10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things taking place 12 – 18 December 2022
1. The Snowman & Other Christmas Classics, Derry~Londonderry, 17 December. Allegri Ladies Choir will join forces with Orchestra NorthWest in the Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry to perform a beautiful programme of music which includes the Howard Blake timeless orchestral work ‘The Snowman’. The programme will also include otherpopular pieces and some original takes on a few festive tunes which you will know and love. Come share in the excitement of the festive season and experience a sprinkle of Christmas musical magic. The Orchestra NorthWest will also come to Strabane on the 18th December.
2. Christmas at Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 16 November – 8 January. Add some sparkle to the holiday season at Mount Stewart with a fantastic list of Christmas themed activities. From festive storytelling, Christmas House trail, festive crafts, letters to Santa, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
3. Santa & Gruffalo Guided Walk, Belfast, 26 November –23 December. Visit the official Gruffalo Trail this Christmas and enjoy a festive themed walk with the family to see Santa.Bring your little ones along and go right inside the glorious Gruffalo and Stickman stories. Enjoy festive themed arts and crafts and take home your very own Julia Donaldson book, certificate, sticker and selection box.
4. Christmas in the Country at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 9 December – 2 January. Experience the magic of Christmas past as you stroll around the wintery landscape of rural Ulster, from the humble surroundings of a single room cabin to the elaborate Christmas of the Campbell House. Journey to the New World with a wander down the snowy paths of the American Street, seeing how immigration influenced Christmas decorations and festive food in Pioneer America. Listen to traditional Christmas music in the Barn, taste Christmas cinnamon muffins and purchase some bespoke Christmas cards.
5. Christmas at the Farm, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 10 –18 December. Come and see Santa and his jolly red tractor at Broughgammon Farm this Christmas. Nestled down in the goat barns, Santa sits in his red vintage tractor along with his adorable donkeys. There is also an elf scavenger hunt around the farm for all to enjoy. The cafe will be open too for those who want to warm up with a hot chocolate and some gingerbread. Booking essential.
6. The Winter Circus by Tumble Circus, Belfast, 16 December – 2 January. Join in for an all-new hour of hammer-smashing Belfast-inspired circus, comedy, and fun. Winter Circus is a high-skill, all-human and all-thrill circus, featuring death-defying aerialists, hardcore acrobats, and mind-bending jugglers. Winter Circus is Belfast’s alternative festive extravaganza suitable for all the family. A warm welcome awaits you in the iconic heated Big Top where your comfort and safety are a priority.
7. Elf Escape, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 3 – 20 December. Santa needs your help. A bunch of little elves have escaped from Santa's Grotto deep within the Marble Arch Caves. There have been reports of elf activity in the local woodland close to the caves and Santa has asked for your help to track them down and to decide which elves are being 'good' and which are being 'bad'. Come join the fun and adventure as Cladagh Glen is taken over by lots of little mischievous elves at play.
8. Sensory Christmas Workshops at Ulster Transport Museum, Cultra, County Down, 6 – 16 December. Spend some quality time with your little ones this festive season, with a Christmas themed sensory workshop for under 5's at Ulster Transport Museum. Led by artist Hannah Ferguson, these sensory workshops can be enjoyed by ages 0 to 5, and will be filled with singing, movement, story time and creative sensory play. The sessions are one hour long and will be held in the Irish rail galleries within Ulster Transport Museum.
9. Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 3 – 23 December. Wander the snowy, cobbled streets of Ballycultra this winter and experience a truly traditional Christmas. Meet craft demonstrators as they prepare for seasonal celebrations and take in the festive scents of Christmas pudding warming on the griddle. Listen out for seasonal tunes from carol singers, a brass band, and other traditional musicians across the festive season. Finish your trip with a warm glass of mulled cordial, Christmas cake and cinnamon toast.
The Argory was built in the 1820s and with its hillside location boasting wonderful views over the beautiful gardens and 320-acre wooded estate bordering the River Blackwater. This historic former home of the MacGeough–Bond family has a splendid stable yard to discover with horse carriages, a harness room and more. Take a stroll around the delightful gardens or for the more energetic, explore the diverse woodland and riverside way-marked trails.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/featured-pages/your-giant-guide-to-short-breaks
