Visit Santa and his Elves at Ulster American Folk Park

Here at the Ulster American Folk Park, Father Christmas and Mrs Claus are toasting their toes by the turf fire ahead of your visit, all before they pack up the sleigh for Christmas!

The North Pole elves are busy getting things ready and spreading festive cheer wherever they go. Did you know that only children who truly believe in Christmas magic can see the elves? They aren’t so fond of grown-ups!

Take in the magic of Christmas with a stroll through the snowy streets of Ulster and America. Let one of our elves guide you to the magical home of Father Christmas and Mrs Claus to say hello, and if you’ve made it on the good list you might even receive a special, traditional gift to bring home!

While you’re here, meet the Chief Story Elf for Christmas storytelling and fill up on Christmas shortbread and mulled spiced apple juice!

See Santa dates below;

• Friday 6th December (evening only)
• Saturday 7th December
• Sunday 8th December
• Friday 13th December (evening only)
• Saturday 14th December
• Sunday 15th December
• Friday 20th December (day and evening)
• Saturday 21st December
• Sunday 22nd December
• Monday 23rd December

What to know:

• Tickets are £20 per child (aged up to 12) and £13.50 per adult. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Each child ticket includes a traditional Christmas gift per child.
• This Father Christmas experience takes place at Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, not to be confused with the Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra. When buying tickets, please make sure you have chosen the correct museum and event, as tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your time slot as this will be the departure time of your visit. If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee you a place in another time slot.
• Please wear suitable outdoor footwear and clothing.
• Father Christmas visits can only be booked online, walk-ups will not be allowed. 

Experience the traditions and nostalgia of Christmas past this festive season at the Folk Park.

There are two different ticket options for Christmas at the Folk Park this year. There will be more festive activity taking place on weekends in December plus Christmas week (the 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 20th to 23rd December) so ticket prices on these dates will be a little more than general admission during December weekdays. 

Discover how Christmas would have been celebrated in rural Ulster centuries ago, from the humble surroundings of a single-room cabin to the indulgent Christmas of the Campbell House. Meet Mrs Mellon and taste samples of her traditionally made Christmas cake. Emerge in the wintery streets of America, taking in the Christmas décor, smells and festive flavours, seeing how European settlers influenced the holiday season and created the American Christmas we know today. Look at traditional Christmas cards, write your letter to Father Christmas and bring your camera for a photograph at the sleigh, as the little ones enjoy our Christmas tree trail.

Even more Christmas!

We’ll have even more Christmas activity for you to enjoy over December weekends and Christmas week itself (that’s the 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 20th to 23rd December). If you’re planning your visit over these dates, there’ll be Christmas crafts for kids, mince pies and warmed apple punch from Mrs Claus’ Bakery, plus festive tunes and Christmas storytelling sessions. The Mummer characters will entertain you with a performance led by Captain Mummer, celebrating one of rural Ulster’s oldest Christmas traditions. If the weather behaves, we’ll also have horse and carriage rides! (Please note, general admission on these specific dates will be more).

What to know: * The Folk Park will be closed on the following dates:

• Monday 2nd, Monday 9th, Monday 16th & Monday 30th December.
• 24th December through to 27th December. We’ll be open as normal on Saturday 28th December.
• The above Christmas activity is happening at the Folk Park between 6th December to 3rd January 2025, with the exception of the closed days listed above.
• Please note that this ticket is for general admission to the Ulster American Folk Park during the Christmas period. Tickets to our ‘Visit Father Christmas and his Elves’ experience must be purchased separately here.

Join us for a magical Christmas experience on December 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or supper with Santa, and don’t forget to post your letter at Santa’s Post Office. Listen to storytime with Mrs. Claus, create festive crafts, and feel the magic of falling snow! You’ll meet beloved Disney friends, get festive tattoos and face painting, and toast marshmallows by the campfire. Each child gets to meet Santa and receive a special gift!

Tickets are just £23.95 per person. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable holiday adventure!

Christmas 2024 Party Nights at Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh

Join us for a magical night filled with festive cheer, live entertainment, and a delicious 4-course dinner! 🎄✨

Event Dates & Entertainment Line-up:
– Saturday 7th December: Bleed ‘N’ Cowboys
– Friday 13th December: This Way Up
– Saturday 14th December: Juke Box Jurors
– Friday 20th December: Riff Raff 2

What’s Included:
– 4-course festive dinner
– Live entertainment and band
– Disco to dance the night away

Price: £40 per person
– £15 non-refundable deposit required at the time of booking. Remaining balance and menu pre-order required one week before the event.

Book your spot now and make this Christmas one to remember! 🎉

Are you ready?

Celebrate Halloween with renowned storyteller Liz Weir as she captivates audiences with folklore and spooky legends. 

This lively intergenerational talk will focus on Omagh’s spookier side, exploring the sillier and scarier stories from Omagh’s past. Perfect for families and those curious about local history and folklore.

Join us for a fantastic lineup of Autumn and Winter events at Dún Uladh!

