Countdown to Christmas
Get the festive feels by getting involved in as many events and activities on campus as possible.
Christmas Tree Light Switch On
- Thursday 4 December, 11am, Coleraine (main foyer)
- Thursday 4 December, 2pm, Belfast (BC main entrance)
- Friday 5 December, 11am, Derry~Londonderry (outside MD building)
Join staff and students as the campus lights up! Our amazing university choir will perform holiday favourites while you tuck into festive treats.
Clay Club Christmas Ceramics Market
- Tuesday 2 December, Belfast
Festive Bingo
- Tuesday 2 December, 8-11pm, Bann View Social Coleraine
- Thursday 4 December, 8-11pm, CQ Social Belfast
Festive Karaoke
- Thursday 4 December, 8-11pm, CQ Social Belfast
Christmas Movie Night
- Tuesday 9 December, 6-8pm, The Octogon Coleraine
Home Alone?
Being away from your family can be really hard but don’t hide away, join other students in the same boat and create a magical holiday.
Experience Christmas Day
If you are invited to experience Christmas day with a local student or friend, go for it!
Many families have their own traditions and will be excited to share those with you.
Transport
Don’t forget during holiday periods there will be a reduced public transport service, and there will be no buses or trains running on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
If you need to get somewhere, try and arrange a carshare as taxis charge a premium.
Northern Ireland Christmas Traditions
This year, add to your own traditions with a new list of things we do here in Northern Ireland and embrace the holidays like a local.
Festive Food
The main Christmas meal normally consists of turkey, boiled ham, stuffing, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts, gravy and cranberry sauce.
Throughout December, you’ll see Christmas sandwiches and chips for sale and this is everything as a sandwich filling or on top of chips.
If you are offered a mince pie, you should know this isn’t savoury but a sweet filling of fruit and spices.
Often served with a mulled wine, which is warmed red wine with more festive spice. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions are available.
Christmas Movies
Check out these Top 12 Christmas Movies for some cosy festive viewing.
Midnight Mass/Candlelight Services
On Christmas Eve, local communities gather to celebrate in churches filled with carols and candles.
Secret Santa
This is when a group of friends or family all pick a name at random and have to buy a gift for that person without them knowing. The budget is often very small and gifts are normally silly and fun.
Decorations
It doesn’t matter how big or small your home is, at Christmas most people decorate with a Christmas tree (real or artificial), string lights and baubles. Why not brighten your home with some festive sparkle?
Christmas Jumpers
Funny, cute or stylish, a holiday party wouldn’t be the same without a cozy jumper. If you don’t have one, check out our ideas for making your own.
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are a great place to buy local gifts and crafts, food and hot drinks, or just soak up the atmosphere with friends.
