Spread the festive joy in Carrickfergus! Our guide highlights all the events and activities that make this season special. Whether you're deeply rooted in Carrickfergus or just branching out, this guide will light up your holidays.
One delightful option this holiday season is the Walking With The Snowman™, where families can enjoy a magical stroll inspired by the beloved character. Another festive highlight is Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum, featuring unique crafts and traditional festivities that bring the spirit of Christmas to life. And the A Magical Christmas Experience is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering enchanting activities for visitors of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Carrickfergus
- A Magical Christmas Experience (Belfast)
- Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum (Cultra)
- Walking With The Snowman™ (Hillsborough)
- Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market (Royal Hillsborough)
- Meet Santa at The Argory (Moy)
- Enchanted Winter Garden (Antrim)
- Castle Ward Christmas Village (Strangford)
- Winter Illuminations at The Argory (Moy)
- Santa at Montalto (Ballynahinch)
- Santa Cruise (Strangford Lough)
See these and even more events listed below!
Carrickfergus Holiday Light Displays
Winter Illuminations at The Argory
What to Expect:
Festive lighting and decorations in a historic Victorian mansion.
Description:
Explore the beautifully decorated Victorian mansion at The Argory, featuring stunning lighting and traditional decorations. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and soak up the festive spirit as you wander through the historic house.
Where: Moy | More Info: Winter Illuminations at The Argory
Enchanted Winter Garden
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with rides and local food.
Description:
Antrim Castle Gardens transforms into a vibrant Christmas celebration with twinkling lights, rides, attractions, and a Festive Food Fayre. Visit Wonderland Wood and meet Santa amidst a festive atmosphere.
Where: Antrim | More Info: Enchanted Winter Garden
Belfast City Hall Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Unique LED lighting system showcasing various colours.
Description:
Belfast City Hall transforms into a vibrant spectacle with various colour illuminations, highlighting its beautiful architectural features and reducing energy costs through its LED lighting system.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Belfast City Hall Christmas Lights
Carrickfergus Holiday Markets and Shopping
Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Seasonal decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
Description:
Explore the beautifully decorated gardens of Hillsborough Castle this Christmas, featuring stunning seasonal displays inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
Where: Royal Hillsborough | More Info: Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
Yuletide Market
What to Expect:
Local traders selling festive gifts and seasonal items.
Description:
The Yuletide Market at Rowallane Garden features local traders selling gifts and seasonal items, festive atmosphere, and Santa's visits.
Where: Rowallane Garden | More Info: Yuletide Market
North Down Museum Pop-up Christmas Shop
What to Expect:
Unique local shopping experience with hand-made products.
Description:
North Down Museum's Pop-up Christmas Shop offers a unique shopping experience with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers.
Where: Bangor | More Info: North Down Museum Pop-up Christmas Shop
Castle Ward Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed activities and crafts in a historic setting.
Description:
The Castle Ward Christmas Village features a decorated farmyard with an array of crafts, storytelling, and visits to Mrs. Claus' cottage and Santa on his Christmas Tractor.
Where: Strangford | More Info: Castle Ward Christmas Village
Carrickfergus Other Holiday Activities
A Magical Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Guided tour with interactive activities and personalized visits with Father Christmas.
Description:
At Titanic Belfast, embark on a guided tour through the Enchanted Forest, make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree, and explore the Elves' Workshop. Visit Mrs. Claus in her cozy kitchen to hear Christmas tales, write and post your Christmas letter, and enjoy festive arts and crafts. Each child will have their name checked off the Naughty or Nice list by the Chief Elf, with those on the nice list getting to meet Father Christmas individually.
Where: Belfast | More Info: A Magical Christmas Experience
Meet Santa at The Argory
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet in a historic Irish gentry house.
Description:
Meet Santa at The Argory, where families can meet the jolly man in red and enjoy the beautifully decorated historic house.
Where: Moy | More Info: Meet Santa at The Argory
Walking With The Snowman™
What to Expect:
Interactive sculpture trail featuring 12 hand-painted Snowmen.
Description:
Explore 12 individually painted Snowman sculptures throughout the 100-acre gardens at Hillsborough Castle, inspired by the carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.'
Where: Hillsborough | More Info: Walking With The Snowman™
Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas celebration with craft demonstrations and festive activities.
Description:
Wander the snowy, cobbled streets of the Ulster Folk Museum and experience Christmas the traditional way. Meet craft demonstrators preparing for seasonal celebrations, enjoy festive scents, and post your letter to Santa at the Post Office. Warm up with a drink in McCusker's pub and make something to bring home in Christmas-themed craft stations.
Where: Cultra | More Info: Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
Santa Cruise
What to Expect:
Carol singing and festive activities aboard a fast speed boat.
Description:
Join a guided boat trip around Strangford Lough, where you'll enjoy festive arts and crafts, toast marshmallows, and visit Santa's Grotto. The tour includes a 30-minute sleigh ride, hot chocolate, shortbread, and mulled wine.
Where: Strangford Lough | More Info: Santa Cruise
Santa at Montalto
What to Expect:
Spooky games and Halloween-themed food in a transformed market setting.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a realm of magic at the Halloween Bazaar at Montalto, where local artisans showcase their finest arts, crafts, and foods. Meet Montalto's Witch Hazel in the stables and enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed bites and spooky games.
Where: Ballynahinch | More Info: Santa at Montalto
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Newtownabbey (6 miles)
- Bangor (7 miles)
- Belfast (10 miles)
- Newtownards (10 miles)
- Castlereagh (10 miles)
- Lisburn (16 miles)
- Ballymena (21 miles)
- Craigavon (30 miles)
- Portadown (33 miles)
- Newry (43 miles)
- Coleraine (45 miles)