Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 30 – December 6).

• Christmas At The Castle, Hillsborough Castle, Hillsborough, Co. Down, December 4. There’s nothing more magical than a castle dressed for Christmas. So don’t miss your chance to enjoy an unforgettable day of festive experiences at Hillsborough Castle. With viewing of all the state rooms, drinks reception and a fabulous chorale group singing in the Throne Room, it’s a majestic way to start the season. Bookings essential. From 7pm.

• Christmas Lights Switch On Ballycastle, The Diamond, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, December 3. Everyone welcome to join in an evening of festive celebrations that offers something for all the family. The Christmas event will commence at 6.30pm with the annual interdenominational Community Carol Service followed by the ‘Big Switch-on of Christmas lights by Santa Clause. Santa will be in his grotto inviting children to meet him and receive an early Christmas present. A DJ will be entertaining the crowds with lots of fun and music until 9pm. Shops will be open late offering special discounts.
• Limavady Christmas Artisan Market, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, December 5 Fresh aromas, vivid colours, eclectic treasures, buzzing crowds – a mere stroll amongst the many stalls of an Artisan Market are enough to invigorate the senses and whet the appetite. These markets aim to keep things authentic, providing a rare but enchanting opportunity to meet the many food and craft producers and suppliers from the North Coast and Glens area. From 11am to 4pm.

• Enniskillen’s Christmas Craft & Food Fair, Townhall and The Diamond, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, December 5. This event provides the perfect opportunity for shoppers to browse a wonderful range of high quality food and craft products. There will be fun for all the family with face painting, street performers and Christmas characters from 12pm to 4pm so come along and get in the Christmas spirit!

• Santa’s Pony Parade, Sheskburn House Car Park, 7 Mary Street, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, December 5. Come along and delight in this wonderful parade of horses with riders in festive fancy dress make their way through the town, stopping off in the Diamond area where they will assemble to sing Christmas songs. And don’t forget to bring your pooch as there will be a fun dog show with prizes for the best dressed. Santa will also be in attendance giving away children’s goody-bags. Horses and ponies will assemble in Sheskburn House car park at 12pm and depart at 1pm.

• Off The Cuff at Contained Village, Contained Pop Up Village, Donegall Quay, Belfast, December 1. Looking for a bit of craic on a Tuesday night? Off the Cuff is Belfast’s only free entry open-mic night for anyone and everyone. All styles, levels and mindsets of music are welcome. Each week will feature an improv session that is open for all instruments.  6pm til late.

• Days Of Christmas Past at the Folk Park, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, December 5-20. This festive season take the family back in time to experience the magic of a truly traditional Christmas. Looking for a traditional Christmas Santa experience where the kids meet Santa, Mrs Claus and all their festive friends. This event will take place on different days from 11am to 4pm.

• Santa’s Magical Elves @ Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, Co. Armagh, December 5-22.  Armagh will take you on an enchanted Christmas Journey with Santa’s little helpers who arrive on their very own Elf Mobile! On your travels the Elves will stamp your Christmas ticket allowing you unlock the gates on ‘Elf-ville’ to meet with Santa in his magical kingdom, where he has gifts for all the boys and girls!

• Santa’s Magical Workshop, McCrum’s Court, Armagh, Co. Armagh, December 5-22. Make a Christmas Wish and truly magical memories in Santa’s workshop. Experience the magical lights and trees as you make your way to see the elves in Santa’s workshop, take photographs with Santa, make a wish and hang it up for all to see. Register on the day only in the Mall Shopping Centre during workshop opening hours as listed. Registration is essential as availability can be limited.

• A Christmas Carol The Musical – Ardhowen Theatre, 97 Dublin Road, Derrychara, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, December 3-12. Enniskillen Light Operatic presents A Christmas Carol, The Musical. The classic Dickens tale of the miserly Scrooge redeemed by visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future has been adapted for the stage by Lynn Ahrens and Alan Menken. The show is perfectly suited to getting you in the mood for the festive season. Show begins at 8pm and on Sat 5th December 3 and 8pm.

