Experience a truly festive Christmas market as you stroll through the stalls along The Dark Walk, enjoy a hot drink and bite to eat against the backdrop of Hillsborough Fort.
Over 60 traders will fill The Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort on Friday 9th December from 3pm-9pm for an evening of festive fun.
This year, we have even more traders from the Lisburn & Castlereagh area showcasing food produced or made with locally sourced Northern Irish ingredients. Flowers, treats and lots of locally produced arts and crafts will hopefully delight visitors this year looking for a unique experience and unique gifts.
Artisan Food
You’ll be able to pick up tasty gourmet treats and drinks for your Christmas tables from local Northern Irish food producers like Seaview Farms, Ballylisk of Armagh, Ballydown Milk, Indie Füde, Chala Chai and Lecale Harvest.
Each will be showcasing their own distinctively seasonal menus developed using the best of Northern Ireland produce.
Lisburn & Castlereagh’s Jack’s Fudge, Kin & Folk, Rosie McNeill Cakes, and The Daily Apron will all be in residence providing tempting treats to enjoy or takeaway.
Art & Craft
You’ll also find homeware, arts and crafts from some incredibly talented makers in the area.
Find unique gifts like locally made candles, ceramics, woodcraft and skincare products. There will be original art from Gillian Boyd Art, Sarah & Mart’s Art, Amira Paints and Watts Illustration.
Plus discover unique jewellery and accessories from makers, Monday’s Child and Jewellery by Gill. Cohen & Co will also have a range of handwoven blankets and homeware with plastic-free options from Do Your Bit.
Discover unique upscaled pieces from Reuben’s Rural Crafts and art and antiques and collectables from The Ink Jar.
We haven’t forgotten the pets! Barkelicious Bikes and Don’t Forget the Dog will have festive dog treats and luxury Christmas dog accessories.
Street Food
If you need some refuelling after all that shopping, you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat from the many street traders who will be set up in Hillsborough Fort.
Moira resident, Loki’s Coffee will be providing the coffee and this year there is even more variety in the street food zone with Lisburn’s Pig Out and Pizza Table who will be joined by Tribal Burger, Ret Ro’s Grilled Cheese, Simply Scampi and others. Just check our social media for the full list.
Entertainment
Opening the event will be the Downshire Primary School Choir followed by Beechlawn School performers. Both The Dark Lane and the Front Field at the Fort will have festive acoustic music from local artists.
For the children
Santa’s elves are joining Kinder Garden Cooks to help children to make their own Christmas decorations. The elves will also help with face painting and balloon modelling. Santa has promised to come along too and will be browsing the stalls and stopping to have a chat between 3.30pm and 8.00pm.
Late night shopping in Royal Hillsborough Village
While you’re here, don’t forget to stop in Royal Hillsborough village.
In the past few years, despite the pandemic, the village has thrived, with several new traders including three artisan bakeries, Tori’s Bakery, Kin & Folk and Round House Bakery by Spontaneous Deuce each with a differentiated and distinctive offering, opening their doors over the last few weeks.
The independent shops including In Klover, Julie Elliott, Tahlia Studio, Bluebell and Willow and Twigs & Twine will be opening late as well to allow visitors to pick up local crafts, art, home crafts, floral giftware, clothing and more.
After the market, why not stay for a drink or dinner?
Hillsborough has a range of popular pubs and restaurants such as the renowned, The Plough Inn and Vintage Rooms, The Hillside, Hillsborough’s oldest pub and The Parson’s Nose, for those looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere into the evening.
We hope you’ll be able to join us for a wonderful Christmas experience in the historic village of Royal Hillsborough.
Connect with us on social media, or tag us in your photos at #royalhillsboroughchristmasmarket
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Good to know details:
Entry to the market is free
Most vendors accept card payments but not all.
Parking:
Hillsborough Forest Park
Ballynahinch Street Pay & Display Car Park
Beechlawn School, Dromore Road (after 4pm)
