10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 25 November – 1 December
1. Armagh Georgian Festival 2024, County Armagh, 28 November – 1 December. Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to Armagh. Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century.
2. Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle, Moneymore, County Londonderry, select dates from 30 November – 23 December. Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle is the ultimate festive day out for families, where colourfullyilluminated woodlands, friendly elves and tons of festive cheer set the scene for a different kind of family day out.
3. Children's Cosy Christmas at Castle Coole, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 30 November and select dates throughout December. Stop for a photo op in the Grand Hall with the beautiful Christmas Tree, before moving into the Breakfast Room for festive stories by the fire. Then head deep into the basement to write your letter to Santa and get creative with a Christmasy craft – don't forget to post your letter in our special 'express delivery' post box!Finally, head into the kitchen for festive baking where you will bake and decorate some treats to take home.
4. Fermanagh's Festive Roller-Skating Rink at Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, 22 November – 4 January. Don’t miss Fermanagh's only festive roller-skating rink. The custom-built, 70-person rink transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The roller rink is operating from 22nd November to 1st December and returns from 27th December to 4th January.
5. Christmas Baking with Wee Buns Cookery School, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 30 November. Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a fun morning of festive baking with Wee Buns Cookery school. You will learn the techniques and lots of useful tips to bring your festive baking to a new level. You will make mince pies made with a buttery shortcrust pastry and homemade sweet mincemeat. Mary Anne will demonstrate how to make a classic Chocolate Yule Log and the ultimate sausage rolls. You will, of course, be tasting everything and will have your own delicious bakes and the recipes to take home!
6. Festive Crafternoon Delights at Mrs C's Home Kitchen, Newcastle, County Down, 30 November. Introducing a special Christmas experience in partnership with Alison from Seaglass Murlough. Join an intimate workshop in the cosy, festive atmosphere of Mrs. C’s home kitchen, where you'll feel right at home creating your own unique sea glass art, savoring a warming lunch and indulging in delicious seasonal treats.
7. Artisan Christmas Market at Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down, 29 November – 1 December. Join a handpicked selection of local designer/makers and food vendors in Castle Ward’s theatre space and stable yard where you will find a great day out and the opportunity to pick up locally handcrafted Christmas products. And, attheir late-night opening, enjoy a night-time experience of Castle Ward lit up by the twinkling lights.
8. Santa Cruise at Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Killinchy, County Down, 30 November – 22 December.Join their merry old elf for a sleigh ride around the islands aboard their fast speed boat – Black Jacket. You will be carol singing all the way, listening to some Christmas tunes whilst riding the waves back to Santa's Grotto. Warm up by the fireside in a cosy cabin with mince pies, mulled wine or hot chocolate. Then visit Santa and the elves and find out if you've been naughty or nice!
9. Friendship Four at The SSE Arena, Belfast, 29 and 30 November. The Friendship Four US men's college ice hockey tournament returns to Belfast over Thanksgiving weekend, with Boston University, Harvard University, Merrimack College, and the University of Notre Dame set to go head-to-head at The SSE Arena, Belfast on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November 2024.
10. Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim, 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. Enjoy Festive Fayre catered for all tastes with local food and drink.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.
