25 magical Christmas events for families across Northern Ireland ✨
As the nights grow darker and the winter chill rolls in, towns and cities across Northern Ireland will transform into festive wonderlands filled with markets, light trails, Santa visits and magical seasonal experiences.
Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, a weekend adventure, or simply looking for new traditions to add to your family calendar, we've pieced together a local list of Christmas events that promise fun, excitement and memory-making for all ages.
Check them out 👇
Enchanted Winter Gardens
From 28 November until 30 December, Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a glistening, festive wonderland once again. The resident fairies have a few new ideas of how to make Enchanted Winter Garden more magical than ever before. From their thrilling fun fair and enchanted grotto, to the twinkling light trail and enchanted tree choir – there's such a magical fun atmosphere at Antrim Castle Gardens this time of year.
Visit enchantedwintergarden.com for more details
Breakfast with the elves at The Ivy
A magical morning for mischief makers at The Ivy for breakfast with Santa's mischievous elves – they will be on hand for letter writing to the North Pole, tricks and treats to entertain the whole family and fabulous photo opportunities to treasure forever. Children will take home our beautiful Ivy Teddy bear and Adults will receive a beautiful glass bauble as a memento of the morning.
Visit ivycollection.com/events-at-the-ivy/naughty-elves for more details
The Ark Farm's Winter Wonderland
Santa and his very cheerful elves invite you and your family to embark on a magical journey through a winter wonderland at The Ark Farm in Newtownards. With a small group of fellow visitors, one of Santa's friendly elves will help you to explore the festive sights and sounds that will make this an unforgettable experience. With twinkling lights and snow-covered trees, this event has all the Christmas magic you could imagine! Visit thearkopenfarm.co.uk/christmas for more details
Belfast Christmas Market
With over 100 international and local traders, Belfast's Christmas market offers a delightful array of quality Christmas fayre, handcrafted goods, and bespoke artisan products. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Belfast City Hall, the market is an ideal destination for coach parties, day-trippers, and city shoppers, offering the perfect place to tick off your holiday shopping list. And even better…entry is free!
Disney on Ice skates into the SSE Arena
Disney On Ice returns with a brand-new magical adventure for the whole family! Audiences will discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from the Disney Kingdom come together to bring timeless tales to life as they take families on a journey of unforgettable moments. Fresh from the excitement around the live-action Lilo & Stitch, fans can look forward to a surprise appearance from Stitch himself. The production will skate into Belfast from Thursday 4 December to Sunday 7 December 2025.
Visit ssearenabelfast.com/events/disney-on-ice-presents-find-your-hero for more details.
Festive Flicks at the Drive-In Cinema at Let's Go Hydro
This festive season, Belfast's Drive-In Cinema is back at Let's Go Hydro! It brings your favourite Christmas films to life on the big screen, so whether you come with family, friends, or for a cosy date night, it's a festive outing like no other. Keep an eye on Let's Go Hydro's socials for updates on festive film listings, or visit letsgohydro.com/events/christmas-drive-in-cinema/
Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle
This December, The Jungle becomes a twinkling world of festive wonder, where every path sparkles and every corner hides a little Christmas cheer. Families can wander through our enchanted woodland, meet Santa and his merry elves, and soak up the glow of dazzling lights and joyful laughter.
Visit thejungleni.com/event/christmas-wonderland for more details
Jingle Fest at Emerald Park
Jingle Fest promises an unforgettable seasonal experience set against the magical backdrop of Emerald Park. Guests can begin their journey with a stroll through the Festive Fairy Woods Light Tunnel, a dazzling walkway of twinkling lights that creates the perfect Christmas atmosphere and photo opportunity. Then hop aboard the Candy Lane Singalong Train, a cheerful ride through the Jolly Junior Zone featuring favourite festive tunes led by the lively train conductor.
New for this year, visitors can experience Ireland's largest Light-Up Horse and Carriage, a breathtaking new feature that adds an extra touch of wonder to the park's festive landscape. Glowing with hundreds of sparkling lights, this magnificent display offers a stunning photo opportunity and a beautiful new highlight for families exploring Jingle Fest.
