Discover Northern Ireland is highlighting a range of festive activities for the 2024 holiday season, including the acclaimed Belfast Christmas Market, which features over 100 traders and a nostalgic Victorian atmosphere.
The region offers diverse experiences such as the Mission Santa adventure at Armagh Observatory, a Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast, and the enchanting Winter Wonderland at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre.
Visitors can explore numerous attractions decorated for the season, such as Hillsborough Castle, Marble Arch Caves, and the Ulster American Folk Park, all featuring unique events and activities for families and tourists alike.
The holiday season in Northern Ireland is enriched with cultural offerings, including music and theatre performances, ensuring a memorable and festive experience for all, as promoted by Discover Northern Ireland on their dedicated website.
- Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum (30 November – 1 December & weekends) : Discover beautifully decorated historical settings, watch craft demonstrations, and enjoy festive storytelling, music, and traditional activities to celebrate the holiday season.
- Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens (29 November – 21 December) : Experience the festive magic in the gardens with dazzling lights, fairy encounters in Wonderland Wood, and a Big Wheel for fun rides alongside a Festive Fayre serving local food and drinks.
- Christmas at Ulster American Folk Park (6 December – 3 January) : Step into a nostalgic setting decorated for Christmas, enjoy Christmas crafts and delightful seasonal treats, along with entertainment from traditional characters and festive rides.
- Christmas at Marble Arch Caves (1 December – 5 January) : Engage in fun quests like Elf Escape, designed for all ages, and enjoy a calming sensory space along with gentle elf activities in an immersive Christmas experience.
- Belfast Christmas Market (16 November – 22 December) : Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this award-winning market filled with over 100 traders offering handcrafted goods and festive treats. Experience a Dickensian atmosphere with storytelling, lively performances, and unique festive attractions like the vintage Helter Skelter.
- Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens (23 November – 23 December) : Explore the grand gardens decked out in decorations, discover the secret grotto, and visit Santa in a beautiful Royal Castle filled with festive cheer and activities for families.
- Christmas at W5, Belfast (30 November – 23 December) : Participate in fun challenges at the Elf Academy with Santa’s elf-bot, enjoy immersive holiday scenes, and engage in activities like Penguin Curling and indoor snowball fights, complemented by festive treats at the Jingle All the Way Café.
- Winter Wonderland at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre (1 – 22 December) : Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a thrill-filled experience with sleigh rides, a visit to Santa’s post office, and exciting quizzes for families to enjoy together.
- Christmas Wonderland at Share Discovery Village (6 – 23 December) : Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a roller-skating rink, visits to Santa’s grotto, and various interactive games suitable for visitors of all ages, ensuring a magical experience.
- Mission Santa at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (23 November – 23 December) : Join the E.L.F. crew for a Christmas adventure in space, featuring a show in a dome theatre, a chance to help save Santa in mission control, and a visit from Santa himself, including a present for every child.
- A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast (27 November – 23 December) : Embark on a guided tour with Father Christmas and his elves through the Enchanted Forest to make a wish at the Magical Wishing Tree, followed by a visit to the Elves’ Workshop.
