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It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the Ancient Cathedral City of Armagh. Join us as you soak up the magical atmosphere and ‘make merry’ this Christmas with events for all the family to enjoy.
Delight in the festive charm of Georgian Day and a dazzling outdoor lightshow, take the kids to the panto, visit Santa’s magical workshop or pick up a gift in high quality boutiques.
GREAT VALUE BREAKS The Charlemont Arms Hotel 3 For 2 Enjoy 3 nights B&B for the price of 2 this Christmas. Located in the heart of the City, take in the attractions and events by day and relax by the open fire in the evening.
Two Night Break - £80pps Enjoy 2 nights B&B and one evening meal for £80 per person sharing. Both offers available throughout November and December.
For a full range of accommodation offers visit
Book at: www.charlemontarmshotel.com t: +44 [0] 28 3752 2028 Quote ‘Winter Fairytale’ when booking.
Armagh City Hotel
Georgian Getaway 1 night with B&B and lunch for £99pps. Valid 28th & 29th November. Quote ‘Georgian’ when booking. Two Night Winter Break - Kid’s Free Make magical memories with a 2 night break inclusive of B&B and 1 evening meal for £99pps. Kid’s under 5 stay free! Subject to availability. Excludes New Year’s Eve. T&C’s apply. Book at: www.armaghcityhotel.com t: +44 [0] 28 3751 8888
www.armagh.co.uk/stay 2
Experience A Christmas Fairytale in Armagh
J = Free Admission A = Admission Costs Apply
Sat 29th November
Armagh City | 10am - 8pm J Armagh’s much-loved Georgian Day returns to mark the beginning of the Christmas season. See Armagh in all its festive glory, sparkling with lights as the City goes back to its Georgian roots. More than 70 festive stalls will line the streets. Finding the perfect present will be a delight with high-quality gifts and locally produced foods and drinks found around every corner.
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Highlights include:
• Festive Market • Georgian Characters • Live Christmas Music • Reindeer with Santa’s Elves • Christmas Craft Workshops • Georgian Walking Tours • Family Treasure Hunt •Horse & Carriage Rides [Book on the day at Visitor Information Centre] • Georgian Buildings Open • Magical Animated Lightshow
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Free Park & Ride: Armagh Business Park
(Hamiltonsbawn Rd, BT60 1HW), Elim Church (Drummanmore Rd, BT61 8RB) & Navan Centre & Fort (Killylea Rd, BT60 4LD) Please note: Thomas Street, Scotch Street, Ogle Street and Castle Street will be closed to traffic from 3am - 9.30pm on Sat 29th November.
Plan your Fairytale Christmas at armagh.co.uk
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GEORGIAN DAY ANIMATED LIGHTSHOW
‘A WINTER’S TALE’ Sat 29th November
Market Square | 5pm, 6pm, 7pm & 8pm
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An unmissable experience as Armagh lights up for Christmas. Join us for a spectacular celebration and a truly magical experience as Market House bursts into life with a dramatic lightshow. Set to festive music and with a few surprises ‘A Winter’s Tale’ will be a show to remember! To the viewer’s amazement, the show will transform this beautiful Georgian building into a shimmering canvas for images, special effects and live stage action including the arrival of Santa Claus.
Ticketing Information ADMISSION TO SHOWS ARE STRICTLY BY TICKET ONLY. ONLY THOSE WEARING THE CORRECT WRISTBAND WILL BE ADMITTED.
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• Tickets available from 10am on Monday 10th November at www.armagh.co.uk/lightshow • Access by prams & pushchairs may be difficult. An unmanned pram-park will be available close to the site. Limited accessible viewing spaces must be pre-booked at +44 [0] 28 3752 1800.
Experience A Christmas Fairytale in Armagh
Visit www.armagh.co.uk/lightshow for ticketing and access information. Early booking recommended. Gates open 15 minutes before each show. Access from Market Street only.
