Yahoo News Northern Ireland Christmas lights switch-on events 2024 - details, times and locations
A number of Christmas light switch on-events have been announced across Northern Ireland.
We've put together a guide on those which we know are happening so far this November and December so you can put the date in your diary.
And if we've missed details on a Christmas light switch on in your area, pop us an email at news@belfastlive.co.uk and we'll add it in!
READ MORE: Details of Belfast Christmas lights switch-on and Christmas Market revealed
READ MORE: Belfast Botanic Gardens to host special 'Christmas Ice Experience'
Belfast City Council
Belfast City Hall
Taking place on Saturday 16 November 2024, 6.30pm to 7.30pm (gates will open at 6pm).
The council website says: "All tickets have now been allocated for the Christmas Lights Switch-on. You can still book tickets for the wheelchair accessible viewing platform in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or by calling 028 9024 6609. These are subject to availability and limited to two per booking. There are still plenty of seasonal events across the city this festive season.
"This year’s switch-on takes place on Saturday 16 November 2024 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm (gates will open at 6pm)."
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Bangor
Saturday 23 November | 12noon – 7pm - Switch On 6pm, front of City Hall
The council said: "Celebrate Christmas in the City! Enjoy festive family fun throughout the city centre, including the annual City Centre Passport Trail. Kickstart your Christmas shopping, be entertained, and mark the beginning of the Christmas season in Bangor. Join us at the front of City Hall for the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights and a spectacular themed light show."
Newtownards
Saturday 30 November - 10am-7pm, Switch On 6pm, Conway Square
The council said: "Join in the festivities in Newtownards as the specialty Christmas market returns to the town centre, soak up the seasonal atmosphere and enjoy some Christmas shopping. Follow the Christmas Passport Trail around the town for lots of festive fun, with the Lights Switch On taking place in Conway Square."
Comber
Thursday 28 November | 4pm-8pm - Christmas Fair in the Square and Christmas light switch on
Donaghadee
Sunday 1 December | From 6.30pm | Town Centre - Community Carol Service followed by the Christmas Light Switch On
Holywood
Saturday 30 November - 10am - 5pm, Switch On 4.30pm
Ballygowan
Saturday 30 November - 4pm - 6pm - Tree light switch on, Carol singing and a special visit from Santa
Ballyhalbert
Friday 6 December | 7pm-9pm - Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Ballywalter
Thursday 5 December | 7pm - 9pm - Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Carrowdore
Saturday 30 November | 6.30pm - 8.30pm - Christmas Tree Light Switch On and Christmas Fantasyland Festival
Cloughey
Wednesday 4 December | 6.30pm - 9.30pm - Christmas Festival and Tree Light Switch On
Conlig
Saturday 7 December | 3.30pm - 5.30pm - Family Festival and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Greyabbey
Friday 13 December | 7pm - 9.30pm - Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Groomsport
Thursday 5 December | 6.30-8.45pm - Christmas Festival and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Helen's Bay
Wednesday 18 December | 6pm - 8.30pm Christmas Carols and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Killinchy
Monday 9 December | 6pm - 10pm - Christmas Festival and Tree Light Switch On
Kircubbin
Tuesday 3 December | 7-9pm - Christmas Festival and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Millisle
Saturday 7 December | 6.15pm - 9pm - Christmas Festival and Tree Light Switch On
Portaferry
Friday 29 November | 6.30pm - 8.30pm - Community Christmas Lights Switch On
Portavogie
Friday 6 December | 7pm - 9pm - Carol Service and Light Switch On
You can keep an eye out here for any updates or changes.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
A number of Christmas light switch-on events are taking place at the end of November.
The council website: "Enjoy live entertainment, seasonal treats, and a special appearance from Santa, who’s getting fit and healthy this year! Santa will be showing off his brand-new sporty outfit—designed by one of our talented local schoolchildren—while encouraging everyone to stay active this winter."
Crumlin Leisure Centre - Thursday 21 November, 6-7.30pm
John Street Car Park, Randalstown - Friday 22 November, 6pm-7.30pm
Lilian Bland Park, Glengormley - Saturday 23 November, 4.30-6pm
Hazelbank Park - Tuesday 26 November, 7-8.30pm
Mossley Mill - Wednesday 27 November, 6-7.30pm
Railway Street Car Park, Antrim - Thursday 28 November, 6-7.30pm
The Square Car Park, Ballyclare - Saturday 30 November, 4.30-6pm
Check here for any updates or changes.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
The council website states: "This Christmas, Santa is embarking on a special journey to Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough for an unforgettable experience!
"Join us for ‘Santa on Tour’ as we light up the festive season and embrace the joyous spirit of Christmas!