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

Watch Holywood light up this Christmas with a day of festive fun in the town centre this Saturday 28th November. Featuring a Christmas Market, Open House choir, a synthetic ice-rink, a visit from Santa, a giant snowman, activities in the library and street theatre, the event promises to be a great day out for the whole family. The market will trade from 11am – 6pm and the lights will be switched on by the Mayor at 4.30pm.

Armagh

Georgian Day this Saturday 28th November will see the Ancient Cathedral City of Armagh transformed with market stalls offering beautiful indigenous crafts and food as well as the scent of warm mince pies and mulled wine combined with the sound of local musicians to ensure a truly unique atmosphere to get the festive season started. See Armagh in all its festive glory, as it back to its Georgian roots for a unique Christmas experience that cannot to be missed!

Fermanagh

Irvinestown Christmas lights are being turned on Saturday 28th November. PJ the D J will be providing music with his famous snow machine filling the main street with snow. There are special appearances from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Peppa Pig, George and The Arc Centres Racoon. Get into the spirit of Christmas and have the children dress up in Fancy Dress and there is free face painting on the day.

Tyrone

Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Ulster American Folk Park this Thursday 26th November. At this time of year, Americans across the world turn their thoughts to home and family as they prepare to celebrate the cherished American holiday of Thanksgiving. Join the Partridge family in Slippery Rock, Butler County as they prepare their Thanksgiving dinner of 1863 and explore how the celebration first started. Taste seasonal dishes of succotash and pumpkin and shoofly pie. Normal admission pricing applies.

Derry

The annual speciality Christmas market returns to Magherafelt this weekend with more than 35 food and drink suppliers. Browse and sample locally produced Artisan food and drink, or unwind in the lounge, with a craft beer or hot mulled wine with entertainment by local bands & school children. Be inspired and amazed by the variety, quality and originality of the hand-made craft products and gifts available. All wrapped up in this smorgasbord of treats will be Magherafelt’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday the 28 November at 7pm. This promises to be a captivating evening of festive fun, with the Cool FM Roadshow, prize giveaways, that will finish with the traditional, spectacular fireworks display and of course, Santa!

Antrim

The Courtyard Theatre Ballyearl presents Jack and the Beanstalk beginning this Friday 27th November. From the creative team that brought you Snow White, Aladdin, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty: Jack and the Beanstalk will have you and your family singing, dancing and clapping along! Featuring an outstanding cast of live performers, puppetry, dazzling sets and lavish costumes, children of all ages can join in the excitement and fun as our spectacular story unfolds. Full of laughter and fun, don’t miss out on the truly magical experience of a Christmas pantomime. There is also a special visit and present from Santa at the end of the show! Show Times: Weeknights at 7pm; Weekends at 1pm, 4pm & 7pm

Belfast

Frock Around The Clock will be returning to beautiful Malone House Belfast for the ‘Wonderful Winter’ Vintage & Handmade Fair on Sunday 29th November and will feature 45 stalls of vintage, handcrafted & upcycled fashion, furniture, homewares and collectibles, textiles and decor, jewellery, sweet treats, toys, art, craft, gifts, artisan food, children & baby wear & much more!

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L’Derry’s “Browns” has become the first restaurant in Northern Ireland to be included in the prestigious “Ireland’s Blue Book” association of hotels and restaurants.

Browns, already named by critics as the best in the northwest and one of the best in Ireland, joins a select handful of Northern Ireland hotels, including the Bushmills Inn, Newforge House and Ardtara Country House, in the elite guide. Ardtara Country House in Upperlands is also owned by Browns owners Marcus Roulston and Chef Patron Ian Orr, making this a double Blue Book feather in their caps.

Sallyanne Clarke, President, Ireland’s Blue Book and proprietor of Dublin’s ‘Ecrivain Restaurant said “We are particularly delighted to have Browns, the first restaurant in Northern Ireland, join our collection.”

