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Welcome to the most lush and cosy hotel in the capital: The Trinity City Hotel , located in the heart of Dublin city- the perfect stay for city explorers, business travellers, romantic stays and family getaways. With their Christmas lights up, The Trinity City Hotel is the perfect place for a winter break- whether you're looking to cosy up in their plush rooms, relax after a long day of shopping or catch up with your friends before Christmas- there's something for everyone! This Irish-owned hotel is distinctively furnished with imaginative interiors, contemporary rooms, strong wifi, excellent food and decadent cocktails. Their team of award-winning staff are on hand to get you what you need, when you need it. And if all this wasn’t enough, when you book direct on trinitycityhotel.com you’ll also receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival! The Rooms During your stay at The Trinity City Hotel, you have a list of choices in your accommodation preferences. Every room comes with state-of-the-art coffee machines, Ritual bathrooms amenities alongside a range of other comforts including individually controlled air-conditioning, complimentary 200MB Wi-Fi for multiple devices, blackout curtains and flat-screen TVs alongside 24-hour room service.     Dining At The Trinity City Hotel, you’re spoiled for choice on the doorstep of Dublin’s Temple Bar and Grafton Street Quarter district but this hotel also offers a wide variety of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner in their cosy and elegant restaurant and bar areas. The Courtyard Restaurant Wind down or catch up in the spacious, light-filled, indoor Courtyard Restaurant. The team of chefs at The Trinity City Hotel use local and seasonal produce so you can experience the very best Irish cooking, matched with a carefully selected wine list. There are tasty options for vegetarian and vegan preferences as well as a children’s menu! Their cosy heated Courtyard Garden offers a welcome retreat from the bustle of the city where you can enjoy outdoor dining and delicious cocktails. Whether it’s a family meal, a business lunch meeting, an overdue catch-up with friends or a romantic night out; enjoy fuss-free dining to suit your occasion! They also have some excellent Christmas treats serving up delicious Homemade Slow Roasted Bronze Turkey and Honey Baked Irish Ham, Chargrilled Fillet of Beef and Pan Roasted Sea Bass for mains and an Assiette of Homemade Christmas Desserts to finish off the evening! Lunch served between 12:00pm - 4:30pm, daily. Dinner served between 5:00pm - 9:30pm, daily. Book here !   Brunswick Lounge You can also choose to dine for lunch or dinner at the recently refurbished Brunswick Bar and Lounge. Here, you can absorb the ambience from the downtown corner of the city as you catch up with friends, family and colleagues.  Menus offer the classics as well as chefs’ favourites, tailored to suit all ages and preferences! Enjoy a perfectly poured Guinness, expertly crafted cocktail or revitalizing coffee before (or after) you head out to explore all that Dublin City has to offer! Stop in for lunch or dinner, served from 12pm to 9:30pm, book here Christmas Shopping The 262-room hotel occupies a legendary location, opposite Trinity College Dublin. You’ll find Dublin on your doorstep, with Grafton Street shopping, Temple Bar restaurants and nightlife, St Stephen’s Green Park and O’Connell Street shopping all within a short distance. The hotel reflects a Christmassy decor inside and out: it's so magical and cosy inside that you won't want to leave! But when you do, here are the best places to shop for Christmas gifts when staying at The Trinity City Hotel: Grafton Street:  you'll find everything you need just an 8-minute walk from the hotel- from Sketchers to Marks and Spencer's, Aimee Connolly's flagship store and a range of amazing gifts in Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. Alongside a range of luxury fashion options, upstairs in Brown Thomas  you'll find the perfect Christmas gifts for wine lovers, tech experts, chocolate-lovers, house warming gifts and a range of luxury coffee-table books! Pop into the Christmas Shop in Brown Thomas to pick up decorations for your tree and a curated selection of Irish branded gifts for your loved ones! Henry Street is just an eleven-minute walk from The Trinity City Hotel, you'll also find a wealth of options along Henry Street- from perfumes, jewellery and more in Arnott's ,  to the open Christmas markets selling stocking stuffers, you can get a range of soaps and bath bombs in Lush and shop Van's, Golden Discs, Bershka and Superdrug in Jervis Street Shopping Centre. Apart from the main shopping areas, you'll also find a plethora of shopping options along Dame Street - from the gorgeous Padison