Visit bookings.emeraldpark.ie for more details
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle
Step into a world of festive magic at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - discover 100 acres of wintry wonder as you follow a charming daytime, outdoor trail around the stunning gardens with The Snowman™ and the Snowdog. Inspired by the beloved animated film, seek out larger-than-life Snowdogs Discover sculptures - as well as one iconic Snowman™. Along the way, delight in reliving iconic moments from the story brought to life.
Visit hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle/whats-on for more details
Pinocchio Pantomime at the Grand Opera House Belfast
Northern Ireland's biggest pantomime is back for another magical season with the premiere of The Adventures of Pinocchio. Belfast's much-loved pantomime Dame, May McFettridge¬, who has appeared on the Theatre's stage over 3,000 times, leads the cast as Mrs Geppetto. Joining May in her record-breaking 35th Grand Opera House pantomime season are Belfast panto favourites Paddy Jenkins, as Jiminy Cricket, and comedian Adam C Booth in the title role of Pinocchio.
Visit goh.co.uk/whats-on/the-adventures-of-pinocchio for more details
Limepark's Christmas Experience
Santa returns to Limepark this December for a magical festive adventure that promises fun for the whole family. Visitors are invited to join Santa's cheerful team of elves for an enchanting journey through the beautifully decorated grounds and historic buildings of Limepark. Stop by the Sorting Office and Grinch's Lair, before the enchanting Santa's workshop.
Visit tickettailor.com/events/limepark/1827011 for more details
Lisburn Lights Trail
Step into a world of pure festive magic this Christmas at Lisburn's Light Trail, returning to Castle Gardens. Come along and take in the wonderful sights of the light show and visit the mini Christmas Market.
Visit Santa's Grotto every Wednesday to Saturday (4pm-8.30pm, last entry 8.00pm). Festive live music will be on stage every Wednesday to Saturday (4pm-8.30pm, last entry 8.00pm). Grab a bite to eat at our Mini Festive Food Village every day from 4pm to 8.30pm. There's fun for all ages with Fun Fair Rides.
Visit lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/lisburn-light-trail-at-castle-gardens-2025 for more details
Magic and Mistletoe at Magheramorne Estate
Step into a world of wonder as Magheramorne Estate is transformed into a magical Santa experience. Twinkling lights guide your way through the estate as you solve clues, meet enchanting characters, and uncover festive surprises around every corner.
Visit magheramorneestate.com for more details
Twilight Market at Montalto Estate
Monalto Estate invite visitors to their annual Twilight Market on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December, set inside the beautifully decorated Carriage Rooms. Explore an array of artisan stalls, handmade gifts, festive treats, and local craft stalls from Northern Irish suppliers, perfect for picking out unique Christmas gifts. Get into the Christmas spirit by soaking up live music whilst enjoying the scrumptious foodstuffs on offer.
Visit montaltoestate.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873639578 for more details
Paint and Sip at Parisian
Parisian are hosting a festive and creative Paint and Sip evening in collaboration with Art Studio 23 for Christmas, on Wednesday 3rd December from 6pm to 8pm. A fun and festive Christmas Bauble-painting workshop, where you can craft your own unique design to take home or follow artist guidance and use stencils provided.Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival, with complimentary nibbles throughout the evening.
Visit cafeparisienbelfast.com/christmas-paint-and-sip.html for more details
Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market returns for two enchanting days this season: Friday 12th December from 3pm-9pm and Saturday 13th December from 12pm-6pm. Transforming The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort, visitors can enjoy a lineup of fantastic traders from across Northern Ireland. You will be spoilt for choice with the number of stalls selling Christmas gifts, foodie treats and festive staples.
Visit visitlisburncastlereagh.com/whats-on/royal-hillsborough-christmas-market-p960671 for more details
Christmas Love to Paddle Trip - Enniskillen
Enjoy a guided lough paddle on Sunday 14th December - exploring the beautiful waterways of Fermanagh with coaching and paddling tips on the go for those who want it from experienced and qualified coaches. This is an inclusive paddle, suitable for children and adults.
