News

Cracking Christmas events in MEA this December!

Monday 4 December 2023

With just a few weeks to go before Santa arrives, it’s time to get into the festive mood and have some fun-filled days out at the cracking Christmas events taking place across the Borough!

Two customers at a Christmas market stall in Carrickfergus

This week, a wonderful Winter Craft Village will be pitching up in the Braid in Ballymena this year, showcasing 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 – it’s the perfect place to pick up a beautiful gift. You can visit the village on:

  • Thursday 7 December 2023: 6pm to 9pm
  • Friday 8 December 2023: 6pm to 9pm
  • Saturday 9 December 2023: 11am to 4pm

Larne Museum and Arts Centre is hosting a free drop-in Christmas crafts session with activities suitable for all ages on Saturday 9 December 2023 from 10.30am to 3pm.  The day will also include seasonal stories, suitable for the whole family. Light refreshments will be provided.

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

Also taking place on Saturday the 9 December is a Christmas family fun day in Ballymena town centre from 12noon to 4pm.

Council, in partnership with the Ballymena BID, will be hosting a festive family fair to get everyone in the Christmas mood!

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!

In addition, Carrickfergus Town Hall will be screening 'The Polar Express' in on Saturday 9 December 2023 from 2pm to 4pm.

Tickets are £2 per person and include popcorn and a small drink.  Tickets are available through the Eventbrite website's listing for the Pop Up Christmas Cinema.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.

Larne Town Hall is hosting a Christmas Tea Dance on Friday 15 December from 2pm to 4pm. With all the festive tunes from ‘Housty’ – it’s an afternoon not to miss!  Tickets are £3 and include light refreshments.

You can book tickets through the following channels:

Up next is a family friendly afternoon screening of 'Saving Santa' in Larne Town Hall on Saturday 16 December 2023 from 2pm to 4pm.

Hosted by MayWe, tickets are £2 per person and include popcorn and a small drink.

Tickets are available through the Eventbrite website's listing for the Pop Up Christmas Cinema.

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

And finally, come and see Santa in his very special grotto at Carnfunnock Country Park on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December 2023 between 11am and 4.30pm.

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

They will also be treated to a meeting with the man himself and his friends, receive a small gift and have an opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa.

Make a day of your visit and enjoy the park with its mixed woodland, colourful gardens, walking trails and coastline - and why not warm-up with a hot drink after!

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