Northern Ireland Prepares for Christmas Light Switch-Ons

As Christmas approaches within six weeks, preparations for the festive lighting displays are underway. This report details the schedule and locations for public Christmas light switch-on events throughout Northern Ireland. Belfast’s primary Christmas light switch-on event will occur at City Hall on Saturday. The lord mayor is scheduled to inaugurate the celebrations, joined by various local performers such as choirs, musicians, artists, and acrobats. This event requires tickets, and all available tickets have already been distributed. For attendees, gates will open at 18:00 GMT, with the main program running from 18:30 to 19:30. Local councils across Northern Ireland have organized various events. BBC News NI has compiled information regarding the planned activities in different regions for this year. The Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council will activate its Christmas lights at seven key sites from Thursday 21 November to Saturday 30 November. Specific timings and locations include: Airport – Crumlin Leisure Centre – Thursday 21 November from 18:00; Dunsilly – John Street Car Park Randalstown – Friday 22 November from 18:00; Glengormley – Lilian Bland Park – Saturday 23 November from 16:30; Macedon – Hazelbank Park – Tuesday 26 November from 19:00; Threemilewater – Mossley Mill – Wednesday 27 November from 18:00; Antrim – Railway Street Car Park – Thursday 28 November from 18:00; Ballyclare – The Square Car Park – Saturday 30 November from 16:30. Numerous events are scheduled throughout the council area, with the main light switch-on taking place in Bangor on Saturday 23 November at 18:00 in front of City Hall, followed by another event a week later, on Saturday 30 November, in Newtownards town centre at 18:00. Armagh City’s Christmas lights will be illuminated during the Georgian Festival, which runs from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 1 December. The principal switch-on event is planned for Sunday, aligning with the Santa on Tour experience. Christmas Light Switch On events are scheduled for the four principal towns within the borough. These include: Ballymoney – Thursday 21 November from 17:00; Limavady – Saturday 23 November from 13:00; Ballycastle – Thursday 28 November from 14:00; Coleraine – Friday 29 November from 14:00. Each of these venues will feature music, entertainment, a Christmas cavalcade, and Santa’s grotto. Londonderry’s lights will be activated during a parade on Friday 22 November at 19:00. The procession will commence at Bishop Street, proceed through the city, and conclude approximately at 20:15 in Guildhall Square, where the city’s main Christmas tree is located. Enniskillen’s yearly Christmas switch-on is scheduled for Saturday 23 November. Entertainment, featuring Christmas carols, live music, and face painting, will commence in the Diamond from 13:00. Omagh will also hold its switch-on event on Saturday 23 November. The day in Omagh will start with a Christmas Market at the Marquee on Main Street from 11:00 to 17:00, culminating in the illumination of the lights at 17:30. Lisburn’s main festive event is set for Thursday 21 November. Musical entertainment will begin at 18:00, leading to the countdown and primary light switch-on around 19:30. An Enchanted Lantern Walk is planned to depart from Market Square, proceeding through Castle Gardens immediately following the light activation. Additionally, a Light Festival will be incorporated into this event, featuring hourly light shows from 16:00 to 20:00, running from Friday 22 November to Saturday 23 December. Three distinct Christmas Lights Switch On events are scheduled: Ballymena – Saturday 16 November; Larne – Friday 22 November; Carrickfergus – Saturday 23 November. Christmas light switch-on events are planned across the five principal towns in this region: Cookstown Town Centre – Friday 22 November from 18:30; Magherafelt Town Centre – Saturday 23 November from 14:00; Market Square, Dungannon – Saturday 23 November from 14:30; Maghera Walled Garden and Town Centre – Saturday 30 November from 15:00; Coalisland Town Centre – Sunday 1 December from 17:00. Light activation events are scheduled from Thursday 21 November to Saturday 7 December. The festivities commence in Newry on Thursday 21 November at Marcus Square and Hill Street, offering free family activities from 18:00, with the lights being illuminated at 19:30. On Saturday 23 November, Downpatrick will welcome visitors to Saint Patrick’s Square from 15:00, where family-oriented entertainment will precede Santa’s arrival to switch on the lights.