Down

Visit the Holywood Fair on Saturday 22^nd December for those last minute Christmas presents. The fair takes place on Hibernia Street and perfect if you are still looking for that something special.

Tyrone

Always one of the major highlights in the Alley Theatre winter programme, the annual Strabane Cross Community Carol Concert takes place on Wednesday 19^th December, a festive concert allowing the whole community to come together in the intimate Alley Theatre.  A heart warming, community event, this unique carol concert always attracts large, loyal crowds with plenty of festive cheer.  Enjoy the music of St Joseph’s Brass Band and Derg Valley Choir with a wonderful programme of readings, carols and recitals at the Alley, all in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Fermanagh

It’s your last chance to see Santa at Castle Coole  which is home to Santa and Mrs Claus from until 18th December as they busily prepare for Christmas. They will be welcoming children into their magical Christmas home – the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Here’s some of the fun that’s waiting to be enjoyed: Travel from Enniskillen to the North Pole through the magical basement tunnel, meet Mrs Claus and see the elves’ playroom, enjoy a story, chat with Santa and receive a special gift. Booking is essential.

Derry

See Irish singer and violinist Rhoda Barfoot perform at her Christmas Concert in St. Swithin’s Church Magherafelt on Friday 21st December at 7.30pm.  Join her for an evening of Christmas music with all proceeds go to Kilronan School where tickets are available to purchase, as well as Home Essentials. Admission £10 and under 16s go free.

Armagh

Experience the thrill of a ride on Santa’s Sleigh at Millers Hill Equestrian & Fun Farm, Markethill until 20^th December.  Meet Santa in his Grotto and receive child’s gift.  Make and take home magic reindeer food.  Bring your letter and post in Santa’s giant post box!  Visit and pet our animals.  Mrs Claus will be serving shortbread, mince pies & mulled wine, tea/coffee and a treat for the kids!  Special rates for school & youth groups. Refreshments & child’s gift included in price.  All Christmas activities take place indoors.

Antrim

Get your skates on! From the 18th of December until January 6th as part of the Odyssey Winterfest programme, Odyssey Arena will be transformed into the coolest place in town. This is your chance to skate at the home of the fantastic Belfast Giants! Get the party started this Christmas…experience the thrills and spills of skating at Odyssey Arena and some delicious seasonal fayre with your work friends through our Corporate Skate package.  Or why not get a group together and plan the perfect day out for Christmas or the New Year with our Group Skate package?

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year!

Jacqueline

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 24 – 30).

• Grimes and McKee’s Ugly Sisters, Grand Opera House, Belfast, December 19 – 29.  Grimes and McKee return once more to the Opera House’s pantomime set bringing songs, sketches and beautifully choreographed movement, with a skew-whiff Christmas-related theme – described as the ultimate Christmas party night out.

• Free Christmas Mystery Movie, Eclipse Cinema, Downpatrick, Co. Down, December 24.  Get into the real spirit of Christmas and enjoy a Christmas Eve mystery movie for free.  

• Boxing Day Walk, Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Co. Down, December 26. Burn off the Christmas calories with a brisk guided walk. Feed the birds, visit the hides and enjoy the fresh air.

• Mince Pie Special, Steam Trains Ireland, Belfast, December 26.  All aboard for a relaxing scenic journey on the Mince Pie steam train to Bangor – sit back and unwind with a complimentary mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.    

• Boxing Day Race Meeting, Down Royal Racecourse, Maze, Lisburn, December 26.  Come along and enjoy Christmas’ other great tradition – the Boxing Day Race Meeting at Down Royal.

• Peter Corry’s Music Box, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, December 28.  Celebrate the festive season and rediscover the magic and wonder of Christmas past and present with this spectacular of music, song and dance starring Peter Corry and members of the Ulster Operatic Company.

• Hugo Duncan’s Country First, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, December 28.  Radio Ulster’s ever popular Hugo Duncan ‘The Wee Man From Strabane’ brings his country jamboree to the Island Hall for a night of great country music.

• AVA Fairs – Antiques, Vintage and Art Fair, Slieve Donard, Newcastle, Co. Down, December 30.  Antique dealers from all over come together and set up stalls selling their goods.  If it is shopping with a difference you are looking for then look no further.

