Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will be spreading some Christmas sparkle as they host their annual Christmas Carol Concert on Saturday 12^th December at 3.30pm at Antrim Forum.

The Senior Wind Band from the Education Authority, North Eastern Region 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 hosted by BBC’s Claire McCollum.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg said “It promises to be an enjoyable afternoon for all the family. At such a busy season, it is lovely to take some time out to enjoy traditional Christmas Carols, readings and prayers.”

Admission is free however there will be a door collection with all proceeds donated to the Mayor’s nominated charities: ABF The Soldier’s Charity, Autism NI and Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. These charities touch many people’s lives and carry out a lot of great work right across the Borough.

For more information on the Christmas Carol Concert please contact Antrim Forum on 028 9446 4131 or email forum@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (December 7-13).

• Charles Dickens Reading A Christmas Carol, Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards, Co. Down, December 9. During the last twelve years of his life, Dickens toured Britain and the USA reading his works professionally to his adoring public. The most popular of these readings was ‘A Christmas Carol’. In this almost totally candlelit performance, and looking uncannily like Dickens, Pip Utton recreates the famous author’s public readings using the script and directions that Dickens himself used. A wonderfully atmospheric start to the Christmas season. From 8pm.

• Frock Around The Clock – Magical Christmas Vintage Fair, Belfast Castle, Antrim Road, Belfast, December 13. Frock Around The Clock will be returning to the fairytale location of Belfast Castle for the last event of 2015. The fair features everything you need to complete your Christmas shopping in style, with 45 select stalls of vintage, handcrafted & upcycled fashion, homewares and collectables, jewellery, sweet treats, toys, gifts, Christmas decorations, artisan food & much more! From 12-5pm.

• Family Film Screening: Frozen Sing-a-long, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, December 12. ‘Let it Go’ with the sing-along version of Disney’s Frozen and join the fearless Anna on her epic journey to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. There are two screenings at 12noon and 2pm, with pre-screening art workshops for children also available.

• The Carol Ship on Strangford Lough, Portaferry and Strangford, Co. Down, December 10-12. The decorated Strangford ferry will cross the Lough every fifteen minutes and music performed aboard by groups and choirs from a 30 mile radius will ring out across Strangford Lough. The wonderful night doesn’t stop there, with Christmas markets, music and storytelling on both sides of the lough.

• Santa’s Grotto, Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, December 10-20. Enjoy a special visit to Santa’s Magical Workshop where there will be an opportunity to write and post a letter to Santa, meet Santa and receive a special gift and photo of your visit. Booking is essential as places are limited.

• Little Red Riding Hood, Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Co. Armagh, until December 20. Be prepared to howl with laughter as the 2015 Christmas pantomime, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, arrives at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre. This magical, fun-filled adventure is presented by a fabulous cast of characters, and bursting with catchy songs, loads of audience participation and plenty of bite!

• Corrymeela Christmas Open Day Christmas Market, Corrymeela, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, December 12. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun at Corrymeela’s Community Open Day, featuring a Christmas themed market. You will be amazed at the quality of the local produce and handcrafted goods on offer – come along and pick up that special Christmas gift. Corrymeela Community have also organised a full programme of events and activities, including a visit from Santa, on this fun day out for all the family.

• SHARE Santa Sundays, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, December 13. Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule stopping off at SHARE to spread some festive joy.  Enjoy a nice family day out with a scrumptious 4 course meal and visit Santa for a present and to post your letter to the North Pole.

• Read To Me at Christmas, Linen Hall Library, Donegal Square North, Belfast, December 7. As part of Linen Hall Library’s “Read To Me” season, local writers including Jonathan Bardon, Ciaran Carson and Patricia Craig read from their choice of Christmas themed books, with seasonal refreshments provided. Begins at 6pm.

