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Christmas in Lisburn & Castlereagh

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Explore 
Our Festive Season

so much choice you're welcome

  1. Image is of Lisburn Light Trail 2024 in Castle Gardens
    Enjoy the illuminated pathways and captivating light displays throughout the city every night from 22nd November – 22nd December. Admission is FREE from 4pm to 8.30pm daily, with last entry at 8pm.
    1. 22 Nov 202422 Dec 2024
  2. An image of Santa waving at the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Marker
    Celebrate the season with festive fun, artisan food and discover the perfect gift from our local makers at the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market. The market is set in the treelined historic Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort from 3pm-9pm.
    1. Child dressed as an elf.
      Get ready to join our silly elves, Elsie and Sproggy, on a fun-filled journey through the heart of Lisburn. This 30-minute walking tour will take you through the twinkling lights of the city, as we spread Christmas cheer, enjoy local treats, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Santa’s magic!
      1. 22 Nov 202421 Dec 2024
    2. Image shows Santa with 3 children wearing coloured woolly hats laughing & sitting in Hillsborough Castle Gardens.
      Make this festive season memorable for all the family, with a day out to Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. During the day, explore gardens transformed with beautiful decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
      1. 23 Nov 20245 Jan 2025
    3. Image is of people taking part in a virtual reality sleigh ride
      Join Santa’s virtual sleigh to soar through wintery scenes, travel to Lapland, and even venture into space with a full 4D experience featuring wind effects, motion, and HD visuals. It’s a family-friendly holiday adventure you won’t want to miss!
      1. 22 Nov 202423 Dec 2024
    4. With free weekend parking at Council owned off street car parks in Lisburn and Royal Hillsborough throughout December and January, it's even easier to shop local!
      With free weekend parking at Council owned off street car parks in Lisburn and Royal Hillsborough throughout December and January, it's even easier to come along to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy all the festive events and shop local! Find out more!
    Festive Events

    Highlights

    Image is of children preparing to paddle at Moira Lakes
    LocationCraigavon

    Get ready for a festive season filled with creativity at our Kids Christmas Craft Club!

    Image is of people enjoying the Christmas Market in Lisburn
    LocationLisburn

    From Thursday 21st November to Saturday 21st December, Bow Street will host a mini festive market…

    Image is of a person watching Light Canopy on Bow Street Lisburn
    LocationLisburn

    You're welcome to come along and enjoy our Lisburn Light Festival and enjoy the illuminating…

    Image is of Lisburn Light Trail 2024 in Castle Gardens
    LocationLisburn

    Come and wander through our spectacular light trail in Castle Gardens this Christmas and take in…

    Child dressed as an elf.
    LocationLisburn

    Journey from Lisburn to Lapland with the magical Elfie Walking Tour. Santa’s elves will take you on…

    Image is of children dressed up for Christmas and doing arts and crafts
    LocationLisburn

    We're excited to introduce a new highlight in this year’s Christmas programme: The Christmas Hub…

    Image shows flaxie bud from Lisburn museum with blue petals and red Santa hat holding a red and white stripped candy cane
    LocationLisburn

    Festive fun at Lisburn Museum Lisburn Museum’s popular free drop-in-space arts and crafts will be…

    Image is of people taking part in a virtual reality sleigh ride
    LocationLisburn

    We're thrilled to announce the launch of Santa's Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride, a new and exciting…

    Image is advertising the Streamvale Farm Christmas Experience for 2024
    LocationBelfast

    Our Magical Christmas Event is different to any other time of the year! Our Magical Christmas…

    Image is various Christmas characters on a walkabout around Lisburn
    LocationLisburn

    Enjoy some festive cheer and meet our Christmas characters in Market Square and Bow Street.

    Image shows Santa with 3 children wearing coloured woolly hats laughing & sitting in Hillsborough Castle Gardens.
    LocationRoyal Hillsborough

    Christmas at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Find 12 Days of Christmas magic in Hillsborough…

    Image is of the Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort

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

    Image is of Santa on a bench with a little girl
    LocationLisburn

    Santa’s Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies, and this year it’s even…

    Picture of Santa with two elves
    LocationBelfast

    Santa's Grotto is one of the highlights each year at Hillmount. You can bring your children to…

    Image is of Santa Claus, a little girl and a dog
    LocationLisburn

    Give your canine companion their own festive experience with a trip to Santa Paws at Dobbies in…

    Image is of Lisburn Lights Express Train
    LocationLisburn

    Christmas is full steam ahead with the introduction of a brand-new miniature train ride in the…

    Image is of Santa Claus and children at his grotto
    LocationCastlereagh, Belfast

    Enjoy a special treat this Christmas and book your seat at Santa's table.

    Image is of Santa Claus on the ice at Dundonald Ice Bowl
    LocationDundonald, Belfast

    Take to the ice for a yuletide skate with Santa!

