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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 – 23rd December. Admission is FREE from 4pm to 8.30pm daily, with last entry at 8pm.
    1. 22 Nov 202423 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. 13 Dec 2024
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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 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…

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 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 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 in…

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…

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 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 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 of someone making a Christmas wreath

Get festive, learn a new skill or just have fun creating a beautiful Christmas Wreath to make sure…

Image is of a Christmas tree lit up
LocationLisburn

Each year we grant funding to local community groups who want to celebrate the festive season in…

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 a plate of canapes
LocationLisburn

Seasoned chef, Erin Bunting of Edible Flower has produced tens of thousands of canapes and small…

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…

Images of Dundonald Christmas Market in previous years.
LocationDundonald

Dundonald Christmas Market returns to Moat Park, Dundonald for an evening of festive shopping and…

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 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 making a quiet gesture re the Quiet Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centre
LocationLisburn

We are delighted to offer one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies, to children who may have…

Image is of a bugler playing
LocationLisburn

More Christmas tunes are coming your way with an uplifting music session that will leave you…

Ballance house at Christmas
LocationGlenavy, Crumlin

An extra workshop has been organised due to a phenomenal demand for the annual Christmas Wreath…

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…

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 outside of property
LocationMoira

Formerly known as The Four Trees, it was once a thriving pub equalled by few outside of Belfast but…

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!

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.

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…

The Vintage Rooms
LocationRoyal Hillsborough

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

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 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 plate of colourful food served at Spice
LocationLisburn

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

The Hillside
LocationRoyal Hillsborough

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

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 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,…

Square Bistro
LocationLisburn

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

Image is of a pepperoni pizza
LocationMoira

Handmade pizza in the heart of Moira.

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 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 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 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…

Image shows logo of Gowdy's
LocationLisburn

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

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

Traditional Fryers Fayre with a Modern Twist.

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…

Festive Stays

More Highlights

Arthurs
LocationHillsborough

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

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 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…

Image shows double bedroom and ensuite bathroom
LocationLisburn

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

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…

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 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 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…

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 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 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 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 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,…

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 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 bedroom with side tables and lamps
LocationCraigavon

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

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 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…

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,…

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

Millbrae Lodges features countryside accommodation with free private parking.

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…

Bedroom with double bed
LocationHillsborough
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…

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. 5 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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