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Christmas in Lisburn & Castlereagh

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Explore 
Our Festive Season
  1. Family composed of two adults, a girl and a dog walking the Lisburn Light Trail. In the background is a large reindeer made up of small lights along with large lit up candycanes.
    Enjoy the illuminated pathways and captivating light displays throughout the city every night from 20th November – 22nd December.
    1. 20 Nov 202622 Dec 2026
  2. lady standing in a winter coat and white hat, she has long blonde hair and is holding shopping bags and a bunch of Eucalyptus. She is standing in in the middle of a walkway and behind her down each site of her are Christmas market stalls.
    Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market returns for two-days to The Dark Walk at Hillborough Fort. With over 60 artisan traders of food, drink, art, craft and homewares, beauty and so much more.
    1. 11 Dec 2026
    2. 12 Dec 2026
  3. Woman dressed in a coat, hat and scarf standing in the Lisburn Light Trail in a park lit up with Christmas lights.
    With free weekend parking at Council owned off street car parks in Lisburn and Royal Hillsborough from 5th December. it's even easier to come along to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy all the festive events and shop local! Find out more!
  4. Family composed of two adults, a girl and a dog walking the Lisburn Light Trail. In the background is a large reindeer made up of small lights along with large lit up candycanes.
    Join us for a sensory-friendly evening at the Lisburn Light Trail, providing a calmer and more accessible environment for visitors who benefit from a reduced sensory experience.
    1. 8 Dec 2026
  5. Couple, blonde haired lady in a red jumper and a man dressed in a navy coat are looking at Christmas Decorations.
    Come along to Lisburn's most Christmassy event this year! A Pop-Up Christmas Experience to make you smile and put you in the Christmas mood. There is something for Christmas for everyone at Miracle on Market Square.
    1. 1 Nov 202625 Dec 2026
  6. Two women elves dressed up in green costumes standing in front of Christmas lights.
    Journey from Lisburn to Lapland with the magical Elfie Walking Tour returns for another year. Santa’s elves will take you on a journey filled with mischief and magic through the city centre.
    1. 20 Nov 202622 Dec 2026
Festive Events

Highlights

Couple shopping in Miracle on Market Square
LocationLisburn

Hop into Santa’s sleigh when you visit! The perfect festive photo opportunity is waiting for you…

Lisburn Light Trail at Castle Gardens
LocationLisburn

Lisburn Light Trail in Castle Gardens Dates: 20 November - 22 December Times: Daily, 4.00pm -…

Santa's Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride at Lisburn Lights Festival
LocationLisburn

Take an immersive virtual reality journey to the North Pole aboard Santa's magical sleigh and…

Santa's Post Box at Lisburn Light Festival
LocationLisburn

NEW FOR 2026! Keep your eyes peeled as you explore Lisburn City Centre for Santa's Magic Post box.…

Bow Street Musical Light Canopy Shows, 2026
LocationLisburn

Enjoy spectacular light and music shows every hour beneath Lisburn's iconic musical light canopy.

Bow Street Festive Mini Market, 2026
LocationLisburn

Browse festive gifts, handcrafted products and seasonal treats from local artists, makers and…

Lisburn to Lapland: The Elfie Tour
LocationLisburn

This interactive theatrical walking tour visits festive attractions and local businesses before…

image of the side of Hillsborough presbyterian church
LocationRoyal Hillsborough

Come along and get a head start on your Christmas shopping at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church…

Image shows Christmas Craft Fair poster.
LocationLisburn

Lisburn Central Primary School PTF invites you to our Christmas Craft Fair To book a stall please…

Santa at Streamvale Farm
LocationBelfast

Our Magical Christmas Event is different to any other time of the year! Embark on a special guided…

Snowy scene at The Ballance House
LocationGlenavy

Christmas Fair & Santa, Sat 29 Nov, 11:00 15:30. Plenty of seasonal treats and craft shopping on…

Image is of children dressed in Christmas outfits
LocationLisburn

Enjoy a cosy festive space packed with family-friendly activities including writing letters to…

Image is of the three members of The Ratpack singing into a microphone
LocationLisburn

Get ready to step back in time this festive season with Ratpack Revisited, as Frank, Dean, and…

Image is of a Christmas wreath being created
LocationBallynahinch

This seasonal workshop is a wonderful way to slow down, reconnect with nature, and share a creative…

Illustration of The Gruffalo’s Child at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, featuring the Gruffalo and his child alongside woodland characters in a snowy
LocationRoyal Hillsborough

Step into a magical family Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and follow The Gruffalo’s…

NI Fire Brigade cadets image

Meet the NI Fire & Rescue Cadets for a fun, hands-on experience evening. Climb aboard a real fire…

Image is a music sheet with lights surrounding it and advertising the Air Ambulance concert
LocationLisburn

Celebrate the season with music and carols from local choirs and musicians, supporting Air…

Image is of the Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort

Come along for some festive cheer at one, or all, of our famous Christmas markets!

