Festive Family Fun

Until 22 December

Belfast City Hall

The award-winning Belfast Christmas Market is back and celebrating its 20th Birthday in style. Stroll through the market alongside iconic characters from his stories, while enjoying enchanting storytelling and lively performances that bring his works to life. With over 100 international and local traders, the festive village offers a delightful array of quality Christmas fayre, handcrafted goods, and bespoke artisan products.

Until 21 December

Lisburn City Centre

Get ready for a journey From Lisburn to Lapland! Join our playful elves, Elsie and Sproggy, for a magical 30-minute walking tour from Bow Street Mall to Castle Gardens. Soak up Christmas cheer, sip hot chocolate, enjoy local treats, and experience Lisburn’s enchanting lights!

Until 23 December

Market Square, Lisburn

Santa’s Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride, is a new and exciting Christmas attraction bringing festive magic to Market Square.

Until 23 December

Lisburn Castle gardens

Let beams of light across the skyline guide you to the spectacular Lisburn Light Trail, a must-see attraction in Castle Gardens. Entry is FREE from 4 pm to 8:30 pm daily, with last entry at 8pm. With Santa’s Grotto, a mini-Christmas market and live music every Wednesday – Saturday, it is perfect for all ages.

Until 23 December

Titanic Belfast

Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year on a guided tour of the Magical Christmas Experience! Visit Mrs Claus in her cosy kitchen to hear Christmas tales, stop by the bustling post office to write and post your Christmas letter and peek into the toy shop where the Elves have been hard at work, before letting your creative juices flow with some arts and crafts!

Until 21 December

Antrim Castle Gardens

As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes to life with a magical Christmas experience for all the family. Visit the Wonderland Wood, enjoy the twinkling lights, drop in on Santa and don’t forget the rides, attractions, and mouth-watering food in the Festive Food Fayre.

Until 22 December

Strangford Lough Activity Centre

Santa Cruise is Strangford Lough Activity Centre’s unique & intimate family Christmas experience. Join their merry old elf for a hair-raising sleigh ride around the islands aboard their fast speed boat – Black Jacket. Hold onto your Santa hats as you fly through the waters of Strangford Lough. You will be carol singing all the way, listening to some Christmas tunes whilst riding the waves back to Santa’s Grotto.

Until 23 December

W5

Join Santa and his elf-bot Bud-E for an all-new live-action show, Elf Academy! Santa and his loyal elf-bot Bud-E are returning to W5 this Christmas in an exciting new show! Last year, Bud-E tried to replace the elves with AI robots, leading to an extended holiday for the elves. Now, Santa realises he doesn’t have enough elves to make Christmas happen. That’s why this year, Santa needs you!

Until 12 January

Grand Opera House

Northern Ireland’s largest pantomime is back for another magical year with The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will take you on a swashbuckling trip to Neverland like never before.

Until 22 December

Ulster Folk Museum

Wander the snowy, cobbled streets of the Ulster Folk Museum and experience Christmas the traditional way. Meet their craft demonstrators as they prepare for seasonal celebrations and take in the festive scents of cinnamon toast warming on the open fire. Settle in for a festive story and listen out for carol singers, plus festive sounds from a brass band and harpist.

Until 23 December

Jungle NI

Join this December, for one of the most unique Christmas experiences in Ireland. Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle is the ultimate festive day out for families, where colourfully illuminated woodlands, friendly elves and sackfuls of festive cheer set the scene for a different kind of family day out.

Until 1 January

The MAC

Join on an action-packed journey through the enchanted forest with our feisty heroine, Red Riding Hood, and her fairytale friends. But in a race to visit Granny Hood with a festive hamper of goodies, could it be a case of mistaken identity for media star Red Riding Hood, the jealous Goldilocks, or the Big (or not so) Bad Wolf?

7-22 December

Colin Glen

Experience Christmas magic at Colin Glen’s Festive Forest, featuring festive decorations, Christmas trees, Santa’s grotto, and hidden surprises. Create unforgettable Christmas memories with festive rides, magical experiences, and delicious treats in a stunning outdoor setting. Perfect for all ages and weather conditions!

7 – 8 December

Eastwell Farm

Andy and Joanne invite you to Eastwell Farm for a festive experience with a difference. Guests will have the opportunity to pet and feed the Alpacas and hear about their unusual names. Sustainability is important to Eastwell Farm and after your tour you are invited you to pick a spot and plant a tree. This beautiful family experience is the perfect opportunity to spend quality family time doing something completely different.

7 – 15 December

Belfast Zoological Gardens

On 7, 14 and 15 December, visitors will notice a touch of magic in the air at Belfast Zoo as they get into the festive spirit with the return of their Wildlife Wonderland event. Put on your preferred Christmas jumper and join Mrs Claus and her elves at their Christmas workshops.

8 – 15 December

Clayton Hotel Belfast

Join the Clayton family funday and let them roll out the red carpet for you and your kiddies. Enjoy a festive mocktail on arrival with a 2-course sit down lunch served by Santa’s little helpers. Bop along to their mini disco with some festive fun & games.

8 – 15 December

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex

Brace yourselves for the most EPIC Christmas adventure ever, navigating through the inflatable course whilst getting into the Christmas spirit with DJ and prizes.

12-19 December

Slieve Donard

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.

13 December – 1 January

Writers Square

Experience the magic of Belfast’s festive season with Winter Circus, an hour-long riot of acrobatic skill and circus devilment that has become an iconic part of the city’s holiday calendar. Set in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, our heated Big Top at Writer’s Square provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for audiences of all ages.

13-23 December

Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory

You will arrive at their shop on the Holywood Road in Belfast (make sure to be on time). You will be greeted by Chocolatey Claire will escort you into their party room. You will get to make your own Christmas Chocolate design with coloured chocolate along with decorating it and dipping some Mallows in their chocolate pots to eat!

17 – 22 December

Ballylagan Trail Rides

Christmas Unicorn Trails are returning for the 4th year, due to popular demand and because Santa just loves visiting Ballylagan with his elves and unicorns! This year is set to be more magical than ever and as always the unicorns will safely deliver all their riders, little and big, to Santa, to receive a gift!