip and the Pyramids of Egypt.
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster, said: “In just four short years, Titanic Belfast has become an iconic tourist ‘must see’, attracting over three million visitors from all over the world.

“We always knew that in Titanic Belfast, we were home to a world class attraction that would become a global brand. While it’s no surprise to me it has been recognised in this way, it is a wonderful achievement to win the ‘world’s best’ accolade ahead of other venues like Machu Picchu and the Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World.

“I had the privilege as Tourism Minister of being involved with the project since its inception, and this award is further proof that the investment and imagination that went into this attraction keeps paying dividends for the whole of Northern Ireland.

“I congratulate Tim Husbands and his entire team for the hard work and professionalism which has put Titanic Belfast, quite literally, on top of the world.”

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “This is terrific news for Titanic Belfast and will help in our global pitch to make the north of Ireland one of the world’s top tourism destinations.

“The Titanic story is well known but it is greatly enhanced and enriched by the visitor experience at Titanic Belfast.

“I commend Tim Husbands, Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive and all his team who are the face of Titanic Belfast. The welcome and hospitality they provide to all visitors who walk through the door is an important part of what we have to offer.

“Rest assured whether it is at home or abroad we will take every opportunity to promote the award winning Titanic Belfast.”

Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Titanic Foundation Limited, the charity that owns the attraction, commented; “This year has been one of the most successful to date for Titanic Belfast from welcoming its three-millionth visitor, winning the European award and now positioned at the forefront of global tourism. We would like to say a heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated and talented staff at Titanic Belfast who help deliver an unforgettable experience for all our visitors, the future is certainly bright for Titanic Belfast and Titanic Quarter as a maritime destination.”

This year, Titanic Belfast has welcomed over 84% of its visitors from outside Northern Ireland and  has been described by The Guardian as “an inspiring testament to the Titanic and the city that built it”. More than three million people from around the world have already visited Titanic Belfast since opening in 2012, underpinning Belfast and Northern Ireland’s growing credentials as an unrivalled visitor destination, supporting thousands of jobs and a thriving hospitality sector. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

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 Break, Charlemont Arms, Co. Armagh, from £99 per room. Established in 1936 as The Charlemont Arms Hotel this elegant town house hotel sits at the heart of the historic Georgian city of Armagh. As a family hotel The Charlemont has a proud tradition of offering the best in local hospitality. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco on arrival and full Irish breakfast the next morning.  Subject to availability. Quote ‘Discover NI’ when booking. Valid until December 31. To book call (028) 37 522028.

• Luxurious Autumn, Westville Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, from £125pps. The four-star modern, boutique style Westville Hotel is ideally situated in the centre of Fermanagh Lakelands. Use the chic surroundings of the hotel as your base to explore the historic town and its many nearby attractions such as Castle Coole, Crom Estate and the Marble Arch Caves. Enjoy a two-night break with breakfast on both mornings and a delicious three-course dinner on the evening of your choice. Available until 31 December. To book call (028) 66 320333.

• Festive Break, Maryville House Tearooms & Boutique B&B, Belfast, from £180. With the arrival of Belfast’s bustling Christmas market, why not get into the festive spirit and treat yourself to a relaxing two-night winter break at Maryville House? When checking in for your two-night stay, guests will be treated to a complimentary glass of mulled wine and homemade shortbread. On an afternoon of your choice enjoy a festive afternoon tea consisting of some of the bed and breakfast’s fresh canopies and tray bakes. Valid until 29 December. To book call (028) 90 681510.

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 this week (December 5 – December 11).

• Night at the Museum, Ulster Museum, Belfast, December 9 – 10. Ever wondered what happens in the Ulster Museum at night? The night will begin with a 45-minute lighted tour of the Museum, followed by a movie and sleepover. Free popcorn will be provided for all guests for the cinema event only, as well as a light buffet breakfast for those staying over. Suitable for ages 7 – 12.  Children to be accompanied by an adult.

• The Nutcracker, Playhouse Theatre, Derry~Londonderry, December 8. The Royal Ballet’s glorious production of The Nutcracker, created by Peter Wright in 1984, is the production par excellence of an all-time ballet favourite. Tchaikovsky’s glittering score, the gorgeous festive stage designs and The Royal Ballet’s captivating dancing – including an exquisite pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince – make this Nutcracker the quintessential Christmas experience.

• Festive Flowerworks, Banbridge Old Town Hall, Co. Down, December 10. A fun and creative morning of floral design suitable for beginners. Romaine Hodgen of Flowerworks will guide you through a Christmas themed design which you can take home to be the centrepiece of your Christmas display. All materials supplied but please bring scissors or secateurs.

• Santa’s Magical Kingdom, Argory, Co. Armagh, December 7. Take a magical journey to see Santa in the grotto and meet his team of helpers from the North Pole. Passports to Santa’s Magical Kingdom issued to each child on booking and stamped on arrival. Includes complimentary festive refreshments. Booking essential.  To book call (028) 8778 4753.

• Belfast Community Gospel Choir Christmas Show, Belfast Waterfront, Belfast, December 11. Get in the festive spirit with BCGC at the Belfast Waterfront! This show will feature everything from Christmas classics to big gospel ballads. Audience participation is encouraged, so warm up your vocal chords, bring your baubles and prepare for a very BCGC Christmas! Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC) is Northern Ireland’s first and only multicultural gospel choir. Their dynamic performances are charged with joy, passion and energy.

• Fermanagh Choral Society Christmas Concerts, Castle Coole, Co. Fermanagh, December 9 – 10. Join us for an evening of traditional Christmas songs and some not so traditional as the Fermanagh Choral Society put on their annual Christmas concerts. Castle Coole provides a stunning backdrop and a festive atmosphere for the evening, setting the tone for the rest of the season. Come for the music and stay to enjoy some seasonal treats in the Breakfast Room by the fire afterwards.