J = Free Admission A = Admission Costs Apply
Sat 6th - Mon 22nd December Navan Centre & Fort
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Make Christmas magical with a visit to the renowned Ice Capades. Enjoy the mini Christmas themed panto, meet the characters and bring your own camera to have your photograph taken with them.
Book your tickets on www.armagh.co.uk/santa. For school/group bookings call +44 [0] 28 3752 9655. Pre-booking essential.
There will be refreshments on arrival, storytelling in a beautiful forest surrounding and a craft to make that you will treasure for your Christmas Tree. Finally, meet Santa and Mrs Claus in their wonderful Christmas home, where every boy and girl will receive a gift for being good this year!
Dates & Show Times
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your magical visit to Navan’s Ice Capades!
Tickets are non-refundable and non- transferrable. Event may be subject to change / cancellation with short notice
Sat 6th Dec: 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Sun 7th Dec: 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Thurs 11th Dec: 7pm Sat 13th Dec: 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Sun 14th Dec: 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Thurs 18th Dec: 7pm Sat 20th Dec: 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Sun 21st Dec: 11am, 1.30pm, 4pm & 6.30pm Mon 22nd Dec: 7pm Plan your Fairytale Christmas at armagh.co.uk
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Enjoy a relaxed shopping experience in Armagh City, with a fantastic range of high-quality shops offering exceptional customer service. Make time for family and friends by combining Christmas shopping with a day out: • Bring the children to visit Santa in his magical workshop [see page 7] • Book a table at a restaurant, a show in the Market Place Theatre or visit one of our attractions • Enjoy Christmas workshops for kids at Armagh Shopping Centre • Embark on a family treasure hunt
Late Night Opening:
Thursday 18th, Friday 19th & Monday 22nd December From 18th December Armagh City will stay open until 8pm on weeknights. Some shops will open late throughout December, so it’s always worth a visit! See the city in its seasonal grandeur with festive entertainment accompanying Christmas hours.
Shop to the sound of Christmas this December with festive music on the bandstand from 12pm - 2pm: Sat 6th - Armagh Jazz Band • Sat 13th - The Night Hawks • Sat 20th - Armagh Old Boys. 6
Experience A Christmas Fairytale in Armagh
J = Free Admission A = Admission Costs Apply
Make Your Wish @
Sat 6th - Tues 23rd December McCrum’s Court
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Make a Christmas wish and truly magical memories in Santa’s workshop located in McCrum’s Court. Experience the magical lights and trees as you make your way to see the elves in Santa’s workshop, have your photograph taken with Santa, make a wish and hang it up in Market Square for all to see. Register on the day only in the Mall Shopping Centre during workshop opening hours as listed. Registration is essential as availability can be limited.
Date & Times:
Sat 6th Dec: 11am - 5pm Sun 7th Dec: 1pm - 4pm Fri 12th Dec: 3pm - 7pm Sat 13th Dec: 11am - 5pm Sun 14th Dec: 1pm - 4pm Mon 15th Dec: 3pm - 7pm Tue 16th Dec: 3pm - 7pm Wed 17th Dec: 3pm - 7pm Thurs 18th Dec: 3pm - 7pm Fri 19th Dec: 3pm - 8pm Sat 20th Dec: 11am - 5pm Sun 21st Dec: 1pm - 4pm Mon 22nd Dec: 11am - 5pm Tues 23rd Dec: 11am - 3pm
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Experience A Christmas Fairytale in Armagh • Scrooge’s Christmas • Santa’s Workshop • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Armagh City Choir • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Fri 12th Dec
• Scrooge’s Christmas • Santa’s Workshop • Santa’s Ice Capades • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Thurs 18th Dec
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• Scrooge’s Christmas • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley • RTE Contempo Quartet
Fri 5th Dec
• Mystery of the Christmas Star • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Mon 1st Dec Thurs 4th Dec
• Carol Service • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Sun 30th Nov
• Georgian Day • Animated Lightshow ‘A Winter’s Tale’ • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Sat 29th Nov
