Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market Set to Delight Visitors Once Again

The festive spirit is back in Royal Hillsborough as the much-anticipated Christmas Market returns on Friday 13th December.  

Hosted by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, this charming market will take place from 3pm to 9pm along The Dark Walk, creating a magical atmosphere for evening shoppers. Visitors can expect a cosy night of festive shopping, with local businesses in the village also staying open late to join in on the festivities.  

The scenic path through The Dark Walk to Hillsborough Fort will be filled with festive music, the aroma of spiced drinks, and seasonal cheer. This year, over 60 local artisan food producers, artists, and craftspeople from the Lisburn & Castlereagh council area and across Northern Ireland, will showcase their unique offerings. Shoppers will find everything from handmade crafts and skincare to festive food and drinks, providing an opportunity to support local businesses while picking up some very special gifts. 

Alderman Amanda Grehan, Chairman of the Council’s Regeneration & Growth Committee, expressed her excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market back again this year. It’s a key event in Northern Ireland’s Christmas calendar, and we expect visitors from near and far. The market will showcase some of Northern Ireland’s finest artisan small businesses, many of which are award-winning. As always, we encourage visitors to come along and support their local makers, bakers and growers on the run up the Christmas. It really isn’t one to be missed this year!” 

For food lovers, the market is a real treat. A wide range of local producers will offer their delicious goods, including favourites like Jack’s Fudge, Hinch Distillery, Tori’s Coffee Bakes & Cakes Indie Fude and Seaview Farms. There will also be some familiar street food vendors like The Gardener’s Kitchen, Pizza Table, Pig Out, and more, serving up tasty bites for you to enjoy while you shop. 

Looking for unique gift ideas? The market will feature a variety of independent designers and makers, some of which are new to the Christmas Market this year, such as Vine Haugh Ceramics, Mondays Child, Plumpy Balms, The Bearded Candle Makers and Amber Jordan Design, ensuring plenty of options for those in search of a gift for someone special. 

Along with the festive stalls, the market will offer a strong community vibe. Local shops will stay open, and there will be performances by several local choirs, ukele collectives, and established musicians. Children won’t be left out either—they can get involved with market ‘newbie’ Fun with Drumns, or help Santa’s elves make Christmas decorations. Who knows, if they’re really good, they might even catch a glimpse of Santa himself! 

If you can’t make it to Royal Hillsborough, don’t worry! The council is once again hosting a range of Christmas markets in other locations including Lisburn’s Twilight Market on 28th November taking place on Market Square as part of the annual Light Festival, Dundonald Christmas Market will take place at Comber Road Square on 5th December and Carryduff Christmas Market will take place in the car park of the new Lidl store in Carryduff Town Centre, during its opening week, on 18th December. Each market will have around 30 traders offering festive food, gifts, and entertainment. 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 or @VisitLisburnCastlereagh on Instagram.