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said “We are pleased to see Browns Restaurant as the first Northern Ireland restaurant invited to join the elite group of properties in Ireland’s Blue Book. This honour is particularly fitting as we approach the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016.  Congratulations to Ian Orr, Chef Patron and Marcus Roulston and their team.”

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, offered “Congratulations to Browns Restaurant on being the first Northern Ireland restaurant to join the prestigious Blue Book collection. Ireland’s Blue Book has long been known for representing properties of unique and individual style which offer the best in hospitality, so the inclusion of Browns for the first time in 2016 is testament to its high standards and the superb experience it offers our overseas visitors. Ireland’s Blue Book undoubtedly helps to give the island of Ireland significant “stand-out” in the very competitive international marketplace. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Ireland’s Blue Book, to promote Browns Restaurant and all of the other wonderful properties in the collection, around the world in 2016.”

Marcus Roulston and Ian Orr, Co Owners, Browns Restaurant said “Browns is delighted and humbled to be Northern Ireland’s only restaurant to have been invited to join the elite collection of hotels and restaurants in Ireland’s Blue Book. This is a gratifying complement to the “Best Restaurant in Co. L’Derry” award received every year from 2010 to 2015 from Ireland’s Restaurants Association and with our sister restaurant, “Browns in Town”,  to be the only two restaurants in the City to be recommended in the Michelin Guide 2016. In light of these awards, Browns is particularly proud of the restaurant’s accessibility to all with arguably the best value for money in the northwest. We thank our loyal customers over the years for their continued support and friendship.”

The addition of Browns bring to 49 the number of boutique hotels, restaurants and country houses in one of Europe’s premier collections — membership of which is notoriously difficult to achieve and highly-regarded as a result.

The National Trust Giant’s Causeway is the UKs Best Heritage Attraction according to voters of the nation’s largest consumer poll, the British Travel Awards.

Northern Ireland’s best-loved landmark scooped gold at the glamorous gala awards ceremony held in London on 25 November attended by close to a thousand travel industry people.

The Giant’s Causeway, comprised of thousands of interlocking basalt columns – evidence of a dynamic and transformative period in our earth’s history – is Northern Ireland’s first World Heritage Site as well as its most visited tourist attraction.

The National Trust team at the Giant’s Causeway regularly welcomes thousands of daily visitors offering a first-class visitor experience and a warm welcome to travellers from across the world.

Esther Dobbin, Commercial and Visitor Operations manager, said: ‘Our team have worked so hard to deliver exceptional customer service. This is the first time it has been won by a Northern Ireland attraction. The awards are voted for by visitors which makes them all the more special. We are really passionate about what we do, and I’m so proud of our entire team. This is great for the National Trust and for Northern Ireland’.

This is the second year that the Giant’s Causeway has been nominated in the awards, having won bronze last year. It is also the first ever win for the National Trust in this category. The Giant’s Causeway had competition from National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Sterling Castle and last year’s winner, Edinburgh Castle.

British Travel Awards’ chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said: ‘More than a quarter of a million consumers voted this year to determine the winners of the 2015 British Travel Awards – it’s the largest awards program in the UK and to win is a clear statement that companies are providing excellence in travel to the discerning consumer. The travelling public regard the British Travel Awards winners logo as the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who are the best travel companies and National Trust Giant’s Causeway is to be congratulated on their achievement.’
The British Travel Awards is a proudly independent organisation, verified by leading global accountancy practitioners Deloitte.

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Leading visitor attraction, Titanic Belfast has unveiled three new galleries, which capture the excitement of launch day, as well as the ship’s maiden voyage, just in time for Christmas.

The world-class exhibition, which has been described by the Prime Minister as ‘absolutely brilliant’ and ‘magnificent and dramatic’ by TITANIC movie director, James Cameron, continues to develop and go from strength to strength.

With months in the planning, the redevelopment of three galleries is one of the most ambitious projects the visitor attraction has undertaken since opening in 2012.

