Light Up Your Christmas in Ards and North Down
Released: Thursday 12 November 2026
Residents and visitors are invited to Light Up Their Christmas in Ards and North Down, with a packed festive programme bringing Christmas Switch On events, a spectacular 19-metre Christmas tree, seasonal markets and family experiences to the Borough.
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Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, looks forward to an exciting programme of events this festive season alongside Isla, Arthur and Archie Mulgrew, and Lily and Sophia Thompson.
Christmas PR launch 2026
Running throughout November and December, the Light Up Your Christmas in Ards and North Down programme combines festive entertainment, seasonal shopping and opportunities to celebrate together while supporting local businesses.
A spectacular 19-metre illuminated Christmas tree will take centre stage at Marine Gardens, McKee Clock Event Space, creating a stunning focal point for the festive season.
Bangor's Christmas Switch On takes place on Saturday 21 November and will be held at Marine Gardens, McKee Clock Event Space for the first time. This free event will run from 2.30pm to 6.30pm and feature family entertainment, food trucks, a festive bar and the Cool FM Roadshow with Pete Snodden. Visitors can join Santa and the Mayor for the countdown to the Christmas lights switch-on at 6pm and celebrate the illumination of Bangor's spectacular Christmas tree.
Festive fun continues on Saturday 28 November with the Newtownards Christmas Switch On. Activities will take place throughout the town centre from 4.30pm to 7pm, featuring festive family fun, a Christmas parade, local shopping opportunities and entertainment from Cool FM DJ Curtis McCosh. Visitors can also browse Newtownards Saturday Market earlier in the day, from 8am to 3pm, enjoy seasonal performances and meet Santa before the Mayor officially switches on the town's Christmas lights at 6pm.
Throughout the season, Winter Weekends at Marine Gardens will offer a range of family-friendly experiences, including Bangor Sings, Light Up Local, Letters to Santa and live festive music.
Local businesses will also play a key role in the celebrations, with shoppers encouraged to discover unique gifts, handmade products, festive food and drink, and seasonal experiences across Ards and North Down. Visitors to Newtownards can pick up a Light Up Local Christmas Passport and explore participating businesses throughout the town centre.
Information on Christmas parking, accessibility and travel arrangements will be published throughout the season to help visitors plan their festive trips.
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said:
"Christmas is a special time of year and we're delighted to bring together a programme packed with festive experiences for residents and visitors alike.
"Whether you're attending one of our Christmas Switch On events, enjoying Winter Weekends at Marine Gardens, browsing our markets or supporting local businesses, there are countless opportunities to make memories and celebrate together.
"I would encourage everyone to explore what Ards and North Down has to offer this festive season and help us Light Up Christmas across the Borough."
The full festive programme, including event details and visitor information, is available at Christmas in Ards and North Down
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Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, looks forward to an exciting programme of events this festive season alongside Isla, Arthur and Archie Mulgrew, and Lily and Sophia Thompson.
