Celebrate Our Story of Christmas

2016

EDITION

ourstoryofchristmas.com

SEASONS GREETINGS TO ONE AND ALL Welcome to our splendid Christmas story with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

We have so much on offer this festive season, from carols and crafts to Santa and shopping from music and markets to food and fayre, all to help celebrate the holiday period. Not to mention the seasonal grandeur and sparkle lighting up our City, towns and villages.

Explore our holiday programme further where you will find festive fun activities for all the family in our many destinations across the borough.

Visit our Christmas website www.ourstoryofchristmas.com for your guide to even more events and entertainment.

Wishing you all, and our visitors, a very merry, joyous and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Lord Mayor Councillor Garath Keating Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

CONTENTS

EXPLORE OUR BEAUTIFUL BOROUGH

4 LIGHT UP THE BOROUGH 6 GEORGIAN DAY

Bannfoot Aghagallon Maghery Derrytrasna Derrymacash

8 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN THE BOROUGH

CRAIGAVON Scotch Street

WARINGSTOWN

PORTADOWN

Bleary DROMORE

Donaghcloney Loughgall

Drumnacanvy

Annahugh Kilmore

Waringsford

RICHHILL

Gilford

Laurelvale

Seapatrick

Milltown

Killylea

ARMAGH

BANBRIDGE

TANDRAGEE

Corbet

Hamiltonsbawn Scarva

Milford

Tynan

Kinallen

Lawrencetown

Allistragh

15 CHRISTMAS MARKETS

23 CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Ardress

Charlemont

14 VALUE OUR VILLAGES

20 VISIT SANTA

Dollingstown

Annaghmore

12 AT A GLANCE EVENTS

16 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT

Magheralin

LURGAN

Clare Loughbrickland Annaclone

Acton

MARKETHILL

Lisnadill

Katesbridge Moneyslane

Poyntzpass

Middletown Glen

Corran Cross Roads

KEADY

Derrrynoose

Ballyroney

Cladymilltown

Tassagh

Mountnorris

RATHFRILAND

Carrigatuke Darkley

Carnagh

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LIGHT UP THE BOROUGH PORTADOWN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Fri 18 Nov | 5.30pm - 7.30pm | Portadown Town Centre | FREE EVENT

Come along and see Portadown shine bright! Enjoy creative showcases from local dance and drama schools, Christmas carols sung by school children and some fantastic musical acts! Santa Claus himself will arrive to light up the town in festive style!

LURGAN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Thurs 24 Nov | 5.30pm - 7.30pm | Lurgan Town Centre | FREE EVENT See Lurgan’s lights shine bright! Enjoy sparkling performances from local dance and drama schools, yuletide carols by local school children and some fantastic musical acts. Then Santa Claus himself will be arriving in style to switch on the lights!

SWITCH ON BANBRIDGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Centr e | FREE EVENT Fri 25 Nov | 6.30pm - 8.30pm | Banbridge Town

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as lights switch on event and carol service.

Father Christmas is bringing the tinsel to town for the annual Christm find out what they want for Christmas and to children local With his band of merry helpers Santa will be meeting town! to coming is to hand out some treats. Santa Claus

ARMAGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Sat 26 Nov | Georgian Day Spectacular Light Show | Market Square, Armagh | 5pm, 6pm, 7pm & 8pm | FREE EVENT Witness a spectacular celebration and a truly magical experience as the City Centre's Market House bursts into life with a dramatic lightshow. This year the lightshow is entitled ‘A Very Georgian Christmas’. To the viewers amazement, the show will transform this beautiful Georgian building into a shimmering canvas for images, special effects and other action to include the arrival of the most important guest, Santa Claus!

Admission - Please note that admission to the lightshow is by wristband only. Only those wearing the correct wristband will be admitted to each show. There is a limit of six wristbands per booking.

Further info and bookings at www.armagh.co.uk/georgianarmagh/lightshow2016

BROWNLOW CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Wed 30 Nov | 3.45pm - 5pm | Legahory Centre, Craigavon FREE EVENT

Festive family fun with plenty of singing, dancing and good cheer - and of course a visit from the big man himself, Santa! Local primary schools will be singing carols and Moyraverty Arts and Drama Society (MADS) will be putting on a very special musical performance. Add in a visit from the Lord Mayor and it’s an event not to miss!!

