LCCC Residents' Magazine : WINTER 2023
Think Christmas, Think Lisburn & Castlereagh
We’re gearing up for an epic Christmas season this year - with all the festive fun you could wish for! From dazzling light displays to bustling holiday markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones together, wrap up in your cosiest scarf and let's spread some holiday cheer together. Santa's on his way...
Christmas switch-on
Come along with all the family to kick-start the most wonderful time of the year at our annual Christmas lights switch-on.
This year’s event will take place on Thursday 23rd November in front of the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum. Brass bands and walkabout entertainment from Elsa and Anna will launch the event at 7pm, with stage entertainment from Anahilt Primary School Choir and the Grinch.
Santa and the Mayor will arrive by sleigh for the official light switch-on at 7.30pm. This free event is sure to be a truly magical night of festive fun for all. No booking necessary.
Full the full itinerary on this link.
Lisburn Light Festival
Fri 24th Nov to Fri 22nd Dec
Head down to the Lisburn Light Festival this Christmas and be captivated by our festive illuminations at various locations across Lisburn City Centre.
Join us for dazzling light shows at the light canopy on Bow Street and visit our enchanting Christmas tree in Market Square and the light trail in Castle Gardens. If you're in the Castlereagh area, don't forget to visit our illuminated arctic fox in Carryduff and spectacular reindeer in Dundonald.
Christmas Garden Light Trail
Open every evening from Fri 24th Nov to Fri 22nd Dec, 4pm to 8.30pm. Last entry is 8pm each evening.
Come and visit our spectacular light trail in Castle Gardens this Christmas. Let your dark winter evenings be lit up with an evening stroll through the enchanted glittering display. Visit Santa in his Christmas Grotto and enjoy the mini Christmas Market each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night - with tea, coffee and hot chocolate available every night of the week!
NEW for 2023! Enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at our new Lisburn Light Festival stage. And don’t forget, our city centre team will be delivering a programme of free events for you to enjoy in the city centre in the run up to Christmas.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and TikTok for updates on dates and times of all our events.
Breakfast and supper with Santa
Join Santa for a hearty breakfast or supper and a choice of ice skating, tenpin bowling or Indiana Land for a seasonal treat.
This magical experience includes an exciting visit to Santa’s Grotto. Remember to bring your Christmas letter and take photos of the festive memories you are creating.
Breakfast with Santa will run on the following Saturdays and Sundays throughout December: Sat 2nd, Sun 3rd, Sat 9th, Sun 10th, Sat 16th, Sun 17th and Sat 23rd.
Prices: £18.50 per child and £6.50 per adult.
Supper with Santa will run every Friday and Saturday evening on the following dates throughout December: Fri 1st, Sat 2nd, Fri 8th, Sat 9th, Fri 15th, Sat 16th, Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd. Prices: £18.50 per child and £7.95 per adult.
Adults wishing to participate in ice skating or bowling will incur an additional charge for the activity. (Vitality Members can skate and bowl for FREE).
Please note age and height restrictions apply for Indiana Land, all adults go free but must book a place in the session.
To book, please call 028 9080 9123 or for more information visit www.theicebowl.com
Skate with Santa
Take to the ice for a yuletide skate with Santa! Glide, swirl and dance to festive favourites for a truly magical winter wonderland experience.
Join Santa on the ice on the dates below:
Sat 2nd, Sat 9th, Sat 16th, Sat 23rd Dec, with a choice of two session times: 1.30pm to 3pm and 3.30pm to 5pm.
Normal ticket prices apply. To view prices and session times, visit www.theicebowl.com
Christmas markets
Come along for some festive cheer at one, or all, of our Christmas markets. There are three to choose from:
Carryduff
Thu 30th Nov, 4pm to 8pm,
Parish of Drumbo & Carryduff (upper car park),
Knockbracken Drive, BT8 8EX
Royal Hillsborough, The Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort
Fri 8th Dec, 3pm to 9pm
Dundonald
Thu 14th Dec, 4pm to 8pm,
Comber Road Square
Each market will be filled with the sounds, sights and tastes of Christmas. Enjoy a hot drink and bite to eat from one of the award-winning vendors. Stroll among the bustling mix of artists, crafters, health and beauty and homeware providers.
Santa himself just might find time in his busy schedule to pop along for a chat or bring his elves for some Christmas crafting!