The Grinch at Lisburn light show holding dog
LocationLisburn

Get ready for a mischievous festive surprise as The Grinch makes a cheeky appearance at Lisburn…

Family enjoying sensory night at Lisburn Light Trail
LocationLisburn

A dedicated sensory-friendly evening at the Lisburn Light Trail, providing a calmer and more…

Image is of  little child meeting Santa at High Rise Sensory evening

Enjoy a relaxed one-to-one visit with Santa in a sensory-friendly setting designed to reduce noise,…

Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market at Twilight
LocationHillsborough

Royal Hillsborough Chrismas Market returns for two-days to The Dark Walk at Hillborough Fort. Join…

Image shows cars at Movie night at Let's Go Hydro
LocationBelfast

Join us as we celebrate the season with 12 days of festive film magic! One ticket admits one…

Image is of a orchestra and conductor on stage
LocationLisburn

The South Ulster Youth Orchestra, Youth Band and Big Band who rehearse weekly in Portadown, are…

Festive Food & Drink

More Highlights

Image is of outside of property
LocationMoira

The Four Trees of Moira is a Gastro Pub in the beautiful village of Moira Co Down.

Couple walking outside the Wine & Brine restaurant
LocationMoira

Local chef Chris McGowan and his wife Davina have transformed this fine Georgian house into a…

Image is of the lounge area of the bar with open fire blazing and table and chairs
LocationMoira

We are a great local pub in the heart of Moira Village!

Image is of table laid for dinner
LocationMoira

Touch the heart of Chinese culture - experience the delights of the Midnight Haunt.

Image is of the front of the restaurant showing its name
LocationRoyal Hillsborough

The Parson’s Nose comes with a pedigree that’s melded into the very fabric of the building. Built…

The Vintage Rooms
LocationRoyal Hillsborough

The combination of café, grill and bar makes it the perfect experience, with its cool surroundings,…

Image is of the outside of the restaurant with a wooden bench outside one of the windows and bay trees at either side of the front door
LocationRoyal Hillsborough

The Plough Inn is the perfect place to enjoy a friendly pint in the bar, a hearty pub lunch or a…

Image is of logo of The Quirky Bird
LocationMoira

The Quirky Bird Café was reborn in January 2020 as a social enterprise café.

Selection of pastries on offer at Crema, Lisburn
LocationLisburn

CREMA Lisburn is a coffee shop in Lisburn offering a modern and relaxing atmosphere.

Image is of a pepperoni pizza
LocationMoira

Handmade pizza in the heart of Moira.

Two girls enjoying pizza at Little Wing's, Lisburn
LocationLisburn

At Little Wing we want to make the best pizza EVER! To make that happen we take our research very…

Image shows a ciabatta sandwich with ham and lettuce
LocationLisburn

Cafe 15 brings together a diverse range of superb foods prepared and served by a great team. The…

Square Bistro
LocationLisburn

Tucked away in Lisburn Square the Square Bistro celebrates over 15 years in business.

The Hillside
LocationRoyal Hillsborough

The Hillside is a charming, rustic pub situated in the historic Georgian village of Royal…

Image is of the deli counter at The Baked Potato in Lisburn
LocationLisburn

The Baked Potato is one of Lisburn's hidden gems, offering everything from hearty breakfasts,…

Image shows logo of Gowdy's
LocationLisburn

Situated next to Down Royal Racecourse, Gowdy’s of Down Royal is a family friendly Country Pub.…

Family eating at Castle 12 Lisburn
LocationLisburn

Castle 12 is a local Coffee & Sandwich bar who pride themselves on being a family run establishment…

Image shows a white cup of latte and white side plate with a  traybake covered in icing.
LocationLisburn

Local family restaurant in the centre of Lisburn. Open daily Monday to Saturday.

Image shows booths in restaurant with cherry blossom tree
LocationLisburn

A local Asian Fusion restaurant located above a row of shops just across from Tesco on Bentrim…

People enjoying drinks while band plays live music
LocationLisburn

The Lark, Lisburn's premier bar and pub renowned for our high-quality pub grub, creamy pints, live…

A plate of colourful food served at Spice
LocationLisburn

Multiple Award Winning Indian Restaurant, based in the heart of Lisburn for over 15 years. Spice…

A meal including chicken and peppers with chips from the Chip Hawker
LocationRoyal Hillsborough

Traditional Fryers Fayre with a Modern Twist.

