It is hard to believe that the season of goodwill is upon us. Whether you are dreading the thought of present shopping or already tucking into mince pies now is the time to start planning ahead to make the most of the magic of Christmas. This year to help cut the cost of Christmas, Translink is spreading festive cheer with the ultimate ‘12 days of Christmas’ guide, listing some of the best festive things to do over the Christmas period across Northern Ireland.

Day 1: Christmas Lights

Why not take a day trip and enjoy a festive fun filled day out by visiting the range of Christmas trees which are already lit up around towns and cities across Northern Ireland. Make the most of your day out and take some time out for lunch or enjoy some retail therapy. Hop on one of the Ulsterbus, Goldline or Metro services after 9.15am using the bus rambler day ticket, available every Sunday and every day from Saturday 22nd December – Sunday 6th January 2013 inclusive.

Day 2: Experience Authentic Culture

Indulge in some of the best European delights on offer at the Belfast Continental market which runs until 20th December. Sip on some hot chocolate, sample the Spanish paella, tuck into a Bratwurst sausage or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere at the City Hall. For more details visit: www.belfastcity.gov.uk. Don’t forget to take advantage of the special £2 Metro fare (£1child) which provides unlimited travel on Metro services each Saturday after 9.30am until 5 January 2013 inclusive.

Day 3: Christkindl Celebrations at Downpatrick

Take a trip to Downpatrick and have a magical time with your family this Christmas by getting involved in the wide range of fun filled festive activities taking place until 24 December.  Why not visit Santa in his grotto at the Saint Patrick Centre or bring a glass jar for free entry to the classic film ‘A Christmas Carol’ (pre-booking essential). Travel by coach to Downpatrick.

Day 4: Late Night Shopping

Take a hassle-free bus trip to one of our cities Newry, Lisburn, Belfast or Derry~Londonderry for some late night Christmas shopping. Make the most of the extended Park and Ride Services which will operate in and out of Belfast between Monday 19th November and Saturday 22nd December. During this time period all the Park and Ride services listed above will provide parking and free bus travel for people travelling into the city after 4.30 pm on the weekdays when late night shopping is in place and all day each Saturday. For further details please visit www.translink.co.uk/christmasoffers 

Day 5: Days of Christmas Past

Take the whole family back in time and enjoy a traditional day out over the Christmas period at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. Join in the festive delights, visit the toymaker in his workshop and meet Santa and Mrs Claus. Hop on the Goldline service (273) which departs from Belfast to Omagh (express services stop on request outside the main gates of the Folk Park). For further information visit www.nmni.com

Day 6: Winter Express at W5

Enjoy a family day out at W5 and climb aboard the Winter Express (Saturday 24th Nov – 6th January) to enjoy an enchanting experience from the Winterland Station passing through the mystical forest until you reach the elf village. Make the most of the family and friends unlimited bus and rail travel tickets for just £20 or Metro day ticket for up to two adults and four children (available every day from Saturday 22nd December 2012 to Sunday 6th January 2013 inclusive).

Day 7: Watch a Christmas movie

Get into the Christmas spirit and gather up a group of friends to watch a Christmas movie by taking the train to your local cinema and making the most of 1/3 off day return rail tickets. Catch one of the many new releases out in the weeks coming up to Christmas or enjoy an old favourite at the Waterfront Hall with their special Christmas screening of the Grinch. For further information please visit: www.waterfront.com

Day 8: Skate rings around each other

Put your skates on and hit the ice to test your balance at the Carrickfergus seasonal skating rink which runs until 5th January. Wrap up warm and enjoy some quality family fun as you attempt to perfect renditions of Bambi on ice.

Day 9: Mirror mirror on the wall which is the best panto of them all?

Enjoy a evening packed full of laughter, combining great song and dance routines and  hilarious comedy at a Christmas pantomime in Derry ~Londonderry. Follow Jack and a collection of colourful local characters in an exciting rendition of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ from the Grove Theatre Group. Alternatively, come along to witness some dazzling special effects at Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the Millennium Forum. For tickets and information visit: www.derryvisitor.com. Hop on the Goldline service (212) direct from Belfast.

Day 10: Splash Around at Lisburn’s Leisureplex

No need to worry about rain, hail, sleet or snow as all the kids will be kept entertained indoors at the Lagan Valley Leisureplex. The Leisure pool has the longest and fastest water slides around including the space bowl, falling rapids, rubber tyre ride and bubble loungers. Take advantage of the Ulsterbus day tickets which provide unlimited day travel on all town/city service routes.

Day 11: Visit the North CoastHead up to the North Coast and stop off in Coleraine to take time to enjoy some retail therapy in the shopping hub of the North West. Make the most of the special late night Christmas shopping train which will operate between Great Victoria Street and Coleraine from Saturday 3rd until 22nd December. Travel in comfort via train and make the most of enhanced rail capacity from 19th November with the majority of train services operating between Belfast and Coleraine increasing from three-carriage to six-carriage services.

Day 12: Take a Trip to Armagh

Enjoy a great family day out and walk through the Solar System into the Milky Way and beyond at the Armagh Planetarium. Travel hassle free with 1/3 off Goldline day return tickets Monday – Sunday after 9.30am on selected services.

For full details of Translink offers visit www.translink.co.uk/christmasoffers or call the Translink contact centre on 028 9066 6630

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