Festive events you don't want to miss this Christmas across Northern Ireland
Last updated 23rd Nov 2023
It's the season of giving, the season of joy, and the season of local Christmas events that add a special touch to our holiday celebrations.
There so much to see and do across Northern Ireland this winter, from yuletide singing and candlelight concerts to festive light displays and magical experiences.
We’ve pulled together some of our top festive picks to help get you in the Christmas spirit 👇
The Coca-Cola Truck is coming to Belfast
From the 30th November to the 10th of December, almost 50,000 consumers will experience the magic of Christmas and leave with their iconic "Holidays are Coming" Truck photo at the Titanic Quarter, Belfast.
🗓️ 8th - 10th of December 2023
Visitors can book slots (2.00pm - 5.00pm and 6.00pm - 9.00pm) through the Coca-Cola Eventbrite.
Santa’s Polar Express is back at Slieve Donard
Santa's popular Polar Express experience returns to the seaside town of Newscastle this Decemeber.
The Polar Express train adventure takes you on a magical journey to visit Santa and his elves at their workshop as they prepare for their busiest time of year. There's also a winter wonderland and storytelling with Mrs. Claus.
All tickets must be booked in advance online. Early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Visit marineandlawn.com/slievedonard for more info
Tumble Circus Big Top takes over Writer’s Square in Belfast
The Tumble Circus troop will treat you and your family and friends to a Winter extravaganza unlike anything else on offer in Belfast, with a host of death-defying acts to keep the audience on the edge of their seats!
The Winter Circus shows will run between December 15th 2023 & January 02nd 2024 and will take place at Writers' Square in Belfast; look out for the fully heated Tumble Circus big top tent!
Winter Circus will be an all human, all skill and all thrill event and this year, with the very special added edition of The Family Von Wood, a 2000 year old dysfunctional family tradition of folk dance, circus, comedy and Blavalavafurters with axes.
Expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour of hammer smashing, axe throwing Belfast inspired circus. Winter Circus Shows will be spectacular with an inspiring modern soundtrack, international circus artists and comedy characters that both young and old can enjoy, expect big laughs and mighty craic to be had.
Enchanted Winter Garden returns to Antrim
Bigger and better than ever, Northern Ireland's sensational Christmas extravaganza, the Enchanted Winter Garden, is set to return to Antrim Castle Gardens this yer.
This magical family experience will amaze and entertain all from Saturday 25th November to Tuesday 19th December.
The dazzling array of festive lights and decorations will set the scene for a truly enchanting evening.
Two special evenings of Inclusive Enchantment will return on Wednesday 6 December and Wednesday 13 December for adults and children with additional needs, offering a quieter experience.
Candlelight Concert
A beautiful experience with a variety of shows dedicated to so many composers and musicians. Experience the work of Hans Zimmer's best work, Taylor Swift, Queen, Coldplay and more in a setting you will never forget.
With venues dotted across Belfast like St Anne's Cathedral, Titanic Belfast, Belfast Castle and Clonard Monestary - there's plenty of options for you to choose from.
Lisburn Light Festival
The Lisburn Light Festival Christmas programme is back beginning with the Christmas light switch on, on Thursday 23rd November.
The viral Light Canopy on Bow Street returns for another year! As well as the popular Castle Gardens Light Trail, beginning Friday 24th November, running from 4pm-8pm until 22nd December.
With live music and Christmas markets there every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. It is a sparkling event that is sure to keep all the family entertained.
Walking in the Air at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Walking with The Snowman™ has opened at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. The daytime trail comprises 12 The Snowman sculptures throughout the Gardens and will continue until Sunday 7th January 2024.
Families and visitors can discover 12 decorated Snowman sculptures throughout the 100-acre gardens, in a partnership with Wild in Art and Penguin Random House Children's.
In addition to finding each of the 12 The Snowman™ sculptures, visitors can enjoy a hot chocolate or cider from the Castle's on-site restaurant to keep warm during their adventures.
Titanic Belfast's Christmas Experience
Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year in our Magical Christmas Experience from 24th November - 23rd December!
Journey through the Enchanted Forest to make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree, before stepping through the Old Curiosity Shop to enter the Elves' Workshop
Head to titanicbelfast.com for more information on tickets
Belfast's Christmas Continental Market is back!
The Continental Christmas Market is a celebration of festive sights, sounds and smells from around the world.
Over 100 international and local traders offering delicious, tasty treats and handcrafted gifts. There is something for everyone to enjoy of all ages. Bring children to visit Santa in his grotto, ride the carousel or slide down the helter-skelter. You won't want to leave.
Magical Christmas Experience at The Ark Open Farm
Enjoy the magic of The Ark Open Farm after dark, joining Santa and his elves to enjoy the magical Christmas lights and merry atmosphere.
Step into the Elf Village. Decorate yummy gingerbread, visit the sweet shop, and make some special reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve. Plus their friendly team of elves will help you pick and make your very own cuddly toy to take home.
Quiet Nights (SEN) - A quieter evening experience is also available for families who would enjoy a quieter, less busy environment to meet Santa and his elves on the 6th and 13th December.
Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle, Magherafelt
Christmas Wonderland is just 45 minutes from Belfast and Derry from the 1st – 23rd December.
Explore the colourfully illuminated woodlands, friendly elves for a day of Christmas joy for all the family. Prepare to be transported through the magical forest, with the company of Buddy the Elf. Buddy is the ultimate storyteller along with the help of his friend elves that will greet you on arrival.
Enjoy some old-fashioned board games, watch some Christmassy movies and get ready to meet the big man.
Glenarm Castle Christmas Experience
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.
This year's event will be another 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.
According to Glenarm Castle's website, the event is now SOLD OUT.
The Christmas Chronicles at Belfast Castle
The Christmas Chronicles is a joyous event for all the family. Children can meet Father Christmas himself, pick up a toy and enjoy letter writing with Mrs Claus.
Plus there's the chance to sample YuleTide treats in one of Belfast's iconic landmarks.
Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs at Belfast Opera House
Guaranteed to be a Christmas treat for all ages, Northern Ireland's biggest panto has already sold a record number of over 45,000 tickets.
This year's show will be spectacularly brought to life from page to stage by a talented cast and creative team and features the Grand Opera House pantomime hallmark of an abundance of comedy, sensational songs and dance numbers, fabulous costumes, stunning scenery, and special effects.
Belfast's much-loved pantomime dame, May McFettridge, as May of the Mirror celebrates her record-breaking 33rd Grand Opera House panto season this year.
A Christmas Sing-along at The MAC
Come and enjoy an hour of songs, carols and music with the NI Opera Chorus!
You'll experience the power of an opera chorus performing some festive favourites and join in with them to sing carols and seasonal songs.
Start your Christmas season off by belting out some rousing well-loved tunes: whether you sing in the shower or are a fully-fledged singer, this will be a fun, festive hour to get you in the Christmas spirit.
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