OVER the next two weeks, local towns and villages will be ushering in the festive season with special Christmas lights switch-on events. Locally the first two towns to host Christmas switch-on events are Kilkeel and Newcastle. Both will take place this Saturday (25 November) and the switch-on of the festive lights in Kilkeel is part of the town’s popular annual Dickens Day celebrations.
The Christmas lights are also being switched on in Warrenpoint this Saturday evening (from 5pm to 7pm) while the Killyleagh event has been scheduled for this Sunday (26 November). Friday 1 December is a busy night for switch-ons, with events in Ballynahinch (6pm to 9pm), Dundrum (7pm), Hilltown and Saintfield.
The Christmas lights in Rostrevor will be officially switched on on Saturday 2 December. Newry’s Christmas lights will be switched on in the city centre this Thursday (23 November) from 6pm to 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.
Santa Claus will make a special guest appearance 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, Downpatrick’s Christmas lights will be switched on at St Patrick’s Square. 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 council chairperson Valerie Harte to switch on the lights at 6pm.
A spokesperson for the district council said the switch-on events bring communities together, spread holiday cheer and bring people into our commercial centres to help support 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,” the spokesperson added.
Council chairperson 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 it’s 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.”