Discover more in Northern Ireland.
From the world-famous Giant's Causeway to the world-class Mount Stewart estate, discover the best things to see and do in Northern Ireland.
Christmas in Northern Ireland
Explore twinkling Christmas markets, indulge in festive family activities and visit our historic houses dressed in all the trimmings. Whether you're seeking adventure or a cosy retreat, National Trust has something for everyone this Christmas season. Plan your festive day out in Northern Ireland and discover exciting events and experiences for the whole family.
Top Christmas days out in Northern Ireland
Christmas at Castle Ward
This festive season, at Castle Ward, visit the mansion house and estate for a taste of luxury, over-indulging and a grand party as the house prepares for Christmastide. The Georgians didn't celebrate Christmas as we know it. For them it wasn't about children or Santa - it was about partying! Excess, luxury items and feasting was the order of the day - for 12 days! We'll be indulging in a taste of Georgian excess with our mansion house decorated for the Christmas season. See the dining table laid for a feast and the kitchens busy preparing.
Christmas at The Argory
Admire The Argory dressed for an 1800s Christmas. Trees, trinkets and garlands will decorate the rooms and the dining room will be filled with festive fare. Experience what life was like for the MacGeough Bond family and their servants as they prepare for the festive season.
Christmas at Rowallane Garden
Join us over the winter season for a homemade Christmas at Rowallane Garden. Look out for alternative Christmas trees on a family-friendly trail through the garden, learn how to make your own decorations, and enjoy a variety of fun festive activities.
Christmas at Mount Stewart
This winter add a sprinkle of seasonal magic with a visit to Mount Stewart. This Christmas season, join us for a festive children's trail, seasonal storytelling, family activities in the big House, wellness and gift making workshops, twinkly light and Christmassy musical performances.
Christmas on the North Coast
This winter add a sprinkle of seasonal magic to your days out with a visit to the North Coast. This holiday season, you're invited to join us at one of our festive events.
Browse a Christmas Market
The Argory Twilight Market
It's not Christmas without a visit to The Argory. Experience the twinkling Twilight Market on Friday 5 December and admire the house all a glow dressed for Christmas. 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 Argory Christmas Fair
The traditional Christmas Fair will take place on 6-7 December. The courtyard will be brimming with local stalls, and the sound of the silver band will bring the festive spirt alive. Trees, trinkets, and garlands will decorate the rooms of the house. Visit the festive food quarter for local delights and tasty treats. See Christmas through the eyes of a child in the Victorian era and enjoy traditions of the festive period.
Castle Ward Christmas Artisan Market
Celebrate the festive season at Castle Ward on 6-7 December. Explore the theatre space and Stable Yard, where local designers, makers and food vendors showcase handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. A wonderful opportunity to shop unique Christmas products and enjoy a magical day out.
Rowallane Garden Yuletide Market
Experience the magic of the season at Rowallane Garden with a variety of festive events perfect for all ages. The Yuletide Market, running from 13-14 December, is a highlight, offering local crafts, seasonal scents, and live choir performances. Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa as he strolls through the gardens!
Explore Historic Houses dressed for the season
Christmas at Mount Stewart
This winter add a sprinkle of seasonal magic with a visit to Mount Stewart. This Christmas season, join us for a festive children's trail, seasonal storytelling, family activities in the big House, wellness and gift making workshops, twinkly light and Christmassy musical performances.
Christmas at Castle Ward
We'll be indulging in a taste of Georgian excess with our mansion house decorated for the Christmas season. See the dining table laid for a feast and the kitchens busy preparing.
Christmas at The Argory
Admire The Argory dressed for an 1800s Christmas. Trees, trinkets and garlands will decorate the rooms and the dining room will be filled with festive fare. Experience what life was like for the MacGeough Bond family and their servants as they prepare for the festive season.
Take a Winter wander
Mount Stewart Festive Family Trail
Wrap up warm and embark on a magical winter adventure at Mount Stewart this winter with our festive family trail. Dander around the lake walk from 28 November until 4 January.
Castle Ward Winter Guided Walk
Embrace the outdoors this festive season at Castle Ward with volunteer-led walks on 4 and 18 December. Each 5K walk explores a different area of the estate, offering a chance to discover new sights and seasonal scenery. Perfect for families, children, and those with all-terrain pushchairs or wheelchairs - and four-legged friends are welcome too.
