Christmas and New Year

Christmas in Northern Ireland

Christmas and New Year is a special time in Northern Ireland, so whether you're planning a short break to make new memories or looking forward to spending time with friends and family, we're looking forward to hosting you here. Northern Ireland is a magical place, full of festive cheer and unique traditions. With plenty to see and do, you're sure to have a memorable time.

Christmas Activities and Attractions

From chocolate truffles to traditional mincemeat, make some tasty treats at the Ulster Folk Museum this Christmas! Or explore the Enchanted Winter Garden whilst the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh as Antrim Castle Gardens comes alive with lights and magic. Visit Father Christmas and his Elves at Ulster American Folk Park before they pack up the sleigh for Christmas. There are plenty of Christmas events for the whole family!

Explore Belfast Christmas Market

Visit the Belfast Christmas Market in the City Hall grounds from 16th November to the 22nd December 2024. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the award-winning market is back with a nostalgic Victorian twist. On the first weekend (November 16th to 17th) and again on the third weekend (November 30th to December 1st), step into a charming Dickensian world, surrounded by iconic characters from Charles Dickens' novels. Indulge in culinary delights like exotic meat burgers, Italian chocolates, and specialty cheeses from around the world. Shop for personalised handmade gifts and stylish goods. For families, the market offers a variety of activities, including a visit to Santa's enchanting grotto and a thrilling ride on the vintage helter-skelter.

Plan Your Visit to Northern Ireland This Christmas

Our capital city Belfast becomes a magical place, with twinkling lights and cosy pubs to escape into as the nights turn cooler. Work up an appetite with a trip around Victoria Square shopping centre, before heading over to the famous Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall. Kick off the season of indulgence with a night of fine dining in one of our many Michelin starred restaurants, or cocktails at Bullitt to start a festive night out in the Cathedral Quarter.

Alternatively, make for the maiden city of Derry~Londonderry, and kick off your Christmas celebrations with a stroll along the Peace Bridge taking in the festive lights of the city and a night of merriment at the Walled City Brewery. Culture yourself at The Playhouse or Millenium Forum or book a last minute spot on a Bucket List experience like Seamus Heaney Homeplace.

With all this and more to see and do, it really is the time to Embrace the Festive Season in Northern Ireland. Get started and plan your trip now!

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Festive Inspiration

Awaken your Giant Spirit

Your Giant Guide to Short Breaks NI

Looking for a festive getaway or short break? Northern Ireland is the perfect destination, and with this guide it's super easy to plan too. Inside you'll find lots of ideas for festive fun. From short break inspiration, activities, places to stay and amazing events - we've got it all. So open up and take a small step towards your next giant adventure.
Christmas and New Year Offers

Explore Christmas and New Year Offers, with exclusive deals and packages to make your holiday season truly special. However you choose to celebrate the festive season, there's something for everyone from cosy winter getaways to memorable New Year's Eve extravaganzas, all at great prices.
Additional Bus & Train Services During December

Commencing Saturday 19th November additional rail services and enhanced capacity will be introduced, operating each Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Friday 23rd December, with further late-night trains being introduced from Friday 2nd December.
Royal Hillsborough: The Perfect Place for a Festive Day Out

The quaint town of Royal Hillsborough, nestled amidst rolling hills and full of history, is a charming place that brings the magic of the festive season to life. With its cobblestone streets and twinkling lights, independent stores and picturesque Georgian architecture, it's the perfect place to soak up festive cheer and get in the Christmas spirit.
Ultimate Shopping Guide

Northern Ireland appreciates the joy that a good day’s shopping can bring. So, wherever you go, you’ll find top class shopping centres, wonderful local markets, boutique design stores and artisan craft shops. All perfect places to pick up something special as a gift to bring home – or a way to treat yourself.
Cosy Christmas stays

Dreaming of your next staycation? The season of wrapping up and staying snug is here and we have lined up a brilliant list of hotels and cosy lodges that you should check out and check in to this Winter. From short stays to spa experiences, there is something for everyone this Christmas… Plan your next staycation now!
Rachel Ivie's festive weekend in Belfast

‘Tis the season to embrace the festive spirit! Belfast is the ultimate destination for a weekend away in the build up to the most magical time of the year. Last year Discover NI invited Dublin teacher and blogger, Rachel Ivie, to mark the festivities with a girl’s getaway to Belfast.
Wonderful walks & cosy pubs

In the colder months, there's something special about heading outdoors in the cool sunshine, to stretch the legs and feel the breeze blowing through your hair. After building up an appetite take yourselves off to a cosy pub for a seat by the fire and sip of your favourite tipple. And if that's what you fancy doing today, check out a few of our favourite walks and nearby pubs in this blog.

Festive Events & Places to Visit

Awaken your Giant Spirit

The Northern Light at Slieve Donard, until 19 Dec

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. With dazzling light & sound experiences, and magical moments around every corner, this experience is one for all ages.
1. 12 Dec 202419 Dec 2024
Christmas at Hillsborough Castle, until 23 Dec

Explore the gardens adorned with dazzling decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas! Families will love discovering hidden gems, from a secret grotto to a garden trail. Continue your journey inside the beautiful Castle, where twinkling lights and Christmas trees fill the grand State Rooms with festive cheer.
1. 23 Nov 202423 Dec 2024
2. 27 Dec 20245 Jan 2025
Belfast Xmas Market, until 22nd Dec

The Belfast Christmas Market returns to City Hall Gardens, bringing with it a traditional taste, sights and sounds of Christmas.
1. 17 Nov 202422 Dec 2024
A Magical Christmas Experience, until 23rd Dec

Titanic Belfast comes alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience suitable for everyone.
1. 27 Nov 202423 Dec 2024
Enchanted Winter Garden, until 21 Dec

As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience suitable for everyone.
1. 29 Nov 202421 Dec 2024
All Christmas Events

'Tis the season to be jolly, and there's lots to look forward to this winter including the Belfast Christmas Market, The Northern Light at Slieve Donard and lots of Santa's Grottos located across Northern Ireland.
The Salthouse

Standing in its own private grounds surrounded by the natural beauty of the county Antrim countryside, overlooking Ballycastle, The Salthouse enjoys jaw dropping views of the coastline to Fairhead and beyond.