Looking for ideas on what to buy your family and friends for Christmas this year?   Need some inspiration? Why not give the gift of theatre with tickets to a fabulous night out at the North West’s premier theatre and create new memories that will last a lifetime?

There’s lots of upcoming events at the Millennium Forum this season, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Gifts for Her

With concerts from the Ulster Orchestra (Sun 8^th Jan), Tommy Fleming (Fri 10^th Feb) and Made In Liverpool (Sat 17^th Dec) to West End musicals, Dirty Dancing (Mon 13^th to Sat 18^th Feb) and Wonderland (Tues 21^st to Sat 25^th March), the Forum has the perfect present for sisters, aunties, grannies, mums and best friends.

Gifts for Him

If the man in your life enjoys local music, drama or the best in stand-up comedy, then tickets to Homegrown (Fri 13^th Jan), The High Kings (Sat 7^th Jan), Romesh Ranganathan (Sat 10^th Dec), Jake O’Kane (Sat 21^st Jan), Neil Delamere (Sat 18^th March) and The Lonesome West (Tues 28^th March) are guaranteed to delight this Christmas.

Gifts for all the Family

Treat the family to a magical experience at the theatre with our must-see festive show, Cinderella (Fri 2^nd to Sat 31^st Dec), the smash hit West End musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Tues 30^th May to Sat 3^rd June) or Julia Donaldson’s Room On The Broom (Thurs 30^th & Fri 31^st March).  Making happy memories is the perfect way to spend Christmas for the young and the young at heart!

Tickets for all shows are now available from the Millennium Forum Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

Don’t miss this year’s Coalisland Christmas Lights Switch-On, which takes place on Sunday 4^th 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.

For further information on the Christmas Lights Switch On in Coalisland, contact the CRAIC theatre on 028 8774 1100 or through their Facebook page.

To find out about Christmas events across Mid Ulster, including light switch on events in Cookstown, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Maghera, visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

A fun, FREE and festive addition is coming to Coleraine town centre this Saturday (3^rd December)

The town will welcome a children’s carousel to The Diamond area from 10am-4pm.

Children will also get to receive balloons and glitter tattoos during their visit to the town. Don’t forget to look out for characters including Penguin, Olaf and Minion who will visit the area between 1pm-3pm. A photograph opportunity not to be missed!

Along with this free family entertainment, the town centre will also host a ‘Journey to Market’ event between 9am and 4pm which will showcase new local artisan producers

If you still have some Christmas shopping to complete, this is the perfect place to pick up some unique gift ideas.

Don’t forget as well, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will again provide a FREE Park ‘N Ride bus service each Saturday from 9.30am to 6pm until December 17^th to make for a stress free shopping experience with pick up and drop off points at Riverside Retail, Coleraine Library and Coleraine Leisure Centre.

This Christmas take time to ‘See Ballycastle’ and explore what it has to offer.

Why not make a day of it and find quality crafts, unique gift ideas, speciality foods and big name brands from over 60 independent shops.

The friendly, personal service that Ballycastle is famous for is evident in its independent shops, cosy cafes and gastro pubs.

There are a number of events and family friendly entertainment in Ballycastle and the surrounding area right throughout December.

The Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market makes a welcome return to the Marine Hotel on Sunday 27^th November to kick start your Christmas shopping from 11am to 5pm offering a fantastic array of local art, craft and food produce.

The annual Ballycastle Pony Parade takes place on 3^rd December. Now in its 5th year, the Parade is a fun, festive spectacle featuring horses and riders dressed as Santa Claus – will you be able to spot the REAL Santa? He’ll be giving out treats to all the children who pop along to say hello. There’ll be a charity collection on the day for Motor Neurone Disease Association Northern Ireland and Rett Syndrome Ireland.

Julienne Elliott, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Economic Development Officer for Town Management said: “Along with the pony parade, Saturday 3^rd December is Small Business Saturday and Council are encouraging everyone to Shop Local this Christmas. Ballycastle has a lot to offer in this regard, and customers can be assured of friendly, local customer service which the town is famous for.”

Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce has organized a Shop Window Christmas Display Competition which will be judged on Christmas Eve.

Retailers are getting into the spirit by decorating their windows in a truly festive fashion so look out for all the different displays as you make your way through the town.

An ideal time to view the display will be on Saturday 17^th December as a variety of street entertainment has been organised to take place from 12noon to 2pm including surprise characters Olaf, Minion and Penguin as well as balloon modelling and glitter tattoos to keep the little ones entertained.

For further details on Christmas events in the Ballycastle area and the rest of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough pick up your free brochure from various outlets or visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/christmas

‘Tis the season to tuck into your favourite festive films, and Strand Arts Centre in East Belfast has lined up a selection box of some of the best.

Will Ferrell stars in the 2003 comedy Elf as Buddy, accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale in The Muppet Christmas Carol, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge. There’s also a special Sing-A-Long version of the film on Christmas Eve at 3pm, when a very special guest, the Ghost of Christmas Present, will be the host with the most dishing out a few surprises on the day. Dressing up is encouraged with prizes for best dressed!

Tim Burton’s Christmas in Gotham is not exactly the season of goodwill in Batman Returns. The monstrous Penguin (Danny de Vito) joins up with wicked shock-headed businessman Max Shreck to topple Batman (Michael Keaton) once and for all. But when Shreck’s timid assistant, Selina Kyle, finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she is transformed into Michelle Pfeiffer’s sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.

An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed. Frank Capra directs and James Stewart stars in the classic tearjerker It’s a Wonderful Life.

And for all you Frozen fans out there, you’ll be pleased to hear that Strand Arts Centre just can’t let it go!

On Wednesday 28th December, the now ludicrously popular Disney animation gets another Sing-A-Long screening. Activities start at 12pm with a meet and greet (including selfies) with Elsa and Anna, followed by face painting, colouring-in and songs before the film at 1.30pm.

More info and booking online at www.strandartscentre.com or by phoning (028) 9065 5830.

Magherafelt Christmas Market is back!

A fantastic array of 25 artisan food and craft stalls selling local high quality products, will be the centrepiece of the 2016 market, taking place from Friday 2^nd to Sunday 4th December, and the first event to be held in the newly refurbished town centre.

Enjoy browsing and sampling the locally produced food and drink, or take time to unwind in the lounge, where you can experience 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.

You can vote for your favourite taste too, as local butchers will compete for the crown of “Magherafelt’s Best Banger” or why not 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 3^rd 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.

Once again, this Christmas, there will be reduced car parking rates in Magherafelt town centre and diversions will be in place for the duration of the market. Further details to be announced soon.

To find out more about other Christmas events across Mid Ulster, visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas2016 .

On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December Lilian Bland Community Park, Glengormley will be alive with lots of Christmas activities.

On Saturday from 12pm to 8pm and Sunday from 1pm to 7pm, the market will feature Christmas food and craft stalls from Bonkers Betty’s Bizarre Bazaar.  Local businesses including the Bellevue, Knags, The Loft, Flowers by Reids, Wippy Yo and Serendipity at Home will also have lots of food, drink and gifts available on their stalls.

The weekend’s festivities also includes free family entertainment for everyone.  There will be Christmas games, face painting, arts & crafts, a free carousel and swinging chairs, to ensure all ages get into the festive spirit.  Santa is hoping you will come and visit him in his grotto from 12pm until 4pm on Saturday and 1pm to 4pm on Sunday.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the grotto and children aged 11 and under will receive a free treat from Santa.

In keeping with the December theme of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016, you will be able to visit the bar and treat yourself to a delicious warm glass of mulled wine or sample a continental beer.  The bar will close 15 minutes before the event ends each night.

There will be no car parking available at Lilian Bland Community Park.  Parking is only available for blue badge holders.  All other visitors are advised to park at Tesco Northcott where a park and ride facility will be in operation during the market.