We’re bringing you a variety of cultural experiences, live music sessions, and community gatherings throughout the season. Whether you’re into traditional Irish music or want to support great causes, we’ve got something for everyone!

🎶 Here’s what’s coming up:

– 2nd November: In Session
– 24th November: Bríd Harper & Ryan Molloy in Concert
– 7th December: In Session
– 26th December: In Session
– 1st January: In Session to kick off 2025!

💚 Mark your calendars and join us to celebrate music, community, and culture!

Additional Info:
– All sessions and concerts are hosted at Dún Uladh.
– No prior booking is required for In Session events.

For more information, contact us directly or visit our website.

**Ticket Information:**
Varies by event; In Session events are free, while concert tickets can be purchased at the door or through our website.

Celebrate the festive season in the heart of Omagh at our Christmas Farmer’s Markets, where the finest local produce and handcrafted festive goods await! From farm-fresh seasonal treats to high quality local produce , these markets offer a joyful experience that brings our community together. Soak in the Christmas atmosphere with warm aromas, and lively stalls, all while supporting the regeneration of our town centre. Come for the festive spirit, stay for the unforgettable experience

Discover our quality local produce in the heart of Omagh this season at our vibrant markets! From the freshest local produce to sustainable shopping, these markets offer a unique experience that brings our community together. Immerse yourself in the seasonal charm of the Farmer’s Market this harvest, supporting the regeneration of our town centre while enjoying local food and a lively atmosphere. Come for the produce, stay for the experience.

Two of Ireland’s finest musicians—Bríd Harper and Ryan Molloy—join forces for an exciting concert of fiddles, viola and piano. Bríd, one of the leading traditional Irish fiddle players of her generation, boasts numerous prestigious titles, including the Senior All-Ireland, Fiddler of Dooney, and Oireachtas na Gaeilge. She has released two critically acclaimed solo albums and collaborated with some of the best-known names in the tradition: Dermot Byrne, Steve Cooney, Arty McGlynn and Sylvain Barou. Ryan, an award-winning pianist and composer, pushes the boundaries of Irish music in his role as Associate Professor of Composition at Maynooth University. A recipient of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Composer of the Year award, Ryan has worked with a host of internationally renowned ensembles such as the Danish String Quartet and the Ulster Orchestra and has recorded on over thirty albums as accompanist, arranger and composer. Join us for an evening of dazzling traditional Irish fiddle and piano—this is a concert not to be missed!

BOOK HERE

 Join us for a Spooktacular Halloween evening filled with fun for all ages! Explore our pumpkin patch  and get creative carving your very own pumpkin masterpiece. Gather around for spooky (but friendly!) Halloween tales  read by a special guest character, while you sip on Winnie Witch’s famous hot chocolate brew  and snack on yummy spooky cookies .

Enjoying roasting gooey s’mores by the cosy campfire . It’s the perfect way to kick off Halloween with treats, creativity, and unforgettable memories! 

Booking essential:

Friday 18th October; https://buytickets.at/cregganeducationresearchser…/1412761

Saturday 19th October; https://buytickets.at/cregganeducationresearchser…/1412776

Tuesday 29th October; https://buytickets.at/cregganeducationresearchser…/1412779

Thursday 31st October; https://buytickets.at/cregganeducationresearchser…/1412780

Scarecrows made by local schools and families placed around the forest trails. Fright Night occurring for one night only (25th 8-11pm) when people are invited to come along and be scared by our members who
will be hidden around the forest in costume.

Find out more – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080613515485

Embark on a thrilling Trick or Treat Trail throughout the Strule Arts Centre! Pick up your trail map at the entrance and uncover hidden surprises and spooky secrets in every corner of the centre.

Adapted for children from a story by “G.B.S.” (widely believed to be George Bernard Shaw).

Anna Ducane and her sisters visit their friend in town where they all stay with her friend’s uncle for the summer. All is fine while the weather is good but as the season ends the goods times fade too. The old man tells them not to go outside as a storm approaches, they should have listened…

Book Here

Age Guidance: Suitable for ages 5-10 years

Complimentary tickets available for teachers

Join Sammy Ragdoll and her best friend Eddy the Teddy on a whimsical walk through the woods. This enchanting adventure is suitable for children aged 6 and under. Complimentary tickets available for teachers.

