Embrace A Giant Festive Season Across Northern Ireland

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to embrace a short break with extra sparkle. So, if you’re craving adventure or a relaxing retreat, Discover Northern Ireland has a stocking full of ideas for all your festive fun.

Belfast, recently named by Which? as having one of the UK’s best Christmas markets, becomes a magical place, with twinkling lights, outstanding restaurants and cosy pubs to escape into as the nights turn cooler.

Get a head start with your present buying with a trip around Victoria Square shopping centre, before heading over to the famous Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall, which this year celebrates its 20^th anniversary. Kick off the season of indulgence with a night of fine dining in one of the city’s many fabulous restaurants, or cocktails at Rattlebag to get the party started in the Cathedral Quarter.

Alternatively, make for the walled city of Derry, and kick off your Christmas celebrations with a stroll along the Peace Bridge taking in the festive lights of the city or enjoy a panto at The Playhouse or Millenium Forum.

From immersive activities and short break inspiration to amazing events and mouth-watering food and drink, Northern Ireland has everything you’d want and more this holiday season.

Belfast Christmas Market, 16 November – 22 December

• The award-winning Belfast Christmas Market is back with a nostalgic Victorian twist. On the third weekend (November 30th to December 1st), step into a charming Dickensian world as you stroll through the market, surrounded by iconic characters from Charles Dickens’ novels. Enjoy enchanting storytelling, lively performances, and the festive atmosphere of a bygone era along with the usual festive grotto and vintage Helter Skelter. With over 100 international and local traders, the market offers a delightful selection of handcrafted goods, artisan products and festive treats.

Mission Santa at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, 23 November – 23 December

• Join the E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure but in space! Your out-of-this-world immersive experience will include admission to a show in the state-of-the-art dome theatre, a chance to help save Santa inside mission control during a live theatrical show, a visit to see Santa, a present for each child and a printed family photograph.

A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast, 27 November – 23 December

• Make memories at A Magical Christmas Experience with Titanic Belfast. Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his elves count down to their favourite night of the year on a guided tour of their Magical Christmas Experience. Meet your elf guide and take a journey as a group 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.

Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens, County Antrim, 29 November – 21 December

• As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens come alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience suitable for everyone. Visit the fairies in Wonderland Wood, drop in and see Santa and meet the sprites in Pixieland who will help fill you with the Christmas spirit. There is a Big Wheel, rides and a Festive Fayre  with local food and drink.

Christmas at W5, Belfast, 30 November – 23 December

• Join Santa and his trusty elf-bot, Bud-E at the Elf Academy and help save Christmas through fun games and challenges. Then, step into the magical world of With Every Christmas Card, where holiday scenes spring to life in an immersive walk-through experience. For some friendly competition, try Penguin Curling or join an epic indoor Snowball Fight – without the freezing fingers. W5’s Climbit structure is aglow with holiday cheer, and at the Jingle All the Way Café, you can warm up with seasonal treats and festive drinks.

Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, County Down, 23 November – 23 December

• Explore the 100 acre gardens adorned with dazzling decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas and stay on the lookout for the polar bear in the pond and a giant advent calendar. Families will love discovering hidden gems, from a secret grotto to a garden trail. Continue your journey inside the beautiful Royal Castle, where twinkling lights and Christmas trees fill the grand State Rooms with festive cheer. On select December days, children can meet Santa himself and take home a special bag of reindeer food.

Christmas Wonderland at at Share Discovery Village, County Fermanagh, 6 – 23 December

• Share Discovery Village has launched both an enchanting Christmas Wonderland and Fermanagh’s only festive roller-skating rink. Highlights of the immersive Christmas experience include a visit to Santa’s magical grotto, a winter roller rink session, meeting Santa’s donkeys, a dedicated teen games room, a bouncy castle and creative colouring station for younger visitors, interactive games and unique photo opportunities in Santa’s igloo!

Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum, County Down, 30 November – 1 December & weekends

• See the Folk Museum decorated for the festive season, from the grandeur of the Rectory to the simplicity of the Tea Lane houses. Meet craft demonstrators as they prepare for seasonal celebrations and take in the festive scents of cinnamon toast warming on the open fire. Settle in for a festive story and listen out for carol singers, plus festive sounds from a brass band and harpist. Post your letter to Santa at the Post Office, and make sure to say hello to the donkeys at the Marketplace.

Winter Wonderland at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, County Tyrone, 1 – 22 December

• Following an incident on their Zip Line in 2014, Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves set up home at Todds Leap and this year they’re back for more festive fun. Hop aboard Santa’s off-road sleigh, visit his post office and workshop and play for prizes in an exciting family quiz.

Christmas at Marble Arch Caves, County Fermanagh, 1 December – 5 January

• Join Marble Arch Caves this Christmas and embrace the festive spirit with a variety of exciting events and experiences for everyone. Elf Escape Heroes vs Villains (2-21 December) is an elf-tastic quest. The Sensory Space is designed for those with access and sensory needs; this calming space offers low-lit blue lighting and interactive sensory stations, perfect for relaxed enjoyment. Up to eight visitors can follow a self-guided mini-trail, engage with gentle Elf activities, and even hunt for hidden elves with a special activity sheet.

Christmas at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 6 December – 3 January

• Step into Christmas past, full of nostalgia and traditions, as you wander the wintry streets of the Folk Park. Take in the Christmas décor, smells and festive flavours as you wander the cobbled streets of Ulster and America. On weekends, there’ll be Christmas crafts for kids, mince pies and warmed apple punch from Mrs Claus’ Bakery, plus festive tunes and Christmas storytelling sessions. Mummer characters will entertain you and there are also horse and carriage rides.

Causeway Christmas, Bushmills, County Antrim, 7 and 14 December

• See the award-winning Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre beautifully transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Embark on a magical Christmas Trail to discover the secrets hidden around the Visitor Centre and get your face painted before enjoying some traditional family games or creating your very own decoration. The latest addition to the Causeway Christmas programme is the one and only ‘North Coast Circus’.

The Northern Light at Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, County Down, 12 – 19 December

• Your journey begins outside the 4* hotel in the seaside town of Newcastle. From there, you can choose to stroll through the festive grounds or hop aboard the Christmas train. Once inside, you’ll travel through four themed rooms —venture into an ice cave, soar into the stars, and ultimately arrive at the source of the Northern Light itself. With immersive light and sound shows, interactive displays, the experience promises to captivate all ages. At the end of your journey, explore a traditional Christmas market where festive treats and crafts await.

Temple of the Winds – Winter Solstice Sound Spa Retreat , County Down, 21 December

• Join Tessa Ann from The Sound Healing Spa for this three-hour Winter Solstice retreat and workshop. Immerse yourself in the magical energy of Mount Stewart’s Temple of the Winds as Tessa Ann delivers a beautiful Sound Spa Experience at this iconic National Trust property on the Ards peninsula.Victorian Santa Experience at Whitehead Railway Museum, County Antrim, 1– 22 December

• Enjoy a short festive themed train ride in a heritage carriage adorned with Victorian style decorations and hauled by a steam engine at Whitehead Railway Museum. Enter the magical carriage shed where you will be greeted by Mrs Claus who will help you find Santa. Don’t forget to post your letter to Santa in the chimney of one of the engines!

Unmissable music and theatre across Northern Ireland

• Enjoy extraordinary music, theatre and family entertainment this holiday season. To name just a few, Peter Pan at Grand Opera House, Belfast; Ulster Orchestra at Christmas – The Snowman™ at Belfast Waterfront Hall; A Christmas Carol at the Lyric, Belfast; Beauty and The Beast at Waterfront Hall, Belfast; Aladdin at Millennium Forum, Derry; Rapunzel, the Market Place Theatre, Armagh. Dates subject to change and subject to availability. Booking is essential for most events.

Whether you’re looking for enchanting light displays, heartwarming holiday markets, or special performances that capture the spirit of Christmas, you’ll find it in Northern Ireland. Check out Discover Northern Ireland’s Christmas Supplement on their website HERE.

Book your next festive break or day out and start planning for next year at discovernorthernireland.com