Christmas cheer is set to take over the village of Royal Hillsborough as the much-anticipated Christmas Market returns to The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort for two days this year.

Be sure to out the dates in your diary - Friday December 12 from 3pm to 9pm and Saturday December 13 from 12 noon to 6pm.

Lined with twinkling lights and complete with a visit from Santa himself. The scenic path through The Dark Walk to Hillsborough Fort will feature artisan foods to complete your festive table, the sound of Christmas music, and a plentiful street food offering and those all-important hot drinks including specialty coffees and hot chocolates to keep shoppers’ cosy throughout the event.

Hosted by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, the annual Christmas Market is not to be missed. It creates a magical atmosphere for shoppers keen to get into the festive spirit whilst supporting local businesses. In addition to a wide array of 65 local food producers, artists and craftspeople offering unique artisan gifts, businesses in the village will stay open late to add to the festivities.

Councillor Claire Kemp, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration and Growth Committee (centre) with Molly Simpson and Katie Logan, Coop Coffee, and (L to R) Artist Ali Parks, Tori McCaughey, Tori’s Coffee Bakes and cakes, Oscar Woolley, Suki Tea, and Grainne Phillips, Little Cake Works at the launch of 2025’s Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market. Pic credit: LCCC

placeholder image — Councillor Claire Kemp, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Regeneration and Growth Committee (centre) with Molly Simpson and Katie Logan, Coop Coffee, and (L to R) Artist Ali Parks, Tori McCaughey, Tori’s Coffee Bakes and cakes, Oscar Woolley, Suki Tea, and Grainne Phillips, Little Cake Works at the launch of 2025’s Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market. Pic credit: LCCC

Councillor Claire Kemp, Regeneration and Growth Chair commented: “We are thrilled the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market will return bigger and better than ever this year.

" Over the course of two days, we will welcome guests for a festive weekend in the village.

"This event has become a key event in Northern Ireland’s Christmas Market calendar and the flagship Christmas Market event for us. It showcases the absolute best of Northern Ireland’s finest artisan small businesses – many of which are award-winning.

"As always, we encourage visitors of all ages to come along and support their local creators, makers, bakers and growers in the run up the Christmas.”

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This market is ideal for the most discerning Christmas shoppers and those seeking a touch of Christmas sparkle to get into the spirit of the season helped along with Christmas carols and songs from local choirs, ukulele groups and local musicians.

Additional Christmas markets will include Lisburn Christmas Market on Friday December 5 from 4pm to 8pm on Bow Street; Dundonald Christmas Market from 4pm to 8pm Thursday December 4 at Moat Park, Dundonald; and Carryduff Christmas Market on Wednesday December 17 from 4pm to 8pm held in the Lidl Carpark.