Visit facebook.com/ernepaddlers for more details
Santa Paws at The Dirty Onion
Meet the original Santa Paws…has your dog been naughty or nice? Let Santa Paws be the judge of that! Bring your furry friends along to The Dirty Onion on Sunday 30th November and get their personalised photo taken with Santa himself!
Visit thedirtyonion.com/whats-on for more details
Santa’s Post Office at 2 Royal Avenue
It is expected over 10,000 letters to Santa will make their way to the North Pole from 2 Royal Avenue this year, where a host of free festive fun is available for visitors to the city centre from this Sunday 16th November until Sunday 21st December. Visitors will be transported to a winter wonderland as soon as they arrive at the Post Office, with Santa's Sleigh available for photos, while a special sensory wall will immerse children in the magic of Christmas.
Visit belfastone.co.uk/whats-on/event/santas-post-office-2025 for more details
A Christmas Carol at the Lyric
After enchanting audiences and earning rave reviews in 2024, this joyously reimagined version of Charles Dickens' Christmas classic, brought to life by award-winning playwright Marie Jones, returns to the Lyric Theatre. From the chilling visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, to the jubilant spirit of redemption and goodwill, every moment on stage is filled with magic and wonder.
Visit lyrictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-christmas-carol for more details
Winter Wonderland at Todds Leap
This Christmas, Santa & Mrs Claus return and their Elves will be taking over Todds Leap again! Lend a hand in the sleigh garage as the elves load up gifts and get Santa's sleigh ready for take-off. Hop aboard Santa's off-road sleigh ride. Enjoy a visit with Mrs. Claus and the Wise Old Elf, and savour some delightful treats. Say hello to festive friends Christmas Lilo & Stitch, bringing extra sparkle, smiles, and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer to your magical journey.
Visit toddsleap.com/events/winter-wonderland for more details
Winter Circus at Writer's Square
Belfast's favourite alternative Christmas show returns to Writers' Square, Cathedral Quarter for its ninth year — bigger, louder and cheekier than ever. Expect new acts and new performers, plus a riot of returning favourites: sky-high aerialists, razor-sharp juggling, acrobatic mischief and Belfast-brewed hammer-smashing circus craic for all ages.
Visit tumblecircus.com/winter-circus-show for more details
St George’s Twilight Market
St George's Market be transformed into a sparkling festive wonderland for a special Christmas Twilight Market.From sampling delicious artisan food and drink to finding the perfect Christmas gift, the market has something special for every visitor. As night falls, the market will glow with golden lights, the sound of carols and acoustic music, and the irresistible scent of mulled spices and freshly baked treats.
Visit belfastcity.gov.uk/events/christmas-twilight-market for more details.
Experience Christmas through the years at Ulster American Folk Park
Discover the magic of a traditional Christmas at Ulster American Folk Park. Wander through the wintry, cobbled streets of Ulster decorated for the festive season, from the humble surroundings of a single-room cabin to the indulgent Christmas of the Campbell House.
Meet Mrs Mellon and taste traditional Christmas cake, enjoy the festive sounds of brass bands, and take a horse and carriage ride around the Folk Park (if weather allows). Enjoy the smells, flavours and decorations that shaped the modern holiday season.
Visit ulsteramericanfolkpark.org/whats-on/christmas-ulster-american-folk-park for more details
Christmas by Candlelight at Ulster Hall
A magical evening of best loved festive songs, performed live by candlelight. A spectacular West End Cast and incredible live band perform your favourite Christmas Hits, as you have never heard them before in an iconic venue!
Featuring sing-along classics such as White Christmas, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Santa Baby, O Holy Night and Winter Wonderland, this uplifting concert is the perfect way to celebrate a Holly Jolly Christmas with all the family.
Visit ulsterhall.co.uk/what-s-on/christmas-by-candlelight-5 for more details
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