This immersive family event is an amazing new experience to have some festive fun with both the little kiddies and the bigger tweenagers and create some amazing memories at the Slieve Donard. Check in at The Percy French, where you can choose a wide array of options from hopping aboard the Christmas train to arrive in style or wandering the luscious festive grounds before heading through four themed rooms, from a freezing ice cave to the source of the Northern lights, concluding with a festive market with sweet treats and crafts await you. For more information, go to marineandlawn.com/slievedonard/the-northern-light-at-slieve-donard/placeholder image
This immersive family event is an amazing new experience to have some festive fun with both the little kiddies and the bigger tweenagers and create some amazing memories at the Slieve Donard. Check in at The Percy French, where you can choose a wide array of options from hopping aboard the Christmas train to arrive in style or wandering the luscious festive grounds before heading through four themed rooms, from a freezing ice cave to the source of the Northern lights, concluding with a festive market with sweet treats and crafts await you. For more information, go to marineandlawn.com/slievedonard/the-northern-light-at-slieve-donard/

15 places to have festive fun with the whole family in Northern Ireland this Christmas

By Max Astle
Published 23rd Nov 2024, 06:00 GMT

The countdown to Christmas is well underway and there’s a host of fabulous events lined up for the whole family to enjoy this year across Northern Ireland.

From grottos to pay a visit to Santa to breathtaking winter gardens, there is something for family members of all ages to delight in.

Have a look at these upcoming 15 great places and events across Northern Island to get the family feeling Christmassy this festive season:

For one night only, the Dundonald Christmas Market is back again this year with its amazing Christmas stalls for an evening of delicious local food and decadent Christmas shopping sprees, which the family can explore and enjoy. Boasting stalls featuring local food and drinks, including hot chocolates and seasonal coffees, handcrafted artisanal crafts and art, and even sustainable homewares for your indoor decorations, there is endless Christmas joy to explore with your family. For more information, go to visitlisburncastlereagh.com

9. Dundonald Christmas Market, Dundonald: December 5

For one night only, the Dundonald Christmas Market is back again this year with its amazing Christmas stalls for an evening of delicious local food and decadent Christmas shopping sprees, which the family can explore and enjoy. Boasting stalls featuring local food and drinks, including hot chocolates and seasonal coffees, handcrafted artisanal crafts and art, and even sustainable homewares for your indoor decorations, there is endless Christmas joy to explore with your family. For more information, go to visitlisburncastlereagh.com Photo: visitlisburncastlereagh

Take the family back in time to the Georgian Christmastide at Castle Ward and experience the festive celebrations like the Georgians did on winter nights whilst exploring the massive Castle Ward. Castle Ward's interior will transport the family with the air thriving with Christmas spirit and halls decked in festive and colourful garlands, with tables filled and decorated with festive Georgian food and drink. Outside in the Stable Yard, experience Christmas lights accompanied by costumed Georgian time-travellers recounting stories of those who called Castle Ward their home during the Georgian Period. For more information, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward/events

10. Georgian Christmastide at Castle Ward, Downpatrick: November 29 to December 8

Take the family back in time to the Georgian Christmastide at Castle Ward and experience the festive celebrations like the Georgians did on winter nights whilst exploring the massive Castle Ward. Castle Ward's interior will transport the family with the air thriving with Christmas spirit and halls decked in festive and colourful garlands, with tables filled and decorated with festive Georgian food and drink. Outside in the Stable Yard, experience Christmas lights accompanied by costumed Georgian time-travellers recounting stories of those who called Castle Ward their home during the Georgian Period. For more information, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward/events Photo: National Trust Images/James Beck

If you and your family prefer more hands-on festive fun this holiday season, then the Magical Christmas Experience at The Ark Open Farm is the place to be, as the experience is over four weeks long, so there is plenty of time for the younger or older children. The Daytime Experience may not shine as brightly as the After Dark with the lights in full glow, but you won't miss out as when you arrive, you are greeted by a helpful elf, who will take you on a journey to feed Santa's Christmas reindeer. Switch the sleigh for a festive tractor ride throughout the farm to see all the charming animals who live on the farm. See Santa Claus and while you enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows, explore the Elf Village and help in Santa’s Workshop and then send him a letter at his Post Office. Sensory nights are also available on the 4 and 11 December, for children and adults who have additional needs. They have reduced lighting, sounds, and the number of people. For more information, go to thearkopenfarm.co.uk/christmas

11. Magical Christmas Experience at The Ark Open Farm, Newtownards: November 23 to December 24

If you and your family prefer more hands-on festive fun this holiday season, then the Magical Christmas Experience at The Ark Open Farm is the place to be, as the experience is over four weeks long, so there is plenty of time for the younger or older children. The Daytime Experience may not shine as brightly as the After Dark with the lights in full glow, but you won't miss out as when you arrive, you are greeted by a helpful elf, who will take you on a journey to feed Santa's Christmas reindeer. Switch the sleigh for a festive tractor ride throughout the farm to see all the charming animals who live on the farm. See Santa Claus and while you enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows, explore the Elf Village and help in Santa’s Workshop and then send him a letter at his Post Office. Sensory nights are also available on the 4 and 11 December, for children and adults who have additional needs. They have reduced lighting, sounds, and the number of people. For more information, go to thearkopenfarm.co.uk/christmas Photo: thearkopenfarm.co.uk

Ditch the sleigh once again, only this time swapping it for a speedboat, the Black Jacket, and ride around the waters of Strangford Lough for a new take on a festive activity. Fly through the water by singing classic carols and listening to some festive tunes before riding back to Santa's grotto and warming up inside a cosy cabin with all the festive treats and drinks. Your kids are sure to enjoy meeting Santa at his grotto and getting a present from him after a spine-tingling speed boat tour. For more information, go to strangfordloughactivitycentre.com/events/santa-cruise

12. Santa Cruise, Killinchy: November 30 to December 23

Ditch the sleigh once again, only this time swapping it for a speedboat, the Black Jacket, and ride around the waters of Strangford Lough for a new take on a festive activity. Fly through the water by singing classic carols and listening to some festive tunes before riding back to Santa's grotto and warming up inside a cosy cabin with all the festive treats and drinks. Your kids are sure to enjoy meeting Santa at his grotto and getting a present from him after a spine-tingling speed boat tour. For more information, go to strangfordloughactivitycentre.com/events/santa-cruise Photo: strangfordloughactivitycentre.com

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