Christmas Light Switch-Ons Marks District’s Festive Season Arrival

The festive season officially arrives in Newry, Mourne and Down with Christmas lights set to be switched on in towns and villages across the district between Thursday 19 November and Saturday 5 December.

And a series of special festive events are also being held in Newry, Downpatrick and Kilkeel to mark the start of the Christmas celebrations.

The Christmas lights switch on in Newry takes places at Marcus Square on 19 November during two hours of family entertainment kicking off at 6pm. There will be live music from Sugartown Road, the Uplifted Gospel Choir, while the Sheridan Stage School will be performing songs from Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’.

The highlight of the evening will be a special visit from Santa Claus, who will be taking time out of his busy Christmas schedule to switch on the town's Christmas lights at 7.30pm, officially marking the start of the festive season.

Newry Christmas Markets will run from Thursday 19 November through to Sunday 20 December at the city’s Variety Market venue, bringing festive cheer to the heart of Newry. Visitors can browse a wide range of seasonal stalls offering unique gifts, handcrafted products and Christmas favourites, while enjoying live entertainment throughout the market period. A tempting selection of food and drink vendors will also be on hand, alongside a programme of family-friendly activities, creating a warm and welcoming festive atmosphere for all ages.

In Downpatrick on 27 November, festivities are taking place across the town, including St Patrick’s Square, Down Arts Centre and Down County Museum, with something for everyone.

At St Patrick’s Square between 6pm and 8pm, there will be live music provided by The Just Adam band, alongside family activities with Santa switching on the Christmas lights at 7.30pm, while the Arts Centre is hosting a Christmas Craft Fair between 6pm and 9pm bringing together local craft makers, providing visitors with an opportunity to browse unique handmade gifts, discover the work of talented local artists and makers, and enjoy live music throughout the evening.

There will be plenty of festive fun for younger visitors, with children’s arts and crafts activities and face painting by Mrs Claus herself. Mulled wine and hot chocolate will be available to get you into the festive spirit, with the event promising to be a lovely evening of Christmas shopping, family fun and community celebration. This evening will also see the opening of Santa’s Grotto at the St Patricks Centre.

The Museum is hosting a free Christmas Stories & Silver Sounds event between 5pm and 8pm, with visitors able to enjoy enchanting festive storytelling with Anne Harper, seasonal performances by Wellington Memorial Silver Band, family arts and crafts and Christmas sensory workshops designed to provide an inclusive and welcoming experience for those with additional needs. Booking is required in advance for the workshops. Come along, soak up the festive spirit, and enjoy an evening of stories, music and creativity at Down County Museum.

Festive celebrations begin in Kilkeel town centre with a special Dickens Day and Christmas Lights switch-on ceremony on 28 November, with festivities between 1pm and 5.30pm, featuring family entertainment and children's activities, festive entertainment, amusements rides and arts and crafts – something for everyone.

Throughout the festive season, Santa will be a busy man travelling across Mourne Gullion Strangford to switch on the festive lights in our city, towns and villages. And as communities come together to celebrate, residents and visitors can explore vibrant town centres, browse independent retailers, enjoy festive food and drink, and discover everything Newry City, Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, Newcastle and Warrenpoint and beyond have to offer throughout Christmas.

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.”

The Chairperson 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.”

Follow @VisitMourneGullionStrangford or go to www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/christmas for more details of Christmas Lights Switch On events across the district.