and Yule shop, to a range of gift shops for your out-of-Ireland family members! In  Temple Bar , you can find something intrinsically Irish in the Design & Craft Market that takes place on Temple Bar Square every Thursday and Saturday alongside Design Lane - which is worth the short walk for beautiful handcrafted gifts from local Irish artists! Whether you're marvelling at the spectacular Dublin lights across the city, out for a catch-up with friends, grabbing gifts for all the relatives or finding something for your Christmas day style- Dublin has it all. In the evening, you'll be glad that you booked The Trinity City Hotel to cosy up, get warm and indulge in a mulled wine! Merry Christmas! Book today at trinitycityhotel.com

After the Christmas chaos comes the calm, and Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is turning that in-between lull into something truly special with its Twixmas & Beyond: A New Year Reset Package. Guests are invited to slow down in style with a curated experience that blends indulgence and intention, from late check-ins and leisurely breakfasts in bed to relaxed afternoons spent unwinding with Netflix, a good book, or a glass of bubbly in hand. The experience encourages guests to pause, breathe, and savour the slower pace of the season. The package combines comfort and care, featuring thoughtful touches like a New Year Reset Kit, scenic walks along Killiney Bay, and wellness-inspired amenities such as cosy robes, eye masks and slippers. For those seeking deeper relaxation, add-on leisure activities will also be the perfect way to melt away the year’s stress and step into 2026 feeling refreshed and recharged. This package includes: 4 Star Hotel Quality & Service With Breathtaking Scenery. Comfort, Spacious & Stylish Rooms. Full Breakfast Included - Freshly Sourced Produce.  Five-Course Gourmet Dinner* served in PJ's Restaurant with a Glass of Champagne upon arrival Live music in our lobby until 1am Tea & Coffee Facilities In Each Room. Inhouse Bar & Restaurant - Serving Food Daily, Many Options Available To Suit All Tastes. Full Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool Available To Guests Padel Courts Available on Site at Additional Cost. Book Court times on Playtomic App Complimentary Car Parking Facilities. This package is available for €400 for dates booked between the 31st of December to the 1st of January 2026 . For more information and to book, visit fiztpatrickcastle.com

This Christmas, Smithfield Square transforms into TwinkleTown – Dublin’s Sparkling New Christmas Experience and your newest festive tradition in the making! Step into the joy of the season, where twinkling lights and a sprinkle of magic are sure to ignite your festive spirit. There’s something for all ages at TwinkleTown, the perfect place to make memories that will sparkle for years to come. What's On Santo Panto Kickstart your festive celebrations at the world’s very first Santo Panto – a brand-new and absolute must-see live show, created especially for TwinkleTown in partnership with Dublin City Council.Tickets are just €5 plus booking fee for this magical Christmas adventure that combines the best of Panto fun with a truly enchanting Santa Experience. Ice Rink Nothing says Christmas quite like a glide around the ice! Get your skates on and enjoy our extra-large ice rink, ideal for perfecting those pirouettes.Whether you’re a natural on the ice or taking your first careful steps, our rink is the perfect spot to make memories with the ones you love this Christmas. Spiegeltent The heart of the action will be taking place at this one-of-a-kind festive venue. The Spiegeltent will shine a light on local Irish talent, providing a much-needed festive event space for a series of cultural events throughout the Christmas period.Details on the line-up will be unwrapped in the coming weeks! Food and Drink If you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of TwinkleTown – pull up a seat at the Twinkle Tavern and warm up with a festive drink in a gorgeous, rustic winter setting.A perfect spot to rest and recharge while you soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Christmas Market Make TwinkleTown your new Christmas tradition with a stroll through our sparkling festive market, packed with delicious food and drink along with festive crafts and gifts.The festive huts and twinkling lights add an extra special magic to the air so don’t be too surprised if you’re tempted to linger a little longer than planned. Vintage Fairground Admire TwinkleTown from above as you take a gentle spin on our Ferris Wheel. Take in the lights and the sights as Smithfield Square comes to life this Christmas.A magical moment with the ones you love in the making – Make it a must-do on your visit to TwinkleTown this Christmas. For more information, visit twinkletown.ie .

