Christmas in Ards and North Down

Light Up Your Christmas in Ards and North Down in 2026

A festive calendar of events throughout November and December 2026 filled to the brim with ideas of how to make the most of this wonderful time of year.

In Ards and North Down you will find festive family fun aplenty! From pantomimes to music performances, and themed plays. Enjoy heart-warming traditional Christmas evenings in unique locations, kids festive storytelling, to those special visits to see Santa!

Traditional Family Fun

Immerse yourself in wholsesome traditional family fun at locations like the Ulster Folk Museum who are holding a number of Christmas themed events such as their popular annual Christmas Evenings (11 and 18 Dec).

Christmas Musical Experiences

Ulster Orchestra: On Your Doorstep at Christmas (5 December) and Festive Morning Melodies with NI Opera (9 December) bring Christmas to life in their beautiful performances that mark the beginning of the festive season.

Christmas Crafting

Create something personal led by experts in craft workshops - from wreath making to willow decoration creations - it is the perfect way to spend time out, and it's also great for wellbeing! Highlights include Ceramic Decoration Workshop (29 Nov)

Especially for Little Ones

Children can enjoy getting into the festive spirit with a number of activities at North Down Museum, from Christmas craft workshops like this one at North Down Museum, the Handmade Holiday Magic Workshop (5 Dec) to Jingle Bell Adventures with Jo Jingles (5 Dec) which is especially for those aged 6 and under.

For those who enjoy a show, the Ards and North Down Borough Council Arts and Culture section bring you All the Small Things (5 Dec) - M6's trademark beautiful design and heartwarming storytelling combine with singing, puppetry, and physical comedy in this brand-new spin on fairytales.

Gift Buying Made Easy

You are sure to find something perfect for everyone on your gift list at one of the many Christmas fairs and artisan craft markets taking place. The Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre (4 and 5 December) features some of our renowned local artists and makers, offering unique hand-crafted and locally designed products that make exquisite gifts. The annual Made in AND Christmas Pop-Up Shop at North Down Museum offers a beautiful selection of handcrafted gifts and artwork made by over 30 talented local artists and crafters, too. Discover more inspiration from our Christmas Gift Guide blog.

Seasonal Produce

Farmers' markets that offer seasonal ingredients to stock up on for the big day. And,

Embrace the Season

Events aside, there are many ways to spend a winter's day in our place, exploring the local surrounds. Find out how you could connect with nature this season and what makes us the most wonderful destination for all seasons.

Christmas for the Romantic's

It would be amiss not to mention that our place offers up the most romantic backdrops to help set the scene for special moments and special questions. Find out more about romantic walks in the Borough.

With walking spots both inland and shoreside, Ards and North Down is a beautiful place to spend down time, for all generations of the family, between forest trails and beaches, country parks and more, they each have the magic to reset and unwind.

New Year's Day Walks

For those who like to walk with a purpose, how about booking onto one of our New Year's Day walks in Donaghadee and Newtownards? Expert tour guides will enlighten you with their knowledge of the centuries deep history on which these towns are built - a perfect opportunity to 'blow off the cobwebs' and start 2027 afresh!

However you choose to spend Christmas in our place, you are sure to create warm memories.

Why not make a break of it - discover seasonal offers on accommodation and more and plan your trip here!

Please note that all details were correct at time of publication and as always are subject to change. Please check directly with each provider for the latest information before attending any event.