There are a variety of activities for people of all ages happening over the festive break
The festive period is a great time for families to come together, but sometimes it is also best to get everyone out of a cramped house to enjoy some fun activities.
Luckily, Belfast has a large variety of different fun options that are sure to appeal to the entire family.
Here are a list of some of them that Belfast Live have put together over the holiday break:
The Mac
Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre, located in the Cathedral Quarter of the city has a number of different events that are sure to appeal to a family audience.
Jack Frost will be playing until January 1, 2026 at the iconic venue.
Billed as: “A snow-swirling, frost-twinkling Christmas adventure for the whole family,” this performance will see the much-loved Christmas tale brought to life on stage.
Standard tickets are £29 (including fee), children are priced at £14.
For more details, click here.
There are a number of free exhibitions at The Mac, including Niamh Seana Meehan: Sea Skin.
According to the venue: “Sea Skin features a soft sculpture inspired by the experience of sea swimming and encounters beneath the ocean’s surface.”
It features until January 4, 2026.
Another free exhibition at the same establishment is the William McKeown exhibition. It features work by the Co Tyrone artist who was living in Edinburgh, Scotland at the time of his death in 2011. It is due to finish on January 4, 2026.
The exhibition is billed as: “William McKeown made paintings, drawings, prints and installations that captured the openness and life-enhancing power of nature.”
Last Act will also wind up on January 4, 2026 and is a, “Synchronised video installation by artist Marie Hanlon in collaboration with composer Rhona Clarke.
“The work presents climate change as something both real and abstract, as such mirrors the human response to a changing earth.”
The show is free but booking is advised for all free events at The Mac.
For those with children, a free family drop-in workshop at The Mac will see little ones create a magical wand with only the sparkliest materials and ribbons, “topped with a very special star to make their wish with”.
This event is on New Year’s Eve, December 31, between 1 and 4pm in The Mac’s Playroom and is a drop-in event.
Tumble Circus
Tumble Circus will run until January 4 and is currently situated at Writer’s Square in Belfast. According to their website, Tumble Circus is Ireland’s only non-traditional Big Top touring circus.
A spokesperson said: “Belfast’s favourite alternative Christmas show returns to Writers’ Square, Cathedral Quarter for its ninth year — and we’re coming in swinging.”
Full priced tickets for one of their shows are (not including booking fee) £16, while children are £12, but those under two years old are free. A family of four can attend for £49.
Belfast Giants’ games
Fans of ice hockey are in for a treat as several games are on offer at SSE Arena, the home of Belfast’s professional EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League) team.
The Giants will welcome Scotland’s Fife Flyers on December 26, before receiving Glasgow Clan on December 30.
There are a variety of different ticket options available on the highlighted links above.
Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue
A festive favourite, the Winter’s Den is back again this year at 2 Royal Avenue.
A spokesman from Belfast City Council said: “Our cultural venue has become a popular festive hub over the past few years, offering family-friendly activities guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.”
Information about a variety of different events can be found here, with many free.
A Christmas Carol at Lyric Theatre
Playing until January 10 at the Lyric Theatre, this show is suitable for audiences aged eight and up.
The billing for this version of the iconic Christmas hit said: “After enchanting audiences and earning rave reviews in 2024, this joyously reimagined version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic, brought to life by award-winning playwright Marie Jones, returns to the Lyric Theatre.
“We’re thrilled to welcome back this festive favourite and ready to fill the season with Christmas cheer.”
Tickets are priced from £16, as per the website.
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