Visitors to the world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction can now experience the excitement of launch day in the gallery which was previewed by HRH The Earl of Wessex earlier this year. As well as The Maiden Voyage gallery, which transports visitors from four embarkation ports, Belfast, South Hampton, Cherbourg and Queenstown (now known as Cobh) to Titanic’s deck promenade.

Guests can not only see and hear the ocean and feel the ships engines rumbling on board at the Palm Court Café but can also meet Fredrick Dent Ray, a dining room steward and survivor, utilising technology used in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion and Universal Studios Florida’s Hogwarts Express attraction.

The Maiden Voyage gallery also includes an original first class luncheon menu dated April 14, 1912, similar to the menu which was recently sold at auction for £58,000, as well as the last letter ever to be written on board the Titanic, which sold at auction recently for a record sum of £119,000.

Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, Tim Husbands MBE, commented, “In partnership with Titanic Foundation Limited, we are delighted to unveil our new galleries to mark the launch of the Titanic and in time for our Christmas period, when Northern Ireland welcomes thousands of visitors home from all over  the world.”

Tim continued, “Having now welcomed over 2.5 million visitors from over 145 countries, and being recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only three years in operation and was named the ninth best rated museum in the UK Travellers’ Choice™ awards, announced by TripAdvisor, we are committed to developing and keeping Titanic Belfast as a leading, world-class attraction, which puts Belfast on the tourism map.”
The new galleries are just part of Titanic Belfast’s expanding offering. Earlier this year, the visitor attraction recently took over operations of the SS Nomadic, the biggest Titanic artefact and the last remaining White Star Line vessel in the world, which provides a rich tangible and authentic piece of Belfast’s industrial heritage.

Titanic Belfast, its new galleries and the SS Nomadic are open to the public with a full programme of events, for more information, go to www.titanicbelfast.com.

Armagh City sparkles with traditional festive family fun

The magical excitement of Christmas will descend on the historic streets of Armagh on Saturday 28^th November as the beautiful city gets ready to stage its biggest and best Georgian Day extravaganza yet.

After welcoming more than 25,000 visitors last year, the event is inspired by Armagh’s unique and historic Georgian cityscape – and this year the city will be transformed into an awesome winter wonderland, with a packed schedule of family-fun events, activities and entertainment to enjoy from 10am until 9pm, most of which are free of charge.

More than 70 festive stalls will line the city streets offering locally produced food, drinks and high quality gifts, with stallholders serving customers in Georgian outfits against a backdrop of traditional Christmas music and entertainment from local singers. Step back in time along the Mall and enjoy a traditional horse and carriage ride with family and friends. Be sure to have a chat with the Georgian gentry who will be wandering around the city, happy to talk to you about their city.

New for 2015, the Children’s Market at The Shambles Yard will play host to a fantastic range of family friendly festive experiences including a carousel, real reindeer, fairground games, crafts, stalls and a kids’ disco. Christmas workshops including glass bauble and Christmas cookie decorating, plus letter writing to Santa, will ensure everyone is entertained. Activities at the Children’s market continue well into the evening with fire performers and large willow lanterns providing a canvas in the night sky.

The highlight of this must-see festival is the Georgian Day lightshow, which takes place at Armagh’s famous Market House amid its stunning Georgian surrounds, where crowds will enjoy a jaw-dropping experience as the local landmark bursts into life with the stunning “T’was the Light before Christmas” show that takes place on the hour, every hour, between 5pm and 8pm.

Visitors can also leave behind the hassle of driving from Belfast by making use of the special Georgian Day shuttle tour which departs from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre for the day at 10am.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Darryn Causby, said:

“Armagh’s annual Georgian Day event has for more than a decade been hailed an unrivalled success among visitors from near and far who return to catch the magic and atmosphere of this thrilling event which is packed with Christmas fun, fayre and excitement.”

“This year, we guarantee even more fun, more events and even more laughter and entertainment and we look forward to welcoming all those families, friends and acquaintances keen to share in that real magic of Christmas back to the city to get this year’s festive celebrations officially under way.”

