Ballymena Other Christmas Activities 2026

Guests enjoy an overnight escape in a Superior guestroom decorated with their own Christmas tree and stocked with a complimentary mini bar. Visitors can unwind across the indoor and outdoor facilities of the Thermal Spa Village, as well as roast...

Guests enjoy a three-course festive lunch served at Gillies Restaurant or Fratelli before hopping aboard the Galgorm Express. The ride takes families to visit Santa in his enchanting grotto, where children can hand-deliver their Christmas wish lists and receive a...

Guests enjoy a festive lunch featuring seasonal flavours in a cosy setting. Children can meet Santa to hand-deliver their Christmas wish lists and receive a special gift. The experience also includes warm hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies.

Santa arrives to help switch on the town's festive Christmas lights. The celebration includes live music, entertainment, animation, and lots of seasonal fun to welcome the holiday season.

Visitors wander through cobbled streets and cottages decorated with wreaths, twinkling lights, and glowing braziers. Guests can listen to carol singers, a harpist, and live Ulster Orchestra performances, or settle into the Picture House for silent-era festive films and fireside...

Families step into a snowy North Pole setting to meet reindeer at the stables and create reindeer food to take home for Christmas Eve. Children can contribute drawings or good deeds to help power the Christmas Spirit Generator and explore...

Visitors take a steam train ride within the museum grounds aboard heritage carriages accompanied by Santa's elves. Back at the station, children can post letters to Santa, meet Mrs Claus, visit Father Christmas in his grotto to receive a present,...

Visitors can soak up the sights and sounds of vintage rail travel with a short heritage steam train ride within the museum grounds. Admission allows guests to explore the museum's collection of historic locomotives and carriages before heading into Whitehead...

The programme centres around congregational singing and performances by guest soloists and guest musicians. Visitors hear and sing along to well-known Christmas praise. A retiring collection is also held in aid of the charity Dementia NI.

Participants design and craft a bespoke Christmas wreath using seasonal florals and foliage under the direction of florist David McConkey. The hands-on workshop provides all necessary materials and suits both beginners and experienced crafters. Following the session, guests dine from...

Participants are guided step-by-step by museum staff to design and craft their own unique Christmas door wreath, with all crafting materials provided. The experience includes a break in the Victorian-style tearoom for a festive afternoon tea serving freshly prepared finger...

Participants paint a plain ceramic bauble using provided materials and step-by-step guidance. The workshop includes two festive cocktails mixed to preference, with non-alcoholic alternatives available. Guests take home their completed holiday decoration at the end of the session.

Participants construct a fresh holiday door wreath measuring approximately 50cm in diameter using seasonal greenery, pinecones, ribbons, and decorative accents. The session includes instruction on how to maintain the greenery so it stays fresh through Christmas. All crafting supplies are...

Participants create their own fresh greenery door wreath measuring approximately 50cm in diameter using a selection of seasonal greenery, pinecones, ribbon, and festive decorations. The session also covers techniques for keeping the finished wreath fresh throughout the holiday season. All...

Hosted at Paperxclips Books with artist Suzii Mackenzie, this annual ceramic workshop provides attendees with several different decorations to glaze and decorate. Finished pieces are fired by the lead artist and returned to the shop for participants to pick up.

Participants learn the basics of creating a gonk using natural materials, incorporating Irish moss, a choice of foliage, and a real sheep wool beard. The workshop includes nibbles and a complimentary drink.

Visitors can sing along to favourite Christmas carols and hymns during this praise evening. Musical performances feature Kate Weir, Alex Robb, In Harmony, and Hanna Family & Friends, with the event supporting Hope for Youth Ministeries.

Visitors meet Tommy and Arno to learn what life was like on both sides of No-Man's-Land during the First World War. Silent Night can be heard playing in the trenches. Festive refreshments are included and served after the presentation.

Florist David McConkey leads a hands-on masterclass where participants craft their own holiday wreath using seasonal florals and foliage. Following the workshop, guests are served an afternoon tea featuring a selection of sandwiches, pastries, scones, and premium teas.

Visitors walk through an interactive Bethlehem setting to hear the nativity story told by costumed characters. Activities also include a petting zoo, crafts, a photobooth, and refreshments.

Led by tutor Fiona Shannon, participants paint a festive cookie plate designed as a keepsake for Santa's treats. The workshop offers new mothers a relaxed setting to practice mindfulness, learn a creative skill, and connect with other local parents. Attendees...

Children design and decorate their own festive clay door sign under the guidance of tutor Fiona Shannon. Designs can include elements such as Christmas trees, stars, snowflakes, or Santa. The completed pieces are then glazed and fired for later collection.

Participants create their own fresh Christmas wreath with guided step-by-step instruction. Rings, wire, and decorations such as pine cones, cinnamon, orange peel, and ribbon are supplied, supplemented by participant-brought greenery. A light supper and refreshments are served during the session.

Participants create their own fresh festive wreath under step-by-step guidance, with standard materials provided. Complimentary refreshments are served throughout the session. All event proceeds support youth work run by The Big House.

Joan of Art Studios guides participants through a step-by-step holiday painting session designed for both beginners and experienced painters. Guests enjoy seasonal drinks and sweet treats while working on their canvases. Everyone creates and takes home their own finished piece...

Participants paint two ceramic baubles to take home and hang on the Christmas tree. The session provides all art materials alongside step-by-step guidance, tips, and creative ideas, with no previous experience needed. Guests also receive a hot drink of their...

Visitors follow a walking trail through the castle grounds, which are illuminated with festive lights at twilight. The route features traditional Christmas scenes, festive characters, and storytelling focused on historical holiday traditions. At the end of the journey, children can...

Step into a world of festive fun at Santa's Elf Academy! This immersive experience invites children to train as elves, learning the essential skills of toy making and gift wrapping. It's a magical opportunity for families to create lasting holiday...

Experience a magical Christmas at La Mon Hotel & Country Club with their enchanting Santa Stayover package. This festive offering promises a delightful overnight experience, complete with special Christmas events and entertainment designed to bring the holiday spirit to life...

Boundary Brewery in Belfast offers a two-hour Christmas wreath workshop where participants create a 12-inch luxury wreath from natural materials. The event includes one complimentary drink and nibbles.

Embark on an out-of-this-world Christmas adventure with Mission Santa at the Armagh Planetarium. Join the E.L.F. crew for an immersive experience that includes a captivating full-dome show, a live theatrical mission to save Santa, and a special visit with Santa...

Artist Laura Trueman leads a Christmas Paint and Sip Evening at Little Del Toro in Hillsborough. No prior painting experience is needed. Supplies for painting a pre-sketched robin are provided. The event includes a glass of Prosecco or a soft...

Embark on a magical Christmas adventure through the Land of Oz! Follow the iconic yellow brick road, encountering beloved characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Dorothy. The journey culminates in a visit to Santa Claus in his festive workshop,...