Light up the dark evenings with sensational events in Belfast and beyond. From festivals and musical productions, to sport, sightseeing tours and much more, there’s something for everyone.
Winter Festivals in Belfast
Have fun in Belfast this winter with a fun-filled festival season of events for everyone. There are loads of things to see and do; art, music, science and free events.
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NI Science Festival Blog - Family FriendlyNI Science Festival
Discover the events happening as part of the NI Science Festival, 16 - 26 February 2023.
Winter Events
Hysteria
Join Filthys in the Club and Garden with Special Guest House Music DJs every week keep up to…
Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
Wander the snowy, cobbled streets of the Ulster Folk Museum and experience a truly traditional Christmas.
Enchanted Winter Garden
As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes to life with a magical Christmas…
Come & Try Electric Biking
Come and Try Electric Biking… or E-Biking as it’s known is a simply awesome activity and is a…
Gordon Buchanan – 30 Years In The Wild
Gordon will be taking a look back at his incredible 30 years working both behind and in front…
Hansel & Gretel
Follow the breadcrumbs to the Lyric Theatre for Christmas 2023 where Hansel and Gretel will take you on…
Kelpra: Artists and Printmakers
A selection of prints created at the innovative Kelpra Studio, London, taken from both Ulster Museum collection and…
The Full Monty
As in the 1997 smash hit film, this brand-new production is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs,…
Friday Live Music
Join The Deer's Head every Friday from 9pm as they welcome the finest local singer songwriters to the…
A Tribute: Christmas Candlelight Concert At Belfast Castle
Head to Belfast Castle for a Christmas inspired Candlelight Concert to ring in the festive period.
New Years Eve Fiesta 2023 Finale
It's nearly time to dance into 2024 in true Cuban Style at Revolucion de Cuba Belfast.
RUA Annual Exhibition
The 142nd Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition of Art is taking place at Ulster Museum.
Colin McGookin RUA Exhibition at ArtisAnn Gallery
Artworks by celebrated member of the Royal Ulster Academy of Art, Colin McGookin.
Rapunzel – Family Pantomime
Get ready to let your hair down for this year’s pantomime, Rapunzel – A Tangled Panto, taking place…
Absolutely FLABulous!
Absolutely Flab-u-lous: Bernie Jones’s journey from Laundry Queen to Slimming Sensation!
The Night Before Christmas
The MAC are excited to announce that their Christmas show for 2023 will be a brand new MAC…
Raised On Rock New Year’s Eve-Eve
Raised On Rock on Saturday 30th December are the perfect antidote to double-time taxi’s (if you can get…
A Tribute: Candlelight Concert Inspired By Taylor Swift
Head to Belfast Castle on Friday 15th December for a Candlelight Concert featuring the music of American Superstar…
North Down Museum Pop Up Shop
Come and visit a unique shopping experience this Christmas at North Down Museum.
Niamh McCann: ‘someone decides, hawk or dove’
'someone decides, hawk or dove' is a commissioned work by artist Niamh McCann as part of the programme…
Wonderdog: How the Science of Dogs Changed the Science of Life with Jules Howard
Join zoology correspondent & Guardian writer Jules Howard in this celebration of the role that dogs are playing…
Come & Try Sit On Top Kayaking – Castlewellan
Come and Try Sit On Top Kayaking… a simply awesome activity, whether a gentle introduction on their single…
Marcus Du Sautoy – Around The World in 80 Games
Marcus Du Sautoy explains his exploration, Around The World in 80 Games at Whitla Hall.
Belfast Uke Jam
Call down to The Deer's Head for a listen or bring your ukulele and join in! It’s the…
The Drifters Girl
Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them.
A Christmas Night at the Movies with Michelle Baird
Enjoy an enchanting evening of Christmas and movie favourites, performed and hosted by one of Northern Ireland's finest…
Christmas Movies at The Ulster Museum
A festive programme of Christmas films to watch at Ulster Museum this December.
Santa Grotto Visit
Santa Grotto Visit with opportunity to meet Santa, his ELF and receive a present.
Festive Fayre at Titanic Belfast
You’ll find lots of local traders selling artisan and seasonal handcrafted wares in the Grand Atrium at Titanic…
Arenacross
Motocross and off-road racing fans can enjoy a real showdown in the Northern Irish Capital as Arenacross returns.
