This December, immerse yourself in the festive spirit as we unveil a calendar brimming with delightful events. From hands-on festive workshops that spark creativity, to the enchanting allure of Christmas markets, there’s plenty of joy and merriment to be found across the Causeway Coast and Glens this December.
Each event is a celebration of community, culture, and the warmth of the season. Discover, savour, and create unforgettable memories in the Causeway Coast and Glens this Christmas.
Workshops and Events
Sausage Roll Wreath Workshop – Ballymoney | Friday 8th December
Step into an evening of culinary delight with shepherdess Wendy from The Lamb Van in Ballymoney. Join Wendy for a hands-on experience where she guides, demonstrates, and assists participants in crafting a beautiful sausage roll wreath to take home. After the workshop, indulge in a delightful traditional festive supper crafted from the finest local ingredients, accompanied by a glass of mulled wine or spiced apple juice.
Sub 6 Surf Lesson with Sauna & Sea | Portstewart Strand | Saturday 9th December
Embark on a thrilling adventure with the latest collaboration between SUB6 and Sauna & Sea, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a one-hour beginner surf lesson and a blissful one-hour experience in a traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna at the picturesque Portstewart Strand on the Causeway Coast. It's the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making for an unforgettable day by the sea.
Christmas Open Studio – Adam Frew Ceramics | Coleraine | 9th December
Spend a wonderful Saturday browsing a stunning collection of pots and ceramics, as Adam Frew Ceramics host their annual Christmas Open Studio. Marvel at these unique and expertly crafted pieces, gathering inspiration for those hard-to-buy-for recipients this year.
Festive Block Painting at Camus House | Coleraine | Saturday 9th December
Learn a new skill this festive season with a creative Festive Block Painting workshop at the enchanting Camus House. Led by Jenna from Sychar's Well, you’ll be expertly guided throughout the process of block printing your own Christmas-themed cotton napkins, which you can re-use for years to come. Festive refreshments will be provided to guests throughout the workshop, including seasonal scones, gingerbread and a warming mulled punch.
Coast and Country Food Tour | Departs from Coleraine Town Hall | Saturday 9th December
Six hours of feasting, five locations, and an expert guide that's passionate about all things local; Causeway Coast Foodie Tours takes you on a culinary adventure throughout the Causeway Coast & Glens, celebrating our local produce and the people who work behind the scenes to serve up some of the tastiest dishes you can find across the area. Departing from Coleraine Town Hall, you’ll explore our local markets, producers and eateries, savouring and sampling as you go.
Causeway Christmas - The Giant’s Causeway | Bushmills | Saturday 9th December
Experience a Giant festive spirit at Northern Ireland's exclusive UNESCO World Heritage Site! The National Trust will host heartwarming movies, joyful animations, captivating arts and crafts, and enchanting storytelling on 9th December at their state-of-the-art Visitor Centre at The Giant’s Causeway.
Christmas Wreath Making | Cushendun | Saturday 9th December
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a little creativity. Under the expert guidance of the talented Gregory Baptie, participants can flourish in a cosy and intimate crafting session as they make their own festive wreath. All the foliage needed will be provided in advance, and is included in the ticket price.
Ferna – Live in Concert | Portstewart | Friday 15th December
Singer-songwriter Ferna (aka Hannah McPhillimy) will perform her first home show since the launch of her critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Understudy’ at Flowerfield Arts Centre this month. The record delivers an arresting sound that merges the organic and the electronic, filled with mixed emotions, fragile beauty and powerful hooks.
Portrush Tasty Tour | Portrush | Friday 15th December
A festive Friday night of good food, tasty drinks, and incredible company awaits in Portrush this December. Causeway Coast Foodie Tour’s ‘Portrush Tasty’ Tour promises guests a gastronomic evening of food, fun and laughter as you sample the best eateries, pubs and produce that this iconic seaside town has to offer. Hear directly from the locals who put their heart and soul in to the Causeway Coast’s foodie scene, and share in their passion for our renowned, homegrown ingredients.
Christmas at the Farm – Broughgammon Farm | Ballycastle | 16th-17th December
Santa makes his long awaited return to Broughgammon Farm on the Causeway Coast this Christmas, joined by his festive friends. Enjoy festive crafts, and a special scavenger hunt. Write those all important letters to Santa, and explore the farm, learning about the regenerative work that they do. A perfect day of festive fun for the family is topped off with some delicious treats from the farm café.
Christmas Markets
Christmas Artisan Market – Castlecroft Square | Ballymoney | Friday 8th December
The annual Christmas Artisan Market will be held in Castlecroft Square on Friday 8th December, and promises shoppers the chance to pick up some locally made gifts and stocking fillers ahead of Christmas.
Causeway Speciality Market – The Diamond | Coleraine | Saturday 9th & Saturday 16th December
You’ll have not one but two chances to check out the Causeway Speciality Market ahead of Christmas this December. Swing by for your chance to peruse a wide range of tasty local produce, perfect for incorporating in to your festive feasting, or pick up a hand crafted gift for someone special.
Festive Artisan Fair – Marine Hotel | Ballycastle | Sunday 10th December
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning or afternoon browsing this indoor market at The Marine Hotel in the seaside town of Ballycastle. Here, you’ll find a wide range of local crafts, tasty treats, and perfect gifting ideas for Christmas. The market is pet-friendly too, so feel free to bring your best friend with you (just make sure they’re on a lead).
Christmas Craft Market – Flowerfield Arts Centre | Portstewart | Until 21st December
Step out of the cold and into warm and homely atmosphere at Flowerfield’s Christmas Craft Market, where you’ll find an array of delightful crafts, art pieces, ceramics and much more. The market runs weekly from until 21st December on Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm with additional opening hours on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm.
As the festive season unfolds across the Causeway Coast and Glens, you’ll find enchanting events and vibrant markets in many of our towns and villages. And that's just the beginning! You can also look forward to New Year's Eve celebrations across the region on 31st December 2023. We can’t wait to welcome you to the region this December for a delightful festive break. Happy exploring!
