November is an awkward month. Everyone is depressed as the excitement of Halloween dies down, but the good news is it's only 30 days away until Santa is paying us a visit!

But in the meantime, what are we going to do until Rudolf and the gang turns up at our homes on Christmas eve?

Luckily for us, there's plenty of fun events taking place throughout Northern Ireland this month.

Below is our list of fun things to check out this November.

Belfast Christmas Market

Lets face it, Christmas really is the best time of year, and this years Belfast's Christmas Market is definitely shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before.

Launching on Saturday 18 November, Christmas Market lovers won't be disappointed with 20 traders offering a variety of local food and craft good from their hand-crafted chalets at City Hall.

Visitors will find an exciting selection of hand-painted pottery, continental food and decorations, as well as a range of festive arts and crafts from across Europe and beyond.

Children can also visit Santa's Grotto and make sure Father Christmas receives their Christmas wish-lists.

This years event will have even more variety for all you Christmas Market lovers to choose from, including a new spacious eating area where you can sit, relax and enjoy the tasty delights that the market has to offer.

*Don't forget to visit Santa in his grotto!

www.belfastcity.gov.uk.

Georgian Day

Travel through time to the days of a bygone era and get the chance to experience a flavour of Georgian High society in the 21st century.

Taking place in Armagh, guests will be able to enjoy an event filled with food, entertainment, and stories as this time period comes to life for three nights this month.

The Great Georgian Banquet at the landmark Neo-Classical Archbishops Palace will see characters from this iconic time period come to life, telling music, pastimes and stories while guests can sample a five-course menu (including wine) with a modern twist.

In addition, visitors will be able to trace Armagh's Georgia roost with the official Georgian Day taking place on Saturday, 26 November.

Watch as the city streets burst into life, offering guests something different on every turn, featuring period characters, demonstrations, live music, street theatre & performers, walking tours, mulled wine, mince pies, hot chestnuts and much more.

You can even sit back and enjoy a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride around the iconic tree-lined Georgian Mall if you really immerse yourself in the past.

As darkness falls, watch as a dramatic light show bursts to life illuminating the backdrop of the Georgian Market House and creating a festive atmosphere with contemporary and seasonal music.

For more information, visit www.armagh.co.uk/georgianarmagh

Meet Santa at W5 Belfast

Have you been good this year? Santa will be able to tell you when he visits W5 this November.

Bring the kids to meet St Nick in his icy Christmas cavern before he visits your house on Christmas Eve.

Children will be rewarded with a gift from Santa and parents will have the opportunity to buy a photograph of their child/children, or the whole family.

And if that doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit...




Check out the magical Winterland Express train ride. Guests will travel through the enchanted forest into the icy cavern to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland Castle, where a few surprises await.

www.w5online.co.uk

C.S. Lewis Festival 2017

As possibly one of greatest writers and novelists of his time, C.S Lewis will be remembered through the history books as one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century.

To celebrate his legacy, EastSide Arts are hosting the annual CS Lewis Festival from 18 – 22 November to mark his impact on society.

The five-day event will showcase the writer's diverse works, his heritage as well as his connections to his East Belfast childhood home.

Overall, the Festival celebrates the legacy of Lewis through themes of storytelling, imagination and spirituality with events including talks, lectures and tours, exhibitions, workshops, theatre, poetry and spoken word events and film screenings. Guests should expect some firm favourites, new ideas and some quirky events across five days of the festival.

To view the festival's programme, visit here.

A Magical Christmas Experience - Titanic Belfast

You might have noticed by now, but we're getting into the Christmas mood a month early. Thankfully so are Titanic Belfast, who are launching their Magical Christmas Experience on 22 November.

Bring the kids and come and watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his elves count down to their favourite night of the year.

Step through the Old Curiosity Shop to enter the Magical Workshop, or peek into the toy shop where the elves have been hard at work getting ready for Christmas.

Visitors can also join Mrs Claus at her cosy kitchen to hear Christmas tales before getting their creative juices flowing with arts and crafts.

After hanging a Christmas Wish on the Magical Wishing Tree, finish off your journey by having your named checked off the 'Naughty or Nice' list by the Chief Elf before travelling through the enchanted forest and meeting Father Christmas himself.

Adults will be treated to mulled apple juice and shortbread as they enjoy their experience.

titanicbelfast.com

Image credit: www.visitarmagh.com, www.w5online.co.uk, www.eastsidearts.net, titanicbelfast.com