Last updated: 11 November 2024
Celebrate with the Ballymena community this holiday season! Our guide will connect you with all the festive happenings. Whether you're intimately familiar with Ballymena or just getting to know it, this guide maximizes your seasonal joy.
One highlight of the season is the enchanting A Magical Christmas Experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in festive performances and spectacular decorations. Another special attraction features Mission Santa: An Immersive Christmas Experience, allowing families to engage with interactive displays and meet Santa Claus in a truly unforgettable way. And the Dundonald Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a range of handmade crafts and delicious local treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Ballymena Holiday Markets and Shopping
Dundonald Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local artisans selling unique gifts and seasonal treats.
- Description
- Dundonald Christmas Market features local artisans selling food, art, craft, and skincare items, along with artisan street food and specialty hot drinks. The event offers a variety of shopping and dining options in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Dundonald | More Info : Dundonald Christmas Market
Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Seasonal decorations in a historic setting.
- Description
- Explore the beautifully decorated gardens of Hillsborough Castle this Christmas, featuring stunning seasonal displays inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
- Where
- Royal Hillsborough | More Info : Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
Belfast Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Extensive variety of global cuisines and handcrafted gifts within a lively market setting.
- Description
- The Belfast Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a hub of seasonal delights, featuring an array of stalls offering unique crafts, delicious international food, and warm beverages. Visitors can explore festive treats and handcrafted gifts while enjoying live entertainment and the vibrant atmosphere that fills the air. The market creates a communal space for celebrating the season with family and friends.
- Where
- Belfast | More Info : Belfast Christmas Market
Ballymena Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Mission Santa: An Immersive Christmas Experience
- What to Expect
- Immersive Christmas experience with live theatrical show and full-dome show.
- Description
- Join the E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa for a Christmas adventure that includes admission to a full-dome show, helping save Santa inside mission control, and a visit to see Santa. Each child receives a present and a printed family photograph.
- Where
- Armagh | More Info : Mission Santa: An Immersive Christmas Experience
Christmas Karaoke with Lady Portia
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday music event with a local performer.
- Description
- Join Lady Portia for an evening of Christmas karaoke, featuring a selection of festive tunes and holiday classics.
- Where
- Portaferry | More Info : Christmas Karaoke with Lady Portia
Robin Hood and the Peaceful People Posse
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly comedy and adventure show.
- Description
- Join Robin Hood and the Peaceful People Posse as they strive to save Ballymena from the Sheriff and bandits in this family-friendly show filled with comedy, music, and adventure.
- Where
- Ballymena | More Info : Robin Hood and the Peaceful People Posse
BMS Chill (Christmas edition)
- What to Expect
- Christmas-themed music event for all ages.
- Description
- BMS Chill (Christmas edition) is a festive event featuring music and entertainment for both adults and children, creating a joyful atmosphere.
- Where
- Belfast | More Info : BMS Chill (Christmas edition)
Ulster Orchestra, The Magic of Christmas
- What to Expect
- World-class orchestral performance with renowned vocalists.
- Description
- The Ulster Orchestra presents a concert featuring festive favorites like Let It Snow and White Christmas, with guest vocalists Dana Masters and Patrick Smyth.
- Where
- Derry-Londonderry | More Info : Ulster Orchestra, The Magic of Christmas
Winters Dream
- What to Expect
- Physical theatre performance without words.
- Description
- A new family show by Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company, Winter's Dream is an original story told without words, incorporating physical theatre. The show follows a little snowman who dares to dream of making the impossible possible, exploring themes of curiosity and hope.
- Where
- Derry-Londonderry | More Info : Winters Dream
Ballymena Other Holiday Activities
A Magical Christmas Experience
- What to Expect
- Guided tour with personalized visits to Father Christmas.
- Description
- At Titanic Belfast, embark on a guided tour through the Enchanted Forest, make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree, and visit Mrs. Claus in her cozy kitchen. Explore the Elves' Workshop, write and post your Christmas letter, and enjoy festive arts and crafts. Each child will have their name checked off the Naughty or Nice list by the Chief Elf, and those on the nice list will meet Father Christmas individually with their families.
- Where
- Belfast | More Info : A Magical Christmas Experience
Meet Santa and his elves in the grotto at The Argory
- What to Expect
- Meet Santa and his elves in a historic setting.
- Description
- Meet Santa and his elves in the cozy grotto at The Argory, where families can share special moments and enjoy the beautifully decorated house.
- Where
- Moy | More Info : Meet Santa and his elves in the grotto at The Argory