Candlelight Concerts: A Tribute to ABBA
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for…
Come & Try Electric Mountain Biking – Castlewellan
Come & Try Electric Mountain Biking… and enjoy the absolute buzz of electric bikes on the stunning Castlewellan…
The Super Nature Show with Chantelle and Rory | NISF Roadshow
Join CBeebies' Teeny Tiny Creatures animal experts Chantelle and Rory in Bangor!
The Priests at the Culloden Estate and Spa
The Priests will be performing live in a cabaret style setting to all the favourite singalong classics and…
Visit Father Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
Experience a magical visit with Father Christmas in the Ulster Folk Museum.
Christmas at Mount Stewart
This winter add a sprinkle of seasonal magic with a visit to Mount Stewart. Enjoy a festive children's…
Candlelight Concerts: A Tribute to Queen
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for…
Walking With The Snowman™
Experience the magic of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman™ at Hillsborough Castle this festive season.
Dark Matters – A Night of Short Fiction Inspired by John Stewart Bell and CERN
Explore the remarkable life and scientific contributions of physicist John Stewart Bell, born in Belfast.
Storytelling Sessions (Storyweavers) at Ulster Folk Museum: Imbolc
Come along to this special Irish-speaking children's workshop and listen to our storytellers as they weave new life…
Friday Trad Session
Join The Deer's Head every Friday from 5.30pm for their weekly trad session from the finest local trad…
Belfast Music Walking Tour
Take a leisurely walking tour to explore Belfast's rich music scene, taking in some off the beaten track…
Santa’s Grotto
Add a little magic to the festive season with a visit to see Santa Claus, at CastleCourt Shopping…
Bulletin Bingo
Join the Reporter for Bulletin Bingo to try and win yourself a drink or whatever was on offer…
Fungify Me Workshop
Step into the world of fungi with this 'Fungify Me' workshop! Join urban farmer Terry and team as…
Bring Your Dog to Visit Santa
Popular now more than ever, Montalto are excited to offer you the chance to… Bring Your Dog &…
Santa at Montalto
What could be more magical at Christmas time, than a visit to meet Santa Claus himself, in the…
Belfast Bradley Art Experience
Terry Bradley is an international artist born in Belfast in 1965, while growing up during the Troubles in…
Festive Parties
Plan a Christmas night with lots of festive cheer at La Mon Hotel & Country Club, including a…
Ghosts of Winterly Manor
You’re invited to meet the Ghosts of Winterly Manor in this family-friendly, walk-through experience at W5.
Belfast by the Glass
An alternative history of Belfast through booze. 6 Drinks. 6 Chapters. 6 Stories to be told.
Twilight Tea in The Café
Enjoy a Twilight Tea in the ambient setting of The Café at Montalto.
Belfast Christmas Market
With over 100 international and local traders in the festive village, Belfast Christmas Market offers an authentic feast…
Rewind Saturdays
Rewind with The Bowery every Saturday night, where their resident DJs play a mix of great throwback tunes.
Motown Sensations at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast
Back due to popular demand! Join Stormont Hotel for the most popular night out with all your favourite…
Colin Middleton: Among this Peace and Noise
An Ulster Museum exhibition featuring paintings and drawings spanning six decades by artist, Colin Middleton.
Country Divas Show starring tributes to Patsy Cline, Neil Diamond & Tom Jones at the Stormont Hotel
The Voice of Ireland star Georgina Richmond brings this fantastic showcase of one of country music’s biggest stars,…
Flashback Fridays
Kick off your weekend with The Bowery every Friday night where their resident DJ’s will be playing all…
Waterman House December Cookery School Classes
Learn the tricks of the trade at the Cookery School at Waterman House as local chefs share their…
Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs
Snow White will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers,…
Workers Club
Join the Reporter for weekend vibes with £3.80 pints 5-8pm followed by live music for established local legends…
Scott’s Jazz Club Christmas Bash
The last concert of 2023, and it’s now-traditional Jazzmas!
Carols by Candlelight
A magical evening of traditional carols with the Fortwilliam Musical Society.
