The nights are drawing in, it’s getting colder, and Christmas isn’t far away. Which means it’s time to get into the festive spirit – and there’s no better way than visiting the National Trust.
See historic houses decorated in the style of Christmases gone by, wrap up warm and enjoy the crunch of frost underfoot on family trails or shop for stocking fillers under twinkling lights at Christmas markets.
Janet Vance, Experiences and Partnerships Curator at the National Trust said:
“Whether it’s the mist rising on a morning walk, the sparkle of baubles and the glow fairy lights, there are hundreds of special moments just waiting to be enjoyed this Christmas with the National Trust across Northern Ireland.
“Enjoy a taste of Christmas past with historic houses dressed in all the trimmings, like Castle Ward’s Georgian Christmas. Experience the brand-new Twilight Market at The Argory and get creative with a Christmas Decoration workshop at Rowallane Garden.
“Or join family favourites, including a winter trail at Mount Stewart and cosy up for Christmas movies on the big screen at the Giant’s Causeway.”
Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events across Northern Ireland.
Events correct at time of issue, please check individual webpages for full details and availability.
Rowallane Garden
Experience the magic of the season at Rowallane Garden with a variety of festive events perfect for all ages. The Yuletide Market returns on 14 and15 December offering local crafts, seasonal scents, and live choir performances.
Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa as he strolls through the gardens! For those feeling creative, the Macramé Christmas Decoration Workshop on 23 November will teach you how to craft your own beautiful, reusable ornaments. Or, join the Cones and Conifers Garden Tour on 30 November for a guided walk through Rowallane Garden’s unique collection of rare evergreens.
The Argory
Experience the brand-new Twilight Market on 6 December and admire the house dressed for Christmas. Trees, trinkets, and garlands will decorate the rooms of the house, and the dining table will be dressed for a Christmas feast.
This enchanting evening is the perfect place to shop local and support talented stallholders from the community.
Wander through a charming array of market stalls, each brimming with beautifully handcrafted gifts, artisan foods, and festive treats.
The traditional Christmas Fair will take place on 7 and 8 December and the courtyard will be brimming with local stalls, and the sound of the silver band will bring the festive spirt alive. Visit the festive food quarter for a tasty BBQ, festive fries or indulge in a luxury hot chocolate. Santa may also stop by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
Christmas trees and The Argory's seasoned firewood will also be available to purchase throughout the weekend.
Castle Ward
It’s the return of the annual Georgian Christmas Market on 29 November to 1 December. Artisanal vendors will showcase unique local crafts and delectable seasonal treats. Visitors can wander the charming stalls, indulge in gourmet food and find perfect holiday gifts.
Sing along to festive songs from local school choirs or join us on 7 December for a Twilight Tour of the mansion house, featuring immersive living history experiences, a drinks reception, captivating Georgian storytelling, and enchanting music in partnership with Celtic Grace.
This unique blend of history and holiday spirit promises an unforgettable festive experience for all ages!
Mount Stewart
Be among the first to witness the beautifully decorated house during special late-night openings. Explore the family-friendly festive winter trail around the lake walk from 28 November until 6 January or join a December Garden Walk and soak up the peaceful beauty of winter.
Get crafty in a seasonal workshop and create your own natural Christmas wreath or make unique gifts at our aromatherapy workshop. Find the perfect present at our “Meet the Maker” shop experience on 30 November and enjoy a live festive performance by the Northern Ireland Concert Orchestra on 15 December.
Get cosy with our family storytelling sessions and indulge in delicious festive food and drink. For a truly special experience, unwind at the Sound Healing Spa - Winter Solstice Sound Spa Retreat on 21 December and start the new year with a refreshing New Year’s Day Walk.
Giant’s Causeway
A GIANT festive adventure awaits at Causeway Christmas on 7 and14 December. See the award-winning Visitor Centre beautifully transformed into a Christmas wonderland.
Bring some extra festive cheer by dawning your best Christmas jumpers and getting your face painted with ‘Facepainting By the Sea’, perfect for a family photo opportunity in front of the magnificently decorated trees and sparking lights.
Embark on the magical Christmas Trail before enjoying some traditional family games or creating your very own decoration to add a personal feel to your home this Christmas.
Brand new for this year, you can visit the North Coast Circus and learn a new skill to impress your loved ones over the festive period! Pop into our retail area and choose from a wide range of local and exclusive artisanal Christmas decorations and unique gifts. After making your way down to the geological wonder that is the Causeway Stones to indulge in a wealth of history, legend and imagination, warm up with a festive treat from our café and get comfortable in front of the big screen with the family to enjoy traditional, heart-warming Christmas cartoons and animations.
Castle Coole
Visit Castle Coole this festive season for a Cosy Christmas as you journey through the big house for some festive fun. Stop for a photo op in the Grand Hall beside the beautiful tree, before moving into the Breakfast Room for Christmas stories by the fire. Head deep into the basement to write your letter to Santa and get creative with a Christmasy craft – don’t forget to post your letter in our special ‘express delivery’ post box.
Finally, make your way to the kitchen for festive baking where you will bake and decorate some treats to take home. Don’t forget to collect your Castle Coole Christmas token for a hot chocolate in the tearoom before you leave!
For the grown-ups, treat yourself to a gift making workshop or a seat at the Christmas Banquet Experience on 12 December for a truly special festive evening where you'll enjoy a three-course banquet inspired by A Christmas Carol. Step back in time and indulge in a carefully crafted menu featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, paired with your choice of beverage. As you dine in the atmospheric basement of Castle Coole, you'll also be serenaded by live carol singers, adding to the festive magic of the night.
North Coast
Embrace the elements and enjoy a relaxing day out on the world-famous north coast this winter. Discover Downhill’s clifftop landscape that’s steeped in history and nature by taking a dander along the wild, dramatic headland and soaking up the breath-taking views from the iconic Mussenden Temple.
The beach isn't just for summer; wrap up warm for a winter's walk on the golden stretches of sand at the inclusive Portstewart Strand or secluded White Park Bay. And explore the charming conservation village of Cushendun where its traditional stone walls will lead you to a quaint cafe or cosy pub where you can take shelter from the cold outside.