This Christmas, the Mount Errigal Hotel invites families to celebrate the season with a magical festive stay in Letterkenny through its Festive Family Getaway package. Enjoy hot chocolate by the fire, festive movies in the Mount Errigal cinema room and special surprises to delight the whole family. The Festive Family Getaway in Letterkenny’s Mount Errigal Hotel is the perfect pre-Christmas escape.  Conor McEniff, General Manager of Mount Errigal Hotel, “ Christmas is a truly special time at the hotel, and we love welcoming families during the festive season. Our Christmas Package is all about creating those special moments, enjoying good food, festive films, and time together.”  Get some Christmas shopping in at the nearby Letterkenny Shopping Centre, or just minutes away is the Letterkenny Ice Rink, or for a special adventure, book your ticket on the magical train that is the Santa Experience at Oakfield Park.  The Festive Family Getaway package is available from €240 for two adults and two children. It includes a personalised letter from Santa, a special gift on arrival, exclusive access to the hotel’s cinema room, a festive family evening meal and a hearty breakfast the next morning.  To book the Mount Errigal Festive Family Getaway, call 074 9122700 or email info@mounterrigal.com , or book online here.   Mount Errigal Hotel is located in Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland. Keep up to date with the latest news by following Mount Errigal on social at @ mounterrigalhotel

Winterval in Waterford is celebrating the city’s ancient heritage of over a thousand years and offering visitors the chance to discover the fascinating world of the Vikings. Now open every Thursday to Sunday until December 23rd, the city’s historic Blackfriars Church will transform into a lively Viking village, bringing the past vividly to life with immersive experiences, crafts, storytelling, and authentic reenactments. At the heart of this celebration is a free event hosted by Déise Medieval, a passionate Waterford-based group of living history enthusiasts who recreate early Viking settlement life. Visitors can explore a tented village where every detail has been carefully crafted—from the period furniture and household goods to the open-fire cooking aromas filling the air. Skilled reenactors demonstrate traditional Viking crafts such as spinning, weaving, leatherworking, blacksmithing, coin striking, and woodwork. What makes this experience truly special is the chance for visitors, young and old, to get hands-on: trying their hand at crafts or learning to play Hnefatafl , a Viking board game beloved across the centuries. The Viking village also features fascinating displays including coin striking, helmet and armour exhibitions, traditional food preparation, and the intriguing presence of the Volva—the Viking witch. These interactive demonstrations offer a unique opportunity to connect with history in a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The Viking village opens on Sundays on November 23rd, December 7th, 14th, and 21st, plus Saturday, November 29th, from 12 PM to 5 PM at Baileys New Street in the Viking Triangle.  For those enchanted by stories, the Viking Storytelling sessions provide a magical highlight for families. Set inside a replica Viking house, a fully costumed storyteller brings Norse myths, legends, and adventures to life in engaging 15-minute sessions running every 20 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 4 PM. These drop-in sessions are ideal for children and families looking to experience the spirit of the Viking Age through captivating tales. Tickets cost €5 per child, with adults free to attend and can be pre-booked at winterval.ie   Beyond the Viking events, Winterval offers a range of creative workshops designed to engage families in the festive spirit. From decorating oyster shell ornaments to crafting glowing glass candle holders, making festive wreaths with the Waterford Academy of Music & Art (WAMA), and even gingerbread-making workshops in the Winterval Christmas Market—there’s something to spark everyone’s creativity and create lasting holiday memories. Waterford’s Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, runs weekly, Thursday to Sunday, until   December 23rd across the Cultural Quarter, Viking Triangle, and city centre. Alongside Viking reenactments, the festival features the Winterval Circus, dazzling illuminations, festive markets, live entertainment, and over 50 events, offering a magical experience for all ages. For full details on Winterval’s Viking events, workshops, and the entire festival programme, visit www.winterval.ie