• Arco String Quartet, Clandeboye Estate, Co. Down, December 7. One of Ireland’s leading quartets invite you to an evening festive music by candle light, that will leave you full to the brim of Christmas spirit. Expect to hear music from all the ages, from traditional carols to current Christmas pop favourites, all originally arranged and handcrafted and in the unique Arco String Quartet style. With special guest appearance from singer/songwriter David C Clements, this promises to be a truly magical evening.

• Days of Christmas Past, Mellon House, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone, until December 18. Looking for a traditional Christmas Santa experience where the kids meet Santa, Mrs Claus and all their festive friends? Step back in time to a traditional Christmas in Omagh with this magical family Christmas experience. Special pricing applies, please check website for details. www.nmni.com/uafp

• The Winter Fair, Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, December 8. The Winter Fair is the meeting place for the dairy industry in Northern Ireland, where top class cattle compete for the title of supreme champion and trade stands display innovation industry advances. Visitors will see the highest quality of dairy cattle livestock on show as well as having the opportunity to find out what the industry has to offer.

• Maghera Christmas Festival & Lights Switch On, Derry~Londonderry, December 10. Enjoy street entertainment, craft workshops, face painting, balloon modelling and prize draws as you wait for Santa Claus to arrive and turn on the town lights.  Following the big switch on, join in on a lantern walk in the Walled Garden, followed by storytelling and hot chocolate.

Down

Make magical memories at WWT Castle Espie with a day out to see Santa and his elves from 3^rd to 18^th December.  Tickets are available to purchase online and include refreshments, access to the Santa experience and nature reserve plus children receive a gift from Santa.

Armagh

‘Santa’s Magical Solstice Christmas‘ at the Navan Centre & Fort will take you on an enchanted Christmas journey to the magical land of Lapland as day quickly turns to night and the wonder of the Solstice takes place from 3^rd to 22^nd December.  Santa will be waiting to meet all the boys and girls, and of course, he has a gift for all the children!  Planning to go to the Cinderella at the Market Place Theatre?  Buy your Theatre ticket at the Market Place Box Office, showing your Santa’s Magical Solstice Christmas ticket and get £2.50 off per ticket for the panto for the following performances:

Friday 9th Dec. at 6.30pm, Friday 16th Dec at 6.30pm & Friday 23rd Dec at 6.30pm.

Fermanagh

Christmas shoppers are in for a treat as Fermanagh and Omagh District Council once again hosts its Christmas Craft and Food Fair in Enniskillen on Saturday 3rd December from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, with stalls located in both the historic Town Hall and in the bustling Diamond in the centre of the town.  This popular event which follows hot on the heels of the highly successful  Christmas lights switch-on, is always a major attraction and provides the ideal opportunity for shoppers to sample and purchase a range of locally made food delights and handmade crafts, alongside soaking up the festive atmosphere, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the season and finding those unique gifts for family and friends.

Tyrone

Don’t miss this year’s Coalisland Christmas Lights Switch-On, which takes place on Sunday 4th December at the Cornmill Centre. To help build up to the big switch on, supported by Mid Ulster District Council, DJ Marty Lo and the stars of the CRAIC pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will start the celebrations at 5pm. To add to the atmosphere, you’ll be treated to an evening of festive fun, including street entertainment, giveaways, music from local talent, a music and dance performance by the very talented cast of CRAIC and other surprises.  While Santa will be busy right across Mid Ulster over the coming weeks, he’ll be in attendance to make sure the lights are on by 6.30pm.

Derry

In Magherafelt, a fantastic array of 25 artisan food and craft stalls, will be the centrepiece of the 2016 Magherafelt Christmas Market and Christmas Lights-switch on , taking place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th December.  Enjoy browsing and sampling the locally produced food and drink, or take time to unwind in the lounge with a craft beer, hot mulled wine or just sit and relax. There will be lots of hints and tips for Christmas feasts and local bands and school children will perform in the marquee over the weekend. Vote for your favourite taste too, as local butchers compete for the crown of “Magherafelt’s Best Banger” or enter the Christmas Jumper Competition taking place on Sunday 4 December!  All wrapped up in this smorgasbord of treats will be Magherafelt’s Christmas Lights Switch-on on Saturday 3rd December at 7pm, with Chair of Mid Ulster District Council and Santa of course, finishing the evening of festive fun with a spectacular fireworks display.

Antrim

See Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Courtyard Theatre until the 17th December This sparkling production features an outstanding cast, puppetry, dazzling sets and lavish costumes.  All ages can join in the excitement as this timeless fairtytale unfolds.  Special guest, Santa, will be handing out presents at the end of the show.  With just 180 seats, this intimate venue is perfect for children to get up close to the action.  Don’t miss out on the truly magical experience of a Christmas pantomime.  RELAXED PERFORMANCES: Saturday 26 Nov at 1pm and Saturday 3 Dec at 1pm. SIGNED PERFORMANCE: Sat 3 Dec at 7pm

Belfast

This Saturday 3rd December, for one night only, Elvis will be at Belfast Cathedral.  The ELVIS Spectacular stars 2012 European Champion Mr Ciaran Houlihan with his TCB Band and The SWEET Sensations. Ciaran looks, sounds and moves just like the King of Rock and Roll and we’re certain the show will be a night to remember – Book your tickets now! Belfast Cathedral are delighted to host this show where Ciaran and his band will perform some of ELVIS’s great gospel hits including “How great thou art”, “Come all you faithful”, “Amazing Grace” and “The Lords Prayer”- as well as many of The KING’s huge Rock ‘n Roll hits! Tickets are £15 with limited parking available at Belfast Cathedral for £4.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.