• Festival of Trees Launch • Georgian Music
Fri 28th Nov
• Scrooge’s Christmas
Mon 15th Tues 16th Dec
• Scrooge’s Christmas • Santa’s Workshop • Santa’s Ice Capades • Organ Recital • Carol Service • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Sun 14th Dec
• Kid’s Workshop • Scrooge’s Christmas • Santa’s Workshop • Santa’s Ice Capades • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Children’s Craft Session • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley • Christmas Angels Workshop • Jake O’Kane Comedy
Sat 13th Dec
• Santa’s Workshop
Mon 22nd Dec
• Scrooge’s Christmas • Santa’s Ice Capades • Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley • Santa’s Workshop
Sun 21st Dec
• Kid’s Workshop • Scrooge’s Christmas • Santa’s Workshop • Santa’s Ice Capades • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Children’s Craft Session • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Sat 20th Dec
‘A WINTER’S TALE’
• Music with Andrea Begley and Malachi Cush
Thurs 27th Nov
CHRISTMAS AT A GLANCE
Plan your Fairytale Christmas at armagh.co.uk 9
• Santa’s Ice Capades • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Argory All A Glow • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley • Crooning At Christmas
Thurs 11th Dec
• Mystery of the Christmas Star • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Mon 8th Wed 10th Dec
• Scrooge’s Christmas • Santa’s Workshop • Santa’s Ice Capades • Argory Christmas Fair • Santa Sunday • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Sun 7th Dec
• Kid’s Workshop • Scrooge’s Christmas • Santa’s Workshop • Santa’s Ice Capades • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Argory Christmas Fair • Sock Snowman Workshop • Flower Arranging • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Sat 6th Dec
• Christmas Day Service • Christmas Day Mass
Thurs 25th Dec
• Choral Evensong • Christmas Vigil Mass • Festival of Trees
Wed 24th Dec
• Santa’s Workshop • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Festival of Trees
Tues 23rd Dec
• Santa’s Ice Capades • Festival of Trees • Mystery of the Christmas Star
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ts Venues & EveFenstival of Trees, Christmas Market
• Santa’s Workshop • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley • Christmas With Cantilena
Wed 17th Dec
• Santa’s Workshop • Mystery of the Christmas Star • Festival of Trees • Gingerbread Alley
Festival of Trees
Fri 28th November Wed 24th December @ Shambles Yard
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Georgian Day Workshops & Demonstrations
Sat 29th November Shambles Yard 10am -4pm
Wander through a magical Christmas tree forest where wooden trees decorated by local schools create a glistening wonderland. Be enchanted by festive tunes whilst following the trail through the Christmas market, enjoy the children’s craft workshops and watch the night sky come alive with a dazzling flame throwing performance. Georgian Day is enhanced with a festive mix of creative craft workshops. You will also be able to pick up some seasonal tips to impress your guests with inspiring food and drink demonstrations.
Morning Workshops
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• Upcycled Christmas Table Centre Piece • Georgian Appliqué and Embroidery Workshop • Personalised Georgian Christmas Decorations
Booking essential at www.armagh.co.uk/workshops or +44 [0] 28 3752 1800.
Shambles Christmas Market Fri 19th December 8am - 4pm
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Experience A Christmas Fairytale in Armagh
Afternoon Workshops
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• 3D Decorations • Christmas Wreaths & Decorations • Unique Tea Light Holders
Demonstrations [1pm - 4pm]
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· Christmas cake and treat decorating by Bake My Day · Sumptuous Starters by Groucho’s, Richhill · Easy Sophisticated Canapés by local chef Barry Smyth · Festive Spirits by Viva
Steep yourself in the Christmas atmosphere at the Shambles Variety Market. Let the sounds and smells of Festive tunes, Christmas treats and mulled wine lead you around the market. Enter the Christmas competition to be in with a chance to win a Seasonal Hamper brimming with goodies.