"Delight in the enchantment of the holidays with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their lively elves as they cruise through the borough in their dazzling red bus. They will stop in the city and surrounding towns to turn on the Christmas lights, spreading joy to everyone with music, fun, and spectacular entertainment."
Santa On Tour and Christmas Light Switch On Events
Portadown * | Friday 15 November | 6pm - 9pm
Lurgan * | Saturday 16 November | 5pm - 8pm
Craigavon (Brownlow) * | Wednesday 20 November | 4pm - 6pm
Markethill | Friday 22 November | 6pm - 8.30pm
Richhill | Wednesday 27 November | 6pm - 8.30pm
Donaghcloney * | Thursday 28 November | 6pm - 8.30pm
Banbridge * | Friday 29 November | 5pm - 8pm
Tandragee | Friday 29 November | 6pm - 8.30pm
Rathfriland | Friday 29 November | 6pm - 8.30pm
Dromore * | Saturday 30 November | 4pm - 7pm
Armagh * | Sunday 1 December I 1pm - 4pm
Keady | Thursday 5 December I 6pm - 8.30pm
Waringstown * | Friday 6 December I 6pm - 7.30pm
The ‘Santa on Tour’ bus will appear at the Christmas light switch on events marked above (*). Find out more here.
The Council added: "The Christmas lights will be switched on in Armagh City as part of the Georgian Festival." You can find out more and book tickets here.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
The council website states: "Santa has a busy time ahead to look forward to, as he will make his way around the four towns marking the beginning of Christmas celebrations. Festivities will commence in Ballymoney on Thursday 21st November, followed by Saturday 23rd November in Limavady, Thursday 28th November in Ballycastle and finishing on Friday 29th November in Coleraine.
"To get you in the spirit, the festive programme is set to be a treat for all the family, with seasonal parades, family fun, Christmas light switch ons, and of course visiting Santa in his Grotto.
"In addition to these four events, there will be community festive events taking place in November and December in local towns and villages, supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Festive Fund.
"Children with additional needs can enjoy a pre-booked ‘Quiet Time’ in the four towns."
More details coming soon here.
Derry City and Strabane District Council
The Council said: "Santa will be the guest of honour on a magical procession through the streets of Derry and Strabane, switching on the Christmas lights as he passes by.
"The processions will feature a number of festive characters and beautiful bespoke Christmas themed mobile installations."
Derry
Friday 22nd November 2024. 4pm - 8:15pm. Parade time 7pm.
You can view Christmas Lights Procession Route here.
Strabane
Saturday 23rd of November | 5pm
The Council said: "Come along and join the festive fun on Saturday 23rd November from 12pm - 5pm. Strabane town will be bustling with live music, family fun activities giving you that magical Christmas atmosphere. This year's highlight will be the Community Christmas Craft Fair, with a whole host of local stalls and delights to start your Christmas Shopping for your loved ones early. From tasty food, unique crafts and gifts, enchanting storytelling, and merry performances from local acts. Wrapping a wonderful day will be Santa and his helpers switching on the spectacular Christmas lights at 5pm."
Find out more here.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
Saturday 23 November 2024 - Omagh Town Centre and The Diamond, Enniskillen
The Council said: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council invites you to start the Christmas season in style with the Christmas Lights Switch-On events in Enniskillen and Omagh on Saturday, 23 November 2024. The day promises festive family activities including Christmas carols, live music and performances by local community groups all leading up to the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5.30pm."
Read more here.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
Lisburn Switch On
Thursday 21st November, 6.00pm to 8.00pm.
The Council say: "Entertainment will start at 6.00pm with music from Lisburn Ukes.
"At 7pm Mrs Claus will take to the stage and tell everyone about the evenings planned activities. There will be a musical performance of 'Inside Out' by the Island Youth Theatre.
"Mayor Dickson and Santa will arrive with on the Lisburn Lights Express at 7.20pm and they will lead the audience in an interactive Santa Sing-a-long.
"The countdown and big switch on will take place at approximately 7.30pm.
"An Enchanted Lantern Walk will leave Market Square and make its way up and through Castle Gardens from immediately after the lights are switched on.
"The light show on Bow Street will run every 15minutes on the night of the switch on."
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
Ballymena
Saturday November 16, Harmony Hub, Ballymena, 12noon - 7pm (Light Switch On 6.30pm)
The Council said: "Join us on Saturday 16 November as we switch on the Ballymena Christmas Lights! With entertainment in the town centre from midday onwards, 3pm-4pm will be a Quiet Time with more relaxed entertainment.
"The festive entertainment programme ramps up at 4pm with Christmassy walkabout characters, face painting, balloon modelling, reindeer and toe-tapping tunes from the live concert stage at Broadway - featuring live music from Ballymena Ukelele Group and Ballymena Community Choir.
