Christmas
Celebrate Christmas the traditional way at the Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra, near Holywood, with festive music, crafts, food and family fun
This Christmas, wander the snowy, cobbled streets of the Ulster Folk Museum for a festive season filled with memories and traditions.
Our authentic cottages and exhibit buildings will be decorated for the season, with lights, wreaths and cosy fires. Settle in for a festive story in the Town School or an old, silent Christmas movie in our authentic Picture House. Listen out for carol singers, plus seasonal sounds from a brass band and harpist.
There'll be traditional Christmas crafts for all ages, plus willow star making in the Weaving Shed. Take in the scents of nut roasting, make cinnamon toast over the open fire, and taste traditional Christmas cake. Warm up with a festive drink, like mulled wine or a hot toddy, in the Parochial Hall (please drink responsibly). Meet our makers as they demonstrate age-old crafts, say hello to the donkeys, and pick up last-minute Christmas gifts in the museum shop.
Step away from the rush of modern life and discover Christmas as it once was - slower, nostalgic, and filled with tradition.
Dates for Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
- Saturday 20th December
- Sunday 21st December
- Monday 22nd December (10:00 to 16:00)
Weekday activity
Planning a visit during weekdays in December? The Folk Museum will be decorated for the season and the Picture House will be showing Christmas films from the Silent Era. Plus you can have a festive treat from Ballycultra Tearoom or McCusker's Pub!
Please note, Santa tickets and Christmas Evenings are separate to this event. Both our Santa and Christmas Evenings are now sold out.
What to know
Our main Christmas activity will take place on weekends in December and the days leading up to Christmas. Visiting on a weekday? You can still enjoy our museum dressed for the festive season, however, no additional activity will be in place.
Choose our Green Ticket and save 20% if you travel to the event by public transport! The discount will be applied when a valid public transport ticket is presented.
Parking will be limited and we recommend making use of public transport where possible. An accessible bus will be available on all dates to support with overflow parking.
How do I get to the Ulster Folk Museum from Belfast? It's a quick journey from Belfast City Centre to the Ulster Folk Museum! Get the Bangor train line from Lanyon Place and get off at Cultra. From here, it's a short 10-15 minute walk up a gradual incline to the Ulster Folk Museum.