J = Free Admission A = Admission Costs Apply
ANTO SPECTACULAR TACULAR SCROOGE’S CHRISTMAS ’S CHRISTMAS The Panto Spectacular
Mon 1st - Sun 21st December The Market Place Theatre
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This is the enchanting story of the meanest miser of them all, based on the Charles Dickens’ seasonal classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’. Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year? Not for the miserable, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge! ‘Scrooge’s Christmas’ promises an unforgettably festive experience. The Market Place Theatre’s 2014 colourful, laugh-a-minute, boisterously funny, energetic and magical pantomime ‘Scrooge’s Christmas’ is ideal for children aged 5 to 95! www.marketplacearmagh.com Box Office +44 [0] 28 3752 1821 Schools Performances and Prices: Contact Group Booking +44 [0] 28 3752 1830
Dates & Times: Fri 5th Dec: Sat 6th Dec: Sun 7th Dec: Fri 12th Dec: Sat 13th Dec: Sun 14th Dec
6.30pm 11am, 3pm & 6.30pm 1pm & 4.30pm 6.30pm 1pm & 5pm * 1pm & 4.30pm
Mon 15th Dec: 6.30pm Tues 16th Dec: 6.30pm Thurs 18th Dec: 6.30pm ** Fri 19th Dec: 6.30pm Sat 20th Dec: 11am, 3pm & 6.30pm Sun 21st Dec: 1pm & 4.30pm
* BSL Signed Performance ** Captioned Performance
Plan your Fairytale Christmas at armagh.co.uk
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MYSTERY OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR Mon 1st - Tues 23rd December Armagh Planetarium
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Join Armagh Planetarium as they journey back over 2,000 years to Bethlehem, to discover a scientific explanation for the star the Wise Men followed to find the baby Jesus in the digital theatre show “Mystery of the Christmas Star”. This modern re-telling of the Christmas story will charm and captivate all ages.
Show Times:
Mon - Fri: 2pm Sat & School Holidays: 1pm and 4pm Every Tues, Wed and Thurs from 2nd - 18th December: 7.30pm Pre-booking essential. www.armaghplanet.com t: +44 [0] 28 3752 3689
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Experience A Christmas Fairytale in Armagh
GINGERBREAD ALLEY Sat 29th November Sun 21st December
The Market Place Theatre
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Tis’ the season for all things gingerbread! Come along and see our festive gingerbread creations in all their glory. Local chefs have put their hearts and souls into these incredible, edible creations. Taking up the fairytale theme, you never know what delicious treats you might find.
J = Free Admission A = Admission Costs Apply
THE CHRISTMASATTRADITIONS Christmas Fair Sat 6th & Sun 7th December
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AT THE ARGORY
Join us for our Christmas Fair. Browse dozens of craft and food stalls and enjoy festive entertainment, afternoon tea in the House and see Santa and Mrs Claus in their winter wonderland grotto.
AN EVE OF GEORGIAN AN EVE OF G
Join us in the Ancient Cathedral City this Christmastide as Armagh’s Cathedrals provide a Step away from the hustle and bustle of the Argory All A Glow place The for reflection. Experience festal services, carol singing, music and readings this high street. Experience a traditional Victorian Christmas season. Thurs 11th December Christmas and enjoy festive teas, music, mulled
5.30pm - 8.30pm
A ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL [CHURCH OF IRELAND]
wine and roasted chestnuts in the Courtyard.