• Mystery of the Christmas Star, Armagh Planetarium, Co. Armagh, until December 31.  Journey back more than 2000 years to Bethlehem and seek to discover a scientific explanation for the star the Wise Men followed to find the baby Jesus in the digital theatre show “Mystery of the Christmas Star”.  This modern re-telling of the Christmas story will charm and captivate audiences of all ages.

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Millennium Forum, Co. Londonderry, until January 5.  Featuring William Caulfield and a star studded local cast with a special ‘magical’ appearance by Daniel O’Donnell, this energetic Christmas treat is sure to be a hit with audiences far and wide.

• Irish and American Christmas Past, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, until January 6.  Step back in time and experience a traditional 1700s, 1800s & 1900s Christmas in rural Ulster and Pioneer America.  The whole family can enjoy a day out exploring the treasures the outdoor museum has to offer.
• Enniskillen 400, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, until January 25.  Marking 400 years since the official foundation of the town of Enniskillen, this exhibition explores life in the seventeenth century beginning with Gaelic Rule.  The photos are displayed alongside sonnets by writer and historian Seamus MacAnnaidh.   

Due to extended recording commitments Jessie J’s sold-out March 2013 arena tour has now been rescheduled for the 15^th October – 11^th November 2013. All tickets will remain valid and all venues the same apart from Glasgow which has relocated from the SECC to the new Hyrdo Arena. Jessie apologises for any inconvenience this causes her fans.

“I would like to be the first to tell that you that my Nice To Meet You tour has been rescheduled to later next year. I am honestly truly sorry but I hope you all can understand that it’s just because I would like to take more time to finish my new album. I promise to make this tour my biggest and best ever and cannot wait for you all to hear my new songs.”

Full ticketing and rescheduling details are available from the point of purchase and www.jessiejofficial.com

The rescheduled dates are as follows:

Tuesday 15 Oct                      Belfast Odyssey                      from 17 March

Wednesday 16 Oct                Dublin 02 Arena                     from 18 March

Friday 18 Oct                                      Birmingham LG Arena                   from 1^st March

Saturday 19 Oct                                Sheffield Arena                                from 03 March

Monday 21 Oct                                 Aberdeen AECC                                from 15 March

Tuesday 22 Oct                                 Glasgow Hydro Arena                   from 14 March

Thursday 24 Oct                                Nottingham Arena                         from 26 February

Friday 25Oct                                       Nottingham Arena                          from 21 March

Saturday 26 Oct                                Newcastle Arena                             from 12 March

Tuesday 29 Oct                                 London 02 Arena                              from 09 March

Wednesday 30 Oct                          London 02 Arena                              from 10 March

Friday 01 Nov                                    Manchester Arena                          from 20 March

Saturday 02 Nov                               Manchester Arena                          from 02 March

Monday 04 Nov                                Liverpool Echo Arena                     from 05 March

Wednesday 06 Nov                        Brighton Centre                               from 27 February

Sunday 10 Nov                                  Bournemouth BIC                            from 07 March

Monday 11 Nov                                Cardiff Arena                                     from 06 March

For further enquires please contact the ticket point of purchase.

The Errigle Inn, one of Belfast’s most well-known pubs has taken delivery of a very special beer to bring festive cheer to its customers.

Sanity Claus, specially brewed in the heart of the Mournes, near Kilkeel by Whitewater Brewing Company, has the right balance of malt and a dry spiced finish and is perfect for sipping during the festive period.

Santa’s little helpers Meagan Green and Sarah Moore were more than happy to “Get the beers in” at the Belfast pub on the Ormeau Road, the only establishment in the World selling the Sanity Claus beer, both on draught and bottled.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 17 – 23).

• Local Crafts Showcase, Tower Museum, Co. Londonderry, December 17.  An innovative craft event to raise awareness of the arts and crafts projects which have been created by people with disabilities.
• Skate Odyssey – Public Ice Skating, Odyssey Arena, Belfast, December 18 – January 6.  As part of the WinterFest programme, the Odyssey Arena will be transformed into the coolest place in town.  Come along and experience the thrills of ice skating at the home of the Belfast Giants.

