Pop-up Christmas Shop
2023-11-22 10:00 - 2024-01-07 16:00 (Europe/London) | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
Come and visit a unique shopping experience this Christmas at North Down Museum. Browse the museum’s galleries, which are filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that special gift and support your local crafters.

The shop is free to explore during normal opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am–4pm and Sunday 12–4pm.

Kiln Fused Glass Christmas Decorations
2023-11-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
This fused glass workshop is a gentle introduction to glass fusing, specifically designed for complete beginners. During the 5 hour session during which you will learn about glass fusing, types & compatibility and tools, various design techniques and safety in the studio.
Participants will make up to 3 Christmas decorations. A number of designs will be readily available – star, snowman, tree, bauble, sock, robin. However, if you wish, you can make up your own simple design at the workshop.
Closed, comfy shoes are a requirement; comfortable clothing, trousers or jeans are recommended. PPE equipment will be provided (safety glasses and facemasks) however you may wish to bring your own.
This class is suitable for age 16+

Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair
2023-11-25 10:00 - 17:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
The Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair is back for 2023, showcasing some of the most talented crafters and food producers from across the country. There will be a range of handmade jewellery, art, textiles, homeware, artisan food makers, and more, all available to buy on Saturday 25 November.
This is an ideal opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit, shop for the perfect custom-made presents and festive foods.

Form | Function | Flourish
2023-11-30 09:30 - 2023-12-23 17:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
A special ceramic group show which brings together the work of 18 established artists who have been invited to consider form, function and/or flourish, and create work that demonstrates the breadth of expression, skill and innovation in contemporary ceramics.
The exhibition continues until 21 December, and includes makers such as Malcom Murchinson, Anna Donovan, Claire and Karen Gibson, John McKeag, Rory and Helen Shearer, Sandra Robinson and many others.

Made in AND Late-Night Christmas Shopping
2023-11-30 18:00 - 21:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
North Down Museum is hosting a special Late-Night Christmas Shopping event at its Pop-Up Christmas Shop. Join in for an evening of music, artists demonstrations and shopping. The museum will be festively decorated, the coffee shop will be open, the visitors will be able to see the museum and purchase unique gifts in a completely different way.

Festive Dorset Button Making Workshop
2023-12-01 10:00 - 13:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
In this workshop with textile designer, Debbie McCann, you will be introduced to the heritage craft of Dorset Button making and shown how these fascinating buttons can be made into stunning Christmas decorations to adorn your tree. All materials will be supplied including plenty of sparkly yarn and ribbon in festive colours.

Max No: 8 | Suitable for 16+ | Tutor: Debbie McCann

Christmas Artisan Market
2023-12-01 13:00 - 20:00, 2023-12-02 11:00 - 17:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
Castle Ward will host its Christmas Artisan Market from 1-3 December. In the theatre space and Stable yard you will find a handpicked selection of local designer/makers and food vendors showcasing their work and locally produced products– a great day out and opportunity to pick up locally handcrafted Christmas products. The Stable yard will be dressed in Georgian style with Christmas lights, accompanied by our living history actors telling you the stories of those who called Castle Ward home during the 18th century. On the late night opening, visitors will enjoy a night-time experience of Castle Ward lit up by the twinkling lights.

Please note, this event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre
2023-12-01 16:00 - 20:00, 2023-12-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Support your local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a wonderful handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the borough of Ards and North Down!

For a unique shopping experience, join the makers and artists of the Creative Peninsula as the popular Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre for 2 days only. Support your local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a perfect, unique, handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the borough of Ards and North Down.
Visitors will enjoy seasonal live music interludes, complementary gift wrapping, and festive refreshments.

Belfast Christmas Potter's Market
2023-12-01 17:00 - 21:00 | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, United Kingdom
Building on the success of the previous three events which showed a great variety of work from both established and emerging potters, Belfast Potter’s Market returns this Christmas at 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast!
The event will take place on Friday 1st December 5pm- 9pm and Saturday 2nd December, 10am – 5pm.
25 of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery – this festive market will have Christmas music , treats and hot drinks available from the cafe to enjoy while you browse.

Ceramic Gingerbread House Workshop
2023-12-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Ceramic Artist Fiona Shannon will guide you through designing and making your Christmas gingerbread house which you can use for your festive table. Designed for beginners, this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Your gingerbread house will be fired to be collected at a later date.
Please bring apron and wear clothes that you won’t mind getting a little messy. It is advisable to cut your nails short for this class. 18 yrs +

Air Dry Christmas Decoration Children's Workshop
2023-12-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
A one-day workshop with Ceramic Artist Fiona Shannon who will guide you through designing and making festive decorations for your Christmas Tree. Designed for beginners and improvers this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Please bring a box with you as children will get to take their creations home with them at the end of the workshop to dry and paint at home.

Suitable for ages 8 – 12 yrs.

