Join the holiday celebrations with the Castlereagh community! Find all the events and activities in our guide. For Castlereagh connoisseurs and newcomers alike, our guide is your ticket to unforgettable holiday experiences.
Popular during this festive season is the enchanting Walking With The Snowman™, an immersive experience that brings the beloved classic to life. Families can stroll through a magical winter wonderland while enjoying the heartwarming story. And with its charming stalls and festive atmosphere, the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market offers delightful crafts and seasonal treats for all. And the Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing traditional holiday customs and festive activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Castlereagh
- Walking With The Snowman™ (Hillsborough)
- Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum (Cultra)
- Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market (Hillsborough)
- North Down Museum Pop-up Christmas Shop (Bangor)
- Santa Cruise (Strangford Lough)
- Enchanted Winter Garden (Antrim)
- Castle Ward Christmas Village (Strangford)
- Winter Illuminations at The Argory (Moy)
- An Olde Christmas Stroll at the Ulster American Folk Park (Omagh)
- Dundonald Christmas Market (Dundonald)
See these and even more events listed below!
Castlereagh Holiday Light Displays
Winter Illuminations at The Argory
What to Expect:
Festive lighting and decorations in a historic setting.
Description:
Winter Illuminations at The Argory features beautifully decorated Victorian mansion and grounds, creating a serene and festive atmosphere perfect for a relaxing evening.
Where: Moy | More Info: Winter Illuminations at The Argory
Enchanted Winter Garden
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and festive attractions in a historic castle setting.
Description:
Antrim Castle Gardens transforms into a vibrant Christmas celebration with twinkling lights, rides, and attractions. Visit Wonderland Wood, meet Santa, and enjoy the Festive Food Fayre with local delicacies.
Where: Antrim | More Info: Enchanted Winter Garden
Lisburn Light Festival
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays at multiple city centre locations.
Description:
The Lisburn Light Festival features captivating light installations at various locations across Lisburn City Centre, including the Light Canopy on Bow Street and the Enchanting Christmas Tree in Castle Gardens. Visitors can also explore the illuminated Arctic Fox in Carryduff and spectacular Reindeer in Dundonald.
Where: Lisburn | More Info: Lisburn Light Festival
Castle Gardens Light Trail
What to Expect:
Vibrant light installations in a historic garden setting.
Description:
The Castle Gardens Light Trail features a spectacular display of light installations, including the Enchanting Christmas Tree and the illuminated pathways of Castle Gardens. Visitors can stroll through the glittering display, enjoying the festive atmosphere and taking in the vibrant colours of the lights.
Where: Lisburn | More Info: Castle Gardens Light Trail
Castlereagh 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: Hillsborough | More Info: Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
North Down Museum Pop-up Christmas Shop
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local handmade products.
Description:
North Down Museum's Pop-up Christmas Shop offers a unique shopping experience featuring beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. Browse the museum's galleries filled with unique gifts and support local crafters.
Where: Bangor | More Info: North Down Museum Pop-up Christmas Shop
Castle Ward Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Local artisan market with Georgian-style decorations and festive activities.
Description:
The Castle Ward Christmas Village features a decorated farmyard with local crafts, storytelling, and visits to Mrs. Claus' cottage and Santa on his Christmas Tractor.
Where: Strangford | More Info: Castle Ward Christmas Village
Dundonald Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling a variety of festive goods.
Description:
The Dundonald Christmas Market at Moat Park features local artisans selling food, art, craft, and skincare items, along with artisan street food and specialty hot drinks.
Where: Dundonald | More Info: Dundonald Christmas Market
Yuletide Market
What to Expect:
Local traders selling unique gifts and seasonal items.
Description:
The Yuletide Market at Rowallane Garden features local traders offering unique gifts and seasonal items in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Rowallane Garden | More Info: Yuletide Market
Castlereagh Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Freedom Dance Company: 5 Year Anniversary Show
What to Expect:
Commemorative dance performance highlighting the company's five-year journey.
Description:
The Freedom Dance Company celebrates five years of artistic excellence with a special anniversary show, featuring a diverse range of performances that showcase the company's growth and talent.
Where: Lisburn | More Info: Freedom Dance Company: 5 Year Anniversary Show
I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
What to Expect:
Heartwarming musical performance with classic Christmas songs.
Description:
A heartwarming musical performance featuring classic Christmas songs and beloved characters, bringing joy and nostalgia to all who attend.
Where: Lisburn | More Info: I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
Christmas Cracker Tea Dance
What to Expect:
Traditional music and dance celebration for all ages.
Description:
Join in the merriment at the Christmas Cracker Tea Dance, a lively event featuring traditional music and dance, perfect for all ages to come together and celebrate the holiday season.
Where: Lisburn | More Info: Christmas Cracker Tea Dance
Snow White Pantomime
What to Expect:
Fresh take on a classic tale with lively performances.
Description:
The Lisnagarvey Operatic Dramatic Society presents Snow White, a classic pantomime written by iconic local pantomime dame Andrew Devonshire. This year's production promises to be a fresh take on the beloved tale, guaranteed to entertain the whole family with its lively performances and engaging storyline.
Where: Lisburn | More Info: Snow White Pantomime
Castlereagh Other Holiday Activities
Walking With The Snowman™
What to Expect:
Unique Snowman sculptures inspired by 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.'
Description:
Walking with The Snowman™ at Hillsborough Castle features 12 hand-painted Snowman sculptures inspired by the classic Christmas carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.' The trail is set in the 100-acre gardens, offering a heartwarming experience for families and visitors.
Where: Hillsborough | More Info: Walking With The Snowman™
Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas celebrations in a historic setting.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas in a traditional setting at the Ulster Folk Museum, where you can meet craft demonstrators, enjoy festive scents, and warm up with a drink in McCusker's pub. Explore exhibit buildings adorned with homemade wreaths and decorations, and make your own Christmas decorations at the festive craft station.
Where: Cultra | More Info: Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
Santa Cruise
What to Expect:
Fast speed boat ride with festive activities and Santa visit.
Description:
Embark on a thrilling Santa Cruise around Strangford Lough, featuring a 30-minute sleigh ride, festive arts and crafts, and a visit to Santa's Grotto. Enjoy warm fireside treats like mince pies and mulled wine while carol singing to Christmas tunes.
Where: Strangford Lough | More Info: Santa Cruise
An Olde Christmas Stroll at the Ulster American Folk Park
What to Expect:
Guided tour with traditional Christmas treats and storytelling.
Description:
Take a guided tour through the cobbled streets of Ulster American Folk Park, where you'll taste warm mince pies and apple punch, listen to Christmas carols and festive stories, and learn about the elaborate table at the Campbell House.
Where: Omagh | More Info: An Olde Christmas Stroll at the Ulster American Folk Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Belfast (2 miles)
- Newtownabbey (6 miles)
- Lisburn (7 miles)
- Newtownards (8 miles)
- Carrickfergus (10 miles)
- Bangor (11 miles)
- Craigavon (22 miles)
- Portadown (25 miles)
- Ballymena (25 miles)
- Newry (33 miles)