Building up to the most special time of the year in Mid & East Antrim…. It’s CHRISTMAS (*almost)
The evenings get darker, the days get shorter. It all gets colder. We’ve been here before. And yet, despite all that, you can’t help but be in a good mood. Why? You know why, because it’s the run up to Christmas! The most special time of year, when we get to spoil our friends and family (and ourselves!). The next 6 weeks will be a special time, and we’re here to try and help you make it even more special by making the most of it in Mid & East Antrim. Below you will find some suggestions on events and happenings that will make this Christmas run up the best one yet!
Friday Night Lights…Larne Edition: Friday 21st November
Friday 21st November sees the Christmas tree light switch on come to Larne, Broadway to be exact from 5pm - 8pm (switch on 7.30pm). There will be a full programme of entertainment taking place at Broadway from 5pm featuring onstage live music, kids’ entertainment and festive walkabout performers. Santa will lead a special parade that will leave Larne Market Yard around 7pm before heading to Broadway to switch on the lights at 7.30pm.
Make it special: Why not head into town early for a delicious hot chocolate from Creed Coffee - sure to hit the spot (and warm everyone up!).
Whitehead…white Christmas? Why not
What? Whitehead Victorian Street Fair
When? Saturday 29th November 12-8pm
The Whitehead Victorian Street Fair has been a festive tradition since 2008, celebrating the town's heritage with a charming Victorian theme. From roaming street entertainers, arts and crafts to Christmas stalls, refreshments, and street vendors, it’s the perfect backdrop to the Christmas lights switch-on. With a live music and entertainment stage hosting a jam-packed schedule of local acts, you can meet Santa in his grotto, enjoy steam train rides, hog roasts, fairground rides, kids' entertainment, and more!
Later in the evening you can experience the Civic Carol service in Whitehead Presbyterian Church, followed by a lantern parade, Christmas sing-a-long, and the official Christmas Lights switch-on. Weather permitting, the festivities culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at 5:50 pm along the promenade.
Tip: For a special treat at the street fair why not check out the Victorian Fair Steam Day at Whitehead Railway Museum! Tickets can be booked in advance, for more information and to book, click here.
A special arrival in Ballymena… and we’re not talking about Santa!
Friday 5th December sees the long-awaited grand opening of the new Primark store in Ballymena, as the retail giant comes to The Fairhill. Sure to be high on the list of those seeking new clothes for Christmas as well as stocking fillers (or just a nosey!), the town is going to be buzzing! Regarded as one of the premier shopping towns in the country, why not make a day of it by heading into town. Treat yourself to some lunch at the always great Nobel Café before filling your boots with a day of shopping and fun.
And then…
If the Christmas lights and buzz of the town has you in the festive spirit there is only one thing for it to finish off a great day, a visit to the Ecos Centre where the Braid Film Theatre are showing the all time Christmas Classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Tickets can be booked in advance with the show starting at 7.00pm. For more info and to book, click here.
Cosy and content in Carrickfergus…the festive season done right
If instead of hustle and bustle you want to slow the pace and bit and get crafty, Carrickfergus has you covered with an array of wholesome activities running in the town in the lead up to Christmas.
First, if you’re keen on getting into the festive spirit the old fashioned way, why not head to our Winter Wreath Making Workshop which is running 22nd & 23rd November at Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum. Priced at £35 per person, all materials- as well as seasonal refreshments- are provided, and best of all of course, you get to take home your creation and hang it on your door. The perfect way to get into the swing of things.
if that’s enough adult fun for one day and you fancy giving the kids (or grandkids) a chance at getting creative, why not bring them along to our ‘Christmas Cheer at Andrew Jackson Cottage craft event on Saturday 29th November. Priced at just £5 per child, the kids will get a chance to craft a range of creations, from Christmas crafts to decorating Mallow on a stick. Booking essential.
Discover the full line-up...
The events covered above are a small selection of what's happening accross the borough this festive season. For a full list of what's happening this Christmas between Carrickfergus, Ballymena, Larne and beyond, have a look at our Christmas events page here.
Winter Warmers and Local Gifts at The Gobbins Visitor Centre
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The Gobbins Visitor Centre is home to a gift shop stocking a wide range of locally made gifts, unique in both design and origin, making this a must-stop on your Chistmas shopping expiditions over the next month. You'll find crafts and gifts here from a variety of local producers and makers, giving your gifts the edge when it comes to something different! After you've browsed the shop, stop at the delightful Greedy Gannet cafe next door, where you'll find a great menu full of delicious, hearty lunch options, with local ingredients and a warm welcome, you'll be glad you called at this hidden treasure in Islandmagee!
Visitor Information - advice and inspiration in every town...
Planning to explore our beautiful region this season? Make your adventure even better by stopping at one of our Visitor Information Points along the way.
Whether you’re wandering through Carnlough, soaking up history in Gracehill, enjoying the charm of Broughshane, or exploring Carrickfergus, you’ll find helpful, connected information points ready to inspire your next stop.
From Larne and Islandmagee to Whitehead, Glenarm, and beyond, each location offers up-to-date tips, ideas, and recommendations on things to see and do nearby.