“We have also made it even easier for even more people to come and enjoy Georgian Day this year by arranging a special one day, return journey, shuttle bus direct from Belfast, which will take visitors from farther afield directly to the action.”

After the day’s festivities, Santa and his elves will welcome children of all ages to Navan Centre and Fort from Saturday, December 5^th, also allowing them a sneak peek inside his workshop at McCrum’s Court.

Opening on Friday, December 4^th and celebrating the tradition of pantomime at its very best, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ promises an unforgettably-festive experience for ages 5 to 95! Be prepared to howl with laughter as this magical, fun-filled adventure presents a fabulous cast of characters, catchy songs, audience participation and plenty of bite – all the better to entertain you with!

Celebrating Christmas through the ages and the historical significance and heritage of Armagh, Craftswirl will showcase how the festive season would have been celebrated in Georgian and Victorian times as well as during World War II, with food and craft stalls on Saturdays throughout November and December.

For those wanting to see the science behind the story, the Armagh Planetarium journeys back over 2,000 years to Bethlehem, 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 all ages.

For more information on Georgian Day, travel and transport options, in addition to all the events on offer in Armagh this Christmas, please visit www.armagh.co.uk/georgian

Put on your Santa hat, dress your buggies with tinsel, and join Santa’s elves in a magical festive event this Christmas around some of the Borough’s most scenic sites.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s annual Santa Saunter charity event will take place on Saturday 5 December 2015 from Antrim’s Loughshore Park and will appeal to all abilities.  You can either walk or jog a distance of 3K or 5K and it costs just £12 to register your family and £6 for additional adults.  This includes a gift from Santa and warming refreshments after the walk. All proceeds will be donated to the Mayor’s nominated charities.

The magical journey will start with an official welcome from the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg at 10.15am. Both routes will follow the river path along the Six Mile Water and into the award-winning majestic Antrim Castle Gardens, finishing back at the Park around 12 noon. Refreshments will then be provided in the adjacent Six Mile Water Caravan Park and there will be a special visit from Santa, so don’t forget to bring along your Christmas letter.  The route has been designed to encourage as many people as possible to participate and is suitable for everyone.

Sarah-Jayne Cassells, Corporate Fundraising Manager for Autism NI said: “This fun festive event will help raise vital funds for Autism NI’s services here in Northern Ireland and also increase awareness of this ‘hidden disability’.”

Ana Wilkinson, Corporate Fundraiser for Cancer Fund for Children said: “We are really looking forward to pulling on our winter woollies and Santa hats to take part in the annual Santa Saunter. By registering to take part in the event and supporting Cancer Fund for Children, you will be helping ensure that no family faces cancer alone this Christmas.”

To take part in this fun festive event please contact Ana Wilkinson on 028 9080 5599 or email ana@cancerfundforchildren.com. Alternatively, please contact Sarah-Jayne Cassells on 028 9040 1729 or email Sarah-Jayne@autismni.org

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Billy Ashe is delighted that The Gobbins coastal cliff path walk is proving it has real tourism pulling power – welcoming its 5,000th visitor this month – in time for a change to having tours every half hour rather than every hour.

“I very much welcome this decision as it will allow even more people to visit The Gobbins Path than before.

“Demand has been phenomenal, so this change in tour timetabling is a very welcome development,” he said.

Alister Bell, Operations Manager at The Gobbins said: “We chose to move to tours every half hour to ensure we can fulfil demand and to allow those who book on the later tours to experience the breath-taking views at The Gobbins before the sun sets.

“While tours are now running every half hour from 10am to 1pm, to accommodate the darker nights, visitors still need to book in advance to secure a place and avoid disappointment on arrival,” he added.

Alister said that’s because the path – which cost £7.5 million and was funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA programme along with the Council and Ulster Garden Villages – is indeed continuing to experience high demand from across the globe with this new landmark 5,000 figure just recorded as proof of that.

“The lucky 5,000^th visitor was Steven Dickson from Lisburn, who was out for a family adventure with his young son, Jack and his wife Kit, an Islandmagee native,” he explained.

The visit served as a trip down memory lane for the couple who had previously visited the site together many years ago when it was a lot less accessible and not officially open to the public.

On his return to The Gobbins, Stephen Dickson commented: “In the late 1980’s my now wife and I visited the Gobbins as thrill seeking outdoor activity instructors. We scrambled around the derelict Victorian cliff paths and tiptoed across the old tubular bridge before it later collapsed into the sea. We explored the caves and bivouacked in them on a few occasions.

“It’s been brilliant to see the path brought back to life, with 2015 engineering so that others can enjoy this adventure. It’s not for the faint hearted, instead it is perfect for an adventurous day out.

“It was great to be able to now take my son to where we had some great adventures. Jack loved the tubular bridge, where you can look down at the sea below and the spooky caves with the booming cannon like waves.

“Well done to the council for having the vision to take on such a daunting refurbishment task. It will be a different experience in every changing season and another Northern Irish wonder!”

Of those who have already trodden the cliff edge path to date, the general consensus is that it is a fabulous addition to tourist facilities across Northern Ireland. ‘World class’, ‘a never to be forgotten experience’ ‘spectacular’ and a ‘five star attraction’ are just some of the testimonials from those who have already undertaken the new tour of the reimagined Gobbins cliff path.

Whitehead Gallery Owner and organiser of Tours of The Edwardian House, Cynthia Waddell admitted that she anticipated a relaxing walk on her visit, but confesses she got so much more than what she bargained for: “I had expected a leisurely walk along the coastal path but nothing prepared me for this experience,” said Cynthia.

“The Gobbins is a world class attraction from the visitors centre onwards. There is spectacular scenery and sea views wherever you look. Ailsa Craig and the coast of Scotland can be seen in the distance. Passing the sea birds in their nesting places on the cliffs you could almost reach out to touch them,” she added.

While the walk has been dubbed as a ‘white-knuckle trail’ Cynthia was quick to add that a safety briefing fully prepares you for the adventure that is The Gobbins – one that she concludes, is ‘a never to be forgotten experience’.

Caroline Steele who runs Gobbins Cliff Sea Tours added to the praise. She said: “It is certainly spectacular and I can only describe it as a five-star attraction. The guides, Martin and George were great, full of energy and enthusiasm and yet easy going – good recruitment.”

Dave Hope from Whitehead who was on the very first public tour added: “I was really looking forward to seeing the new path opened and delighted that it has been restored. I am from the local area, so I have known about The Gobbins for a very long time and its connection to the railways.

“Until you undertake the walk, you can’t appreciate the phenomenal feat of engineering it has been and was back in 1902. I highly recommend it to anyone. It was an amazing experience, one I have waited 50 years to do and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I will be back.”

Tickets are priced at £8.50 per person and £23 for a family ticket. Call 028 9337 2318 to book and for more information on The Gobbins visit the website: www.thegobbinscliffpath.com

Ballyclare will light up for Christmas on Saturday 28 November with an array of family fun activities and the annual Christmas tree switch on.

Come and see Willy Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas in their Chocolate Factory from 1.30pm in Ballyclare Town Hall with plenty of chocolate themed activities for the whole family.  Tickets are required for the chocolate factory, which also includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto.  Tickets are available from Sixmile Leisure Centre and cost £4 per child with one parent being admitted free with every child.  Children can also visit Santa’s Grotto only at a cost of £2.50 per child which includes a gift from Santa.  Proceeds from the grotto will go to work supported by the Mayor’s Charities.

At 2.30pm the free family fun entertainment will kick off with local radio presenters ensuring the crowd get into the festive spirit.  At 5pm there will be Christmas readings, Carols and music before the much- awaited arrival of the Mayor along with his special guests Willy Wonka and Santa.  Together they will switch on the Christmas tree lights to light up Ballyclare for a magical Christmas!

Further details of the full Christmas programme can be found on our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas