Ten Things to do in Northern Ireland this Week: 16 – 22nd November

The lovely folks at Discover Northern Ireland have compiled a handy wee list of fun things to do this week in NI. From Christmas Lights to Santa’s Workshop, this is a pretty festive edition:

Lisburn Christmas Lights Switch On, Market Square, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, November 19.
Lisburn never fails to disappoint with its spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On, featuring school children, street performers and carnival entertainment. Begins at 6pm.

The Bard of Armagh 2015, Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Co. Armagh, November 20.
The Bard of Armagh, Ireland’s Unique Festival of Humorous Verse is celebrating 21 years of uproarious bardic revelry. People travel from every corner of Ireland and abroad to savour this unique cultural entertainment event. The performers on the final night will attempt to generate tornadoes of laughter with the aim of being crowned the champion of humorous verse.

Belfast Beer & Cider Festival, Ulster Hall, Bedford Street, Belfast, November 19-21.
This festival houses the biggest bar in Ireland featuring 70 hand pumps, pub games, tutored beer tastings, Champion Beer of Festival competition, local food stall and live music from late afternoons. There will be over 100 real ales and ciders featuring local and mainland breweries and for the first time all ciders will be from Northern Ireland.

Christmas at Hillmount, Hillmount Nursery, Upper Braniel Road, Belfast, November 21.
Santa will be making a very special arrival at Hillmount along with his helpers Peppa, Mickey and Minnie! Join in the festive fun with live reindeer and free face painting. You can enjoy a delicious range of festive food and drink and the U105 crew will be there to supply the Christmas cheer!

Festival of Light, Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, November 20-29.
Based on the ‘Son et Lumiere’ shows that originated in France this year’s festive show promises to be a fascinating display. See the famous Lake Walk and wonderful art installations come alive to the sound of mystical music and shimmering colour. Take a peek inside the family home and enjoy the chance to see a selection of rooms revealed in a new light.

TO SEE OUR PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MOUNT STEWART A FEW YEARS AGO CLICK HERE.

Enniskillen Christmas Lights Switch On, The Diamond, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, November 21.
Entertainment in the Diamond from 3pm with live music, face painting, balloon modelling, cartoon characters, stilt walkers and street entertainment as well as a flash dance routine. Santa and his parade will commence from Quay Lane Car Park from 4.50pm and will conclude with the lights being switched on at 5.30pm.

Christmas Craft Market at Flowerfield, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Coleraine Road, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, currently running until December 19.
Do you seem to spend each Christmas scratching your head to think of unique gift ideas for the special people in your life? Then look no further than Flowerfield Arts Centre. The award-winning arts centre will welcome another major Christmas Craft Market and exhibition offering unique hand-made crafts for sale at affordable prices, from some of the most exciting craftmakers in Northern Ireland.

Visit Santa’s Workshop at the Linen Green, Unit 2 The Linen Green, Main Road, Moygashel, Co. Tyrone, November 19-23.
Treat your kids this Christmas with a visit to Santa’s Toy Emporium. Children will be able to take part in a range of seasonal activities before getting to meet Santa and his crew for a beautiful photograph. Each child will receive a Christmas gift from Santa as well as a photograph to take home.

Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On, Bangor Town Hall, Castle Park, Bangor, Co. Down, November 21.
Kick start the festive season and watch the skies above Bangor come alive with a spectacular fireworks display before the Christmas lights are switched on. Light switch on and fireworks commence at 5.30pm.

C.S. Lewis Festival, various locations, Belfast, November 19-22.
The third C.S. Lewis Festival marks the 52nd anniversary of the death of the renowned author, theologian, academic and creator of the incredible Chronicles of Narnia series. There will be something for everyone; theatre, workshops, craft fairs, films, talks, music and much more.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click here or visit your local tourist information centre or log onto Facebook.