NI Christmas Markets

The Halloween fireworks have barely burned out when the shops had already rolled out the Christmas decorations, but we've decided to jump right in and embrace the holiday spirit. With that, below is a list of five upcoming Christmas markets springing up across NI...

Belfast Christmas Market

Arguably the most well-known market thanks to its twice yearly visits to the grounds of Belfast City Hall, the Christmas Market is due to return on Saturday, 19 November.
This year the market features up to 20 new stalls featuring numerous local food and craft producers, celebrating Northern Ireland's Year of Food and Drink 2016.
This year will also offer a new 'Buddy Scheme'. Keen to promote accessibility for everyone, the market is inviting individuals with additional accessibility requirements to attend the market, with or without a buddy, during a quieter time of day – 10am -12 noon, Monday – Wednesday. A free tours of the market can be provided, with advanced booking. More information can be found at marketplaceeurope.com.
Opening hours are: • Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 8pm • Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 10pm (finishes at 8pm on Thursday 22 December) • Sunday: 1pm - 6pm.
Santa's Grotto and Post Box Don't forget about Santa's Grotto which will be open during these hours: • Monday - Wednesday: 11am - 6pm • Thursday - Friday: 11am - 7pm • Saturday: 11am - 6pm • Sunday: 1pm - 6pm.
And if you post Santa a letter via his post box, in the grounds of the Belfast Christmas Market, by 21 December, you can expect to receive a letter back from Father Christmas!

Ballymoney Big Christmas Weekend

A christmas arts, crafts and culture celebration, offering entertainment for the whole family, including: pony rides, a large animal petting farm, arts and crafts, carol singers, kid's amusements, Santa's Grotto and large Winter Wonderland.
On Friday, 18 November, you are invited to the Ullans Centre to join a Christmas Knitting and Crochet morning, where you can learn how to make that extra special gift. 10:00am – 12:00pm.
After this the Schools Christmas Carols will be performed by children from local schools in the Castlecroft Area at 12 until 2pm. There will also be a Christmas Floral Art Class with all materials provided in the Ullans Centre from 2 to 4pm.
And on Saturday, 19 November, the whole family is invited to a winter wonderland at Elim Church, Knock Road Ballymoney, visit Santa in his grotto and enjoy the animals in the Petting Zoo. There will be Face Painting, a Church Puppet Show, Caricatures and Cartoon Characters and Photo booth.
The Carol singers will keep the magic alive as you browse the many stalls. There will be a Hot Food Van, Mr Slushtails, Tea/Coffee and Traybakes and entertainment from Local Artists Justin McGurk and Alistair Coyles.

Ark Community Plant & Craft Winter Market

On Saturday, 26 November, Ark Community Gardens will be holding a Plant & Crafts Winter Market featuring plant stalls, craft gifts, a food fayre and much more.
The plant market will feature seasonal flowers, floral gift baskets and festive pots, Christmas trees, holly & ivy, plus a wide selection of perennials & shrubs including various rhododendrons and azaleas.
There will also be a selection of craft gifts, featuring a range of locally produced crafts including festive wreaths and decorations, candles, jewellery, a range of natural lavender products, wood crafts and hand painted furniture plus much more.
The Food Fayre will feature home made jams chutneys, local honey and fresh locally grown seasonal vegetables.
The event will also enable people to experience and obtain first hand information on the range of growing and craft programmes now offered to people of all ages while enjoying a day of seasonal festivities at the Plant & Craft Winter Market.
The event will take place at Ark Community Gardens in Newcastle, Co Down on Saturday, 26 November.

Rowallane Yuletide Market

On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December from you are invited to come and soak up the Christmas atmosphere with dozens of local craft and food stalls, selling a range of locally produced items and festive goods.
Rowallane's gardening team have been working with the support of Downpatrick New Horizons - Action Mental Health to produce stunning festive wreaths, which will be available throughout the weekend. The Gardens inspirational Head Gardener will also be on hand demonstrating her floral art skills, so a perfect place to get that special handmade craft for the dinner table or a gift for a friend.
Whilst browsing around the stalls soak up the festive atmosphere created by local choirs each day in the Stableyard, sip on a cup of traditional hot mulled punch or take the weight of your feet with a winter warmer in our café.
There will also be a children's carousel and the chance to meet Trixie and Pixie the NI Reindeers who will take you on a walk to find a famous chap with a white beard and a red suit, who keeps going missing!
So, start the festive season with a swing and come along to Rowallane Garden to avoid the last minute rush by visiting this long standing traditional Yuletide Market, where you will be able to do all your festive shopping in one.
nationaltrust.org.uk

Christmas Market at Raceview Mill

Raceview Mill's Indoor Food and Craft market will turn all festive on Saturday 10 December, with a host of artisan market traders offering an array of bespoke and handcrafted Christmas items, ideal for the home or for last minute gifts.
Of course no seasonal event would be complete without a visit from Santa and some carol singers to liven the spirit.
Raceview tenant, The Dog Stop Spa Boutique, will also be running a very special photoshoot...for your pet dog(s). With the help of Peter of the Pet Photography NI, visitors will be able to take home a professional photo for £10.
With free onsite parking, a toasty warm coffee shop offering some delicious treats and public toilets, there are plenty of amenities at Raceview.
Bring all the family, even the pet dog.
raceviewmill.com