It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
- Ana Turkington
- Nov 1, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 14, 2023
So with Christmas just around the corner and to get into the festive spirit why don’t you head to one of the many magical experiences Northern Ireland has to offer. I’ve rounded up all the festive events in November and December, so take a look to find the events running in your area. (I will add more as they are advertised so keep coming back to check)
From Christmas markets, to meeting the big man himself, fabulous light trails and ice skating. There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim
Enchanted Winter Gardens
The gardens will become a place of enchantment for families and friends to enjoy the magic of Christmas. Dazzling illuminations, the marshmallow fire pit, artisan food stalls, walkabout characters and star attractions, including the Big Wheel, Helter Skelter and The Wonderland Wood
Date TBA
Belfast City Hall, Belfast
Christmas Market
Visitors to the market can expect over 100 exhibitors from 28 counties, beer tents and all of the usual festive bits and bobs, like crafts and sweet treats.
19th November - 22nd December
Downpatrick Railway, Downpatrick
Lapland Express
Climb aboard the Lapland Express for a fun Christmas experience with Santa, Mrs Claus and their helpers
Saturdays & Sundays before Christmas
Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail, Ballymena
Christmas Trail
Follow the fairy trail around the enchanted woods. Which characters will you meet along the way?
9th, 10th, 16th & 17th December
Glenarm Castle, Ballymena
Christmas Experience
A traditional and festive occasion with a host of attractions for all the family, including story-telling with Mrs Claus and of course our popular Polar Express train adventure. Most importantly, Father Christmas and his elves will be here, ready to welcome the children into their busy workshop as they prepare for their busiest time of the year.
30th November - 20th December
Grand Opera House, Belfast
Snow White Pantomime
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery. Throw in a magical mirror, seven friendly dwarfs and plenty of audience participation and you have the perfect recipe to outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail in this glittering festive treat for all ages.
2nd December- 14th January
Hillmount Garden Centre, Belfast
Santa's Grotto
Explore the Winter Wonderland and one of the largest Santas Grottos. Your journey will start off in our grotto with a range of festive scenes and characters. They will be welcomed by elves, meet Mrs Claus before visiting Santa and receiving a unique Hillmount gift.
22nd November - 23 December
Let’s Go Hydro, Belfast
Festive Experience
With a magical light trail, Christmas characters and inflatables and lots of Christmas tunes
Dates TBA
Magheramorne Estate, Larne
Magic & Mistletoe
With its fairytale woodland paths crisp with sparkling frost, and its romantic manor house exuding the warm glow of candlelight, Magheramorne Estate is the perfect backdrop for a magical winter wonderland adventure.
1st- 17th December
Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch
Santa at Montalto House
Meet Santa and his Elves along with Mrs Claus. Take the enchanted Christmas trail to Montalto House. With Christmas Letter writing, gingerbread decorating and reindeer food making. Addd this year Santa's run away train roller coaster and the Elf Fun House!
2nd December- 22nd December
Mountpanther Farm Park,
Magic of Christmas
An enchanting Christmas experience, designed to create unforgettable memories for everyone, young and young-at-heart. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with joy, wonder, and loads of festive fun!
Weekends before Christmas
Slieve Donard Hotel, Slieve Donard
Santa's Polar Express
The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa with a backdrop of the Mourne Mountains topped with snow is truly magical. With a train journey through the hotel grounds towards a Winter Wonderland and Santa Workshop. With letter writing and Christmas stalls and meeting Santa.
9th December- 21st December
Streamvale Farm, Belfast
Magical Christmas Experience
A magical tour like no other, with sing a long tractor rides, feeding Santa's reindeer, some gingerbread decorating with Mrs Claus, marshmallow toasting and don't forget to meet Santa and his Elves.
25th November - 24th December
The JungleNI, Moneymore
Christmas Wonderland
Father Christmas will meet and greet little ones in his magical Christmas Grotto delivering his fantastic Christmas gifts and posing for a treasured family photo. You can also have a giggle with his colourful Elves, enjoy exciting adventure activities, get creative with a spot of Arts & Crafts or check in with the curious creatures in the Woodland Farm.
1st -23rd December
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