Divis and Black Mountain Winter Solstice Walk
Mark the winter solstice with a guided sunset walk to the summit of Divis Mountain on 21 December. Wander through peaceful landscapes before reaching the top to enjoy breath-taking views as the sun sets on the shortest day of the year.
Mount Stewart New Year's Day Walk
Discover the seasonal beauty of the South and West Terrace on a guided tour with a member of our Garden Team. Explore the formal gardens and Lake Walk while learning about winter-flowering shrubs, trees of seasonal interest, and the first bulbs in bloom. The tour also offers a glimpse into exciting projects planned for 2026.
Get creative at our Christmas Craft Workshops
Macramé Christmas Decoration making at Rowallane Garden
Kick off the festive season on 22 November with Memory Makers, by learning how to make your own Macramé Festive Decorations in the beautiful surroundings of Rowallane Garden.
Christmas Woodcarving Workshop at Hezlett House
Have you ever appreciated the beauty and flowing lines of a woodcarving and thought this is something you would like to try? This Introduction to Woodcarving class on 22 November with Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to produce a relief woodcarving of your own to take home and enjoy.
Christmas Wreath Making at Hezlett House
Get in the festive mood and join our talented team of volunteers on 26 and 28 November, as they show you how to create a beautiful, unique Christmas wreath for your front door, using fresh foliage and berries gathered from Downhill Demesne. Workshops will take place at Hezlett House.
Willow Weaving at Castle Coole
Unleash your creativity with the heritage craft of willow weaving at a series of hands-on workshops at Castle Coole on 29 November and 6 December. Come along and learn the traditional craft of willow weaving in the magnificent surroundings of Castle Coole in a cosy room in The Grand Yard and create a piece of your own to take home.
Once Upon A Crafty Christmas at Divis and Black Mountain
Come along for a festive morning of imagination and making for kids with Wee Bookworms on 30 November. Join Madeline for a morning of seasonal storytelling and Christmas craft making to get you into the festive spirit.
Festive Wreath Making at Mount Stewart
Get creative in the run up to Christmas and join us for our Festive Wreath Making workshop on 6 or 11 December. Using natural, dried materials foraged from the gardens at Mount Stewart, along with some additional Christmas scents and embellishments, make something beautiful and personal for your home.
Unwind with Music and Mindfulness this Winter
Christmas Carol Concert at Mussenden Temple with Renaissance Chamber Choir
Kick off the festive season with our carol concert beneath the cliffs at Mussenden Temple – the Renaissance Chamber Choir bring seasonal harmony in a breathtaking setting.
Christmas Carol Concert at Mussenden Temple with Counterpoint Choir
Soak up the spirit of the season at Mussenden Temple as Counterpoint Choir fills this iconic space with beautiful Christmas harmonies overlooking the Atlantic.
Pilates by Candlelight at The Argory
Unwind with a soothing Pilates session by candlelight at The Argory, finished with a moment to relax and enjoy seasonal refreshments.
Christmas Carol Concert at Mussenden Temple with Cantemus Choir
Celebrate the festive season in the stunning surrounds of Mussenden Temple, where Cantemus Choir will perform an afternoon of timeless Christmas carols and choral favourites.
Winter Solstice Sound Spa Retreat Experience at Mount Stewart
Join us in the majestic Temple of the Winds for a Winter Solstice Sound Spa Retreat - lie back, breathe deep and let healing tones carry you into the season’s light.
Christmas crafts to try at home
Make a natural Christmas wreath
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing activity or a festive way to bring the family together, follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to make a Christmas wreath.
Make a pine cone Christmas decoration
Learn how to make a pine cone mouse and other simple, sustainable Christmas decorations, using materials that you can forage when you’re out on a winter walk.
Make festive paper chain decorations
Learn how to make a sophisticated version of the paper chain, a classic 19th-century Christmas decoration that’s simple for adults and children alike.
Recipes for Christmas treats
Quick-mix Christmas cake
Our last minute quick-mix Christmas cake is perfect if you haven't had the time to follow a traditional recipe. It tastes great too.
Mince pie brownies
A festive twist on a classic brownie, these indulgent mince pie brownies make for a great dessert and are a great way to use up any leftover mince pies.
Make a gingerbread house
Fancy making your own gingerbread house? With our simple biscuit recipe and video, and your choice of design, you can't go wrong with this classic tasty treat.