Advent Carol Service: SunFor 1stinfo December 3.15 pm visit atwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory +44 [0] 28 8778 4753 Service of Nine Lessons & Carols: Sun 22ndt: December at 3.15 pm Christmas Eve: Choral Evensong and Blessing of the Crib at 5.00 pm Christmas Day: Holy Communion at 10.00 pm Omniplex Armagh An eve of Christmas Day: Sung Eucharist at 11.00 am: Celebrant & Preacher: The Archbishop Spend time with loved ones this Service of Holy Communion: Thurs 26th - Sat 28th December at 9.30 am Christmas with a great selection The Epiphany: Sung Eucharist on Mon 6th January at 10.00 am
CHRISTMAS MOVIE MAGICA
AS MOVIE MAGIC IE MAGIC
Georgian Day event:
GEORGIAN MUSIC
of Christmas movies. From “The Hobbit” to this year’s big Christmas film, there’s laughter, fun and magical ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL [CATHOLIC] Fri 28th moments for all theWed family to enjoy. An Advent Evening of Prayer and Reflection: 11th December at 7.30 pm
November
7.30pm | Armagh Public Library J
Carol Service with the Cathedral Choir: Sun 15th December at 7.00 pm Armagh Christmas Vigil Mass: TuesOmniplex 24th December at 11.00 pm A public talk entitled ‘Georgian Music in Armagh’ by 25-37 Market Street, Armagh Christmas Day Mass: Wed 25th December at 9.00 am & 11.00 am Dr Sarah McCleave from Queen’s University, Belfast. t: +44 [0] 28 3752 2646
Plan your Fairytale Christmas at armagh.co.uk
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CHRISTMAS AT CRAFTSWIRL
Craftsw Informa irl @ Visitor 40 Engli tion Centre Armagh sh Street, , BT61 7 BA t: +44 [0 ] 28 375 2 1800
Allow us to take the hassle out of Christmas shopping, as we are sure to have the perfect gift in our range of crafts, designed and crafted by national designers and artisans. Additional festive activities include drop in craft sessions:
CHRISTMAS FLOWER ARRANGING Sat 6th December 1.00pm - 3.00pm
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CHILDREN’S CRAFT SESSIONS
Sat 13th & 20th December 11.00am - 3.00pm
Get your home ready for the festive season. Our festive flower arranging demonstration will inspire you as, local florist Annette Foster, from Ol Flowers, will show you how to create beautiful bouquets and stunning centrepieces. Win an amazing arrangement to take home on the day!
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Experience A Christmas Fairytale in Armagh
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Children can make a gift for someone special this Christmas with these festive workshops for age 4 years and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult but this gives you a great opportunity to browse around the shop and start, or finish, your Christmas shopping.
J = Free Admission A = Admission Costs Apply
CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRALS St Patrick’s Cathedral [Church of Ireland] J Sun 30th Nov: Fri 12th Dec: Sun 14th Dec: Sun 21st Dec: Christmas Eve: Christmas Day: Christmas Day: Tues 6th Jan:
Advent Carol Service at 3.15pm Concert by Armagh City Choir at 7.30pm Organ Recital by Mr Orly Watson at 4.15pm Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 3.15pm Choral Evensong and Dedication of the Crib at 5.00pm Holy Communion at 10am Sung Eucharist at 11am. Celebrant & Preacher: The Archbishop The Epiphany: Sung Eucharist at 10am
St Patrick’s Cathedral [Catholic] J Thurs 27th Nov: Sun 14th Dec: Christmas Eve: Christmas Day: Thurs 1st Jan:
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Evening of sacred music and song with Andrea Begley and Malachi Cush* Carol Service by Cathedral Choir at 7pm Christmas Vigil Mass at 11pm Masses at 9am & 11am The Feast of Mary, the Mother of God and World Day of Peace, Mass at 11.00am.
* Tickets for an ‘Evening of sacred music and song with Andrea Begley and Malachi Cush’ available from +44 [0] 28 9072 5780.
Plan your Fairytale Christmas at armagh.co.uk
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Plan your Fairytale Christmas at www.armagh.co.uk For further information contact: Armagh Visitor Information Centre 40 English Street, Armagh. BT61 7BA t: +44 [0] 28 3752 1800 e: vic@armagh.gov.uk For parking information visit armagh.co.uk/parking Like ‘Visit Armagh’ Follow us @ visit_armagh
armagh city centre management
local businesses working together to promote armagh.. City
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