Ceramic Christmas Tree Decoration Workshop
2023-12-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
In this one-off workshop, professional ceramicist Fiona Shannon will guide you through designing and making festive Christmas decorations and tea lights perfect for your tree and table. Designed for beginners this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Fiona will fire and glaze your decorations to be collected at a later date.
Suitable for 18yrs +

Big Bauble Showcase
2024-11-07 10:00 - 2024-12-30 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
The Big Bauble Showcase is a yearly staple at Craft NI Gallery, featuring a wide range of unique handmade baubles, in limited ranges or one-offs. The event is a highlight for visitors who come back each year to add to their collection.
Stop by to admire and pick up a meaningful gift – these unique designs in porcelain, felt, enamel, textiles or hand blown glass are sure to impress!

'Brilliant Generations' Christmas exhibition
2024-11-07 18:00 - 2024-12-31 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI’s 2024 Christmas selling exhibition ‘Brilliant Generations’ will open November 7, 6 – 9pm at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast, and run until December 31st!
This year’s Christmas exhibition will showcase the impressive creations of our local designer-makers and aim to inspire discerning shoppers with new, exciting work: whether it is jewellery that sparkles, ceramics with an innovative twist, new exciting work in textiles or wood, Craft NI Gallery are looking forward to sharing their newest creative endeavours with you!
‘Brilliant Generations’ will encompass key messages about what Northern Irish craft has to offer, and hint at the emotions associated with finding the perfect festive gift: awe at the skills and creativity of our local makers; the thrill of discovering a unique handcrafted gift; and the wonder of (re)discovering something new and exciting about craft (and craft makers) Northern Ireland.

Open Studio Event: Alison Lowry, Alistar-R, Rene Mullin and Curlew Cottage Design
2024-11-23 10:30 - 2024-12-01 17:00
A rare opportunity to visit four designer/maker studios not normally open to the public – visitors will have a chance to see their making processes of glass, jewellery & printmaking! Bring some friends and browse their unique, handmade work, and don’t forget to look out for something special in the seconds sale. There will be coffee and cake available at all studios.
Please note the participating studios and opening times:
Alison Lowry
Opening Times:
Saturday 3oth November
10:30 – 3:30
36 Comber St, Saintfield, Co Down
BT24 7AZ 07747033454
mail@alisonlowry.co.uk
www.alisonlowry.co.uk
Curlew Cottage Design:
Opening Times: Thur 28th Nov
6-9pm. (Fri closed), Sat 30th Nov
10-5pm, sun 1st Dec 10-opm.
ZU Aromon Koad, Killylesgh.
joanna@curlewcottagedestgn.co.uk
www.curewcotos.edestgn.co.uk
Rene Mullin:
Opening Times: Thurs 28th Nov
6-9pm, Fri 29th Nov 6-2pm
Sat 30th Nov 10-4pm, Sun Ist Dec
10-8pm (no public loo available)
12 Audleystown Road, Strangford
Co Down, BT30 77LP
rene@placed.ie www.placed.ie
Alistair-R
Opening Times:
Sat 23rd Nov
(all day by appointment only)
Sat 30th Nov – 10.30-5pm
Sunday December 1st 11:30. – 4pm
142 Listooder Road, Saintfield, Co. Down BT24 7LB
07788757070
robbie@alistairr.co.k
www.alistairr.co.uk

Drinks, nibbles and discount night at Steensons
2024-11-28 06:00 - 20:00 | Steensons, Bedford House, Bedford St, Belfast, BT2 7FD
Steensons would like to invite you for an exclusive evening – enjoy 20% off their stunning collections, accompanied by festive drinks and delicious canapés. It’s the perfect opportunity to find a special piece or start your festive shopping in style.
(stock items only – T&C’s apply; on the night exclusive 20% discount on spends over £250)

Twilight Christmas Shopping
2024-11-28 18:00 - 20:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
To launch this year’s Pop-Up Christmas Shop, North Down Museum is hosting a Late-Night Christmas Shopping event.

Join in for an evening of twinkly lights, music, artists demonstrations and shopping. The museum will be festively decorated, the museum café will be open serving food and drink and visitors will be able to explore the museum and purchase unique gifts in a completely different way!

Christmas Artisan Market
2024-11-29 11:00 - 2024-12-01 20:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
Castle Ward will host its Christmas Artisan Market from 29th November to 1st December!
Held in the theatre space and Stable yard, this market offers a great opportunity to pick up unique, locally crafted Christmas gifts and enjoy delicious seasonal treats. The atmosphere will be festive, with a vibrant mix of products on offer—from home décor to artisan foods. On 29 November, the late-night opening lets you shop under the glow of twinkling lights, with the Mansion fully dressed for the holiday season.
Please note the opening times below:
29 Nov, 13:00 – 20:00
30 Nov & 1 Dec, 11:00 – 17:00
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Adam Frew Christmas Open Studio
2024-11-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Adam Frew will be having his annual Christmas Open Studio on Saturday November 30th from 10aam – 3pm. There will be a wide range of pots for sale and also some festive nibbles – a lovely opportunity to meet other craft lovers too!