Book Here

Using air dry clay children will have Halloween as a theme to work on their own spooky clay work. Techniques will be shown on how to build with clay with plenty of ideas to work off. All work will be decorated using coloured clay slips and can be taken home on the day. From jack-o-lanterns, to spooky ghosts….. From monsters to the day of the dead themes, this workshop will be full of ghoulish fun

Price: £20

Ages: Can suit the very young to teenagers

Book Here

After years of research, we’ve made a ground-breaking discovery of something long buried. Now, a towering figure has been unearthed from the archives at the Folk Park. Join us, if you dare, for a night at the museum as we enter the uncanny and mysterious world of Crudden Boyle…

Come along to our annual Torchlight Tours as we bring Hallowe’en of old to life at Ulster American Folk Park. Torchlight Tours will take place on the following dates every 15 minutes from 18:00:

• Saturday 26th October
• Tuesday 29th October
• Wednesday 30th October

What to know

• Tours will begin at 18:00, running every 15 minutes, until the final tour commences at 22:30.
• Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your allocated time slot as this will be when your tour departs.
• Torchlight Tours are recommended for ages 12+.
• Tickets are £15 per person. If you require a carer’s ticket, please email info@nationalmuseumsni.org or call 028 8224 3292.
• As this is an outdoor event, we recommend you bundle up warm and wear appropriate clothing and footwear!
• Please note, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied and supervised at all times on the tour by a paying adult.
• Torchlight Tour tickets do not include general admission and the museum will be closed off to non-Torchlight Tour ticketholders.

Book your ticket through the link – https://nmni-booking.ecr-aws.co.uk/en/ticket/detail/12825c06-7392-4066-4077-08dbaa12107d

Happy Haunting!

This Hallowe’en, go back to a time of true traditions, superstitions, and lore!

Dare to be different and delve into the history of our spookiest season. Discover how the people of rural Ulster celebrated Hallowe’en traditions centuries ago, and how the same traditions were carried across to America – before becoming the Hallowe’en we know and love today!

Listen to tales of lore and misfortune, give barn dancing a go, dress up as a scarecrow, and taste delicious Hallowe’en fayre like barmbrack and apple tart. Get involved with crafts, face-painting, and family-friendly activities plus a Hallowe’en trail for little ones to follow.

Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled…as you never know what you will find as you walk the Park!

Opening Hours

• Monday 28th October – 10:00 to 16:00
• Tuesday 29th October – 10:00 to 16:00
• Wednesday 30th October – 10:00 to 16:00
• Thursday 31st October – 10:00 to 16:00

Book your general admission tickets through the link – https://nmni-booking.ecr-aws.co.uk/en/ticket/detail/c651b497-947b-4803-916e-08dc4e864536

Join Omagh Craft Collective for a fun-filled series of festive craft workshops! Whether you’re into crochet, ceramics, or wreath-making, there is something special for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s a peek at our December Craft Class Schedule:

🗓️ Friday, Nov 1st

• 11 AM: Changing Tides Copper Craft Robin/Ogham Workshop

🗓️ Saturday, Nov 2nd

• 10 AM & 1:30 PM: Carol Kinloch Crochet Xmas Tree/Garland Workshop

🗓️ Saturday, Nov 9th

• 10:30 AM: Rachel Leary Ceramics Christmas Painting Workshop
• 1:30 PM: Navar Willow Xmas Star Workshop

🗓️ Sunday, Nov 10th

• 1:30 PM: Sheena B Luxury Christmas Wreath Workshop

🗓️ Saturday, Nov 16th

• 10:30 AM: Shauna McCann Ceramics Angel Workshop

🗓️ Monday, Nov 18th

• 3 PM: Natasha Duddy Fused Glass Xmas Decoration Workshop

🎁 Come and create something unique for the holidays! Call into the Omagh Craft Collective Gift Shop to book your spot today.

Don’t miss out—spaces are limited! 🎄🖌️ Book your class now – 028 8224 2780

The Annual Omagh Music Festival Weekend returns on 1 and 2 November 2024 at the Strule Arts Centre, this year celebrating the music of Omagh Legends Frank Chisum and Frankie McBride!

Friday 1 November 

Saturday 2 November

14th & 15th December at Omagh Leisure Centre

This Halloween, come and join us for a spooktacular time on our Halloween trail!

Walk the estate and enjoy new fun and frights, fresh for 2024!

With so much on offer from pumpkin racing, spooky karaoke, marshmallow toasting, scary stories and a tractor ride to facepainting, arts and crafts and an obstacle course including our mega hay slide, we have all you need for a fun family-friendly day out!

Open to all ages but recommended for 12s and under. Waterproofs and wellies are advised. Please note some activities may be weather dependent. Entry is through the farmshop and you should have your ticket ready to show either on paper or on your phone. All adults and children attending will require a ticket. There is no time limit on your stay as long as you are within the Halloween opening hours (10am-6.30pm)

Dates; 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th & 31st.

Grab your tickets now at;
https://www.beattiesevents.com/events

Set your clocks and mark your calendars! It’s Christmas Lights Switch On for Omagh!

Discover some of Halloween`s ancient origins in the Sperrin Uplands, hear stories of ritual landscapes, primeval habitats and Celtic species that all helped spawn Halloween.

This small group, exclusive tour explores the deep roots of the festival that marked the beginning of winter for our ancient ancestors.

Join Martin from Foyle Trails on his wonderful Halloween Tour where you will discover some of the ancient origins of Halloween. Hear how the mythology of archaeological sites and primeval habitats played a role in the creation and survival of the ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain (Halloween). This quirky day trip will both intrigue and amuse you. so mark your calendar and get ready for a unique and fascinating experience.

Find out more HERE

30th & 31st October