    Santa Sundays at The Ivanhoe Hotel
    LocationCarryduff

    Enjoy a special family event, for young and not so young, as we enjoy a visit from Santa! Come…

    Image shows rows of cars at a drive-in movie
    LocationCarryduff, Belfast

    Let's Go Hydro Christmas Drive in Cinema 2024 Running from 14th December - 22 December 2024 £28.00…

    Poster for Dance Competition
    LocationLisburn

    I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas We are pleased to be back with our amazing Christmas Dance…

    Image is of logo for Laganvale Farm depicting animals and a Christmas Tree
    LocationLisburn

    Join us for some festive fun in December. We'll be hosting Christmas Party sessions in our indoor…

    Image is of a glass of gin with olives on top
    LocationCastlereagh, Belfast

    Experience an afternoon of fun with Jawbox Gin Tasting and Traditional Afternoon Tea.

    Botanical Print
    LocationLisburn

    Festival Botanical Prints Workshop.

    Festive Food & Drink

    More Highlights

    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…

    Joxer team sitting outside their restaurant drinking cocktails
    LocationRoyal Hillsborough

    Joxer brings you an intimate dining experience. Serving up speciality coffee, breakfast, brunch,…

    Image is of table laid for dinner
    LocationMoira

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

    Image is of outside of property
    LocationMoira

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

    The Vintage Rooms
    LocationRoyal Hillsborough

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

    The Plough Inn
    LocationRoyal Hillsborough

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

    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 logo of The Quirky Bird
    LocationMoira

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

    Image shows logo of Gowdy's
    LocationLisburn

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

    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…

    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.

    Square Bistro
    LocationLisburn

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

    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…

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

    Traditional Fryers Fayre with a Modern Twist.

    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…

    Family eating at Castle 12 Lisburn
    LocationLisburn

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

    Shop front of Little WIng pizzeria with a branded promotional car out the front.
    LocationLisburn

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

    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,…

    The Hillside
    LocationRoyal Hillsborough

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

    Image shows picture of diners and knife and fork logo at Huxo Restaurant
    LocationLisburn

    HUXO dishes up authentic Italian cuisine as well as coffees and cocktails plus Italian ice-cream by…

    Image is of a pepperoni pizza
    LocationMoira

    Handmade pizza in the heart of Moira.

    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…

    Festive Stays

    More Highlights

    Image shows outside of stone property with bay tree plants at either side of front door
    LocationHillsborough

    Bay Tree is a self-catering cottage nestled within the beautiful Co. Down countryside, just 2 miles…

    Couple in a glamping pod @ Streamvale

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

    Image shows twin bedroom with TV on wall and desk/chair
    LocationBelfast

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

    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 receptionist at desk in reception area. Also chairs and coffee tables
    LocationBelfast

    The Hotel has recently undergone a £1 million refurbishment which has totally transformed the…

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

    Country Guest accommodation set in mature grounds, conveniently located with an entrance just a few…

    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 cottages with flower bed in a stone circle
    LocationCrumlin

    Millbrae Lodges features countryside accommodation with free private parking.

    Image shows double bedroom and ensuite bathroom
    LocationLisburn

    Renovated from old carriage rooms, The Archways, have been lovingly renovated with modern touches…

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

    Location is everything with this excellent Guest House. Great restaurants, boutique shops and a…

    Garden Party at Larchfield Estate
    LocationLisburn

    Sleeping up to 37, onsite accommodation allows for serene sleep with cosy cottages, complete with…

    Image shows upstairs apartment patio doors and garage underneath
    LocationHillsborough
    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 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,…

    Image shows a double bed in a hotel room with paintings of Northern Ireland on the background wall
    LocationLisburn

    Haslem Hotel is the perfect place to for a relaxing stay in the heart of Lisburn, complete with its…

    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…

    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 outside of property
    LocationDrumbo, Lisburn

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

    Image shows hotel and grounds with grass area and sign re hotel name. Also shows parking areas
    LocationLisburn

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

    Image show breakfast tray on double bed in guest room
    LocationLisburn

    We have 6 beautifully appointed ensuite guest rooms. Facilities include a bar/lounge, restaurant,…

    Arthurs
    LocationHillsborough

    Arthur’s offers beautiful accommodation in Royal Hillsborough, Northern Ireland. Owned by a husband…

    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 property and front drive way
    LocationLisburn

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

    Festive Activities
    To Inspire You

    so much choice you're welcome

    1. Dundonald Christmas Market
      Dundonald Christmas Market returns to Moat Park, Dundonald for an evening of festive shopping and fun.
      1. 19 Dec 2024
    2. Image is advertising the Streamvale Farm Christmas Experience for 2024
      Embark on a special guided tour around the farm for a Christmas experience like no other!
      1. 23 Nov 202424 Dec 2024
    3. Santa at Carryduff Christmas Market
      Come down to Carryduff Christmas Market at the Lidl car park for festive cheer and celebration of local artisan food and handmade arts and crafts.
      1. 18 Dec 2024
    4. 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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