Christmas Light Switch On Events to Support Traders as Town Centres Recover

Preparations for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Christmas lights switch-on events are underway. 

 

Each year they officially mark the start of the holiday season in our towns and city.  Not only do they bring communities together, foster a sense of unity and spread holiday 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 holiday 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 events (A-Z): 

Crossmaglen                     Friday 24 November, 6pm
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                          Saturday 25 November
Newry                                Thursday 23 November, 6pm–8.30pm                   
Rostrevor                           Saturday 2 December
Saintfield                            Friday 1 December

Warrenpoint                       Saturday 25 November, 5pm–7pm          

 

For additional information and updates, please visit our website at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/Christmas-events or follow us on social media at FB: @visitmourne.