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The big Christmas light switch on in Newry will take place on Thursday 19 November at Marcus Square, with two hours of family entertainment beginning at 6pm and Santa Claus making his appearance at 7.30pm. Newry Christmas Markets will also open at the Variety Market on the same date and run until Sunday 20 December.
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The crowd will be entertained with live music from Sugartown Road and the Uplifted Gospel Choir, while the Sheridan Stage School will perform songs from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Santa’s visit at 7.30pm will be the icing on the 'Christmas' cake.
At Newry Christmas Market, visitors can browse seasonal stalls offering gifts, handcrafted products and Christmas favourites, with live entertainment throughout November and December. Food and drink vendors will be on site, along with a full programme of family-friendly activities.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “While Christmas can be difficult for some and full of joy for others, coming together across Mourne Gullion Strangford for the annual festive lights switch-on events can be a time for people to share and celebrate at a special time of year.
“From switching on the Christmas lights in our towns and villages to the festive markets, craft fairs and family events taking place throughout November and December, there is something for everyone to enjoy and experience what makes Christmas in Newry, Mourne and Down so special.”
Cllr Hanna added: “The various events provide a great opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy all that our district has to offer. Thanks to all our staff, community groups, volunteers, performers and businesses whose hard work helps make these festive celebrations possible.”
In Downpatrick on 27 November, events will take place at St Patrick’s Square, Down Arts Centre and Down County Museum. At St Patrick’s Square between 6pm and 8pm, The Just Adam band will provide live music alongside family activities, with Santa switching on the Christmas lights at 7.30pm. Santa’s Grotto will also open at the St Patricks Centre that evening.
Down Arts Centre will host a Christmas Craft Fair between 6pm and 9pm, giving visitors the chance to browse handmade gifts and the work of local artists and makers, with live music throughout the evening. Children’s arts and crafts and face painting by Mrs Claus will be available, along with mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Down County Museum is hosting a free Christmas Stories & Silver Sounds event between 5pm and 8pm. It will include festive storytelling with Anne Harper, performances by Wellington Memorial Silver Band, family arts and crafts and Christmas sensory workshops designed to provide an inclusive experience for those with additional needs. Booking is required in advance for the workshops.
In Kilkeel, a Dickens Day and Christmas Lights switch-on ceremony will be held in the town centre on 28 November between 1pm and 5.30pm. It will feature family entertainment, children’s activities, festive entertainment, amusement rides and arts and crafts.
Santa will travel throughout the council area to switch on lights in Newry, Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, Newcastle and Warrenpoint, and residents and visitors are encouraged to explore town centres, browse independent retailers and enjoy festive food and drink over the Christmas period.
Lights will be switched on in towns and villages throughout Newry, Mourne and Down between Thursday 19 November and Saturday 5 December, with special festive events also taking place in Downpatrick and Kilkeel.
Follow @VisitMourneGullionStrangford or go to www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com for more details of Christmas Lights Switch On events throughout the district.
