10 things to do in Northern Ireland
Here are ten exciting things to do 9 - 15 December
1. Lisburn Light Trail at Castle Gardens, County Antrim, until 22 December. Come and wander through the spectacular light trail in Castle Gardens this Christmas and take in the wonderful sights of the light show. Visit Santa's Grotto, enjoy live music and visit the mini–Christmas Market each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
2. Festive Fayre at Titanic Belfast, until 22 December. The perfect opportunity to treat yourself, friends or family and pick up some last-minute stocking fillers. You'll find lots of local traders selling artisan and seasonal handcrafted wares in the Grand Atrium this month.
3. Coast and Country Food Tour, Coleraine, County Londonderry, 14 December. Experience the exceptional foodie culture of the Causeway Coast. Enjoy this time together to eat, discover and take home an authentic taste of our beautiful place. In a tour that lasts six hours, you become familiar with our heritage and culinary culture, taste our delicious local produce and meet the people behind this. Wendy will encourage you to sit back, relax and savour the flavours that make this area so unique.
4. Christmas Luxury Afternoon Tea and Demonstration by the Turf-Fireside with Bakehouse NI, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 8 –22 December. Enjoy a five course, luxury Christmas afternoon tea including baking/cooking demonstration by the turf-fireside. It will be a memorable Christmas experience with a blend of cosy seasonal charm and luxurious flavours.
5. Open Ground Guided Experience at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 14 December.Open Ground is a unique visitor experience centred on locations that shaped Seamus Heaney's life and literature, including places from The Strand at Lough Beg to the Moyola River, which allows visitors the opportunity to discover the smells, sights and sounds that make his poetry so uniquely of this place.
6. Santa at Long Meadow Farm, Portadown, County Armagh, until 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.
7. Winter Wonderland at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, until 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.
8. Christmas at Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, until 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. Thiscalming 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.
9. The Northern Light at Slieve Donard, Newcastle, County Down, 12 - 19 December 2024. Introducing The Northern Light—an immersive, interactive Christmas story brought to life in four captivating chapters. Follow the glow of the Northern Light on a self-guided journey through a breathtaking world of festive wonder. With dazzling light & sound experiences, and magical moments around every corner, this experience is one for all ages.
10. Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market, County Down, 13 December. Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market returns to The Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort for one day only. The market starts as twilight sets in at 3pm until 9pm. The gates of The Dark Walk will be open for an evening of sparkling festivities. Royal Hillsborough's independent shops will be staying open for late night shopping too, making it a perfect location for the idyllic Christmas Shopping experience.
For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.