Grinchmas at Banana Block
The Grinch is landing at Banana Block! Get ready for the ultimate alternative Christmas night out.
Square Eye Sessions at Bullhouse East
Come down to Bullhouse East on the last Wednesday of each month for their Square Eye sessions, which…
Castlewellan Trail Quest
It’s back! Bike Mourne's annual Christmas Bike Bash returns on the 29th December!
Come & Try Electric Biking – Newcastle
Come & Try Electric Biking… and enjoy the absolute buzz of electric bikes on the stunning County Down…
3 Day Masterclass with David Glass
This masterclass by David Glass focuses on developing the skills and tools required for making your own creative…
Beauty and the Beast: The Pantomime
Come along and See Belvoir Players bring this beauty-full pantomime to Belfast – you’ll be sure to enjoy…
Empire Blues – The Chris Taplin Band
Belfast’s own weekly live Blues club. The Chris Taplin Band transport us from Belfast to the Mississippi Delta…
Candlelight Concerts: New Year’s Eve Concert
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before…
Tollymore Forest & GOT Trail Electric Bike Tour
Enjoy the Buzz of Electric Biking on this Guided Tollymore Forest Tour… How Saturday mornings should be!
Candlelight Concerts: A Tribute to Coldplay
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before…
ABBA starring Bjorn Identity at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast
Back due to popular demand! Join for the most popular night out with all your favourite sing-a-long ABBA…
Empire Laughs Back Comedy Club
Belfast's most renowned comedy club welcomes local, national and international comedians for a night of outstanding stand-up comedy.
Indoor Snowball Fight
Visit W5 over the holidays and enjoy an indoor snowball fight with your friends and family - no…
Afternoon Tea & Tour in Montalto House
Feel like a Georgian guest at Montalto House. Your visit will begin with a warm welcome and an…
British Ecological Society presents Encouraging Hope and Urgency: Navigating the Biodiversity and Climate Crisis
An inspiring event that explores the pressing issues of biodiversity and climate crisis on the island of Ireland.
Trad Thursday
Join The Reporter Bar for a good ol'trad session on a Thursday night with local musicians and drinks…
Christmas Party Nights at Clayton Hotel Belfast
Head to the fabulous Olympic Suite in the Clayton with 3 course festive meal followed by live entertainment…
Come & Try Electric Mountain Biking – Rostrevor
Come & Try Electric Mountain Biking… and enjoy the absolute buzz of electric bikes on the stunning Rostrevor…
An Olde Christmas Stroll at the Ulster American Folk Park
Enjoy a festive stroll through time this Christmas at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh.
Castle Ward Christmas Village
Check out The Castle Ward Christmas village offering an array of crafts, storytelling, and a visit to Mrs.…
Sports Direct Premiership Gameweek 22
The Northern Ireland Football League is back and this year it means more than ever! Join for gameweek…
Santa’s Post Office
Belfast One are bringing Santa’s magical post office to 2 Royal Avenue from 18th November - 17th December!
Making Croppies Lie Down: Loyalist Remembering and Forgetting of the 1798 Rebellion, with Professor Guy Beiner
Contrary to common assumptions, history is not always written by the victors, and sometimes it is even forgotten…
Cocoa & Cookies Christmas Cruise
Enjoy a 90-minute adventure along the enchanting Lagan River. Revel in the Christmas spirit as you glide through…
Rostrevor Mountain Bike Uplift
The Rostrevor Bike Uplift is the official and only way to max your time on the awesome Rostrevor…
Scratch
An opportunity for artists to get involved to display their work-in-progress and get them in front of audiences…
Dolly & Shania Tribute Show at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast
Back due to popular demand! Join Stormont Hotel for the most popular night out with all your favourite…
Brewpub Experience
Enjoy a guided tasting session of some of their favourite Bell's Brewery beers paired with a tasty pie…
Elvis Spectacular at The Stormont Hotel
Back due to popular demand! The Elvis Spectacular show starring Ciaran Houlihan returns to The Stormont Hotel.
