NOW the kids are off school and many families across Northern Ireland are looking for some precious quality time together, Tourism Northern Ireland have compiled a list of events taking place every week.
Top 10 Things To Do This Holiday Season:
1. Espie the Elf Christmas Trail
Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, Co. Down
Until December 31 come along to Castle Espie and discover the mischievous antics of Espie the Elf on their Christmas Trail. There are ten large scale photos of mischievous elf scenes to be discovered in places like the bird hides, woodland area and in the Secret Swamp. Will you find them all and what on earth has he been up to when nobody was looking?
2. Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto Tale
Belvoir Players Studio Theatre, Belfast
Enjoy this much loved Christmas Panto, running until 2 January. The evil Witch McGool has cursed the King and kidnapped Princess Rapunzel, locking her away in a tower. However, with the help of Prince O’Flynn, Queen Sadie Rumpy Pumpy and Fairy Nuff, Rapunzel just might be able to escape her tower, rescue her father and save this Pantomime!
3. Frozen Sing-A-Long Special
Strand Arts Centre, 152-154 Holywood Road, Belfast
On 28 December hear live songs performed by Elsa and Anna and enjoy face painting and colouring-in and a screening of the magical film. Dressing up is encouraged!
4. Jake O Kane – Gaggin On It
The Market Place Theatre, Market Street, Armagh, Co. Armagh
On 29 December, hot on the heels of last year’s sell-out tour, ‘Mouthful’, one of Northern Ireland’s finest comics, Jake O’Kane, is back. In his inimitable style, Jake takes no prisoners as he deals with the good, the bad and the ugly of 2015.
5. Turkey Run Rally
Shackleton, Ballykelly, Co. Londonderry
December 29. Attracting top Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland rally drivers and co-drivers, this event is rated one of the best rally events off the public roads in Northern Ireland. From 10am to 5pm.
6. Christmas Country Showtime with the Stars
The Braid Arts Centre, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim
Country fans sit back and enjoy a real musical treat with ‘international princess of the steel guitar’ Sarah Jory, Bill Conlon, Farmer Dan (Barry Doyle) and Boxcar Brian blasts out his unique train whistle. The Charming Caitlin will take the audience on a musical journey and new comer Michael Mawhinney will make his Braid debut. Begins at 7.30pm.
7. The High Kings
Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
The High Kings are true heirs of Ireland’s folk heritage. Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden are renowned vocalists and musicians and have created the most exciting Irish ballad group to emerge since The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem electrified the worldwide folk revival of the 1960s. Show begins at 8pm.
8. Jazz Gazette Christmas Extravaganza
Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co Tyrone
Enjoy the Christmas season with an evening of superb jazz songs with a sprinkling of festive numbers performed by Jazz Gazette. The Cabaret style auditorium will be filled with the smooth sounds of classic and modern jazz. Begins at 8.30pm.
9. Cinderella
Belfast Waterfront, Lanyon Place, Belfast
Following last year’s hugely successful Jack and the Beanstalk, Belfast Waterfront is delighted to bring you the magical story of Cinderella, brought to life by a fabulous cast of larger than life characters! Children will love being part of this magical adventure, cheering the goodies, booing the baddies and joining in with the catchy sing-along songs!
10. Skate your way into the New Year,
Project 24, Queen’s Parade, Bangor, Co. Down,
Skate your way into the New Year at the outdoor synthetic ice rink at Project 24. Skates will be provided. From 10am to 8pm.
Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events log onto www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.