Festive Stays

More Highlights

Image shows bedroom with one double bed and one single bed with low window and door to ensuite open
LocationCraigavon

Set within a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse on Main Street, Ralph’s combines traditional…

Couple in a glamping pod @ Streamvale

At The Pods, you can choose how to spend your time whilst reconnecting with nature and recharging…

Garden Party at Larchfield Estate
LocationLisburn

Larchfield is a family-owned events and accommodation destination in the County Down countryside.…

Breda Lodge
LocationBelfast

Modern stylish studio space in a quiet location with a high standard of finish to make your stay…

Image shows front of property with archway entrance and small courtyard with seating area
LocationDromore

Discover a warm welcome, individual style and a little countryside luxury at Lisnacurran Country…

Living area
LocationBallynahinch

Forget your worries in this spacious and serene space. Our recently renovated Byre offers you both…

Image shows outside of property
LocationDrumbo, Lisburn

All bedrooms have a double bed, TV, tea/coffee facilities and are ensuite. There is free WiFi and…

Luxury suite with bed, sofa and robe hanging in open wardrobe
LocationBelfast

Luxury lodge stay for couples, friends & individuals. Perched in the Castlereagh Hills, Belfast…

Image shows large bedroom with a green feature wall. There is a large bed with three pictures on the green wall behind. There is a large window with a
LocationBelfast

The Ivanhoe Hotel is a welcoming, family-run 4 * hotel renowned for its warm hospitality and…

Image is of front of the property with wrought iron chairs at either side of the front door
LocationLisburn

This guest suite sleeps up to three people. It is situated in a quiet area on a main road, near…

Image shows front of property and front drive way
LocationLisburn

Make Overdale your base within your budget, close to restaurants and bars in Lisburn or 10 minutes…

Image shows double bed with teddy bears and sitting area with patio doors to outside
LocationHillsborough

Attached to the main building the studio is entered via a spiral staircase. It is tastefully…

Image shows bedroom with double bed, 2 side tables and 2 chairs. Skylight above the bed.
LocationHillsborough

This is a comfortable, well equipped and convenient apartment in a quiet, rural setting. We are…

Image shows aerial view of the hotel and grounds
LocationLisburn

The Ballymac Hotel is situated amid tranquil surroundings and comprises bright, spacious ensuite…

Shows image of double bedroom with large window looking out at countryside view
LocationBelfast

Peartree Hill is perfect for a luxuriously relaxing break. Looking out towards Scrabo and…

Image shows front of hotel and car parking spaces
LocationLisburn

Premier Inn Lisburn is in an ideal location, close to the motorway and Sprucefield Retail Park.…

Myrtle The Glamping Truck Larchfield Estate
LocationLisburn

Break away from the daily grind and the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a simply serene…

Image shows front of cottages with flower bed in a stone circle
LocationCrumlin

Millbrae Lodges features countryside accommodation with free private parking.

A luxury A-frame lodge set in peaceful woodland surroundings, overlooking a pond with a wooden rope bridge leading through the trees.
LocationBallynahinch

Ballyburren offers five-star luxury A-frame lodges set within peaceful woodland surroundings in the…

Image shows double bedroom with side tables and lamps
LocationCraigavon

Clenaghans is an old-fashioned pub and restaurant alongside six self-catering suites. These have…

Image shows bedroom in loft with double bed, dressing mirror and clothes rail
LocationLisburn

Betty's Loft provides a unique rural base, set in idyllic countryside the loft is close to main…

Image shows double bed with rolled up towels at the bottom
LocationHillsborough

Close to the historic Royal Hillsborough village centre and 5 minutes walk to the stunning lake…

Picture of Arthur's suite inside Arthur's Guesthouse with carefully made double bed and side lamps on the walls
LocationHillsborough

Experience boutique luxury, timeless elegance and a warm welcome at Arthur’s, a beautifully…

An image of La Mon Hotel from the sky. it should the hotel and it's car park surrounded by green fields in the countryside.
LocationBelfast

La Mon is a superb family owned Hotel located 15 minutes from Belfast city centre yet nestled away…

Festive Activities
To Inspire You
  1. Image shows cars at Movie night at Let's Go Hydro
    Enjoy all your festive favourite movies at the Let's Go Hydro Christmas Drive-In Cinema.
    1. 11 Dec 202622 Dec 2026
  2. Santa sitting in a wooden cabin surrounding by small children.
    Embark on a special guided tour around the farm for a Christmas experience like no other!
    1. 27 Nov 202624 Dec 2026
  3. Image showcasing illustrated characters from the Gruffalo children's book with Hillsborough Castle in the background.
    Make this festive season memorable for all the family, with a day out to Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Follow The Gruffalo’s Child on an enchanting daytime trail through 100 acres of beautiful winter gardens. Discover favourite scenes from the much-loved story, enjoy interactive games and cosy up to watch The Gruffalo’s Child film.
    1. KEEP CHECKING FOR FESTIVE UPDATES

      Our Christmas Program Is Growing

      We have so many exciting festive events for you to enjoy. Please check regularly for our latest additions.

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