Newtownards gets set for the festive season

24th November 2021

Christmas festivities get underway in Newtownards this Saturday, 27 November, with a full day of fabulous activities for all the family, running from 10am–6pm. 

Santa will be joined by local culinary superstar Suzie Lee, winner of BBC's Best Home Cook 2020, and presenter of Suzie Lee Home Cook Heroes!

And the fun continues throughout December in the town with more creative shopping opportunities and a classic Panto to enjoy. 

Markets and Music

The Christmas Market makes its return to the town on Saturday 27 November 2021. Conway Square will be used as a stage on the day, hosting community performers throughout the event, from church groups, local schools and community groups. The community performers will entertain shoppers with music, dancing and more.

High Street will host the main market area, running through to Lower Mary Street, where shoppers can enjoy a taste of Ards and North Down. Chefs will be offering cooking demonstrations, with local artisan food and drink producers and services available to purchase in the market. This will include Ards Saturday Market, local artists and crafters – the ideal place to pick up some unique Christmas gifts and support local.

A family fun zone will be set up in the town, offering amusements and rides for the children, as well as a Santa’s Grotto in The Precinct, South Street. It will be a full day of family fun, entertainment, shopping and of course, eating.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Mark Brooks, said:

“This Saturday promises to be a fun day for all the family as we get set for Christmas in Newtownards. With everything from live cooking demonstrations, celebrity guests, markets and live music – what a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Plus of course, by shopping local, it’s a great opportunity to show our support for local traders. I look forward to seeing the town come to life with a real festive feel!”

Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit Pop-Up Shop

From Saturday 27 November – Friday 17 December, join us in the opulent festive setting of the Georgian Gallery, Ards Arts Centre for a Christmas Pop-up shop, exclusively featuring artwork and handcrafted gifts made by the Creative Peninsula Artists. Support your local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a unique, handcrafted Christmas gift made here in the borough of Ards and North Down.

Pop-up Shop Opening Hours:

Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Late Night: Thursday 9 Dec and Friday 10 December until 9pm

Closed: Sundays and Mondays

Panto

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a panto and this year we are delighted to work with Centre Stage Theatre Company to bring you a festive play on the much-loved classic, Little Red Riding Hood, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’s Christmas Adventure’.

With the classic appeal, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’s Christmas Adventure’ is wholesome family entertainment with funny and immediate scripts, simple effects, original catchy songs and strong lively performances! 

Perfect for all the family this Christmas!

Catch one of the performances:

Saturday 4 December

Queen’s Hall, Newtownards

2pm & 6pm

Sunday 19 December

The Portico of Ards, Portaferry

3pm

For information about all Christmas events in the Borough, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/Christmas

Event Safety for Saturday

The Council is mindful that COVID is still with us and asks for the public to continue to follow government guidelines, in the run up to Saturday and to consider taking a lateral flow test before attending the event.

Council is working with key partners in Newtownards, including the PSNI and the Chamber of Trade to plan for a safe and enjoyable event and asks that the public help to support our collective efforts.