The hunt for the perfect Christmas tree has begun! Dublin and its surrounding areas are home to several charming Christmas tree farms where you can find the freshest firs and make some precious memories. Here’s your guide to the best Christmas tree farms near Dublin for 2025! 1. Kavanagh Christmas Tree Farm, Co. Wicklow Located just a short drive from Dublin in Wicklow, Kavanagh Christmas Tree Farm offers an authentic and family-friendly tree-picking experience. Known for its stunning selection of non-drop Nordmann firs, this farm has been making customers happy for decades. What’s On at Kavanagh’s? Choose and cut your own tree with the help of their friendly staff. Visit the festive shop filled with handmade decorations and wreaths. Location: Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, about 45 minutes from Dublin city. Dates: Open daily from late November until December 23rd. Pricing: Prices start from €40, depending on tree size. Visit their official website for more information . 2. Wicklow Way Christmas Tree Farm, Roundwood Also located in Wicklow, this farm is a dream destination for anyone looking for a true Christmas tree wonderland! What’s On at Wicklow Way? A “cut your own tree” experience with a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Pet-friendly facilities, so you can bring along your four-legged friends! Location: Near Roundwood, Co. Wicklow, just under an hour from Dublin. Dates: Opens November 25th through December 24th. Pricing: Trees start from €50, with larger options available for €100+. Check out their website for details . 3. Glencullen Christmas Tree Farm, Dublin Mountains For those who want to stay closer to Dublin but still enjoy a countryside vibe, Glencullen Christmas Tree Farm is the perfect spot. Located in the Dublin Mountains, this farm is perfect for picking out your tree. What’s On at Glencullen? A pre-cut selection of Nordmann and Noble firs, as well as “choose and cut” options. A gift shop featuring locally crafted ornaments and holiday trinkets. Location: Glencullen, only 30 minutes from Dublin city centre. Dates: Open from December 1st to December 23rd. Pricing: Trees range from €45 to €185. Visit their website here . 4. The Irish Chris t mas Tree Farm, Co. Meath Just north of Dublin, this farm is known for its premium quality trees and warm family atmosphere. It’s one of the best spots to find a Christmas tree that will last all season. What’s On at The Irish Christmas Tree Farm? Expert advice on picking and caring for your tree. Freshly made Christmas wreaths and garlands for sale. Location: Near Ashbourne, Co. Meath, about 40 minutes from Dublin. Dates: Open November 24th through December 24th. Pricing: Trees start at €55, with discounts for early birds. Learn more on their website . 5. Killakee Christmas Tree Farm, Rathfarnham If you prefer a quick jaunt from the city, Killakee Christmas Tree Farm is conveniently located in Rathfarnham. Perfect for busy Dubliners who still want a bit of the farm experience, Killakee is known for its wide selection of fresh, beautiful trees. What’s On at Killakee? A “pick your own” tree experience with helpful staff to assist. Complimentary tree netting for easy transport. Convenient parking and family-friendly facilities. Location: Rathfarnham, South Dublin, just 20 minutes from the city centre. Dates: Opens from November 29th to December 22nd. Pricing: Trees range from €60 to €150, depending on size. Tips for Visiting a Christmas Tree Farm Plan Ahead: Weekends can get busy, so consider visiting on a weekday. Measure Your Space: Know the height and width of the area where your tree will stand to avoid surprises. For more holiday tips, stay tuned to Travel2Ireland.ie . Merry Christmas and happy tree hunting!

