The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us - and with so much to see and do, we've lined up some of our top picks for the festive season. We're really spoilt for choice this year, so be sure to snap up tickets early if you fancy getting out and about between the Christmas shopping, partying and... more partying!
Choose from Christmas markets, live theatre and music, a winter circus and of course, a trip to see the big man himself!
THEATRE
Scrooge at the MAC
27 November - 5 January
The MAC presents a fun-filled family version of festive classic, A Christmas Carol. The timeless Dickens tale has received a special rewrite by distinguised local writer and actor, Tara Lynne O'Neill (Derry Girls) and Simon Magill, Creative Director of the MAC, putting their own twist on the family favourite. Expect toe-tapping tunes and laugh out loud antics!
Peter Pan the Musical
Lyric Theatre, Belfast
29 November - 4 January
Paul Boyd returns to the Lyric Theatre with an exciting new musical of Peter Pan, an 'awfully big adventure' for all the family. Fly away with fairies, mermaids, pirates, crocodiles and the darling children as they embark on the most magical journey.
Tickets: £12-24
https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/event/peter-pan/
Beauty and the Beast Panto
Belfast Opera House
30 November-12 January
Don’t miss this magical adventure packed full of comedy, colour and amazing song and dance routines, with a huge cast of 30 and a spectacular set.
May McFettridge celebrates her 30th season as the Queen of Belfast Pantomime, joined by star of stage and screen, Ben Richards with Comedy magician and Britain’s Got Talent favourite, Mandy Muden.
Tickets: £21.75-£36.25
The Frozen Princess Pantomime
Belfast Waterfront Hall
26 November-31 December
The Frozen Princess Pantomime comes to the Waterfront Studio this Christmas with icy tales of adventure, friendship and bravery, featuring enchanting characters, original music and breath-taking costumes and set.
There will be a relaxed performance on Sunday 22 December and a dementia-friendly performance on Monday 30 December.
Tickets: £16.50-£66
https://www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/frozen-pantomime/
CRAFTY GIFTS & FOOD FAIRS
St George's Christmas Craft Fair
St George's Market
20-24 December
Home to some of the best local artisans – from delicious foods to specialist crafts, all your Christmas shopping is under one roof at St George’s Christmas Craft Fair! And with extra opening hours, there’s plenty of opportunity to stock up on festive treats and gifts – it’s even open on Christmas Eve for those who prefer to leave things to the last minute!
Hark Fair
Belfast Cathedral
5 December, 7-10.30pm
The chance to purchase gifts by local artists and craftspeople while enjoying live music in the atmospheric surroundings of Belfast Cathedral, with 'In the Beginning Creative Collective'.
Tickets: £4.50-£5
https://www.cathedralquarterbelfast.com/whats-on/hark-fair-at-belfast-cathedral/
Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast City Hall
16 November - 22 December
Believe it or not, I’ve only been to the Christmas Market once. I despise queueing and am not a fan of beer, nor indeed any drink from a plastic glass, so the bar was never a draw despite legendary tales of craic galore from so many friends and family. However I am drawn to gifts galore and delicious international foods including French crêpes, Belgian chocolates and mulled cider, all served up alongside fantastic quality produce from local artisan food and craft producers. Kids can visit Santa in his festive grotto, ride on the vintage carousel or slide down the Helter Skelter. Actually come to think of it those last two would make for great Instagram backdrops or props!
ILLUMINATING EXPERIENCES
Winter Circus
Writer's Square, Belfast Cathedral Quarter
13 December-2 January
The Tumble Circus troop will treat audiences to a Winter extravaganza in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, with high skilled acts including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers. A spectacular circus with an inspiring modern soundtrack, international circus artists and comedy characters that both young and old can enjoy. Look out for the fully heated Tumble Circus big top tent!