ABBA starring Bjorn Identity at the Europa Hotel
Back due to popular demand! Join for the most popular night out with all your favourite sing-a-long ABBA…
Murders, Massacres and Millionaires the Incredible Dark History of Belfast
Walk in the dim and dark footsteps of Victorian killers and medieval murderers on this two-hour walking tour…
Winter Blues Floral Workshop
In the stunning surroundings of Montalto Estate, learn how to arrange your very own Winter Floral Arrangement in…
Bakineering in Space with Andrew Smyth
Join aerospace engineer and judge of Netflix’s Baking Impossible, Andrew Smyth, on a journey to explore surprising connections....
Come & Try Mountain Biking
Come and Try Mountain Biking… or MTB as it’s known is a simply awesome activity with a choice…
Santa Cruise
Join the merry old elf for a hair raising sleigh ride around the islands aboard the fast speed…
Colin Geddis’ Comedy Night
Looking for a night of non-stop laughs? Look no further than Colin Geddis' comedy night on Lavery's middle…
Claudia Hammond – The Keys To Kindness
Broadcaster and author of the Keys To Kindness, Claudia Hammond takes on an eye-opening tour of kindness.
Ulster String Quartet | Experience the Music at Game of Thrones Studio Tour
This winter season they are celebrating the inspiring soundtrack originally created by Ramin Djawadi with a series of…
Christmas Party Night with Live Music at the Stormont Hotel
The perfect event for your staff party outing, friends and family celebrations for the Christmas season at The…
Homes in Focus: Cruckaclady Farmhouse
A series of intimate talks that take place in the beautiful buildings at Ulster Folk Museum.
Come & Try Canoeing
Come and Try Canoeing… a simply awesome activity, offering a gentle paddling opportunity be it solo, double or…
Stripped Down at The Crescent: Cormac Neeson // Charlie Hanlon
Stripped Down at The Crescent brings together some of the most talented original acts currently working in NI,…
Irish FA Tours
Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using media,…
Free Family Art Workshop: Christmas Decorations Using Lollipop Sticks
Christmas is just around the corner, but don’t worry if you have a present left to buy.
Candlelight Concerts: The Best of Magical Movie Soundtracks
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before…
Are Yule Being Served?
Christmas... It’s the most wonderful time of the year – unless you work in hospitality! Just ask the…
Christmas Party Night with Live Music at the Stormont Hotel
The perfect event for your staff party outing, friends and family celebrations for the Christmas season at The…
Peace Proms
Peace Proms is coming to The SSE Arena, Belfast on Sunday 25 February 2024.
Visit Father Christmas and His Elves at Ulster American Folk Park
Experience the magic of Christmas and meet Father Christmas and Mrs Claus at the Folk Park!
Senior Members of the RUA at ArtisAnn Gallery
Artworks by celebrated artists Brian Ballard, Richard Croft, James MacKeever and Neil Shawcross.
Candlelight Concert Inspired By Pink Floyd
Head to Belfast Castle on Saturday 30th December for a Candlelight Concert featuring HITS from UK Rock Band…
Autism Friendly Christmas Event – Clip ‘n Climb and Soft Play with a Visit to Santa
High Rise family adventure centre in Lisburn will ‘go quiet’ on Wednesday 13th December for a magical autism…
Brunch With Santa
Indulge in a festive brunch with Santa at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Running every Saturday in December, join…
The Mousetrap
This thrilling West End production is THE genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time… case…
The Jeff Reinebold Show
Get ready to experience the ultimate football event of the year as Jeff Reinebold, the charismatic and knowledgeable…
Accidental Comedy Club
Get ready to chuckle, chortle, and cheer at Accidental's Comedy Club, where the extraordinary meets the hilarious every…
Elvis Spectacular at The Europa Hotel
Back due to popular demand! The Elvis Spectacular show starring Ciaran Houlihan returns to The Europa Hotel.
