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Newry Christmas lights switch on is taking place next Thursday 23 November. It is the first of the districts Christmas events and with recents floods the annual lighting up of the city is all the more important, helping to brighten up the city streets as we approach the festive season.
Each year Newry, Mourne and Down District Council officially mark the start of the Christmas season in our towns and city with the light switch on's. Not only do they bring communities together, foster a sense of unity and spread Christmas cheer, they bring people into our commercial centres to help support our local businesses.
This year, in the wake of the devastating flooding, the Council is encouraging residents to rally around and support business owners impacted by flooding to improve morale and local commerce in their town centres. Newry, Mourne and Downs District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, "The Christmas Lights Switch-On events are a time for our communities to come together and celebrate the magic of the holiday season. There really is no better place to start the festivities than in your local community supporting your own traders.
“We are mindful of both the ongoing flooding recovery process and our commitment to supporting the traders who have reopened – a testament to the unwavering resilience of our businesses. Supporting local commerce at Christmas time has always been a Council priority. Businesses and traders are an integral part of our communities as they provide local jobs and services and its important that we get behind them. This year, now more than ever, we invite everyone to get the dates in your diary and come along to your local Switch On event.”
The first of the Switch On events will take place in Newry City Centre on Thursday 23 November from 6pm – 8.30pm in Marcus Square, Hill Street and Newry Town Hall. There will be live performances by local artists and musicians who will serenade the crowd with beloved Christmas tunes, creating a magical atmosphere.
No Christmas Light Switch on would be complete without a special guest appearance from Santa Claus, who will spread cheer to children of all ages with his grand entrance at 7.30pm in Marcus Street. A variety of delicious seasonal treats and warm beverages will also be on offer from local food vendors and Newry Town Hall will become a winter wonderland as it hosts a Christmas Artisan Market full of festive treats.
On Sunday 3 December, St Patrick’s Square, Downpatrick will be the focal point for the Christmas Lights Switch On festivities. Everyone is encouraged to come early from 3.30pm and soak up the atmosphere at a special Christmas Artisan Market. Businesses that have been impacted by the flood in Market Street, St Patrick’s Avenue and the surrounding area will be offered a stall, and any shops that are able to open are encouraged to do so.
There will be family and street entertainment, live DJ music followed by Abba Sensations, and Santa will assist the Chairperson Councillor Valerie Harte to switch on the lights at 6pm.
Arrangements for the remainder of the Switch On events are currently being finalised.
Community Christmas Light Switch On event Dates
Crossmaglen Friday 24 November
Ballynahinch Friday 1 December, 6pm - 9pm
Downpatrick Sunday 3 December, 12 Noon - 6pm
Dundrum Friday 1 December, 7pm
Hilltown Friday 1 December
Killyleagh Sunday 26 November
Kilkeel Saturday 25 November, 1pm - 6pm
Newcastle 25 November
Newry Thursday 23 November, 6pm - 8.30pm
Rostrevor Saturday 2 December
Saintfield Friday 1 December
Warrenpoint 25 November, 5pm – 7pm
For additional information and updates, you can visit the Council's website at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/Christmas-events or follow them on social media at FB: @visitmourne