• The High Kings, Ardhowen, Co. Fermanagh, December 18 – 19.  Multi-platinum artists The High Kings have been voted Ireland’s folk band of the year and will not disappoint with this showcase of lively new songs and rousing interpretations of old favourites.

• Traditional Music Nights, Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, December 20.  Relax and unwind with a night of traditional music at the Adair Arms Hotel.

• A Giant Carol Sing, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, December 20.  Brass bands and a number of local primary schools will help get you into the Christmas spirit by exploring the lighter side of Christmas with lots of carol singing.

• Winter Solstice Guided Hike to Summit of Slieve Gullion, Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh, December 20 – 22.  Set on the summit of Slieve Gullion is the highest surviving passage tomb in Ireland and every year in the Winter Solstice the setting sun illuminates the passage inside.  This year there will be three guided walks to the tomb.  The walks will take place at dusk and suit experienced people only.

• Christmas Carol Service, Down Parish Church, Downpatrick, Co. Down, December 21.  Celebrate Christmas and enjoy some beautiful singing at this carol service which starts at 5pm.

• Retro Dance, Ulster Hall, Belfast, December 21.  Jive, swing and jitterbug the night away with Nightswing and Bellehoppers as forties and fifties dancing, music and fashion return to the Ulster Hall.

• Cultúrlann Christmas Party, An Cultúrlann, Belfast, December 21.  This end of year celebration will showcase some home-grown talent as well as a stunning string quartet that will perform melodies including Muse, Radiohead, The Divine Comedy and much more.

• Christmas with The Priests, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, December 22.  The Priests perform some of the most cherished seasonal songs including Ding Dong Merrily On High, O Come All Ye Faithful, Ave Maria and Silent Night.

• Christmas Concert, Mussenden Temple, Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, December 22.  Enjoy an evening of Christmas songs, old and new, performed in a jazz/ swing style by High Carslow and friends.

• Introduction to White Water Course, Adventure Centre, Castlewellan Forest Park, Co. Down, December 22.  A course designed to introduce paddlers with some experience of flat water to the delights of river journeys in a Kayak. 

Down

See Sinbad presented by 2nd Skin Theatre Company in conjunction with the WEB Theatre Newtownards  all week until Saturday 15^th December. Join in the family fun as SINBAD is ordered by the Caliph of Arabia to rescue the beautiful Princess Orchid from the clutches of Ali baddie and his band of pirate helpers. SINBAD has to journey to the Isle of the Dark Sea and cross the desert to find the Princess. Not so easy as the Princess is guarded by the monster from the Dark Sea. Will Sinbad rescue the Princess? Will the Caliph forgive him? What will happen to Ali baddie and his henchmen? Sinbad needs your help to overcome the odds against him. So come along and bring the whole family for a great night out.

Tyrone

This Saturday and Sunday Emma Heatherington, in association with SD Entertainment, presents SANTA & THE LOST TOYS at the Bardic Theatre Donaghmore. Join Lolli & Pop as they help Santa catch Naughty Nicker who has stolen all the presents for the boys and girls this Christmas. A family friendly Christmas show suitable for Children aged 2+ and up.   All children meet Santa after each show and receive a free treat from the man himself.  3pm & 5pm.

Fermanagh

Share Discover Village Share are hosting an Indoor Christmas Craft & Food Fair on Saturday 15th December. The Fair will be open from 11am – 2pm.   Santa is scheduled to make an appearance at the event. Rock climbing, face painting balloon modelling and refreshments will also be available.

Derry

A magic mirror, a jealous queen, a poisoned apple and the tiniest friends ever imagined – it’s panto time again at the Forum!  Telling the story of the young princess who finds herself on the run from her wicked stepmother and takes refuge in the forest with seven pint-sized men, SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS remains one of the best-love pantomimes of all time.  Packed with great song and dance routines, hilarious comedy, dazzling scenes and magical special effects, this festive favourite is fun for all the family from 4-94!  Featuring William Caulfield and a star studded local and Northern Irish cast with a special ‘magical’ appearance by Daniel O’Donnell, this energetic Christmas treat is sure to be a hit with audiences far and wide. Performances run until 5th January.