A Magical Christmas Experience
Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the…
Holidays Around the World
It's not Christmas in other countries so take a journey around the world to find out what traditions…
A Belfast Ghost Story and Tour for Christmas at White’s Tavern with the BelfastLad
Discover a true horror tale of a haunted house on the North Antrim Coast and the mystery surrounding…
Rewind DJs
Resident DJ every Saturday night in the bar from 9pm. Enjoy an eclectic playlist of quality 80s, indie,…
Come & Try SUP Boarding
Come and Try Stand Up Paddle Boarding… or SUP as it’s known is a simply awesome activity with…
A Belfast Ghost Story and Tour for Christmas at the Jailhouse with the BelfastLad
Christmas is the traditional time to relax and listen to tales of the darkside of Belfast’s past with…
Candlelight Concerts: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for…
Candlelight Concert Inspired By The Best Of Magical Movie Soundtracks
Head to Belfast Castle on Saturday 16th December for a Candlelight Concert featuring soundtracks from some of your…
Festive Afternoon Tea
Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service with Titanic Belfast's special Festive…
Winter’s Den
Step into Winter’s Den for a season of fabulously festive, free events this Christmas, or simply pop in…
Valentine’s Pizza Night at Montalto
Take a little stress out of the day and surprise a loved one by joining us this Valentine's…
Imagination Station Special: Fantastic Festive Florals
You will cut, stick, twist, and bend colourful papers to create sculptural flowers to stick on Christmas cards…
The Science of Jurassic World | NISF Roadshow
An entertaining exploration of the science behind THE movie franchise that helped change the way we see dinosaurs…
Christmas Party Night with Live Music at the Europa Hotel
The perfect event for your staff party outing, friends and family celebrations for the Christmas season.
Santa and the Great Christmas Upgrade
Don't miss W5’s brand-new, festive show featuring Santa, robots and high adventure!
Christmas Evenings
Wrap up warm and head to the Ulster Folk Museum for a truly magical Christmas evening.
Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas
Join Grimes & McKee at Darkwood Manor. Embrace the holiday spirit with a hint of the supernatural and…
Film as Art: Brian Desmond Hurst, Film Director exhibition
Celebrate the life and work of a man who is often hailed as one of Northern Ireland’s best…
Sensorium at The Spirit Circle
Belfast’s Interactive Cocktail Experience. 2.5 hours. 2 Tall Drinks. 2 Bespoke Cocktails. Sensory Overload Guaranteed.
Pottery Painting in Bangor
Pottery painting sessions are available every Saturday at Loaf Pottery in Crawfordsburn.
Portview Christmas Market
Belfast’s biggest independent market is back with a festive showcase of the best of Northern Ireland’s makers with…
Winter’s Den Twilight Market
To celebrate the opening of Winter’s Den, head into 2 Royal Avenue for a family-friendly evening at a…
Candlelight Concerts: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for…
Niamh Nic Daeid on Forensic Science
Join award winning Chartered Chemist and Authorised forensic scientist, Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, at Whitla Hall.
Swiftogeddon – The Taylor Swift Club Night
A night dedicated to worshipping at the altar of Taylor Swift: non-stop Swifty all night: deep cuts, extended…
Pizza and Pottery Night
Enjoy pizza and pottery in Crawfordsburn, giving you the chance to get creative before having some artisan wood…
North Pole Post Office
Take part in W5’s Christmas themed paper craft activity.
Sports Direct Premiership Gameweek 21
The Northern Ireland Football League is back and this year it means more than ever! Join for gameweek…
Ken Haddock’s Sunday Supper Club
Live music from a fantastic band of players led by one of Belfast’s most renowned singer-songwriters Ken Haddock…
Christmas on the Ration
Visit the Northern Ireland War Memorial this December for FREE festive fun!
Victoria Square Santa’s Grotto
Discover the magic of the holiday season as you step into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, festive…
Belfast Giants 2023/24 Season
Whether you’re a diehard hockey fan or a total newbie, a Belfast Giants home game is not to…
Niamh Noade | Experience the Music at Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Niamh Noade, a finalist on The Voice 2023, returns to Westeros on Saturday 16th December.
Kid’s Pancake Masterclass
Have a flippin’ wonderful Pancake Day at Montalto on the 13th of February.
Winter Circus
Tumble Circus welcomes you to the 7th annual Winter Circus – a high skill, all-human and all-thrill circus.
ARRIVAL from Sweden
ARRIVAL From Sweden with the Ulster Orchestra returns to The SSE Arena, Belfast on 17th February 2024!
Santa Sunday Carvery
Enjoy a festive 5 Course Carvery, festive music & visit from Santa Claus in the festive Ballroom.
All Events
Browse our events guide to discover what’s on today, what’s on this weekend, and more things to do this month.