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GEORGIAN ARMAGH Fri 25 & Sat 26 Nov | Armagh City www.armagh.co.uk/georgianarmagh

THE GREAT ARMAGH

GEORGIAN BANQUET Fri 25 Nov | 7pm Archbishop’s Palace, Armagh

Travel through the mists of time to Georgian Armagh, where an evening like no other awaits you at the Archbishop’s Palace! This beautiful Palace, built in 1770, opens its doors for guests to enjoy its lavish surroundings and to experience a flavour of Georgian High Society. Meet with Georgian characters who will entertain you with the music, dancing and stories of the time.

The sumptuous five-course menu, accompanied by fine wines, will be prepared by ‘The Yellow Door’ (vegetarian option also available).Tickets cost £75 per person and overnight accommodation packages are also available.

BOOKINGS

www.armagh.co.uk/georgianarmagh

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GEORGIAN DAY

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Access to Georgian Buildings

Sat 26 Nov | 10am - 9pm Armagh City Centre

• Armagh Courthouse Tour and Mock Georgian Trials • Bell ringing display • Christmas craft workshops • Festive market • Food Heartland Chef Demonstrations and Hot Food Village • T he Historical Gardener - A Talk by Michael Brown • Horse and carriage rides • Light Show “A Very Georgian Christmas” • Sedan Chair at Armagh City Library • Silhouette Cutter • Twelfth Day of Christmas Cake at the Children’s Christmas Market • Walking tours • Wallpaper block printing workshop • “4 Vicars Restaurant” Georgian inspired lunches and “Widow's Ruin” evening tasting menu

ARMAGH

Georgian Day sees Armagh in all its Georgian glory, sparkling with lights as the ancient cathedral city goes back to its Georgian roots.

A festive market, with more than 80 stalls hosted by traders in traditional costumes, offers visitors high quality gifts and locallyproduced food and drink. The city streets will offer something different at every turn including Georgian characters, horse and carriage rides, demonstrations, live music, street theatre and performers, walking tours, mulled wine, mince pies, hot chestnuts and much more.

The Children’s Georgian Market offers an unforgettable experience for little ones. The special programme is geared for children and will appeal to all the family.

Nostalgic fairground games and rides, festive stalls with treats and gifts suitable for little people, real reindeer, light sculptures, fire performances, workshops and crafts, all served with lashings of sprinkles and glitter!

As darkness falls, the dramatic Light Show will burst to life, illuminating the backdrop of the Georgian Market House and creating a festive atmosphere with contemporary and seasonal music. A must see for all visitors to the city!

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.armagh.co.uk/georgianarmagh

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CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN THE BOROUGH

There is lots on offer in our city, towns and villages across the borough this Christmas. From local, quality, independent businesses to major high-street brands, you are sure to find everything you need for Christmas, from the essentials to festive treats and the all important Christmas gifts. Remember to support your local towns and villages by shopping local this festive season.

ARMAGH CITY

Enjoy a relaxed shopping experience in Armagh City, with a fantastic range of high-quality shops offering exceptional and personal customer service. Make time for family and friends by combining Christmas shopping with a day out: • Bring the children to visit Santa in his magical workshop (see page 21) • Book a table at a restaurant, a show in the Market Place Theatre or visit one of the many visitor attractions • Enjoy Christmas craft workshops • Embark on a family treasure hunt • Shop to the sound of Christmas with festive music on the Bandstand: - Saturday 3 December, 1pm - 2pm Warrenpoint Silver Band - Saturday 10 December, 1pm - 2pm Castlewellan Accordian Band - Saturday 17 December, 1pm - 2pm Commons Silver Band

BANBRIDGE

Banbridge has a distinctive mix of shops from specialist retailers offering unique brands to great food stores and delis. Soak up some of the festive atmosphere and enjoy a great day out: • Learn new skills by taking part in one of our Christmas craft workshops (see page 18 - 19) • Celebrate the taste of Christmas with Jenny Bristow (see page 19)

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• Enjoy live festive music by the finest local concert bands on Saturdays in December, 2.30pm - 3.30pm and bring the family to meet our festive characters and street entertainers 1pm - 3pm. T. +44(0) 28 4066 0605 for details.

DROMORE

If you are looking for stress-free shopping this Christmas, Dromore has a great deal to offer with its range of family-run businesses providing great service, fabulous gift ideas and quality foods. While visiting Dromore: • Take part in a free wreath making workshop (see page 19) • Bring the children to a workshop to learn how to make dazzling Christmas decorations (see page 19)

LURGAN

Enjoy Lurgan’s enthralling speciality shops, boutiques exuding cosmopolitan chic and atmospheric traditional shops offering that personal touch which makes Christmas shopping a joy in this historic town.

Enjoy our two outdoor Christmas twilight markets (15 & 22 December, 6pm - 11pm) offering a mix of artisan foods and crafts. For more retail therapy, travel a short distance to central Craigavon, home to an exciting mix of leading brand outlets.

PORTADOWN

Be inspired this Christmas in Portadown with gifts to delight from our elegant boutiques, charming gift shops and high street brand outlets.

Also visit the great names of retail, mixed with innovative independent outlets at Portadown’s modern shopping centres - The Meadows, High Street Mall and Magowan West, and spend time relaxing at cafés between shopping forays.

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING Many shops across the borough will stay open later during weeknights in December, so it’s always worth a visit! It’s a great opportunity to see our city and towns in all their seasonal grandeur.

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CHRISTMAS SHOPPING As well as our city and town centre shopping, we have some great quality shopping centres in our borough that are all gearing up for a busy festive season.

ARMAGH CITY SHOPPING CENTRE You will find lots on offer this Christmas in Armagh City shopping centre. Enjoy a bite to eat while shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts or home furnishings in a selection of stores located within the centre.

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THE MALL SHOPPING CENTRE, ARMAGH The Mall Shopping Centre is situated in the heart of Armagh City and hosts an excellent array of brands such as Sainsbury's, Hallmark/Cardcave, Sara Boutique, Timpson, SemiChem, Karine & Co Jewellery, Amal's Beauty Care, O2, Benetton, Mr Chips, Domino's Pizza and The Mall Car Wash.

A full programme of Christmas Events includes Santa and Santa’s grotto, balloon modelling, craft stalls, competitions, raffles, carol singers, glitter tattooist plus much more. Contact or visit The Mall Shopping Centre for full details of all Christmas activities. www.themallshoppingcentre.co.uk @themallscarmagh

SPIRES RETAIL PARK, ARMAGH

The Spires Retail Park in Armagh is home to some fantastic brand names, including M&S, Argos, Halfords, Heatons, Sports Direct, Costa Coffee, Poundworld, Peacocks, Iceland and Lidl. You will be sure to find lots on offer this Christmas.

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HIGH STREET MALL, PORTADOWN

RUSHMERE SHOPPING CENTRE, CRAIGAVON

High Street Mall has something for everyone this Christmas and you can browse the Mall at your leisure knowing that your first two hours parking are absolutely free! If you are struggling to choose the perfect gift, don’t forget you can purchase gift vouchers for use throughout the Mall.

With over 65 top retail names including Top Shop, Next, H&M, Sainsbury’s, Debenhams, Pandora and the newly extended River Island, you will be able to find your perfect buy at Rushmere this Christmas. Rushmere’s limited edition Christmas gift card, accepted by all centre retailers, will help you give someone special the gift of endless possibilities this Christmas. Visit Santa, free of charge, in his fantastic snow house or relax in comfortable surroundings and enjoy the selection of musical mall entertainment throughout December.

Santa will be arriving in the Mall on Friday 11 November just after 7pm on his sleigh, accompanied by his parade of reindeer, friends and local school children. Santa’s grotto will be open from Friday 11 November until Christmas. For £3 you will receive a present from Santa plus a free keepsake photo with every visit.

Visit www.highstreetmall.co.uk and Facebook for more information.

MEADOWS SHOPPING CENTRE, PORTADOWN Visit Santa in his grotto every weekend until Christmas at the Meadows Shopping Centre! Santa will be arriving on Saturday 12 November in a horse and carriage and will be welcomed by the choir from Pamela Cassells School of Performance!

For further details visit: www.meadowsportadown.com

Open late every week night and with over 1,800 free car parking spaces, Rushmere is a perfect shopping destination this Christmas.

For further information visit: www.rushmereshopping.com RushmereSC | @RushmereSC

THE OUTLET, BANBRIDGE Home to more than 45 of the world’s best known retail brands such as Gap Outlet, M&S Outlet, Nike Factory Store and Timberland, The OUTLET Village, Banbridge is a shopping and leisure destination like no other. This Christmas it’s the perfect place for bargain hunters with permanent reductions of up to 70% off RRP. There’s also a host of cafés, restaurants and leisure activities, including W5 LITE and Omniplex Cinema, all looked after by our award-winning customer service team, making it as popular with families as it is with lovers of fashion.

For further details visit: outletbanbridge | @TheOUTLETloves

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CHRISTMAS EVENTS AT A GLANCE

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EVENT

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

Portadown Christmas Lights Switch On

Fri 18 Nov

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Portadown Town Centre

Lurgan Christmas Lights Switch On

Thurs 24 Nov

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Lurgan Town Centre

Banbridge Christmas Lights Switch On

Fri 25 Nov

6.30pm - 8.30pm

Banbridge Town Centre

Georgian Banquet

Fri 25 Nov

7pm - 11pm

Archbishop’s Palace, Armagh

Georgian Day

Sat 26 Nov

10am - 9pm

Armagh City Centre

Music & Street Entertainment

Sat 26 Nov

1pm - 3.30pm

Banbridge Town Centre

Brownlow Christmas Lights Switch On

Wed 30 Nov

3.45pm - 5pm

Legahory Centre, Craigavon

Mystery Of The Christmas Star

Thurs 1 - Thurs 22 Dec

Various

Armagh Planetarium

Christmas Grotto

Sat 3 Dec

1.30pm - 3.30pm

Brownlow Community Hub

Christmas Creations

Sat 3 Dec

10am - 12.30pm

Banbridge Old Town Hall

Wreath Making

Sat 3 Dec

2pm

Lurgan Park

Music & Street Entertainment

Sat 3 Dec

1pm - 3.30pm

Banbridge Town Centre

Christmas Fair

Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec

11.30am - 5.30pm

The Argory, Armagh

Santa’s Magical Winter Solstice Christmas

Sat 3 - Thurs 22 Dec

Various

Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh

Santa’s Grotto

Sat 3 - Thurs 22 Dec

Various

McCrum’s Court, Armagh

Cinderella Pantomime

Sat 3 - Sat 24 Dec

Various

Market Place Theatre, Armagh

Live Nativity

Sun 4 - Sat 24 Dec

10am - 4pm

Tannaghmore Gardens & Farm

Santa Wonderland

Thurs 8 - Sun 18 Dec

5pm - 9pm

Kinnego Marina, Oxford Island

EVENT

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

Portadown Twilight Market

Fri 9 Dec

6pm - 11pm

Portadown Town Centre

Festive Flowerworks

Sat 10 Dec

10am - 12.30pm

Banbridge Old Town Hall

Dazzling Decorations

Sat 10 Dec

1pm - 3pm

Dromore Town Hall

Family Fun Day

Sat 10 Dec

12pm - 4pm

Armagh County Museum

Music & Street Entertainment

Sat 10 Dec

1pm - 3.30pm

Banbridge Town Centre

Christmas Wreath Making

Sat 10 Dec

10am - 12pm

Dromore Town Hall

Shambles Variety Christmas Market

Tues 13 Dec

8am - 4pm

Shambles Yard, Armagh

Messiah By Candlelight

Thurs 15 Dec

7.30pm

St Patrick’s RC Cathedral, Armagh

Lurgan Twilight Market

Thurs 15 Dec

6pm - 11pm

Lurgan Town Centre

Milford House Collection

Fri 16 Dec

7.30pm

Milford House, 3 Victoria Street, Armagh

Armagh Pipers Club Carols

Sat 17 Dec

7pm

Pipers Club, Scotch Street, Armagh

Christmas With Jenny Bristow

Sat 17 Dec

10.30am - 1.30pm

Banbridge Old Town Hall

Music & Street Entertainment

Sat 17 Dec

1pm - 3.30pm

Banbridge Town Centre

Snowtubing With Santa

Sat 17 - Thurs 22 Dec

Various

Craigavon Golf / Ski Centre

Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols Sun 18 Dec 3.15pm St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral Armagh Lurgan Twilight Market

Thurs 22 Dec

6pm - 11pm

For further information on events visit ourstoryofchristmas.com All details listed within this brochure were correct at the time of going to print.

Lurgan Town Centre

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VALUE AND VISIT OUR RURAL TOWNS AND VILLAGES THIS CHRISTMAS

The borough has a number of rural towns and villages each offering something different. The variety of independent retailers providing great ideas for Christmas is second to none.