Tickets available from wegotickets.com
Enchanted Winter Garden
6-22 December, 4.30-9.30pm
Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a magical world of enchantment this December, with attractions including a Wonderland Wood, street theatre, live music and fair rides.
On Wednesday 18th, attractions and rides will be slowed down, music levels lowered and strong lighting switched off for a relaxed evening of inclusive enchantment.
Tickets: £2-4
https://enchantedwintergarden.com/
Winter Skate
SSE Arena
21 December-3 January
Get into the festive spirit and take to the ice! Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult and at least one adult must accompany a group of 5 children.
Tickets from £4
https://www.ssearenabelfast.com/whats-on/winter-skate
VISITING SANTA
There are so many great Father Christmas visits around the country – from the shopping centres of CastleCourt and Victoria Square to the Victorian style experience at Titanic – so much so that we’ve dedicated a standalone blog to the options (see here – insert link)… For now though, we’ll include this one as our fave this year. Why? Because even the pups get pressies! Woof!
Santa at Castle Ward
18-22 Dec
Join Santa at Castle Ward to make magical Christmas memories in the new setting of the Main Hall in the Georgian mansion house. Follow the trail through the illuminated gardens to meet Mrs Claus at the big house, and settle in to listen to a story from Santa before he checks if he has a special early Christmas present before the big day.
Take your dog for a walk on the dog-friendly trail and even pups will get a gift from Santa Paws!
Tickets: £6-£12
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward/features/santas-house
FOR THE GROWN UPS
The Ultimate Christmas Dinner
BOOK QUICKLY – this sells out fast! For the last few years I have booked a Christmas Dinner Cookery School experience with Niall McKenna at James Street. Honestly, with the right mix of people it is the most fun thing to do if you’re a foodie. On this practical class our chef will take you through how to prepare the perfect Christmas lunch with helpful hints and tips on selecting ingredients and getting the best results from you cooking your dinner and how to pull the whole meal together. This is a great class to get the practical tips to make your Christmas meal go smoothly. This class lasts approximately 4 hours, plenty of time to cook then sit back and enjoy your meal with a complimentary glass of wine. It also includes a Cookery school apron and recipes to take home! Book via James St’s website or Facebook pages.
Love Actually Orchestral Soundtrack
Belfast Waterfront Hall
5 December, 8pm
Watch Love Actually while a full orchestra performs its soundtrack live to picture, a unique way to watch the film that has gotten so many into the holiday spirit for the last 15 years.
A live orchestra will perform Craig Armstrong’s evocative score at the show, with the film being projected onto a huge screen. Armstrong is one of the UK’s most recognised film composers, with his work being awarded a BAFTA for his Achievement in Film Music.
Tickets: £45-£55
https://www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/love-actually/#
Jack Whitehall: Stood Up
SSE ARENA
19 December
Award-winning comedian, actor and writer, Jack Whitehall, takes the stage for his brand new show. Following two sell out arena tours, Jack Whitehall: Stood Up promises to be his most hilarious yet from this comedian who is firmly on the road to becoming a global megastar.
Tickets: £22.50-£54.50
https://www.ssearenabelfast.com/whats-on/jack-whitehall-stood-up
Rod Stewart
SSE Arena
2 Dec
Following the release of his 30th studio album, Blood Red Roses, Rod Stewart is returning to Belfast in December for the first time in three years. As one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music, his shows will include classics from throughout his career.
Tickets: £75-£120
https://www.ssearenabelfast.com/whats-on/rod-stewart
Christmas Movie Nights
The Treehouse, 38-42 Upper Arthur St, Belfast
10-23 December
Get into the festive spirit with a selection of classic Christmas movies up on the roof (and under the cherry blossom) at The Treehouse. Choose from classics... It's a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, Elf and Love Actually, screening between 10-23 December.
Plenty of cosy blankets and heaters will keep you cosy at this rooftop retreat.
Tickets: £15 - movie screening & platter / £20 - mulled wine on arrival, movie screening & platter