Got any weekend plans? Well, here's our guide on what to watch and where to go from indoor snowball fights to ABBA Chrismas parties, we have got you covered whether you are going out or staying in.
FAMILY
Santa at Montalto, Montalto Estate Ballynahinch, December 8
The idyllic Montalto Estate has been transformed into a winter wonderland this December. On arrival meet Santa’s head elf as they take you on a journey through the enchanted Christmas trail before reaching Montalto House where Mrs Clause will take over, hosting a multitude of activities from Christmas letter writing to reindeer food making before meeting the big man himself.
Read more:
Queen hosts Clarence House Christmas party for poorly children
Indoor Snowball Fight, W5 SSE Arena Belfast, from December 7 - 31
Enjoy all the perks of a snow day without getting frozen fingers. The warm, dry and soft snow is really cool but in no way cold. Costing £11 for adults and £9 for children aged 3-15 with toddlers going three why not try something different this winter?
North Pole post office, W5 SSE Arena Belfast, from December 7-23
Although many of us are planning to spend Christmas surround by loved ones the unfortunate reality is that is can also be a difficult and lonely time of year for others. Help W5 spread Christmas cheer by creating a festive care for someone who might otherwise be alone over the holidays.
Walking With the Snowman, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Lisburn, from December 7-January 7
The beloved The Snowman is brought to life in a trail around the stunning gardens.
FRIENDS
Are Yule Being Served? The MAC Belfast, December 7-31
Caroline Curran’s new adult Christmas comedy play Are Yule Being Served? ventures outside the traditional fairytale retellings and instead focuses on the horror facing hospitality over the holidays.
ABBA Christmas Party, Boneyard 29 Bedford Street, Belfast, December 9
Calling all ABBA super-fans this is your opportunity to become a bona fide dancing queen. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with disco and dazzling tunes whilst enjoying a few cocktails. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged, and the theme is ‘Disco Santa Vibes’.
Pleasuredome 80s/ Now The 90s Christmas Cracker, The Empire Music Hall, December 9
Get your glad rags on as Pleasuredome and Now The 90’s return with a festice spectacular, promising the most memorable office party since Die Hard. From your favourite movie hits to the chartbusters from the cheese on toast to the ultimate anthems, all live, all night long.
TV/MOVIES
Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream Final, ITVX, December 10
The final instalment of ITV’s latest musical reality show will air live on Sunday night from the Novello Theatre on the West End. Watch as local Belfast actor Owen Johnston competes against Tobias Turley for the role of Sky in the West End production of Mamma Mia!
Read more:
Review: Mamma Mia! Fun with a capital F for dancing queens and super troupers
The Doll Factory, Paramount+, available now
This new thriller series based on the book by Elizabeth Macneal tells the tale of Iris and her twin sister, who work in a doll factory in London. Iris dreams of becoming an artist, but with her limited means, not to mention being a woman, this dream seems out of reach.
Wonka, available to watch in cinemas now
A prequel to the classic story we know and love, Wonka focuses on a young Willy Wonka and how he came to meet the Oompa-Loompas on one of his earliest adventures.
Read more:
Wonka: Timothée Chalamet shines in an otherwise pedestrian prequel
Family Switch, Netflix, available now
A family descends into chaos days before Christmas when a rare cosmic event causes the parents to swap bodies with their teenage kids.
Leo, Netflix, available now
Adam Sandler is a lizard named Leo in this coming-of-age musical comedy about the last year of elementary school as seen through the eyes of a class pet.
