Fun Activities For the Festive Season!

Hello Readers!

If you're anything like me sometimes I don't want to leave the house when it's too cold I'd rather stay in my PJs watching a movie. Although now I have a little one I want to get the most out of this festive season, so I've been having a nosey around to see what there is on offer for kids and adults alike. So here's a little collection of some things I've found ...

Christmas Market - The market is here at Belfast City Hall until the 23rd of December and is perfect for everyone it has continental food, beer tents and there is a carousel and slide for the little ones too. While at the market with the family why not take the kids to see Santa in his grotto, if you post a letter to Santa in his postbox by the 19th of December you'll get a letter back from the big guy in red! The market also has educational tours on offer for primary school groups, All tours include a guided walk around the market where pupils will learn about the language, food and cultural backgrounds of each of our traders. They’ll also be given an opportunity to sample some tasty food products along the way!

Hansel & Gretel - The modern twist of this fairy tale will be performed at The MAC it has promised to include big songs, an evil witch and of course a candy trail. The show lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes (includes the interval) and is showing until the 7th of January, the shows also run during the afternoon and evening, there is also a few morning shows. Not only is this the perfect family outing the price isn't going to break the bank either and if you add 4 or more tickets to the basket you save 10%.

A Magical Christmas Experience - Titanic Belfast are hosting a fabulous event which invites you to join them to explore the Elves' Workshop in their Magical Christmas Experience which runs from the 22nd November - 23rd December. As you walk through the Magical Workshop you can see Santa and his Elves get ready for their favourite day of the year!Peek into the toy shop where the elves have been hard at work and join Mrs Claus at her cosy kitchen to hear Christmas tales, before letting your little ones lose with arts and crafts, or they can work with Father Christmas' elves to write and post their Christmas letter. They also have a Magical Wishing Tree so make sure your little ones make a Christmas Wish to hang on a branch. Wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off on the 'Naughty or Nice' list by the Chief Elf, then journey through the enchanted forest and meet Father Christmas. Tickets are £15 for a child and £4 for an Adult and you can book your tickets online - www.titanicbelfast.com Child ticket (under 13yrs) includes:

• Juice and Shortbread

• Storytelling

• Festive Arts and Crafts

• Christmas Letter Writing

• 'Naughty or Nice' list check with the Chief Elf

• Individual Photo with Father Christmas (and print)

• Individual Gift and Candy Cane

Adults will be treated to a mulled apple juice and shortbread as they enjoy the experience. Average experience duration is 30-45 minutes.

Visit Santa - St Georges Market has a lovely rustic Santa's grotto this year it is so magical as soon as you walk in the door it's so warm and cosy its like walking straight into Santa's house. You can book your place online (www.realcrazyeventscompany.com) but I'm pretty sure you can also pay on site (if it's not too busy). Prices range from £5 - £19.95  depending on what package you choose. There is also a Santa's Little Helpers Day running every Tuesday from 11.50am to 5pm designed for children with additional needs. Adult and kids brunch menus are available http://www.realcrazyeventscompany.com/santa-brunch. Adult brunch is available with or without children attending.

Ice Skating - What would the festive season be without ice skating, it's the perfect group activity for all ages.  At Dundonald Ice Bowl take to the ice for a fun day out with friends or family, public sessions are available 7 days per week with DJ sessions operating throughout the weekend and selected holidays. Not only that but skate hire is also available. Don't worry if you're not the strongest skater no ones there to judge, I've fallen quite a few times it's all apart of the fun. If your children are worried about going on the ice for the first time there are penguin skating aids to help them be that bit more stable on the ice. Dundonald ice bowl also offers a range of activities such as skating competitions, Christmas Skating Galas and a number of fun seasonal events.

Dundonald International Ice Bowl is the training ground of the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Team and has played host to a number of major mid-week matches.

Festive Afternoon Teas at Hastings Europa Hotel - The Europa Hotel has a beautiful afternoon tea with a festive twist on offer from the  1st of December to the 30th of December 2017, 2 pm - 5 pm. This special seasonal menu includes a selection of fine finger sandwiches, and Christmas inspired cakes and pastries. This would be lovely for an adults only kind of day or for a nice day out with your mum or nan, I think it would make a lovely gift for that family member that you just want to spoil rotten. You can enjoy a delightful Christmas spread for as little as £30 per person, or you can upgrade your afternoon tea with mulled wine for just £35 per person, or why not treat yourself to an indulgent Festive Champagne afternoon tea for £38 per person? They do have a link so you can see the full menu and if you are anything link me you'll click on this straight away! (Menu - www.hastingshotels.com)  If you are interested in booking a place for festive afternoon tea you'll need to contact this number 02890 266012.

Thanks for reading

Megan x