Feel the holiday excitement in Lisburn! Discover all the top festive events and activities with our guide.
One of the highlights this season is the mesmerizing Lisburn Light Festival, illuminating the city with dazzling displays. Immerse yourself in the charm and history at Christmas at The Ballance House, featuring beautifully decorated rooms and seasonal crafts. And the Hillsborough Castle Light Trail is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its enchanting gardens set aglow. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Lisburn
- Lisburn Light Festival
- Winter Wonderland at Lagan Valley Island
- Christmas Craft Fair at Castle Gardens
- Lisburn Christmas Lights Switch On
- Santa's Workshop at Bow Street Mall
Lisburn Holiday Light Displays
Lisburn Light Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations throughout the city
Description:
Lisburn transforms into a luminous canvas during its annual Light Festival. The city's streets come alive with vibrant, interactive light installations that captivate visitors of all ages. You can manipulate some of the displays, creating your own illuminated masterpieces. This innovative event draws inspiration from Lisburn's rich linen heritage, with several light sculptures paying homage to the city's industrial past. The gentle hum of excited voices fills the air as families explore the radiant cityscape.
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Lisburn Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with local talent showcase
Description:
Lisburn's Christmas Lights Switch On evolves into a vibrant celebration of local talent. This community-driven event spotlights performers from area schools, choirs, and dance troupes, turning the city center into a stage. The switch-on ceremony itself becomes an interactive experience, with a randomly selected community member given the honor of illuminating the city. This event traces its roots back to Lisburn's first electric street lighting in 1880, marking a continuation of the city's illumination legacy. You'll feel the excitement build as the countdown to the big moment begins.
Website:
Lisburn Christmas Lights Switch On
Lisburn Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft Fair at Castle Gardens
What to Expect:
Artisan fair showcasing traditional Irish crafts in a historic setting
Description:
Castle Gardens hosts an artisan fair that celebrates Northern Ireland's rich craft heritage. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century ruins, this event brings together skilled craftspeople from across the region. Visitors can observe live demonstrations of traditional techniques, from linen weaving to Celtic metalwork. The fair pays homage to Lisburn's historical importance in the linen industry, with several stalls dedicated to textile arts. You'll have the chance to create your own piece of Irish craft under the guidance of expert artisans.
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Christmas Craft Fair at Castle Gardens
Lisburn Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland at Lagan Valley Island
What to Expect:
Indoor-outdoor winter experience with ice skating and local artisan market
Description:
Lagan Valley Island bursts with winter cheer, offering a unique indoor-outdoor experience. The centerpiece is an eco-friendly synthetic ice rink, allowing visitors to glide and twirl regardless of the weather. Local artisans showcase their crafts in a bustling market, highlighting Northern Ireland's rich artistic traditions. The event pays tribute to Lisburn's river heritage, with water-themed light installations dotting the landscape. Children can embark on a treasure hunt, searching for hidden "ice crystals" throughout the venue.
Website:
Winter Wonderland at Lagan Valley Island
Santa's Workshop at Bow Street Mall
What to Expect:
Interactive STEM-focused Santa's workshop experience
Description:
Bow Street Mall reimagines Santa's workshop as a hub of innovation and learning. This STEM-focused experience allows children to engage with "elf engineers" in hands-on activities that blend holiday cheer with scientific discovery. Visitors can program robotic helpers, design 3D-printed ornaments, and experiment with eco-friendly gift wrapping techniques. The workshop pays tribute to Lisburn's industrial heritage, incorporating elements of the city's manufacturing history into its design. The air buzzes with the whir of kid-friendly machinery and excited young voices.
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Santa's Workshop at Bow Street Mall
Nearby Events
Christmas at The Ballance House (Glenavy)
What to Expect:
Traditional 19th-century Ulster-Scots Christmas celebration
Description:
Step back in time at The Ballance House, where Christmas is celebrated in authentic 19th-century Ulster-Scots style. This immersive experience transports visitors to a bygone era, complete with period-accurate decorations and customs. Participate in traditional craft-making sessions, learning skills passed down through generations. The Ballance House, built in 1854, stands as a testament to the area's agricultural heritage and offers a unique glimpse into historical holiday celebrations. The aroma of freshly baked soda bread wafts through the air, adding to the authentic atmosphere.
Website:
Christmas at The Ballance House
Hillsborough Castle Light Trail (Hillsborough)
What to Expect:
Royal estate transformed into an illuminated nature trail
Description:
Hillsborough Castle's regal grounds undergo a stunning transformation, becoming an illuminated nature trail. This unique experience blends history with artistry, as the centuries-old royal residence serves as a backdrop for cutting-edge light installations. Visitors can explore the meandering paths, discovering hidden light sculptures that accentuate the estate's natural beauty. The trail incorporates elements of Irish folklore, bringing ancient stories to life through light and sound. You'll witness the castle's Georgian architecture highlighted in ways never seen before.
Website:
Hillsborough Castle Light Trail
Festive Fun at Moira Demesne (Moira)
What to Expect:
Nature-focused holiday activities in a historic park
Description:
Moira Demesne embraces the natural world in its holiday celebrations. This historic park becomes a hub of eco-friendly festivities, with activities centered around the park's ancient trees and diverse wildlife. Visitors can join guided "winter wildlife walks," learning about the park's inhabitants and their winter adaptations. The event honors Moira's history as a important railway junction, incorporating train-themed decorations and activities. You'll have the opportunity to create natural ornaments using materials found within the park.