Festive Family Fun

Mondays to Saturdays, from 11 December to 2 January
Belfast City Centre

Explore Belfast city centre safely this festive season with the kids and take on the challenge of spotting the colourful Gingerbread House-themed Christmas props in the windows of local businesses on Belfast One’s magical free outdoor Christmas Trail. Download the trail from the Belfast One website from 11 December.

Until 10 January – Please note all tickets have been allocated
Belfast City Hall

You’ll be starry-eyed at this wonderful collection of installations, which includes a colourful lighting trail through the City Hall grounds complete with an LED tunnel, interactive projections, magical music, festive photo opportunities and eye-catching sculptures.

Selected Dates in December
The MAC

Trade your living room for the atmospheric Luminaire Club at the MAC, where they will be playing Christmas movies and family films in the run-up to Christmas. Choose between classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Snowman, The Muppet’s Christmas Carol and Santa Claus the Movie, or kids’ favourites Frozen and Tangled.

11 December to 3 January
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens  

Wrap up warm and explore the magical gardens at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens! Uncover the stories of the magical elves and fairies’ favourite winter plants and discover the folklore surrounding Christmas. Simply collect a trail from the admissions desk on arrival, grab a warming treat from the café along the way and look out for Father Christmas in the Walled Garden, who will be making a special appearance on certain dates.

From 8 December
Maritime Mile

Don’t miss the opportunity to see Belfast’s Maritime Mile illuminated for Christmas! This festive adventure will fuel the imagination and get you exploring Belfast’s iconic waterfront, while tracking down some mischievous elves and enjoying some festive cheer. There are 18 stops along the way with questions, clues, facts and challenges all of which can be easily found on a series of information panels along the self-guided route.

Until 26 December
Titanic Belfast 

Take a winter walk along the Maritime Mile and see the elves’ handiwork at Titanic Belfast – they’ve been busy decorating the iconic building with a festive display of lights. See it illuminated red after dark and take a family picture in front of the twinkling Titanic sign.

Selected Dates in December
Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory 

Enter a magical world at Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory this Christmas, where children can decorate their own Christmas chocolate, make a bauble and write a letter to Santa, before meeting the man in red himself! Aunt Sandra’s is also offering personalised Santa videos with a heartwarming message recorded just for your family.

Until 21 December
Belfast Zoo

Visitors will notice a touch of magic in the air at Belfast Zoo as they get into the festive spirit! On select dates throughout November and December, visitors can post their letters to Lapland and might even catch a glimpse of Santa zipping around in the zoo buggy. Watch the animals receive Christmas treats and follow the Christmas Trail to be in with a chance of winning a plush lion toy.

5, 12, 19 December
Hosted on Facebook and YouTube

Join storyteller Genevieve Swift for wintry workshops with lots of play and imagination in these virtual sessions from the MAC. Visit the MAC Facebook page or YouTube channel from 10am each Saturday between now and Christmas for a new Winter Wonderland online workshop each day.

Until 23 December
Colin Glen Forest Park

Visit Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail this Christmas, enjoy a Christmas themed walk with the family and visit Santa! Bring your little ones along and go right inside the glorious Gruffalo – enjoy arts and crafts and take home your very own Gruffalo book, certificate, sticker and selection box.

20 December
Clayton Hotel

Enjoy a festive family brunch at Clayton Hotel on Sunday 20 December! Watch a festive film while you eat, and enjoy access to the swimming pool. Little ones will receive a small gift too.

Weekends from 26 November
Armagh City Centre 

Take a day trip to the historic city of Armagh and experience its Georgian flair each weekend from 26 November. Enjoy some Christmas shopping, see the dramatic display of Christmas lights and window displays and take a Georgian horse and carriage ride along the Mall.

Wednesdays and Sundays in December
Hosted on Zoom

The MAC has teamed up with Still I Rise Diversity Storytelling to bring your family some beautifully diverse stories via Zoom to your home or classroom at this festive time of year. Join on Zoom each Wednesday and Sunday before Christmas as Anna and Orla (and some special guests) come live from the Family Room with beautiful stories for little ones aged 4 – 11 years.

Hosted on visitbelfast.com

Make your own Belfast Christmas tree with our interactive decorating game! Simply drag and drop the Belfast baubles onto the tree, then screenshot and share using #BelfastBelieves.