Christmas 2023

Carrickfergus Christmas Lights Switch On

Saturday 25 November 2023
High Street, Carrickfergus

2pm to 6pm (switch on 5.30pm)

Come along for an afternoon of festive family fun on Saturday 25 November from 2pm, with music, dance and Christmas characters to get you in the spirit before the lights switch on at High Street.

There will be plenty of entertainment on stage throughout the day including performances from Singing Hands Choir, Uplift Performing Arts, Royal Tara Dance Academy, Studio 86, live music from The Flame N’Ukes and The Stepbrothers plus much more. From festive characters, face painting, Christmas carnival games, live reindeer and mini carousels, there is lots of fun for the family. This year will see an exciting new addition to the event, a special Christmas Artisan market will take place in High Street Car Park from 1pm - 5.30pm.

The traditional Civic carol service will take place in the historic St Nicholas’ Church from 4pm.

Help the Mayor and Santa countdown to the official lights switch on at 5.30pm (approx). Enjoy the magical finale where a fabulous fireworks display will take place at approx. 5.45pm from Fisherman's Quay. (Weather dependent).

The Artisan Christmas Market will take place in a marquee on High Street Car Park on Saturday 25 November from 1pm to 5.30pm.

The Market will showcase a wide range of crafters, you will certainly discover that gift, crafted locally.

Greenisland Christmas Lights Switch On

Thursday 30 November, from 7pm
Greenisland Community Centre

Jingle all the way to Greenisland for an evening of singing and sparkle as the Christmas tree lights are switched on.

With performances from Silverstream PS and Greenisland PS school choirs, there will also be a very special visit from Santa!

Christmas Shows at The Braid

Various dates from 30 November to 6 January 2023

Visit The Braid's Ticketsolve webpage for listing.

Whitehead Christmas Lights Switch On

Saturday 2 December 2023
Whitehead

12noon to 6.15pm

Established in 2008, the street fair celebrates the heritage of the town with its Victorian theme.

From street entertainers, arts and crafts to Christmas stalls and street vendors – it’s the perfect backdrop to the Christmas lights switch-on.

There will be a live music stage with a jam packed schedule of local acts, meet Santa in his grotto plus steam train rides, hog roasts, fairground rides and kids entertainment. There will also be a selection of talks and storytelling. (Victorian Street Fair organised by Whitehead Community Association)

The Civic Carol service will take place in Whitehead Presbyterian Church from 4pm, followed by the official Christmas Lights switch on at 5.30pm. The fabulous fireworks display will take place at 6pm - along the promenade - to close the festivities (weather dependent).

Winter Craft Village
The Braid, Ballymena

Thursday 7 December 2023: 6pm to 9pm

Friday 8 December 2023: 6pm to 9pm

Saturday 9 December 2023: 11am to 4pm

The event will showcase a vast array of local crafters and artisan food producers from ceramics, jewellery, glass, wood, textiles, printmakers, botanica, candle makers, bakers and so much more.

You'll definitely be able to find that perfect #Christmas gift! ❄️

FREE ADMISSION

Family Christmas Crafts with Storytime

Saturday 9 December 2023
Larne Museum & Arts Centre

10.30am to 3pm

Join us for a free drop-in Christmas crafts session with activities suitable for all ages. The day will also include seasonal stories. Suitable for the whole family.

Please express your interest by calling Larne Museum on T: 028 2826 2443 or E: marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

Light refreshments provided.

Christmas Family Fun Day in Ballymena

Saturday 9 December 2023
Around Ballymena town centre

12noon to 4pm

Council, in partnership with the Ballymena BID, is excited to invite you to come along to the Festive Family Fair on Saturday 9 December 2023 in Greenvale Street, #Ballymena from 12noon to 4pm.

The fair will have FREE Children's Rides, Marshmallow toasting, face-painting, and a selection of local crafters!

Look out for the walkabout characters who will be handing out #Christmas treats around the town while listening to festive music at the Harmony Hub.

An exciting day full of festive activities not to be missed!

Christmas Movie Screening

Saturday 9 December 2023
Carrickfergus Town Hall

2pm to 4pm

We invite you to join us for a family friendly afternoon screening of 'The Polar Express' in Carrickfergus Town Hall on Saturday 9 December 2023 from 2pm to 4pm.

Tickets are £2 per person and include popcorn and a small drink.

Tickets will be available from Monday 20 November 2023 through the Eventbrite website's listing for the Pop Up Christmas Cinema.

Film starts at 2pm.  Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.

Christmas Tea Dance

Friday 15 December 2023
Larne Town Hall

2pm to 4pm

We invite you to join us in Larne Town Hall on Friday 15 December 2023 from 2pm to 4pm for a festive afternoon of music and dancing.

Musical Entertainment provided by Housty.

Tickets are £3 and include light refreshments.

You can book tickets through the following channels:

• Online through the Eventbrite website's listing for the Christmas Tea Dance
• E: age.friendly@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
• T: 028 2826 2353

Christmas Movie Screening

Saturday 16 December 2023
Carrickfergus Town Hall

2pm to 4pm

MayWe invite you to join us for a family friendly afternoon screening of 'Saving Santa' in Larne Town Hall on Saturday 16 December 2023 from 2pm – 4pm.

Tickets are £2 per person and include popcorn and a small drink.

Tickets will be available from Monday 20 November 2023 through the Eventbrite website's listing for the Pop Up Christmas Cinema.

Film starts at 2pm.  Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.

Santa's Grotto at Carnfunnock

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December 2023
Carnfunnock Country Park

A visit to see Santa is always a magical occasion filled with joy, wonder and dreams for families at Christmas time.

We've heard news from Santa's elves that the man himself will be stopping with us at Carnfunnock Country Park in his very special grotto!

Open Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December 2023 between 11am and 4.30pm at a cost of £6.00 per Child and £3.00 per Adult

Don’t delay, book your tickets today by visiting the Carnfunnock Country Park page.

Little ones will be able to write their letters to Santa for special delivery to the North Pole in time for Christmas.

They will be treated to a meeting with Santa and his friends, get a small gift and have opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa.

Make a day of your visit and enjoy the Park with it's mixed woodland, colourful gardens, walking trails and coastline and warm up with a hot drink after.