Sew Your Own Christmas Decorations
2024-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
This workshop will give instructions on sewing techniques, pattern pieces and assembly required for your own bespoke Christmas Tree decorations! The sewing workshop will cover the skills required to make beautiful handmade decorations. You can work with hand sewing or, if you own a sewing machine and want to bring this along, there will also be patterns and materials available for those who prefer to sew on their machine.
All materials you will need are included in the cost of this workshop.
Tutor Bio
Katie Harte is originally from Dublin but has been creating and teaching in Belfast for over 10 years. With a background in material science she loves investigating materials and fibres. She is currently a freelance knitter for Hope Macaulay while also working on her own designs in both sewing and knitting.

Open Studio Winter Event
2024-11-30 11:00 - 2024-12-01 16:00 | Patricia Millar Ceramics Studio, 20 Isle Road, Bushmills, United Kingdom
Ceramicist Patricia Millar will open the doors of her studio to the public November 30th – December 1st, 11am – 4pm!
Stop by for mulled wine, pots and demos throughout the day – you might also find that perfect gift!

Christmas Belfast Potter's Market
2024-12-06 10:00 - 2024-12-07 21:00 | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, United Kingdom
Following the success of the previous Belfast Potter’s Markets, the date for this year’s Christmas market has been announced: The Christmas Belfast Potter’s Market will take place December 6th (5pm – 9pm) and 7th (10am – 5pm) at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast!
Come along for some festive music and enjoy browsing and shopping – over 40 potters will have their creations on display in the centre of Belfast.

Tiffany glass series | Christmas angels
2024-12-07 10:00 - 13:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
In perfect time for Christmas, choose whether your Christmas angel will fly or refract light as you make your own halo hanger or mirror candle base. Tutor Eleanor-Jane McCartney will lead you through the techniques to complete your unique tiffany angel piece – designed, created and completed on the day. Please note, closed toe footwear must be worn for your own safety.

Christmas Woodcarving
2024-12-07 10:00 - 16:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
An introduction to the traditional craft of woodcarving with Steve Ryan where you will be guided in the creation of your own Christmas-themed carving. Each participant can choose from different designs including a Santa, Christmas tree and snowman.
All tools and wood are provided for the duration of the workshop.
No prior experience is necessary, this workshop is suitable for beginners and those already with some skills in carving.
As sharp tools are used, sturdy boots or shoes must be worn – not open-toed or low-cut footwear. Safety gloves will be provided but if you have you own tight fitting safety gloves feel free to bring them along.

Pots for tots - Plum pudding dish
2024-12-07 10:30 - 12:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Get creative with your little ones and make a truly personal Christmas dish for your family table. Have some clay fun as you slap, tap and roll the perfect serving dish for your Christmas treats.
£28 includes one adult & one child.

In Praise of Shadows
2024-12-12 10:00 - 2025-01-18 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
A solo exhibition by Maya Todd, ‘In Praise of Shadows’ is an evocative exploration of the interplay between fibre and form, where the boundaries of textiles are pushed to create three-dimensional sculptural shapes.

This exhibition showcases the delicate and ethereal qualities of linen and Irish wool, materials chosen due to their importance in local heritage.
Through the meticulous construction of these textiles, the artist captures and casts shadows that continuously shift and transform, creating a dynamic relationship between light and form. The result is a captivating dance of shadows, inviting viewers to contemplate the transient nature of light and the subtle beauty of crafted textiles.

Craft NI @ RUA 2025
2025-10-19 10:00 - 2026-01-04 17:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
Craft NI has been invited to present a Guest Showcase at the 144th Royal Ulster Academy of Arts (RUA) Exhibition at the Ulster Museum. This exciting partnership between the RUA and Craft NI brings together two leading organisations dedicated to nurturing and celebrating artistic excellence.
The Academy has a long-standing commitment to recognising craft as an integral part of contemporary visual culture: RUA academicians exhibiting this year include celebrated ceramicist Anne Butler, glass artist Alison Lowry and renowned silversmith Cara Murphy, whose exquisite, sculptural silver vessels and tableware have been commissioned at the highest levels, including Downing Street and as the maker of four Grand National trophies.
The Craft NI Showcase will further expand on this celebration of material-based practice, featuring works by Adam Frew, Andrea Spencer, Anne Earls Boylan, Caitlin Murphy, Celine Traynor, Derek Wilson, Grainne Watts, Jack Doherty, Jakki Trainor, Janice Gilmore, Joel Smith, John Piekaar, Mark Hanvey, Mario Sierra (Mourne Textiles), Patricia Kelly and Scott Benefield. From wheel-thrown porcelain to blown glass sculptures, woven textiles to meticulously crafted jewellery, visitors will encounter a diverse spectrum of work that demonstrates both tradition and innovation.

Big Bauble Showcase
2025-11-06 18:00 - 2025-12-30 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
An annual staple at Craft NI Gallery during the festive season, the Big Bauble Showcase features a wide selection of limited ranges and one-off baubles all handcrafted to a high standard by local designer-makers in porcelain, felt, enamel, textiles or hand blown glass. The event is a highlight for visitors who come back each year to add to their collection.
Stop by to admire the skills of local makers and pick up a meaningful gift!
