With the Christmas countdown nearing its climax, this weekend could be a time of seasonal stress for many. However, we have your guide to all things fun and festive whether you need to do some last-minute shopping or are trying to decide what Christmas movie to watch.
FAMILY
North Down Museum Pop Up Shop, December 23 at 10am
Browse North Down museum’s galleries, which are filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that special (last minute) gift and support your local crafters.
The shop is free to explore during their normal opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am–4pm and Sunday 12–4pm.
The museum will be festively decorated and the café, Coffee Cure, will be open so you can pop in for a hot coffee or chocolate whilst you shop ‘til you drop.
Brunch with Santa, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, December 23 10am-1pm
Your last chance to indulge in a magical brunch with the Big Man himself before he makes his way around the world on Christmas Eve. Join Santa for a festive morning filled with delicious delights and holiday cheer - no ticket or booking required.
A Tribute: Christmas Candlelight Concert, Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre, December 23 at 6pm
Take a bit of time to relax this weekend. Perhaps under the gentle glow of candlelight in the beautiful Chichester Ball room, guests will be immersed into the Christmas Spirit with an awe-inspiring line up of Christmas tunes, played by a string quartet.
Featuring the Wham! classic Last Christmas, as well as Jingle Bells, Rocking around the Christmas Tree and Love is all around. It will be a Christmas cracker.
FRIENDS
Winter Skate, SSE Arena Belfast, December 22 at 10pm
Winter Skate offers you the chance to lace up a pair of skates and take to the ice at the home of the Belfast Giants.
Starting with a twilight session following the Giants’ home game against the Fife Flyers on Friday December 22.
There will also be inclusive sessions throughout the rest of December and January which will have a reduced on-ice capacity and will have no flashing lights or loud music playing in the Arena, providing a more comfortable environment for children and adults with disabilities, autism, or sensory needs.
Tickets are priced at £9.50 per person for standard skate sessions, £30 for a family of four, and £36 for a family of five.
Swiftogeddon, Empire Music Hall Belfast, December 22 at 9pm
Back by popular demand Taylor Swift (well, her music...) will once again be taking over the Empire Music Hall with tracks such as All Too Well, Lover, Exile and of course, Christmas Tree Farm.
Stereo, 18 Cregagh Road Belfast, Monday-Friday 10am-3:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:30am-3:30pm
If you feel like you need a break from the Christmas craziness why not stop in at Stereo for a coffee or to try their iconic Ferrero Rocher French toast. The perfect place to have some to time to yourself or catch up with a friend.
@nifoodreviews This french toast has a special place in my heart🥵❤️ Service was a little on the slow side, but the food was SO good… 9/10. #nifoodreviews #nifood #nifoodie #northernireland #belfast #belfastfoodie #belfastfood #belfastfoodblog #belfastfoodblogger #belfastfoodbloggers #eastbelfast
♬ Buttercup - Jullian & Sophie Wood
WATCH
The Gruffalo’s Child + Stick Man, Odeon Cinema Belfast, December 23 at 10:10am
Watch two of Julia Donaldson’s timeless tales come to life in this hour-long back-to-back screening.
The Muppet Christmas Carol, Odeon Cinema Belfast, December 23 at 10:10am
The Muppets tell their version of the classic Dickens story of an old and bitter man’s redemption on Christmas Eve.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, All Cinemas from December 22
When an ancient power is unleashed Aquaman must forge an uneasy alliance with an unlikely ally to protect Atlantis and the world from irreversible devastation.