It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this weekend, between Friday the 5th and Sunday the 7th of December across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from Winterval in Waterford to the Ballymaloe Craft Fair and much, much more. Winterval, Waterford - 21.11.23.11 Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, and now the European City of Christmas, will return to Waterford in November and December for its 13th year with an even bigger and more festive program. Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, will once again be transformed into a magical Winterval wonderland as it welcomes 1.8 unique festival visitors throughout its 21-day celebration Read more here. Ballymaloe Craft Fair - 21.11-23.11 The Ballymaloe Craft Fair is the perfect start to your Christmas shopping, offering a unique opportunity to support Irish suppliers and artisans. Held over two weekends, this festive event features over 200 Irish craft and design exhibitors, which change each weekend. Discover a diverse range of unique, handmade Christmas gifts, decorations, and consumables. Read more here. Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo, Dublin - 06.11-31.01 This winter, Dublin Zoo will shimmer into life with a breath taking festival of colour and light, where every step reveals something new. For the first time, Wild Lights will be divided into 13 kaleidoscopic zones, each with endless opportunities for exploration. Read more here. Galway Christmas Market, Galway - 07.11-31.12 Galway’s Eyre Square has been transformed into a festive wonderland in the run up to Christmas. Over 50 wooden chalets are set up for the Galway Christmas Market, stocked up with everything from local crafts to treats like fresh crêpes and mulled wine. There’s also live music, a 32-metre Ferris Wheel and a Christmas Market Beer Tent. It's on most days from November 7 to December 31. Read more here.

This December, Hook Lighthouse, the world’s oldest operational lighthouse, is set to shine brighter than ever with a magical festive celebration perfect for the whole family. Santa Claus himself is making a very special stop at this historic beacon, bringing joy, cheer, and a sprinkle of holiday magic to visitors young and old. On December 6th & 7th and again on December 13th & 14th, Santa will be welcoming little ones for enchanting meet-and-greet sessions from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Step inside the ancient lighthouse tower to meet Santa, where he awaits by the cosy fireplace, ready to listen to wishes and spread festive cheer. Each child will leave with a selection box and a cup of hot chocolate to warm their spirits. It’s a perfect opportunity for families to create cherished memories in a uniquely atmospheric setting. Tickets for this magical experience are €10 per child. Hook Lighthouse is open every day until 2 pm on December 19th, and will then reopen on December 26th to host its famous St. Stephen’s Day Breakfast from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm—a perfect way to keep the festive spirit glowing with delicious food and warm hospitality. Daisy Day Custom — A Unique St. Stephen’s Day Tradition This St. Stephen’s Day, Hook Lighthouse will also see the celebration of ‘Daisy Day,’ a charming local tradition dating back to 1943, recorded as 'A Penny for a Daisy.' Historically, large groups of children would search for the first flower of the year and receive pennies for their finds. According to Hook Lighthouse, “The child who found the first daisy would win the hunt, but many children would receive pennies from families in the area.” This year, the hunt will take place again, with children receiving a chocolate penny for their efforts. Hook Lighthouse is renowned as the oldest intact working lighthouse in the world. Since the 5th century, monks have lit fires here to keep ships safe at sea. Visitors can take a tour featuring 115 steps to the top of the lighthouse tower, with immersive holograms illustrating the rich history of the tower and the Hook area, along with spectacular views of Ireland’s southern coast. This is a free event. For more details, visit www.hookheritage.ie

Just under an hour from Dublin, Winter Woodland returns this season with an atmospheric programme of outdoor experiences and festive activities. The estate is transformed after dark, with illuminated treetop trails, winter markets, entertainment for children, and the arrival of Santa Claus later in the run. One of the key highlights is the Treetop Night Lights – a spectacular illuminated walk above the forest canopy. Visitors can also take to the ice at the covered rink, operated as Wicklow on Ice, a seasonal activity suitable for all ages without concern for the weather. Families will find further attractions on site, including vintage children’s carousels, a playground, and Santa’s Smurf Village, where Father Christmas begins meeting visitors from 28 November. Avondale House itself is dressed for the season too, with a Victorian Christmas presentation. Across the grounds, food and craft stalls bring a festive market atmosphere, while the Seed Café serves warming seasonal treats. Winter Woodland begins on Saturday 15 November and runs Thursday to Sunday throughout the season, with the Treetop Night Lights, ice rink, stalls, carousels, and playground operating on these days. From 18 December to 4 January, the experience will be open daily, excluding 24 and 25 December. Combination tickets covering multiple attractions are available. With a broad programme of activities in one location, Winter Woodland offers an accessible and festive day or evening out for families, couples, and groups looking to embrace the season in Wicklow.

Following the roaring successes of the Autumn and early Winter festivals in Kilkenny City, the City will put its finest Christmas finery on display as shoppers and visitors flock to medieval streets in the run-up to the seasonal celebrations. With Savour Kilkenny, Féile na Samhna and Kilkenomics having kept the City’s festival culture buzzing in recent weeks, all eyes will now turn to the tinsel and bright lights brightening the cityscape as we head to the middle of the Winter and the celebrations of Christmas.  Events kicked off on Saturday, November 29th with the Yulefest programme being officially launched and the City Christmas lights being switched on at 5 pm on the Parade beside the City’s main Christmas tree.  There was a very special performance by Robert Grace and his Dad, Bob, and his son Lincoln of their beautiful new song ‘Home’. His Graiguenamanagh neighbour, Celebrity Chef and Entertainer, Edward Hayden, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the launch.  Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. John Coonan, switched on the city lights, while Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh officially launched the festival.  In welcoming the Christmas season and the start of Yulefest Kilkenny, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, said:  “Christmas in Kilkenny is pure magic, and Yulefest brings that magic to life. From Santa’s arrival on the Nore to the incredible local crafts and music, there’s something for everyone. I’m thrilled to launch this year’s festival and invite everyone to come out, celebrate, and soak up the festive fun!.” Earlier in the day, Santa Claus continued his now annual and different arrival to the city centre, being delivered on the River Nore to the Canal Square at 2pm by Kilkenny Civil Defence and the Nore Dragon Paddlers Group. He was met there by a large group of Kilkenny Cyclists, with young and old all welcome and will travel through the city streets at 2.30pm on a cargo bike. Ahead of Santa’s arrival, there was an e-bike demonstration at 12pm and a social cycle at 1pm.  This is all part of a push to encourage people to travel sustainably for the Christmas celebrations, with Yulefest heavily promoting the Local Link and other bus and train services to and around the City in the coming weeks.  Cllr. John Coonan, Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, looks forward to Yulefest Kilkenny and comments:  “Yulefest is when Kilkenny truly shines bright! Switching on the lights is one of my favourite moments of the year—it’s the start of a season filled with fun, music, and community spirit. I can’t wait to see our streets buzzing with laughter and festive cheer. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember!” As well as the annual Christmas Food and Craft Market on the Parade for the ten days of Yulefest, the festival will welcome the Made in Kilkenny collective of local craftspeople to the heart of the City as they will set up for their 16th Christmas Pop-Up Shop in Bank House, the new community and social enterprise hub on Rose Inn Street in the former KBC Bank building. The festival is very thankful to KIDCO, the Kilkenny Industrial Development Company, for making the venue available.  They will be bringing together 18 talented local makers for a festive showcase of local craft.  Visitors can explore a mix of Pottery, textiles, woodwork, jewellery, glass and more each piece handmade in Kilkenny making it the perfect place to find unique gifts while supporting the County’s thriving artisan community.  Makers include Jerpoint Glass, Jodie White, Claire Molloy, Lydia Smith Ceramics, Bernard Kavanagh, Friderike Grace, Cushendale Woollen Mills, Eric Phillips, Doireann O’Riordan, Rosemarie Durr Pottery, Grainne Watts, Heike Kahle, Klaus Hartmann, Gus Mabelson, Sonja Guenther, Moth to a Flame candles, Eoghan Leadbetter and Patrick Joseph.  The opening weekend will also see the start of a series of live musical performances on the Yulefest Live Music Stage on the Parade as choral, classical, rock, folk and trad groups will entertain the festival goers.

National Botanic Gardens are pleased to announce their carefully curated sustainable Christmas Market which will be held on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December, 10.00am to 4.00pm daily. Over 50 stallholders will be participating both indoors and outdoors. Don’t miss this wonderfully festive event! To reduce their carbon footprint and to promote local craft workers all stall holders have passed the stringent application process and must have ethically and sustainably produced crafts and products preferably hand made in Ireland. There will also be choirs, Christmas plant walks and lots more. Admission is Free and there is limited free parking, although in keeping with the sustainable ethos of the event we request if you can travel on public transport, cycle or walk to the gardens then please do so. For more information on the market, visit heritageireland.ie.

In Northern Ireland, there are some great market experiences and, as the region is small, you can easily visit more than one! Here are our top picks for Christmas markets and events that you can tick off your festive bucket list this season. The biggest is Belfast’s Christmas Market (15 November to 22 December) which turns the grounds of the city hall into a bright, buzzing, continental delight. Over 100 international and local traders set up their wares in pretty chalets offering amazing gift shopping opportunities and the chance to sample the finest artisan food and drink. Think sizzling Bratwurst sausages, delicious Spanish paella, specialty French cheeses, Italian chocolates, German Glühwein and Bailey’s coffee. There’s also plenty of entertainment for children with a helter-skelter, carousel, and a giant snow globe that is perfect for a Christmas family photo. Along Northern Ireland’s stunning Causeway Coast, Christmas markets pop up in many towns to highlight the talents of local crafts people. In the pretty seaside town of Portstewart, the  Flowerfield Christmas Craft Market (15 November to 23 December) showcases over 40 talented makers and artisans whose pottery, jewellery, textiles and other beautiful items make ideal Christmas gifts. Another favourite is the  Causeway Speciality Market (13 and 20 December) in Coleraine, famous for its award-winning artisan foods. And the roving Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Markets will be in Limavady, Ballymoney and Ballycastle in December selling fabulous artisan food and gifts. With gorgeous beaches, heritage hot-spots and scenic walking trails nearby, these markets can be just one element of a great day out on the Causeway Coast. Northern Ireland’s magnificent stately homes also curate wonderful festive markets. At Castle Ward, a unique 18th-century mansion famed for its mixture of architectural styles, an artisan market (6 and 7 December) sets up in the Stable Yard selling a handpicked selection of work by local designer-makers and food vendors. There is also the opportunity to see the house dressed for an indulgent Georgian Christmas with lavish tablescapes, rooms draped with fresh greenery and plenty of festive food and wine for the upcoming parties. In the historic town of Antrim, the Enchanted Winter Garden (28 November to 30 December) is a wonderland of lights, with illuminated fairy trees, thrilling funfair rides, a ferris wheel and stalls selling delicious warming food. It’s the perfect place for a Christmas family treat with activities to suit all ages from the gentle Teacup ride to the heart-pounding Avalanche experience. The Enchanted Cottage is full of Christmas magic and Santa is on hand to meet every child and listen to their Christmas wishes. Two dates are set aside as evenings of inclusive enchantment with a calmer environment, fewer people, reduced sound and lighting, and quiet rooms available. Northern Ireland’s festive markets and family-friendly activities capture the magic of the season, creating a welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and spirit of Christmas. For more information on Christmas markets and events in Northern Ireland, visit Ireland.com .