Armagh Georgian Festival returns this November with Christmas markets, light shows and historic celebrations
Armagh Georgian Festival will return from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 November 2026, transforming the historic city into an 18th-century celebration featuring Christmas markets, spectacular light shows, costumed characters and family entertainment.
The four-day festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Armagh, with a packed programme of historical experiences, live performances, festive shopping and activities for all ages.
Highlights include the return of the popular Georgian Day celebrations, more than 100 artisan market stalls, horse-drawn carriage rides and a spectacular Christmas light show projected onto the city’s historic Market House.
Armagh Georgian Festival brings history to life
The annual event celebrates Armagh’s Georgian heritage, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and traditions of life more than 250 years ago.
Historic buildings and streets will become the setting for immersive performances, guided tours and encounters with costumed characters portraying figures from the Georgian period.
Visitors will also be able to explore the city’s architecture and discover the stories behind the people who helped shape modern Armagh.
The festival, which was first launched in 2004, has become one of Northern Ireland’s major seasonal heritage attractions.
More than 100 stalls at Georgian Christmas market
One of the biggest attractions will be the Festive Artisan Market, featuring more than 100 stalls across Armagh city centre and The Mall.
The market will offer handmade crafts, Christmas gifts, artisan food, seasonal treats and products from local makers.
Saturday 28 November will be the main Georgian Day celebration, with market stalls, street performances, music and family entertainment throughout the city.
The Mall market will operate from 11am until 7pm on Saturday, while city centre stalls will remain open until 8pm.
A smaller selection of stalls and entertainment will also be available on Friday evening and Sunday.
Georgian light show returns to Market House
The Georgian Light Show will return to Market House on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November.
This year’s presentation, entitled A Merry Little Christmas, will transform the Georgian building with colourful projections, music and special effects.
Shows are scheduled for 6pm, 7pm and 8pm on Friday, with performances at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm on Saturday.
Tickets cost £3.50 per person and will go on sale online at 10am on Tuesday 3 November.
Everyone attending, including children, must have a valid ticket. Tickets will not be available at the venue.
Banquets, mock trials and historic experiences
The programme will also feature a series of ticketed experiences exploring Georgian society, entertainment and traditions.
Visitors can enjoy a Georgian Banquet, combining dining, live music and historical storytelling.
The popular Georgian Mock Trials will return to Armagh Courthouse, allowing audiences to experience the drama and customs of an 18th-century courtroom.
Other activities include guided tours of the Archbishop’s Palace, an immersive Behind Bars experience at Armagh Gaol, handbell ringing workshops and traditional horse-and-carriage rides.
Musical highlights include a Georgian Christmas Carol service by Armagh City Choir at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on Friday 27 November.
New festival passes introduced for 2026
Organisers have introduced two festival passes for visitors hoping to experience several attractions over the weekend.
The Georgian Society Weekend Pass combines a selection of historical experiences in one adult ticket.
The Little Georgians Family Pass is designed for families and includes activities such as mock trials, the Christmas light show, horse-and-carriage rides and handbell ringing.
The family pass costs £85 plus a £1 booking fee for two adults and two children.
Many festival activities are free, although some experiences require advance booking and places may be limited.
Organisers welcome return of popular festival
Aoife Cleland, who will portray a Georgian character during this year’s celebrations, said the event had been part of her life since primary school.
She explained that the festival transforms Armagh’s historic buildings into stages and fills the streets with music, storytelling, food and festive entertainment.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, also welcomed the festival’s return.
She highlighted the contribution of performers, craftspeople, tour guides and local producers in bringing the city’s history to life.
The Lord Mayor encouraged visitors to discover Armagh’s Georgian heritage while enjoying the hospitality and creativity of the local community.
When is Armagh Georgian Festival 2026?
Armagh Georgian Festival takes place from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 November 2026.
The main Georgian Day celebrations and large artisan market will be held on Saturday 28 November.
Many activities are free, while the Georgian Light Show and selected historical experiences require tickets.
Visitors travelling to the festival should also be aware that temporary road closures and parking arrangements will operate throughout the weekend, with park-and-ride services available on Georgian Day.
The full programme, ticket availability and booking information can be found on the official Visit Armagh website.
Armagh Georgian Festival 2026 — full programme and booking
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