Armagh

The Market Place Theatre, in association with The Ulster Theatre Company is delighted to announce this year’s Christmas spectacular – ‘Sleeping Beauty’. This full-scale traditional pantomime will combine wonderful music, song and dance, colourful costumes, memorable characters, and loads of audience participation, in a lively and sparkling Christmas adventure.  Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a beautiful princess is born. The entire kingdom is delighted, apart from the evil Spectra, who places a curse on the Princess, so that when she pricks her finger, she falls asleep for one hundred years. Who could possibly break such a terrible spell? And who will brave the fearsome fire-breathing dragon to awaken the sleeping beauty in the magical ‘Land Of Dreams’? Come to The Market Place Theatre this Christmas to find out…runs until 23rd December.

Antrim

The Shankill Players are proud to present our Christmas extravaganza ‘Beauty and the Beast’! Come along and see all your favourite characters take to the stage, alongside a typical Players modern twist. The show will be happening between 12th-14th December at New Life Centre, Northumberland Street, Belfast! Tickets will be available to purchase from Crumlin Road Church, Belfast every Monday and Wednesday evening between 6pm-6.30pm or by contacting them through their facebook page (Shankill Players).

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your festive

events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 10 – 16).

• Santa’s Grotto and Sleigh Ride, Millers Hill, near Markethill, Co. Armagh, December 5 – 20.  Make magic reindeer food, post your letter to Santa in his giant post box, visit his Grotto and enjoy some of Mrs Claus’ shortbread and mince pies.

• Magical Christmas Memories, Springhill House, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, December 8 – 16.  Visit Santa and Twinkle-Boots in the grotto, receive a beautiful Christmas gift and see the house festively decorated for Christmas with crafts for the children and mulled wine and mince pies for the adults.

• Christmas Carol Concert, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co. Down, December 11 – 14.  Sing traditional carols and listen to seasonal readings in the atmospheric lamp-lit Omagh Meeting House.  Supper is available in Ballycultra Tea Room before and after the concert.

• 30s & 40s Music by Swingbella, Runfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, December 12.  A close-harmony vocal trio bringing back the sassy sound of the swing era of the 30s and 40s.

• Wireless Mystery Theatre presents ‘A Christmas Carol’, North Down Museum, Co. Down, December 13.  The radio theatre troupe will be ‘broadcasting’ their annual Christmas show and will transport the audience into an old-time Ulster radio studio, recreating the 1940 live broadcast of the family classic A Christmas Carol.

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Derry Playhouse, Co. Londonderry, December 13 – 15.  A fresh interpretation of a Dickens classic– the story of redemption, as Scrooge, a miser haunted by three spirits, seeks to amend the errors of his penny-pinching ways.

• Wrap It Up Christmas Event, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, December 14.  Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of shopping, mulled wine and mine pies while browsing the shop for Christmas gift ideas including knitwear, jewellery, silverware, ceramics and books.

• Winter Wonderland, Antrim Lough Shore Park, Co. Antrim, December 14.  Make sure you don’t miss Santa sailing up the Six Mile Water River by boat before paying a visit to Santa’s grotto, meeting the Christmas animals and enjoying a range of family fun.

• Half Night Paranormal Gaol Tour, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, December 15.  This tour takes you on a paranormal journey through the prison where 17 men were executed by hanging and their bodies were buried within the prison walls in the unconsecrated ground.

• Christmas Craft Fair at Share, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, December 15.  Share is hosting an indoor Christmas craft and food fair.  Santa will be making an appearance at the event and there will be plenty of activities to take part in including face painting, rock climbing and balloon modelling.

• Santa and the Lost Toys, Bardic Theatre, Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone, December 15 – 16.  The perfect alternative to the traditional grotto experience – sing along to your favourite Christmas songs, help solve the mystery of the lost boys, meet Santa and receive a special cupcake treat at this mini-pantomine.

• The Incredible Book Eating Boy, The MAC, Belfast, until January 1.  This family show is based on a book by award-winning children’s author Oliver Jeffers.  Say hello to Henry, he loves books.  Books for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Yes, Henry loves books so much that he eats them and the more he eats, the cleverer he gets.   

Londonderry’s reign as the UK’s City of Culture will be a key feature in plans to sell Northern Ireland to the overseas market in 2013, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster announced, today.