"The Santa Parade starts from Wellington Street at 6pm and will feature floats and trains, local school children with lanterns, Santa’s vintage car, and a wide range of festive characters to entertain the crowds!
"The route will take in Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, William Street, Broughshane Street, (pause at Harmony Hub to switch on the lights at 6.30pm with Santa and the Mayor), Church Street, Bryan Street and back to the Tower Centre."
Carrickfergus
Saturday November 23, High Street, Carrickfergus, 12noon - 6pm (Light Switch On 5.30pm)
The Council said: "There will be plenty of entertainment onstage and in the performance circle throughout the day including performances from local performing troupes such as Uplift Performing Arts and Royal Tara Dance Academy, live music and more.
"From festive characters, face painting, Christmas carnival games, and some funfair rides, there is lots of fun for all the family.
"The Traditional Civic carol service will take place in the historic St Nicholas’ Church from 4pm.
"Help the Mayor and Santa countdown to the official lights switch on at 5.30pm (approx).
"Enjoy the magical finale where a fabulous fireworks display will take place at approximately 5.45pm from Fisherman's Quay (weather dependent)."
Larne
Friday November 22, Broadway, Larne, 5pm - 8pm (switch on 7.30pm)
The Council said: "Santa will lead a special parade that will leave Larne Market Yard around 7pm before heading to Broadway to switch on the lights at 7.30pm.
"The parade will feature floats, Christmas characters, novelty trains, local school children and of course Santa! The parade route for 2024 takes in Station Road, Bridge Street, Main Street, and then making its way to Broadway where Santa and the Mayor will turn on the Christmas lights on.
"There will be a full programme of entertainment taking place at Broadway from 5pm featuring onstage live music, kids entertainment and festive walkabout performers."
Mid Ulster District Council
Cookstown
Cookstown’s Christmas Lights Switch On starts off the season on Friday 22 November from 6.30pm to 8pm.
The Council said: "William Street comes alive with on street entertainment, and on stage entertainment from Stewartstown Panto, Tullylagan Pipe Band and Ryan McGarrity and Alan McPhearson with all the Christmas favourites, and a fantastic Showstoppers Parade to count down to the Lights Switch On by Santa, who'll arrive in style to switch on the lights at approximately 7.15pm."
Dungannon
Taking place on Saturday 23 November, from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.
"Family focused festive fun will take place in Market Square from 2:30pm and free drop in arts and crafts in Ranfurly House will be available. A Christmas Pageant will make its way through the streets of Dungannon commencing at 5:00pm. Southern Health & Social Care Trust will organise a Santa Dash to commence at 5:50pm.
"As the excitement builds, Santa will make his way to Market Square in a de-icer provided by Mallaghans to turn on the lights at approximately 6.20pm. After the switch on, Dungannon Traders Association will hold the Jingle Ball run on Castlehill, so stay for the fun!" the Council website states.
Magherafelt
Taking place in Magherafelt Town Centre on Saturday 23 November from 2pm to 8pm.
The council said: "Market Square and Broad Street come alive, featuring a Children's Christmas Village with fun family activities for little ones to enjoy, followed by a Christmas Street Party and Santa Meet and Greet on Broad Street from 6.30pm to 8pm the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 7.40pm and Fireworks Display at 7.45pm."
Maghera
The Maghera Christmas Lights Switch On is happening on Saturday 30 November from 3pm to 6pm.
The Council said: "From 3pm to 5pm, you can meet Santa in the Walled Garden Potting Shed. Ticketed booking will open on Monday 11 November. Each ticket is for one group/family to meet Santa (maximum of 6 people per group/ticket). Get crafty for Christmas in the Lurach Centre with lots of arts and crafts activities to amuse the little ones. As you make your way to and from the Walled Garden you can enjoy a warming drink on the lane as our Christmas caterers serve up tea, coffee, hot chocolate and sweet treats.
"This year, Santa will leave from Fairhill carpark at 5.30pm to make his way to Hall Street for the Switch-On event taking place at the St. Lurach's Road junction. Lights will illuminate at 5.45pm."
Coalisland
Taking place in the Cornmill Heritage Centre Car Park, Coalisland on Sunday 1 December from 5pm to 7pm.
From 5pm to 6.30pm, there'll be free face painting, the opportunity to take a selfie with festive characters, or to meet Santa in his Grotto.
The Council added: "Craic Theatre will knock your Christmas socks off on stage from 5pm to 7pm, with live music from the resident DJ and live band. Characters from Craic Theatre will be making an appearance on stage too. The Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place at approximately 6.50pm."
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
If we've missed details on a Christmas light switch on in your area, pop us an email at news@belfastlive.co.uk and we'll add it to our list.
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