Last updated: 11 November 2024
Create your holiday itinerary in Newtownabbey! Our guide features all the top festive events and activities. From those who live and breathe Newtownabbey to those just getting a taste, this guide brings holiday magic to life.
Popular events this holiday season include the enchanting Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in traditional festivities amidst the historic buildings. The captivating Enchanted Winter Garden features twinkling lights and beautifully decorated paths that create a magical stroll for all ages. And the A Magical Christmas Experience is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering fun activities and delightful decorations that embody the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Newtownabbey Holiday Light Displays
Winter Illuminations at The Argory
- What to Expect
- Festive decorations and live music in a historic setting.
- Description
- Winter Illuminations at The Argory feature beautifully decorated Victorian mansion and grounds, offering a serene and festive atmosphere with live music and local craft stalls.
- Where
- Moy | More Info : Winter Illuminations at The Argory
Enchanted Winter Garden
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas experience with festive food and rides.
- Description
- Antrim Castle Gardens transforms into a vibrant Christmas destination with twinkling lights, rides, and attractions. Visit Wonderland Wood, meet Santa, and indulge in mouth-watering food at the Festive Food Fayre.
- Where
- Antrim | More Info : Enchanted Winter Garden
Newtownabbey Holiday Markets and Shopping
Yuletide Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional market with local traders and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Yuletide Market at Rowallane Garden returns this Christmas with local traders offering special gifts, seasonal treats, and festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Rowallane | More Info : Yuletide Market
North Down Museum Pop-up Christmas Shop
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience featuring local artisans' handmade products.
- Description
- Explore North Down Museum's galleries filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers, perfect for finding unique gifts and supporting local crafters.
- Where
- Bangor | More Info : North Down Museum Pop-up Christmas Shop
Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Seasonal decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
- Description
- Explore the beautifully decorated gardens of Hillsborough Castle this Christmas, featuring stunning seasonal decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
- Where
- Hillsborough | More Info : Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
Castle Ward Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Local crafts and festive activities in a historic setting.
- Description
- The Castle Ward Christmas Village features a decorated farmyard with local crafts, storytelling, and visits to Mrs. Claus' cottage and Santa on his Christmas Tractor.
- Where
- Strangford | More Info : Castle Ward Christmas Village
Dundonald Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local artisans selling a variety of festive goods.
- Description
- The Dundonald Christmas Market features local artisans selling food, art, craft, and skincare items, along with artisan street food and specialty hot drinks. It takes place at Moat Park, Dundonald, from 4pm to 8pm.
- Where
- Dundonald | More Info : Dundonald Christmas Market
Newtownabbey Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Mission Santa: An Immersive Christmas Experience
- What to Expect
- Immersive Christmas experience with a full-dome show and live theatrical 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 mission includes a present for each child and a printed family photograph.
- Where
- Armagh | More Info : Mission Santa: An Immersive Christmas Experience
Newtownabbey Other Holiday Activities
Walking With The Snowman™
- What to Expect
- Unique Snowman sculptures inspired by 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.'
- Description
- Explore 12 hand-painted Snowman sculptures throughout Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, inspired by the timeless Christmas classic 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.'
- Where
- Hillsborough | More Info : Walking With The Snowman™
Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday celebration with historical settings and activities.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum with traditional festivities, including historic decorations, seasonal foods, and family activities.
- Where
- Cultra | More Info : Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
Santa Cruise
- What to Expect
- Carol singing and festive activities aboard a fast speed boat.
- Description
- Join a guided boat trip around Strangford Lough, where you'll enjoy festive arts and crafts, visit Santa's Grotto, and toast marshmallows by the fire. The tour includes a 30-minute sleigh ride, hot chocolate, and shortbread for kids, and mulled wine and mince pies for adults.
- Where
- Strangford Lough | More Info : Santa Cruise
Santa at Montalto
- What to Expect
- Spooky Halloween Adventure Walk with various themed attractions.
- Description
- At Montalto Estate, immerse yourself in a spooky Halloween adventure with a winding path along the lake’s edge, featuring mysterious and magical encounters. Explore the Fairy Bridge, Day of the Dead House, Witch’s Cottage, Zombie Graveyard, Spiderwebs Park, and more. End your journey in the haunted Pumpkin Patch.
- Where
- Ballynahinch | More Info : Santa at Montalto
A Magical Christmas Experience
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities with personalized visits to Father Christmas.
- Description
- At A Magical Christmas Experience, embark on a guided tour through the Enchanted Forest, make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree, and explore the Elves' Workshop. Visit Mrs. Claus in her cozy kitchen, 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 at The Argory
- What to Expect
- Meet Santa and his elves in a beautifully decorated historic setting.
- Description
- Meet Santa and his elves at The Argory, where families can enjoy a traditional Christmas experience with festive decorations, local crafts, and delicious food.
- Where
- Moy | More Info : Meet Santa and his elves at The Argory
Georgian Festival
- What to Expect
- Immersive historical reenactments with horse-drawn carriages and light shows.
- Description
- Step back in time to the 18th century as Armagh transforms into a vibrant Georgian city. Enjoy horse and carriage rides, craft and food stalls, and live music along the picturesque Mall. Explore historic buildings like the Robinson Library and Armagh Observatory, and witness the spectacular Georgian light shows.
- Where
- Armagh | More Info : Georgian Festival
Christmas at Antrim Castle Gardens
- What to Expect
- Twinkling lights and festive food in a historic castle setting.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas at Antrim Castle Gardens with twinkling lights, rides, attractions, and mouth-watering food in the Festive Food Fayre. Visit Wonderland Wood and meet Santa for an unforgettable evening.
- Where
- Antrim | More Info : Christmas at Antrim Castle Gardens