Popular Christmas market will make ‘much anticipated return’ next month

Festive 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

Next month will see the return of the Christmas Market to The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort, for two days in 2025. The event will take place on Friday, December 12 from 3pm to 9pm and Saturday, December 13, from midday to 6pm.

The scenic path through The Dark Walk to Hillsborough Fort will feature artisan foods to complete punters’ festive tables, the sound of Christmas music, and a plentiful street food offering the all-important hot drinks. These will include specialty coffees and hot chocolates that are designed to keep shoppers’ cosy throughout the event.

And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without twinkling lights lining the way and a visit from Santa Himself. Hosted by Lisburn and astlereagh City Council, the annual Christmas Market is a popular stalwart for the community. A wide array of 65 local food producers, artists and craftspeople offering unique artisan gifts will be alongside local businesses in the village who will stay open late.

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Councillor Claire Kemp, Regeneration and Growth Chair said: “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.”

Organisers say this market will be ideal for the most discerning Christmas shoppers and those seeking a touch of Christmas sparkle to get into the spirit of the season. This will be helped along with Christmas carols and songs from local choirs, ukulele groups and local musicians.

Food lovers will especially be spoilt for choice while they make their way through the market as the event welcomes 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 such as 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 also 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 and 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 & ISoy Candles will be on offer.

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, December 5, from 4pm to 8pm on Bow Street. Dundonald Christmas Market will take place from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, December 4, at Moat Park, Dundonald, and Carryduff Christmas Market will occur on Wednesday, December 17, from 4.00pm to 8.00pm held in the Lidl Carpark.

All events are free to attend, with organisers encouraging people to bundle up and join their local community in the spirit of Christmas.

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