It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a short break, day trip or new experience with extra sparkle. If you’re craving adventure or a relaxing retreat, Discover Northern Ireland has a ‘nice list’ of ideas for all your festive fun.
For the countdown to Christmas, Belfast becomes a magical place with twinkling lights and cosy pubs to escape into as the nights turn colder.
Tick off all your presents with a trip around Victoria Square shopping centre, before heading over to the famous Belfast Christmas Market or kick off the season of indulgence with a night of fine dining in one of the many restaurants, or cocktails in the plethora of bars and pubs.
Alternatively, make for the maiden city of Derry~Londonderry, and kick off your Christmas celebrations with a stroll along the Peace Bridge taking in the festive lights of the city or soak up some culture at The Playhouse or Millennium Forum.
From short break inspiration and activities to places to stay, amazing events, food and drink, this holiday season has everything you’d want and more. Check out our top events this Christmas season.
Belfast
- Belfast Christmas Market, 16 November - 22 December: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, 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.
- 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.
- Christmas at W5, 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. Their massive 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.
County Armagh
- Mission Santa at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 23 November – 23 December: Join the E.L.F. crew for Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure in Space. Your out-of-this-world adventure will include admission to a full show in the 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.
- Santa at Long Meadow Farm, Portadown, 6 December – 21 December. Drive through this enchanting, star-lit orchard to the cosy Bramley Barn. The elves will welcome you into Santa’s Grotto with a smile and festive cheer, and a Christmas story you will hear whilst you sip on hot chocolate.
- Winter Solstice Mindfulness Morning at Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, 20 December (21 Dec sold out). Embrace the forthcoming year and celebrate the Winter Solstice. Follow a lantern lit processional walk to the top of Navan Fort/Emain Macha, where you will watch the sunrise. On returning to Navan Centre, you will be served breakfast where you can relax and enjoy live music.
County Fermanagh
- Christmas Wonderland at Share Discovery Village, 6 – 23 December: Share Discovery Village has launched both an enchanting Christmas Wonderland and Fermanagh's only festive roller-skating rink. The custom-built, 70-person roller skating rink transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and festive decorations. 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, interactive games and unique photo opportunities in Santa's igloo.
- Christmas at Marble Arch Caves, 1 December – 5 January: Visit 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 – they could be in the high trees or hidden among the landscape. 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.
- Festive Fun Farm (Build a Bear) at Fermanagh Fun Farm, Lisbellaw, 30 November – 22 December. Don’t miss this family friendly experience that will bring a little bit of magic to your Christmas. Make sure to build your own bear with? the help of the elves in Santa's workshop and join Mrs Claus for story time. Visit Santa and choose your very own gift and don’t forget to check out the 100+ resident animals on the farm.
County Tyrone
- Winter Wonderland at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, 1 – 22 December: This Christmas, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and those elves will be taking over Todds Leap again Following an incident on their Zip Line in 2014, Santa and his Elves set up home at Todds Leap and this year they're BACK! Hop aboard Santa’s off-road sleigh, visit his post office and workshop and play for prizes in an exciting family quiz.
- Christmas at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, 6 December – 3 January: Step into a 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 olde 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.
- The Argory Christmas Fair, Moy, 7-8 December: Christmas at The Argory is all about the excitement of reviving festive traditions and sharing precious moments with loved ones. The Christmas Fair will return to The Argory, bigger, better and more festive than ever before, with live music, food and craft stalls and plenty of opportunities to tick off that Christmas gift list with unique locally made finds. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for Christmas. Families will also have the chance to meet Santa and his elves in the grotto.
County Antrim
- Causeway Christmas, Bushmills, 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 2024 programme is the one and only 'North Coast Circus'.
- Victorian Santa Experience at Whitehead Railway Museum, 1– 22 December: Enjoy a 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 to find Santa. Don’t forget to post your letter to Santa in the chimney of one of the engines.
- Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens, County Antrim, 29 November – 21 December: As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes 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.
County Down
- Christmas Movie Screenings with Strand Cinema at Ulster Transport Museum, 20 and 21 December: The Ulster Transport Museum has partnered with Strand Arts Centre for special screenings of two festive classics — A Wonderful Life and The Polar Express. Tickets includes access to the Rail Gallery at time of entry and a warm drink (hot chocolate at The Polar Express or a mulled wine at It's a Wonderful Life). Also, from November 30 until December 1 see the Folk Museum decorated for the festive season.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.
- Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, 23 November – 23 December: Explore the gardens adorned with dazzling decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas and stay on the lookout for our 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 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. Be sure to warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine and with festive treats at the café, to round off a perfect day out for all the family.
- Cranfield Alpaca Christmasfest, 7, 14 & 21 December: Enjoy a magical Alpaca Christmasfest Experience and revel in the joy of the season with festive crafts, a special visit from Santa in the festive barn, and the chance to meet, walk, and feed adorable alpacas. Capture memorable moments with Santa, who brings gifts for everyone! Savour delicious refreshments, including hot chocolate with fresh cream and marshmallows, festive punch, and sweet treats like mince pies.
County Londonderry
- Walled City Brewery Carnival of Crafts, Derry~Londonderry, throughout December. Make your Christmas extra special with the Walled City Brewery’s Carnival of Crafts. This series of festive workshops will feature some of the finest craftspeople in the city. Each workshop has been tailored to create a truly immersive experience and includes a fabulous two-course dinner and drinks in multi award-winning restaurant.
- Castlerock Christmas Market at Bertha's Bar, 7 – 8 December. The Castlerock Christmas Market returns to Bertha's Bar. Visitors can stroll through a variety of stalls offering locally crafted gifts, treats, and seasonal décor, perfect for holiday shopping. Set against Castlerock’s scenic coastal backdrop, this market creates a magical opportunity to support local artisans and embrace the Christmas spirit on the Causeway Coast.
- Santa's Grotto at the Bridewell,Magherafelt, select dates from 23 November – 21 December. Santa returns to the Bridewell this festive season. Experience the magic of Christmas at the Bridewell Grotto. Post your letter to the North Pole and make your very own Christmas decoration. Visit Santa and his elf in his enchanting Christmas grotto, take your own family photos and receive a small gift.
Unmissable music and theatre across Northern Ireland
Enjoy extraordinary music, theatre and family entertainment this holiday season. To name 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, at the Market Place Theatre, Armagh.
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 our Christmas Supplement
https://discovernorthernireland.com/featured-pages/your-giant-guide-to-short-breaks-ni
Book your next festive break or day out and start planning for next year at discovernorthernireland.com
