Newry's Very Own Christmas Market Opens from 20 November

Newry is all set to host its first ever Christmas Market with over 220 stalls confirmed across a five-week festive celebration at Newry's historic market at John Mitchel Place.

Enchanting Festive Atmosphere

Running weekly from Thursday to Sunday from the Newry Christmas Light Switch-On ceremony on 20 November right through to Sunday 21 December, the inaugural market will feature an extensive array of stalls, live entertainment, family experiences and an enchanting festive atmosphere. The ambitious project, led by local business Room Angelz, aims to establish Newry as a perfect Christmas destination for local residents, families and visitors from across surrounding towns and cities, bringing significant economic benefits to the area during the crucial festive trading period.

The market promises a fabulous Christmas experience with carefully curated décor designed to create special memories, with the market transformed with extensive Christmas theming featuring twinkling fairy lights, draped garlands, decorated archways, a spectacular Christmas surprise, and events and activities planned throughout.

The markets are being supported by Newry BID, with partnerships in place with R Kings Competitions as the lead business partner. As part of the main partnership, R Kings Competitions will hold a charity raffle with all proceeds going to local Newry Business Charity Christmas Dinner 2025, which will be held in the Canal Court in Newry on 4 December 2025. Tickets for the Newry Christmas Market prize raffle will be on sale for market attendees during the five weeks with the draw taking place on Sunday 21 December at the grand Christmas Market finale.

Visitors can expect a constantly evolving festive soundtrack with seasonal music, live performers, traditional carol singers and local groups who will take to the stage over the duration of the market to entertain visitors. The Santa's Grotto Experience, supported by the Canal Court Hotel and Haldane Fisher who are providing the building materials, will welcome Santa Claus himself complete with elves and personalised experiences for children and their families.

Food Court

In partnership with local food vendors and specialist food stalls, the market will feature a dedicated festive food court offering warming winter favourites, mince pies and mulled wine, hot chocolate and themed bars for over 18s. A number of Santa Events for Special Educational Needs are taking place working with local schools and support groups, made possible with thanks to support from Newry Credit Union.

Gifts Galore

The Christmas Market will host a perfect mix of stalls offering gifts, Christmas ideas, handmade crafts and arts, as well as locally made festive foods. Alongside the stalls, festive friends will drop in for visits along with Christmas movie nights and entertainment to ensure everyone can share the magic of the festive market with friends and family.

Commenting ahead of the launch, Noelle Blair, Newry Christmas Market organiser, said the response to the market has been phenomenal. "We're absolutely thrilled to be bringing Newry's first ever Christmas Market to life, it's sure to bring magic to the city. The response to the Market has been phenomenal - we've already sold out all our stall spaces, which shows just how much appetite there is for this type of event in the area. This market represents something really special for Newry, bringing a lovely mix of stalls, crafts, clothing, food and a wider food offering to the site, and providing an authentic Christmas market experience right to our doorstep," she said.

Ms Blair said the support from the local council and partnerships with R Kings, Canal Court, KC Hire, Newry Credit Union and Haldane and Fisher has been invaluable. "We are really excited to see this years event unfold, and we hope to build this into an annual tradition that puts Newry firmly on the map as a Christmas destination. It's going to be magical for families and a real boost for local businesses. Finally, we are delighted to be working with R Kings Competitions to support this years chosen charity, Newry Business Charity Christmas Dinner 2025, who are outstanding in their support for the local community, giving back to children and families who are in need at Christmas," she said.

For more information and to book Santa, visit newrychristmasmarket.com

Admission is free to the market. Opening times for the markets are Thursday 4pm to 11pm, Friday 3pm to 11pm, Saturday 11am to 11pm and Sunday 12pm to 10pm.