10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 18 - 24 November
1. Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, 23 November – 23 December. Explore the gardens adorned with dazzling decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas and stay on the lookout for their polar bear in the pond and 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. More dates are available after Christmas.
2. Mission Santa: An Immersive Christmas Experience at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, County Armagh, 23 November – 23 December. Join their E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure. Your out-of-this-world adventure will include admission to a full-dome 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.
3. Streamvale Open Farm Magical Christmas Experience, Belfast, select dates from 23 November – 24 December.The Magical Christmas Event is different to any other time of the year. Embark on a special guided tour around the farm. They have very small numbers per tour, in order tomake the experience intimate and even more magical. Enjoy Mrs Claus' Kitchen, Sing-a-long Tractor Ride, See & Feed the Deer, Santa's Grotto, Santa's Workshop & Marshmallow Toasting and so much more.
4. Family Fun Morning at Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy, County Antrim, 23 November. Kickstart your weekend with Carrick-a-Rede's Family Fun Morning. From a lively session with Fun with Drums, to classic table-top games and an autumn adventure trail, Carrick-a-Rede has lots to offer.
5. Make a gift workshops at Castle Coole, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 21, 28 November and 5, 12 December. Learn from the best and create a stunning personalised piece to gift someone special this festive season. Get into the festive spirit with some seasonal treats and choose from fussed glass decorating, ceramic painting, fabric painting and willow weaving. These wonderful workshops are the perfect way to spend an evening this Christmas. Tickets are selling out fast.
6. Santa's Grotto at the Bridewell, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, select dates from 23 November – 21 December. Experience the magic of Christmas at the Bridewell Grotto as Santa returns this festive season. 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.
7. Luxury Wine Tasting at National Trust Springhill,Moneymore, County Londonderry, 22 November. Join Eugene and Bridget from Absolute Organic Wine for an exclusive, curated journey through the world of luxury wines, all within the stunning surroundings of historic Springhill House. Let their expertise guide you as you explore a handpicked selection of exquisite wines, each chosen to complement the rich ambiance of this beautiful estate.
8. Winter Craft & Food Fair at Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 23 November. Join in the festive fun at the Burnavon Theatre’s Winter Craft & Food Fair. Admission is free and the doors will be open to the public from 10am-5pm. This is a wonderful family day out and an opportunity to buy unique, custom-made Christmas gifts and festive food. There will be free arts and crafts activities available throughout the day for children. Music will be provided by Cindy Yung and Ryan McGarrity.
9. Junior AstronOMy Club at OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, 24 November. Calling all junior astronomers and space enthusiasts. Come join a tour through outer space. You will take a closer look at our Sun, Moon and all the planets in the solar system. Then whizz through the galaxy and find the most unusual (and funniest!) looking objects in the night sky. There will also be some crafts activities for you to paint, draw and create your own space-themed art.
10. Sip & Shop, Comber, County Down, 21 November. Enjoy festive fun at McBrides on The Square for the annual Sip & Shop Gift Fair. Explore a curated selection of local artisan gins, whiskies, and delightful seasonal beverages, all while browsing a stunning collection of unique gift sets and luxurious hampers. Whether you’re treating yourself or ticking off your Christmas list, there’s something for everyone. Sip, shop, and celebrate the festive season.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.
