Festive Family Fun

Daily from 16 November, Royal Avenue

Head to Royal Avenue to see a stunning light projection on the buildings opposite CastleCourt. The display will show a special animated story that tells the tale of Soda the cat and Champ the dog – an unlikely pair who embark on an exciting journey to make it home in time for Christmas.

16 November to 22 December, Belfast City Hall

The Belfast Christmas Market is perfect for a festive day out with the family. Kids can visit Santa in his grotto, take a ride on the vintage carousel or a slide down the Helter Skelter. There’s also marshmallow toasting stations, sweetie stalls and tasty hot food to suit all tastes.

Father Christmas will be making an appearance at loads of places in Belfast and Northern Ireland this year. We’ve rounded up the top Santa experiences, grottos and places to visit the big man this Christmas.

It’s panto season… oh yes it is! Take your little ones to one of Belfast’s many pantomimes this season, including Beauty and the Beast at the Grand Opera House, a Christmas Carol at MAC or Waterfront Hall’s Frozen Princess Pantomime. There’s also a huge range of family friendly theatre and plays.

30 November to 23 December, W5

W5’s Santa Street experience will take into magical streests of Snowtown, where you’ll wander through a maze of quaint shop fronts, seasonal displays and twinkling lights. Then, walk on the rooftops of Snowtown where you’ll feel the chill of the night air and see Santa set off on his big journey on Christmas Eve night. This endearing Christmas experience is included with admission to W5.

24 November to 23 December, Titanic Belfast

Journey through the Enchanted Forest to find Santa, Mrs Claus, the elves and much more in Titanic Belfast’s stunning Christmas Experience. Kids can enjoy festive games, storytelling, arts and crafts, Christmas trails and letter writing before meeting Santa, posing for a photo and receiving a gift. They will also get the chance to step into the Old Curiosity Shop and see the elves in their workshop. A beautiful, festive day out not to be missed!

Various dates, MAC

The MAC has a fantastic range of events for babies, toddlers and children. Four to seven-year-olds can sing their hearts out at a Holly Jolly Singalong while four to 11-year-olds can get creative and decorate a clock at Tick Tock Christmas Clock. Kids can also enjoy wonderful winter stories at Festive Fables, where the storyteller will be doing a special reading of ‘Twas the night before Christmas’ on Christmas Eve.

13 December to 2 January, Writer’s Square

Tumble Circus’ ever-popular winter show is back. This breathtaking, family-friendly display is an all human, all skill and all thrill event. With modern high-skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers, the show features international circus artists and comedy characters that both young and old can enjoy. Step right up and prepare to be dazzled!

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Selected dates, 21 November to 15 December, Royal Avenue

Step into Santa’s Post Box and discover what goes on behind the scenes as his elves work round the clock to make sure letters reach the North Pole on time! Kids can write a letter to Santa, have it sealed with North Pole approval and post it in the magical post box.

22 November to 25 January, Lisburn city centre

Lisburn Light Festival Returns! Come and see Lisburn City Centre transformed by amazing displays of light and sound. As well as the stunning light canopies and Christmas tree shows, there will be plenty of family friendly entertainment including Frozen Spectacular, a live Nativity and a Christmas character meet and greet.

6-22 December, Antrim Castle Gardens

The Enchanted Winter Garden event returns to the award-winning Antrim Castle Gardens, transforming it into a magical world of enchantment. Attractions include a big wheel, Victorian Helter Skelter, Victorian Wave Swinger, Wonderland Wood, The Enchanted Express and mallow pit.

14 December, SSE Arena

With a delightful and versatile score ranging from traditional carols to show-stopping Christmas hits featuring special guests, Belfast Carols will bring an exciting new dimension to the story of Christmas. The show will feature an orchestra, a choir of over 1000 children and a hugely festive atmosphere.

Selected dates, 14 December to 4 January, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Join Hillsborough Castle for festive family fun this Christmas! Celebrate the festive season with family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling, dancing and music, inspired by the theme of the 12 days of Christmas. Plus, take a Festive Castle Tour to see Hillsborough Castle transformed for Christmas with 12 special Christmas installations.

14-15 December, Belfast Zoo

The little animal-lovers in your family will love this family day out at Belfast Zoo. Kids can wrap presents for the animals and see Santa deliver them around the 55-acre site. They can also take part in Christmas crafts, win prizes, meet a selection of animals and pose for photos with Santa and Mrs Claus. Book in advance or come early – last admission is at 2.30pm.

Selected dates 14 December to 5 January, W5

Take a deep breath and come with W5 on a journey to a world of low temperatures, where you can watch science demonstrations so cool, they’re absolutely freezing! Watch a kettle boil at room temperature, touch a cloud, make it snow and hammer a bendy blu-tac nail into solid wood! Best of all, the show is free with normal admission to W5.

2-13 December, Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle has been transformed for the festive season! Explore the stunning State Rooms and discover twelve special installations decorated according to the traditional song, Twelve Days of Christmas. Guided by expert Explainers, soak up the seasonal atmosphere and discover another side to this elegant Georgian home in this 45 minute tour. While you’re there, the kids can enjoy Christmas Family Activities, with storytelling, Georgian dance, drumming workshops and Christmas arts and crafts.

Until 22 December, Ulster Folk Museum

Experience a truly traditional Christmas dating back over 100 years at the Ulster Folk Museum. Explore the candlelit Ballycultra village – with traditional decorations in the period buildings, seasonal smells fill the air from peat fires, spices and baking on the open hearth. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Santa at Ulster Folk Museum, too.

Until 5 January, Ulster American Folk Park

Take your family back in time to experience the magic of a traditional Christmas at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh. Walk around the winter landscape of the museum and explore a 19th century Christmas in rural Ulster and Pioneer America. Taste seasonal treats, and learn all about the making of traditional decorations like paper or popcorn chains.

Until 24 December, Ark Open Farm

There are loads of festive activities for the kids at Ark Open Farm this season. Pet and feed the reindeer, see the farm’s twinkling Christmas lights, toast marshmallows, take part in the nativity scene with real animals, join the elves in their workshop, cuddle rabbits and watch Santa appear from the chimney and join him in his grotto!

11-12 December, High Rise

Join High Rise for a programme of festive fun including their Christmas parties, with entertainment, party food and a visit from Santa. The party on Thursday 12 December will be a dedicated SEN and autism-friendly relaxed Christmas experience, with one-to-one Santa visits and time in the sensory room.

14-15 and 21-22 December, Colin Glen Forest Park

Visit Santa in his grotto, listen to the Gruffalo story and take a guided trail walk through the forest to the Gruffalo, meeting all the characters from the book. Kids can also enjoy storytelling and festive arts and crafts, and will receive a gift and certificate stating that they met the Gruffalo!

21 December to 3 January, SSE Arena

Skate at the home of the Stena Line Belfast Giants during the festive season! The SSE Arena is open for ice skating sessions from 21 December to 3 January, which can combine with a family pass for the more activities in the Odyssey Complex for extended family fun.