• The Santa Experience, Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co. Down, December 10-13. Pay a visit to Father Christmas and add that extra bit of magic to the festive season for the little ones (and for the young at heart). Various timeslots available – check website for availability.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Down

Ride on a 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 our buffet for drinks and snacks, our museum buildings, shop, and model railway.  Trains run from 2pm-5pm each day – doors open about 1:30pm. Pay on arrival at the station in Downpatrick, no need to book in advance. Open every Saturday and Sunday between now and Christmas.

Armagh

Be prepared to howl with laughter as the 2015 Christmas pantomime, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, arrives at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre. This magical, fun-filled adventure is presented by a fabulous cast of characters, and bursting with catchy songs, loads of audience participation and plenty of bite! All the better to entertain you with! Families and children will get right up close to all of the action with loads of chances to cheer on Little Red Riding Hood, her friends The Three Little Pigs, and Boo the big and very bad wolf!  Runs from 4th – 20th December.

Fermanagh

Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule stopping off at SHARE on Sunday 6th December and Sunday 13th December to spread some festive joy. Enjoy a family day out with a scrumptious 4 course meal and visit Santa for a present and to post your letter to the North Pole.  Promises to be a fun festive day with guest appearances from Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Tyrone

Join An Creagan this Friday 4th December for their outdoor courtyard market filled with Christmas lights, music, food, craft beers & ciders and crafts from local producers. This is a perfect day out for the family while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere in beautiful surroundings and an ideal opportunity to choose handmade original gifts for all the family from special presents and personal commissions to simple stocking fillers.

Derry

The annual pantomime extravaganza by local Limavady Drama Group returns to the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady for some superb festive family fun with a production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Wed 2, Thur 3 & Fri 4 December – shows at 7.30pm. Sat 5 December – shows at 2.30pm & 7.30pm.

Antrim

Join Ma, Da, Mary, Mags, Youcef and all their friends in My Big Fat Belfast Christmas at Theatre at the Mill 4th December to 2nd January.  Directed by Fionnuala Kennedy, it’s a guaranteed Christmas Craic’er’!  Wee Mary is travelling home for Christmas to introduce her new boyfriend, Youcef, to the ‘family’, yes, the whole family! Back in Belfast, Mum Mary is up to her eyes stuffing the turkey, with Dad Joe, who has enlisted the help of a cheeky bottle of Baileys, under strict orders to dress the tree.  Meanwhile, Mary’s younger sister, Mags, really couldn’t care if the Queen of Sheba herself was flying home.

Belfast

Step back in time, join Father Christmas and explore Titanic Belfast’s traditional Christmas street scene at the Magical Christmas Experience!  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! Enjoy a wondrous 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.  Write your letter to Father Christmas and let your creative juices flow with our Christmas crafts – don’t forget to take your masterpieces home to share with your families. Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off our ‘Naughty or Nice’ list, before visiting Father Christmas in his Old Curiosity Shop!

Add your events free at www.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.

Model Carys Magill joins Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in continuing its festive countdown with its must-attend “Food & Music” event this Friday 4^th and Saturday 5^th December in Lisburn Square.

NI Charity delivers a Christmas experience for children with Autism

For the first time, charity Autism Initiatives invites families from across Northern Ireland to pop on their best Christmas jumpers and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting Santa’s Silent Garden – a Christmas experience designed for children with an Autism Spectrum Condition.

Situated at the foot of the breath-taking Mourne Mountains, Autism Initiatives have transformed their beautiful Pumpkin Pastures community garden into a festive experience for all the family. Visitors can expect something a little different from their visit with no crowds, a sensory filled experience, a bit of Christmas mystery and of course the big man in red with his Autism-specific trained elves.

This is yet another bespoke service provided in 2015 by Autism Initiatives – the largest voluntary sector provider of direct services to children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) in Northern Ireland – who earlier in the year worked with children and families throughout the Province at specially designed Surf and Bike programmes.