For more information about the event please contact Karen Steele on 028 9446 3113 ext 31376 or visit the Get into Glengormley Facebook page.

Friday 2 – Thursday 8 December

Friday 2 December, Santa Parade and Family Fun
Donaghadee Town Centre

Free Event
Fireworks 6.45pm
Festive stalls and entertainment followed by the ever popular Santa parade.

Info: visitdonaghadee.com, 028 9188 8667

Friday 2 and Saturday 3 December, Creative Peninsula Christmas Craft Fayre
Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

Free admission
10am – 5pm
Enjoy a unique shopping experience and purchase that perfect, handcrafted gift.

Info: ardsarts.com, 028 9182 6846

Saturday 3 December, Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasses!

The Space/SERC, Castle Park Road, Bangor

£5 per person. Suitable for children aged 5+

2pm and 6pm

Presented by Squash Box Theatre, this show is a stuffed stocking of seasonal surprises, puppets, songs and comedy.

Info: ardsarts.com, 028 9181 0803

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, Santa in the Stables

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

Free Event
Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 1pm – 5pm
Children’s activities and Santa 1pm – 5pm (both days), plus your chance to buy something unique for friends and family this Christmas! Whilst in Portaferry, why not check out the festive activities at Exploris Aquarium and The Carol Ship on Strangford Lough. Full details on our website.

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, 028 9182 6846

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, Magical Moments

Throughout Bangor Town Centre

Free Event
Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 12noon – 6pm
A weekend of free, family, festive fun throughout the town centre with music, performance, children’s entertainment and much more!

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, 028 9127 0069

Sunday 4 December, Santa Fun Run, Community Carol Service and Christmas Switch On

Donaghadee Town Centre and First Presbyterian Church

Free Event
Fun run 2pm, carol service and switch on 7pm

Info: visitdonaghadee.com, 028 9188 8667

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, 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

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

Wednesday 30 November – 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

Saturday 3 – 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

Thursday 8 December – 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.

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.

Unique shops and quality customer service make Ballymoney a great place to visit this Christmas.

Everyone is invited to ‘Enjoy Our Town’ as the festive spirit starts to build.

The Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market pays a visit to Castlecroft on Friday 2^nd December from 11am to 3pm offering a fantastic array of local art, craft and food produce.

Look out for Santa as he takes up residence on Church Street. Santa’s House will be open each Saturday from December 3^rd – 17^th, from 2pm- 4.30pm and there’ll be reindeer to feed in Castlecroft also.  A selection of buskers will be on hand each Saturday to entertain, so make sure you wear your Christmas jumpers as you may receive a prize, all of which has been organised by Ballymoney Chamber of Commerce.

Julienne Elliott, Economic Development Officer for Town Management said: “Saturday 3^rd December is also ‘Small Business Saturday’ and Ballymoney has a wealth of independent local businesses. I would encourage everyone to think about using your local small business providers on this day but also right throughout the year.”

Street entertainment will be on offer from 1pm – 3pm on Saturday, December 10^th and December 17^th. Look out for surprise characters Dora and Fireman Sam, Olaf, Minion and Penguin as well as balloon modelling and glitter tattoos to keep the little ones entertained.

For further details on all events in the Ballymoney area and the rest of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough pick up your free brochure from various outlets or visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/christmas

A touch of the Middle East warmed up the wet streets of Antrim as the cast from Aladdin arrived in town ahead of this year’s Pantomime.

Mr Hullabaloo and The Old Courthouse Theatre presents Aladdin from Tuesday 6 – Saturday 17 December. Featuring an outstanding cast of live performers, puppetry, dazzling sets and lavish costumes, children of all ages can join in the excitement and enter a whole new world as our spectacular story unfolds.

Full of laughter and full of fun, Aladdin will be an exciting adventure that will have you and your family singing, dancing and clapping along.  Don’t miss out on the truly magical experience of a Christmas Pantomime.

To book tickets please contact Box Office; T 028 9442 8331 or online www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice