A giant guide to festive events

A to events Giant Guide Festive

Castle Espie, Co. Down The MAC, Belfast

Here is a little taster of the most unmissable events to ring in the season. You'll find even more at discovernorthernireland.com and on local council websites.

Nutcracker Sweeties

9 November

Choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple, this exciting production of the festive classic performed by a cast of world-class dancers at the Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, will appeal to audiences of all ages with its fairy-tale magic. A tale of wondrous adventure that combines to form one of the most delectable Christmas confections imaginable. The show also runs in the Market Place Theatre Armagh on November 12th.

Armagh Georgian Weekend

24 - 27 November

Enjoy Armagh’s delightful Georgian splendours. Enjoy riding along in a horse-drawn carriage while browsing the festive markets, maybe even stopping for a tasty snack on your way. This festive celebration includes majestic festival lights, recreations of this bygone time and guided tours from local historical experts.

For more information and to book: www.visitarmagh.com/georgian Christmas at Rowallane Garden

4 December - 3 January Bring your whole family on an unforgettable day out to Rowallane Garden. Join Percy the Park Keeper and his animal friends and help them with some winter gardening tasks and activities. You’ll be given clues and if you’re smart enough to figure them all out, a prize awaits you! This is the perfect weekend activity, happening every Saturday throughout December, and will require wellies, so don’t forget to bring them! For information on even more national trust events check out the National Trust website.

Armagh Georgian Weekend, Co. Armagh

Titanic's Magical Christmas Experience

23 November - 23 December

Visit Mrs Claus in her cosy kitchen at Titanic Belfast, then stop by the bustling post office to write and post your Christmas letter, before letting your creative juices flow with some arts and crafts! And those on the 'nice list' will even get to meet Father Christmas himself!

Make Christmas memories to last a lifetime - book your tickets today at titanicbelfast.com! Christmas on Castle Island

Set sail on the short crossing from Enniskillen to Santa's Island Workshop where you can visit Mrs Claus' kitchen and enjoy her home baked goodies and your choice of Hot Chocolate, Mulled Wine or Pressed Apple Cider. Then you'll journey through the elves' workshop and take a short visit to the reindeer stables before they settle down for the night.

Hillsborough Light Trail, Co. Antrim

Ballygally Castle Hotel, Causeway Coastal Route Mount Stewart Christmas, Co. Down

Hillsborough Light Trail

1 December - 1 January Gather friends and family for an afterdark illuminated trail experience like no other. You’ll be blown away as over a million twinkling lights and festive sounds fill the grounds of the historical gardens, not to mention the giant baubles, tunnels of light and fire garden. There’ll be no shortage of talented independent food vendors present so make sure to leave room for some delicious treats.

Castle Espie Elf Academy

26 November - 20 December Castle Espie has teamed up with Cash for Kids and their mission to provide gifts to local children who would otherwise receive nothing on Christmas Day. Bring a gift to the Elf Academy that you can wrap on the day. Then wrap up warm and take a walk through onto the reserve where you will visit Papa Elf in the roundhouse for a magical story and toasted marshmallows around a roaring fire.

Todd's Leap Christmas Experience

1 December - 22 December Bring your little ones to Todd's Leap this Christmas where Santa's mischievous little elves are wreaking havoc! While you visit this winter wonderland, the children can write and post a letter to the man himself, help the elves in the workshop and even meet Mr & Mrs Claus before choosing a present to go home with.

Mount Stewart Christmas

4 December - 3 January Christmas is always the best time to visit the amazing Mount Stewart estate as its gardens come alive with festive spirit. Enjoy a range of Festive events in including story telling, Christmas craft workshops, a festive trail and much more.

Festive Afternoon Tea at Ballygally Castle

You’ll savour every moment and every bite with this incredible afternoon out. Treat yourselves to a fabulous Festive Afternoon Tea at Ballygally Castle this December. Packed with some of the finest freshly prepared finger sandwiches, home baked scones, pastries and cakes. The Festive Afternoon Tea is a very popular one, so make sure to book sooner rather than later!

Cinderella Panto

30 November - 8 January You shall go to the ball and have a truly magical family experience at the MACBelfast with the ultimate rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella. Packed with great song and dance routines, hilarious comedy, dazzling scenes, sumptuous sets and magical special effects, Cinderella in the MAC is fun for all the family from 4-94! Cinderella also comes to the Grand Opera House from 3rd December - 15th January. Check out goh.co.uk for more details on what else is happening. From drama to ballet to blockbuster West End musicals, there's something for everyone.

Christmas markets

If you’re on the hunt for gifts, there’s no shortage of amazing opportunities with our abundance of Christmas markets. Pick up a rare find and treat yourself to a mouthwatering giant pretzel at the Belfast Christmas Market (20 November - 22 December). If you find yourself further west, a trip to the Walled City Markets, starting December 3rd, should help you check off that list. Nestled in the Guildhall Square, the market is on the first two weekends of December and offers unique handmade crafts, mouth-watering artisan food and scrumptious, tasty treats. The square is also home to the Guildhall craft Fair (25th - 27th of November). The Christmas Winterland Market is another in Derry~Londonderry to help get you in the festive spirit, and help you get everyone’s presents organised, takes place on the 16th – 18th of December.

Aladdin Panto

25 November - 31 December There’s no adventure quite like it! Aladdin in The Waterfront Hall promises to be a show like no other. Will he and Princess Jasmine end up happily ever after? Get ready to go on a journey as you and yours experience one of the greatest stories ever told with a stellar cast and production.