For convenient shopping and a great Christmas experience, visit one of our smaller local towns or villages:

GILFORD

RATHFRILAND

KEADY

RICHHILL

WARINGSTOWN

HAMILTOWNSBAWN

TANDRAGEE

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MARKETHILL

We have lots more beautiful villages and hamlets in our borough. Be sure to support your local rural communities and shop local this Christmas.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS Check out Portadown and Lurgan’s tremendous Twilight Markets, packed full of gorgeous goodies for the festive season ahead! From creative crafts to fabulous food, it’s the perfect place to pick up some glorious yuletide gifts.

Portadown’s Twilight Market will feature live music and sensational street entertainment and Lurgan’s Twilight Market will feature a melodious school choir competition on Thursday 15 December followed by live cookery demonstrations and great street entertainment on Thursday 22 December.

EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED!

PORTADOWN TWILIGHT MARKET

Fri 9 Dec | 6pm - 11pm Portadown Town Centre | FREE

SHAMBLES VARIETY CHRISTMAS MARKET Tues 13 Dec, 8am - 4pm, Shambles Yard | Armagh | Free Live music, free Christmas treats and festive promotions.

LURGAN TWILIGHT MARKET

Thurs 15 & 22 Dec | 6pm – 11pm Lurgan Town Centre | FREE

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SANTA’S MAGICAL

SOLSTICE CHRISTMAS

AT NAVAN CENTRE & FORT ARMAGH

'Santa’s Magical Solstice Christmas' will take you on an enchanted Christmas journey to the magical land of Lapland as day quickly turns to night and the wonder of the Solstice takes place.

In Lapland, Santa has lots of jobs for his elves although some might be happier with their jobs than others! Santa will be waiting to meet all the boys and girls, and of course, he has a gift for all the children!

Shows available Sat 3, 10, 17 Dec at 1pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3pm, 4pm, 4.40pm, 6pm and 6.40pm Sun 4, 11, 18 Dec at 1pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3pm, 4pm, 4.40pm, 6pm and 6.40pm Wed 21 and Thurs 22 Dec at 6pm, 6.40pm, 7.20pm and 8.00pm.

Admission Child £10.50, Under 1s £5.30, Adult £5.30 this will include a gift for children and a tea-time treat for adults.10% discount for parties of 12 or more, when made as one booking. Pre-booking essential on www.armagh.co.uk/santa For school and group bookings T. +44(0) 28 3752 9655 Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh. BT60 4LD T: +44(0) 28 3752 9644 | www.navan.com /navancentrearmagh | @navancentrefort Events may be subject to cancellation or change without prior notice, information correct at time of print.

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CINDERELLA THE 2016 PANTO SPECTACULAR

The Market Place Theatre, Armagh | Sat 3 - Sat 24 Dec THE MOST MAGICAL STORY EVER TOLD… You shall go to the ball this year as The Market Place Theatre in Armagh brings you the classic rags-to-riches tale - ‘Cinderella’, with more singing, dancing and jokes than you can shake a magic wand at!

Cinderella promises an unforgettably festive experience coupled with The Market Place Theatre’s renowned reputation for high quality, professional pantomimes.

We recommend this production for children aged 5 and above and for adults too!

Public Performances Sat 3 Dec 11am, 3pm | Fri 9 Dec 6.30pm | Sat 10 Dec 11am, 3pm, 6.30pm Sun 11 Dec 1pm, 4.30pm | Fri 16 Dec 6.30pm | Sat 17 Dec 1pm, 5pm Sun 18 Dec 1pm, 4.30pm | Mon 19 Dec 6.30pm | Tues 20 Dec 6.30pm Thurs 22 Dec 6.30pm | Fri 23 Dec 3pm, 6.30pm | Sat 24 Dec 11am, 3pm

Ticket Prices What a festive offer we have so that you shall go to the ball!

Sat 3 Dec | 11am, 3pm | OFFER £12.00 | £10.00 (CONC) TICKETS FOR ALL OTHER PUBLIC PERFORMANCES £15.00 / £12.50 (CONC)

Bookings T: +44(0) 28 3752 1821 | www.marketplacearmagh.com

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A CRAFTY

CHRISTMAS! CHRISTMAS CREATIONS

Sat 3 Dec | 10am - 12.30pm Banbridge Old Town Hall | £5.00 Enjoy a children’s workshop of Dazzling Decorations and Christmas Creations. Kids can make and style their own decorations and let their creativity flow!

Booking essential: T. +44(0) 28 4066 0605

WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP

Sat 3 Dec | 2pm | Lurgan Park | £5.00 Design your very own magical yuletide wreath! Make an extra special garland to hang on your front door or above your fireplace with materials collected from the stunning surrounds of the Park.

You will be expertly guided in the art of wreath making while given the freedom to add your own personal touch to your Christmas artwork! Ideal for families. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

Booking essential: T. +44(0) 7766 740427

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FESTIVE FLOWERWORKS

Sat 10 Dec | 10am - 12.30pm Banbridge Old Town Hall | £10.00 A fun and creative afternoon of floral design. Suitable for all skill levels, Romaine Hodgen of ‘Flowerworks’ will guide you through a Christmas design which you will be able to take home as a fabulous decoration.

All materials will be supplied but participants will be required to bring scissors and secateurs.

Booking essential: T. +44(0) 28 4066 0605

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP

Sat 10 Dec | 10am - 12pm | Dromore Town Hall | FREE In this workshop you will be shown how to make a luxurious Christmas wreath from natural materials, as well as adding a little ‘bling’, should you wish! All materials will be provided for participants to take home a unique festive creation of their own.

Booking essential: T. +44(0) 28 9269 9070

DAZZLING DECORATIONS

Sat 10 Dec | 1.00pm - 3.00pm Dromore Town Hall | FREE Activities continue with a children’s workshop of Dazzling Decorations and Christmas Creations. These workshops will give the children the chance to make and style their own decorations and let their creativity flow!

Booking essential: T. +44(0) 28 9269 9070

CHRISTMAS WITH JENNY BRISTOW

Sat 17 Dec | 10.30am - 1.30pm Banbridge Old Town Hall | £5.00 Celebrated Chef and Author, Jenny Bristow, Ireland's Good Food Ambassador, will be hosting a Christmas cookery demonstration.

Get inspired for Chrismas with Jenny’s new twist on traditional favourites. Jenny cooks up some new ideas for Christmas and the festive season. Sample her recipes and learn new ideas to try something different this year.

Booking essential: T. +44(0) 28 4066 0605

FAMILY FUN DAY CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

Sat 10 Dec | 12pm - 4pm Armagh County Museum | FREE Explore Christmas traditions and have a go at making some decorations to take home. All activities are suitable for primary school-aged children who must be accompanied by an adult.

T. +44(0) 28 3752 3070

THE ARGORY CHRISTMAS FAIR

Sat 3 and Sun 4 Dec | The Argory | 11.30am - 5.30pm £5.50 Adults | £2.50 Children The Festive period is not complete without a visit to The Argory's Christmas Fair, featuring a number of craft, food and drink stalls, as well as traditional festive entertainment. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for Christmas.

For enquiries: T. +44(0) 28 8778 4753

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VISIT SANTA CHRISTMAS FUN AFTERNOON AT BROWNLOW HUB

Sat 3 Dec | 1.30pm - 3.30pm Brownlow Hub| £2.50 per child This Christmas, Brownlow Community Hub will be alive with the sound of sleigh bells as Santa will be here and making dreams come true!

Come along to his grotto, let him know what’s on your list and receive an early Christmas present! And while you wait for your turn to see the man himself, why not join in the festive workshops and make your Christmas cards and reindeer food as well as writing your final wish list to Santa.

Booking essential on +44(0) 28 3831 3630 Children must be accompanied by an adult by an adult

SANTA WONDERLAND AT KINNEGO MARINA

SNOWTUBING WITH SANTA

Thurs 8, Fri 9, Sat 10, Sun 11, Thurs 15, Fri 16, Sat 17, Sun 18 Dec | 5pm - 9pm Kinnego Marina, Oxford Island £10 per child (includes free gift) | Adults Free

Sat 17 - Thurs 22 Dec (Various Times) Craigavon Golf Ski Centre £6 per child

Make this Christmas magical with a family visit to Kinnego Marina’s captivating Santa’s Wonderland and enjoy a festive journey that you’ll never forget! With the woods transformed into a Christmas Wonderland you can visit Santa in his Yurt where you can take photos and collect your gift, then meet the Fairy King for stories and marshmallow toasting around the fire!

You can then walk along the charming fairy trail discovering the fairy houses hidden along the way. Why not end the night in the Galley café with a hot drink and some festive delights while the children write their letters to Santa and colour in!

Booking essential on +44(0) 28 3832 7573 or call into the office at Kinnego Marina (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm)

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This Christmas make sure you don’t miss out on some festive fun and book your slot at Craigavon Golf Ski Centre’s ever popular 'Snowtubing With Santa' event!

Children three years and over can enjoy an exhilarating 30 minutes of snowtubing on the ski slope before having a special meeting with Santa and receiving a small gift - all for just £6 per child!

Parents are asked to bring their own camera to take photos with Santa.

Booking essential at: www.craigavonactivity.org/golf-ski/ snowtube-with-santa or call +44(0) 28 3832 6606

CHRISTMAS WISHES IN SANTA’S MAGICAL WORKSHOP Sat 3 - Thurs 22 Dec | McCrum’s Court, Armagh City Centre | Free Make a Christmas Wish and truly magical memories in Santa’s workshop located in McCrum’s Court in Armagh City Centre. Experience the magical lights and trees as you make your way to help the elves in Santa’s workshop, visit Mrs Claus in her busy kitchen and take photographs with Santa. Little visitors can also make their Christmas wish and hang it up for all to see!

Registration is on the day only in the Mall Shopping Centre during workshop opening hours as listed. Registration is essential as availability can be limited. Please bring along your own cameras or electronic devices if you wish to take pictures with Santa as a photographer will not be present on site.

DATE TIME Sat 3 Dec

11am - 5pm

Sun 4 Dec

1pm - 4pm

Fri 9 Dec

3pm - 7pm

Sat 10 Dec

11am - 5pm

Sun 11 Dec

1pm - 4pm

Thurs 15 Dec

3pm - 7pm

Fri 16 Dec

3pm - 7pm

Sat 17 Dec

11am - 5pm

Sun 18 Dec

1pm - 4pm

Mon 19 Dec

11am - 5pm

Tues 20 Dec

11am - 5pm

Wed 21 Dec

11am - 5pm

Thurs 22 Dec

11am - 3pm

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MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS

LIVE NATIVITY

AT TANNAGHMORE ANIMAL FARM

Sun 4 - Sun 24 Dec | 10am - 4pm Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm | FREE This Christmas check out the stunning Live Manger at Tannaghmore Animal Farm - a truly magical experience for all the family to enjoy!

You will find Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the three Kings complete with donkey, sheep, cattle and other animals.

Featuring Galway sheep, Irish Moiled cows and pygmy goats, you will find this heart-warming nativity display in a converted outhouse on the farm. A beautiful event showcasing the true meaning of Christmas!

Further details: T. +44(0) 28 3834 3244

MYSTERY OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR ARMAGH PLANETARIUM

Thurs 1 - Thurs 22 Dec | Monday - Friday 2pm | Saturdays & School Holidays 2pm, 4pm | Evening shows Mon and Wed from 5 - 21 Dec, 7.30pm Join Armagh Planetarium this Christmas as we journey back more than 2,000 years to Bethlehem, and seek to discover an explanation for the star the Wise Men followed to find the baby Jesus. This modern retelling of the Christmas story in our digital theatre will charm and captivate audiences.

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www.armaghplanet.com | T. +44(0) 28 3752 3689 Pre-Booking Essential

CHRISTMAS MUSIC MESSIAH BY CANDLELIGHT

Thurs 15 Dec | 7.30pm | St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Armagh | £20.00 ‘Messiah By Candlelight’ will be presented in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh by The Palestrina Choir, four soloists and the Lyric Opera Ensemble.

Further details and tickets from Armagh Parish Office: T. +44(0) 28 3752 2813

FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS Sun 18 Dec | 3.15pm | St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh | FREE

This traditional service in preparation for Christmas will be led by the cathedral choir with lessons read by members of the congregation. All welcome.

ARMAGH PIPERS CLUB CAROL NIGHT Sat 17 Dec | 7pm | Áras na bPíobairí, 43 Scotch Street, Armagh | FREE Christmas Carol Service with the pupils and parents of Armagh Pipers Club. No booking necessary.

Further details: T. +44(0) 28 3752 8188

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For further information telephone one of our local visitor information centres: Armagh: +44 (0) 28 3752 1800 Banbridge: + 44 (0) 28 4062 0232 Lurgan: +44 (0) 28 3832 2422 Portadown: +44 (0) 28 3835 0935

Websites: ourstoryofchristmas.com armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk @abcb_council /armaghbanbridgecraigavon

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E: info@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk