Back by popular demand, Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market returns in December with expanded two-day format
Christmas cheer is set to take over the village of Royal Hillsborough as the much-anticipated Christmas Market returns to The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort for two days this year. Be sure to out the dates in your diary - Friday 12th December from 3.00pm to 9.00pm and Saturday 13th December from 12 noon to 6.00pm.
Lined with twinkling lights and complete with a visit from Santa himself. The scenic path through The Dark Walk to Hillsborough Fort will feature artisan foods to complete your festive table, the sound of Christmas music, and a plentiful street food offering and those all-important hot drinks including specialty coffees and hot chocolates to keep shoppers’ cosy throughout the event.
Hosted by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, the annual Christmas Market is not to be missed. It creates a magical atmosphere for shoppers keen to get into the festive spirit whilst supporting local businesses. In addition to a wide array of 65 local food producers, artists and craftspeople offering unique artisan gifts, businesses in the village will stay open late to add to the festivities.
Shoppers will be sure to find everything they could need for holiday gift giving – and some treats for themselves. From bespoke jewellery to hand-made ceramics, unique home décor to treats for your pets. All is set to be a magical festive weekend in Royal Hillsborough with Santa scheduled to attend on Friday and Mrs Claus with her chief elf on Saturday.
Councillor Claire Kemp, Regeneration and Growth Chair highlighted the council’s excitement at announcing the return of the market. “We are thrilled the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market will return bigger and better than ever this year. Over the course of two days, we will welcome guests for a festive weekend in the village. This event has become a key event in Northern Ireland’s Christmas Market calendar and the flagship Christmas Market event for us. It showcases the absolute best of Northern Ireland’s finest artisan small businesses – many of which are award-winning. As always, we encourage visitors of all ages to come along and support their local creators, makers, bakers and growers in the run up the Christmas!”
This market is ideal for the most discerning Christmas shoppers and those seeking a touch of Christmas sparkle to get into the spirit of the season helped along with Christmas carols and songs from local choirs, ukulele groups and local musicians.
Food lovers will be spoilt for choice as they make their way through the market. We welcome specialist tea makers, Suki Tea for the first time to the market alongside Tori’s Coffee Bakes and cakes, The Daily Apron, The Pie Shop Moira, Burren Balsamics, Indie Fude and Stonebridge Farm with their award-winning pedigree meats. The street food offering includes market favourites The Crepe Makers, The Curious Farmer and Moon Gelato who will be joined by Coop Coffee in their iconic converted vintage coffee van.
There will be a wide variety of unique gifts throughout the market providing quirky and thoughtful Christmas gifting ideas for loved ones. From arts and home décor designers and makers from Lisburn & Castlereagh including Amber Jordan Design, Cohen & Co, Ali Parks and Lesley McGowan Ceramics. Stunning handcrafted jewellery and accessories from Dainty Thrills, The Quirky Flamingo and Simply N Jewellery, vegan cosmetics from Plumpy Balms and gorgeous candles from Aggie & I Soy Candles.
Regulars to the market will be delighted to know that Gracehill Flowers return with their much sought after locally grown seasonal foliage and wreaths.
It is not an understatement to say that shoppers will be met with a range of unique pieces to ponder and that is not forgetting the fantastic shopping available in the independent shops in Royal Hillsborough village.
If all that shopping has you exhausted and in need of some rejuvenation, guests have street food and hot drinks options to choose from in addition to the village’s well renowned cafes, pubs and restaurants offering a warm welcome to marketgoers.
The council’s Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market with a focus on artisan and regional producers is recognised with funding from DAERA’s Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme. The market brings significant footfall to the village businesses who are ready to welcome visitors to the village with sponsorship from The Plough.
Additional Christmas markets will include Lisburn Christmas Market on Friday 5th December from 4.00pm to 8.00pm on Bow Street; Dundonald Christmas Market from 4.00pm to 8.00pm Thursday 4th December at Moat Park, Dundonald; and Carryduff Christmas Market on Wednesday 17th December from 4.00pm to 8.00pm held in the Lidl Carpark.
All events are free to attend, so bundle up and join your local community in the Christmas fun!
For more information and updates visit www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com.