Speaking about his magical garden, Mr S.Claus commented:

“Very few people know that each year Mrs Claus and I visit Newcastle for some relaxation and the occasional go on the Dodgems before I fly around the world delivering presents. My Silent Garden is the perfect spot for me to read over any last minute letters plus it’s near the beach and the Mournes, which Rudolph simply loves. The Claus’ would be very happy for families to come along to visit our magical garden but we do recommend wearing gloves.”

Grainne Close, National Director Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland, said:

“At Autism Initiatives, we think differently about Autism and this is reflected in everything we do. We have been speaking to the parents and children who use our services and it is evident that, for them, Christmas can be quite a stressful period. Many children living with an Autism Spectrum Condition can find this time of the year unsettling and overwhelming due to changes in their surroundings, which can cause a sensory overload. Our relaxed Santa experience situated just 60mins out of Belfast, is the perfect way for children and families to still enjoy the magic of a Santa visit plus it will provide a lovely break to an otherwise hectic Christmas countdown. Our dream is that Santa’s Silent Garden will become somewhat of a family tradition in years to come.”

For more information visit AINI.Sports-Bookers.co.uk

Prices:

Child £7

Adult £3

Christmas is a time for family and fun, however, it can also be a time for remembering loved ones or thinking about others who are coping with a long term health condition.

Support Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke this Christmas by joining one of two festive concerts which will celebrate the lives of loved ones affected by chest, heart or stroke illnesses.

Susan and Malachi’s Christmas Party

On Tuesday 8th December local country music stars Susan McCann and Malachi Cush, in association with Irish TV, will host a festive knees up at Armagh City Hotel. With a line up including Lisa McHugh, Lee Matthews, Niamh McGlinchey and many more, this is sure to be a tremendous night out!

Tickets are priced £20 and are available from NICHS or they can be purchased directly at the hotel.

Book Now ( link through to http://nichs.org.uk/1130/christmas-party )

Christmas at the Cathedral

Thursday 10th December will then see the return of ‘Christmas at the Cathedral’. This year jazz and swing star, James Huish, will host and perform in an evening of festive classics at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.  James will be joined by Andrea Begley, winner of ‘The Voice’, Queen’s University’s Big Brass Band and a children’s choir from Stormont School of Singing.

Tickets are priced £15

Children under 16 free

Book Now ( link through to http://nichs.org.uk/986/christmas-at-the-cathedral )

Both concerts will raise vital funds to help NICHS carry out its care and prevention work here in Northern Ireland.

For more information

Call NICHS 028 9032 0184 or visit nichs.org.uk/Christmas

Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council is pleased to showcase Antrim Lough Shore Park in all its winter glory by transforming it into a true Christmas Wonderland.

The festive season will be in full swing when the park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland on Thursday 10 December. There will be something for all the family to enjoy between 6pm and 8pm and admission to the event is free.  There is a £1 per child charge for Santa’s Grotto which includes a small gift.

Santa will be arriving by boat along the Six Mile Water River around 6.15pm, with a little help from his friends at Lough Neagh Rescue, who will also be fundraising on the night for their lifeboat station. Children will be able to take part in a range of activities including festive train rides, face painting and a Christmas Puppet Show. There will be lots of Christmas music from the Cool FM Radio Roadshow and free arts and crafts activities.  There will also be a Christmas Mobile Playground for the first time at the Lough which will add an extra sparkle to the evening.

Extensive car parking will be available at the Lough Shore Park with disabled parking for blue badge holders only. Overflow car parking will be available at the Education Authority, North Eastern Region, Lough Road, Antrim, with a free shuttlebus in operation.

For further information about all the Christmas events in the Borough visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Christmas or please phone 028 9446 3113 or 028 9034 0000.

Local families whose lives have been impacted by cancer had the chance to enjoy some festive cheer at the exclusive launch of Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience on November 26.

Children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer and their families were invited by Cancer Fund for Children to the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience to see Father Christmas arrive and abseil down the iconic building to launch the Magical Christmas Experience. The families had the chance to go back in time, explore a traditional Christmas Street, look up their names in the naughty or nice list and meet Father Christmas in his Old Curiosity Shop.