Launching Tourism Ireland’s marketing plans for next year, Arlene Foster said 2013 would provide many opportunities to build on the foundations of the increased awareness created by the ni2012 campaign.

The Minister said: “A major programme of promotional activity is being planned around Londonderry as the UK City of Culture, and this will allow Tourism Ireland to put the city, and Northern Ireland, on the map in a completely new way.

“Tourism Ireland aims to attract more visitors from overseas with a focus on the City of Culture events, the World Police and Fire Games and the worldwide publicity that will undoubtedly be generated by the recent announcement that the G8 summit is to be held in Fermanagh.

“Despite what recent provisional figures may have said, we have much to be optimistic about. Titanic Belfast smashed its visitor targets, with 615,000 people passing through the doors to date. Visitors came from 111 countries, with a ratio of 64% out of state. A Belfast Visitor and Convention survey showed a 14.1% rise in visitors coming to the city, with a 21.7% increase in people coming to the city from the Republic of Ireland. The new Giants’ Causeway visitor centre has already welcomed over 300,000 visitors from 130 countries since its opening in July.

“The Irish Open was the first European Tour event to sell out and Northern Ireland will once again be promoted as one of the world’s top golfing destinations in 2013. Our Major winning golfers continue to be excellent ambassadors on the international stage, with World No.1 Rory McIlroy winning the Race to Dubai and Graeme McDowell taking the World Challenge trophy at the weekend.”

Welcoming Tourism Ireland’s new strategy to grow the GB market, Arlene Foster said: “The current economic situation means fresh thinking is required if we are to tempt GB visitors to come to Northern Ireland. In its new strategy ‘GB Path To Growth’, Tourism Ireland will target specific market segments from the young, urban adventurer to the over 45s who want to explore the landscapes, history and culture we have on offer.”

Other key markets targeted by Tourism Ireland in 2013 will include the United States and mainland Europe, as well as Australia and other emerging markets.

Arlene Foster said: “The theme for 2013 is Global Connections for Tourism Growth, and it is important that we leave no stone unturned in the drive to let the world know what makes Northern Ireland such a special place to visit.”

Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, Niall Gibbons, said: “Next year is about delivering growth in the continuing difficult climate. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pace of economic recovery in our key source markets, we believe that 2013 will see an increase in visitor numbers. In particular the Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations will provide fresh and compelling reasons for people across the world to visit. The G8 summit also presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Fermanagh and Northern Ireland – not only to world leaders but to the international media. We plan to build on new levels of awareness arising from ni2012 and will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that Northern Ireland increases its share of the global travel business. And we will continue to work closely with our tourism partners, both at home and overseas, to achieve our common objectives and help drive economic regeneration.”

Jacqueline from www.whatsonni.com shares her pick of festive family events taking place this weekend across the North from Panto to Santa and Christmas markets!

Down

The opening gala night of Jack and the Beanstalk in support of the Doghouse Sanctuary is this Saturday 8th December.   Starring local celebrity and comedienne Victoria E Armstrong as Baron Bigwig, Nadia McConviile at Jack, Jonny Conaghan as Dame Trott, Philip Patton as Simon and Niamh McManus as Jill.  Music to get you singing along! Comedy and old fashioned romance! Dancing from the new dance troupe! Custard pies, a singing cow and a GIANT of a giant.  All will be revealed this December in E2A’s Panto Tickets only £5.00 each, making this the best value in town.

Tyrone

Ava Antiques, Vintage and Art Fair returns to the Glenavon House Hotel Cookstown this Sunday 9th December in time for all your Christmas shopping.   If it is shopping with a difference you are looking for then look no further.   The exhibition space is transformed into a cave of hidden treasures waiting to be found by avid antique market goers looking for a bargain or two.

Fermanagh

Visit Castle Coole with the children this December and enjoy the festivities.  Castle Coole will be home to Santa and Mrs Claus from 8-18th December as they busily prepare for Christmas. They will be welcoming children into their magical Christmas home – the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.  Travel from Enniskillen to the North Pole through the magical basement tunnel, meet Mrs Claus and see the elves’ playroom, enjoy a story and a chat with Santa and receive a special gift.  Booking is essential – entry is by half hour sessions.

Derry

Santa’s elves have been busy creating a magical Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle Moneymore every Saturday and Sunday until 22^nd December.  On-Target Taster Jungle activities, elf-tastic arts and crafts, festive face-painting,  woodland petting farm, cracking Christmas food and drink and locally sourced gifts and produce  are all part of the experience.  Of course, no Christmas Wonderland is complete without  Santa who will be at The Jungle to meet and greet your little ones, present them with a fabulous gift and pose for the photograph that happy family memories are made of!

Armagh

Journey back 2000 years at the Armagh Planetarium to Bethlehem, and seek to discover a scientific 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 investigation. The show will guide the viewer through some of these investigations and the most likely causes of this interesting cosmological object which was remarkable enough to make the wise men travel across the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem to see the newborn baby King. We will also explore possible dates for the birth of Christ and look at the historical records of significant astronomical events which occurred at this time. This modern retelling of the Christmas story in our digital theatre will charm and captivate audiences of all ages.

Antrim

Soak up the atmosphere at The Lisburn Christmas Market 6^th to 8^th December, this year situated at the handy and central Graham Gardens. Now an established festive favourite in Lisburn, the market is host to a wide range of traditional, handcrafted and unique products, speciality hot foods and coffee shop. With outdoor stalls, an indoor market in the Kingdom Life Centre and featuring this year for the first time, the Chill Out Tepee, the Market will also feature daily workshops, demonstrations and lunchtime acoustic music in this new Chill Out Zone. On Thursday and Friday a crèche will be on offer for pre-school age kids in the mornings and primary school kids in the afternoon and there’ll be lots of activities for the kids all day Saturday 8th.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 3 – 9).

• Sleeping Beauty, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, December 1 – 23.  The Ulster Theatre Company performs this Christmas spectacular combining wonderful music, song and dance and lots of audience participation.

• Christmas Demonstration with Noel McMeel, Belle Isle Estate, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, December 4.  Get inspired with the annual Christmas cookery demonstration where Lough Erne Resort’s executive chef Noel McMeel will inspire your senses and delight your taste buds.

• An Evening with Eilidh Patterson, Ballymoney Town Hall, Co. Antrim, December 6.  Songstress Eilidh Patterson makes a welcome return to Ballymoney with an intimate solo show, following the success of her previous performance.

• Craft Fair at Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, Co. Down, December 6. The Cancer Research Christmas craft fair will take place in the grand surroundings of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa Hotel.

• The History of Christmas, Falls Road Library, Belfast, December 6.  Patrick Greer of West Belfast Historical Society presents a talk on the history of Christmas.  The event is free and everyone is welcome.

• Open Mic Comedy Night, Millennium Forum, Co Londonderry, December 7 – 8. Regular host Danny McCrossan waxes lyrical about a multitude of things and is joined onstage with local and national wannabes who are keen to give it a go.

• Fermanagh Choral Society, Castle Coole, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, December 7 – 8. Join the Fermanagh Choral Society as they perform Christmas songs from the 50s as Castle Coole comes to the end of its diamond celebrations.

• St George’s Christmas Craft Fair, St George’s Market, Belfast, December 7 – 9. Pick up stunning, homemade Christmas presents, enjoy some delicious food or get arty and make your own personalised Christmas cards at this festive fair.

• Causeway Speciality Market, The Diamond, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, December 8.  Enjoy quality gourmet food and drink, seasonal fruit and vegetables from organic farms, custom-made accessories and one-off jewellery pieces.

• Tyrone Design Guild, The Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, December 8.  Don’t miss an excellent chance to pick up a unique gift from an exciting selection of craft work and art from local artists including carved wood, stoneware and handmade furniture.

• The Snowman, Ulster Hall, Belfast, December 8. Celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the film adaptation of Raymond Brigg’s enduring Christmas tale as the Ulster Orchestra and Christopher Bell perform Howard Blake’s uplifting music live while the film is shown on the big screen.

• Yuletide Market, Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, Co Down, December 8 – 9.  Soak up the atmosphere with craft and food stalls, Christmas trees and wreaths made by the Rowallane gardening team and lots of family festive fun.