Mingling with a host of well-known Northern Ireland faces from the world of sport and entertainment, including Q Radio breakfast team’s Stephen Clements and Cate Conway who  played Mr and Mrs Clause on the night, the families were first to preview this year’s event.

The young people enjoyed festive games, dressing up, decoration making, story-telling and watching movies from a bygone era in the Ye Olde Picture House.

Cancer Fund for Children’s Services Manager Angela Rodgers, said: “We are so grateful to Titanic Belfast for inviting our families to be involved in the Magical Christmas Experience for the second year running.  At Christmas issues faced by families affected by cancer can become even more of a struggle. It is wonderful for families to be given a break from the stress of hospital visits, treatment and isolation through this unique event. Titanic Belfast and Cancer Fund for Children brought families together for a fun evening where they were able to relax, enjoy family time together and create lasting memories.

“This is just one of the ways we help make the lives of those affected by cancer a little more bearable at Christmas time. We also provide breaks at Daisy Lodge, our Therapeutic Short Break Centre in Newcastle Co. Down and offer self-catering breaks at our Cottages in Coleraine as well as giving families the opportunity to enjoy varied events and parties over the festive season.”

Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, commented: “Christmas is a truly magical time of year and our Experience is all about embracing festive cheer and creating unique memories. Therefore, we are delighted and very pleased to add something special to the lives of these very deserving families this Christmas!”

Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience runs until December 23. To book, visit www.titanicbelfast.com. For more information on Cancer Fund for Children and how you can fundraise so the charity can support more families, visit cancerfundforchildren.com.

The Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh has a new Santa experience for 2015, Santa’s Magical Elves.  Running on various dates throughout December this promises to be a fantastic family Christmas experience.

Santa’s Magical Elves ‘at Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh will take you on an enchanted Christmas Journey with Santa’s little helpers who arrive on their very own Elf Mobile!

How did the Elves come to be at Navan?  How did they help Santa make Christmas?  Be captivated by the secrets of the Elves as you journey with them from Navan to the wonderful ‘Elf-ville’

On your travels the Elves will stamp your Christmas Ticket allowing you unlock the gates on ‘Elf-ville’ to meet with Santa in his home, where he has gifts for all the boys and girls!

Cost: Adult £5.15, Child £10.30 and Under 1 £5.15, this will include a gift for children and tea-time treat for adults to take away and enjoy.  There is 10% discount for parties of 12 or more, when made as one booking.

Pre-essential is essential.  For dates, times and booking www.armagh.co.uk/santa

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is kicking off the festive season at the start of December with two fantastic Christmas themed dramas.

Dyad Productions, creators of ‘Austen’s Women’, ‘I, Elizabeth’, ‘The Diaries Of Adam And Eve’ and ‘Female Gothic’, are bringing their latest production, ‘Christmas Gothic’ to The Market Place Theatre in Armagh. Christmas is a time to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future; a time of feasts and festivities; of holly and mistletoe; a time of visits and visitations. A time of ghosts. Come in from the cold and enter into the Christmas spirit as a dark and spectral woman tells haunting tales of the festive season, lighting a candle to the frailties of human nature and illuminating the cold and chilling depths of the bleak, wintry dark. Dyad Productions resurrects a Victorian tradition by presenting three seasonal tales of terror to scintillate the gooseflesh for dark Christmas nights. ‘Christmas Gothic’ will be staged on Friday 4^th December at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 and £11 (concession).

Then on Friday 11^th December, book yourself in for a merry little Christmas with Wireless Mystery Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’. With live music, hand cranked sound effects and authentic ’40s radio jingles and Christmas commercials, this is the perennially favourite tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge and his spectral Christmas visitors, with a twist – its set in a ’40’s radio studio! A real heart-warming Christmas treat with a quirky vintage style. ‘A Christmas Carol’ will be staged on Friday 11^th December at 8pm. Tickets are priced £14 and £12 (concession).

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. 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.