Festive Fun at Newtownards Christmas Switch On!

21st November 2023

The Annual Newtownards Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place in Conway Square (from 5.30pm) this Saturday 25 November, together with a host of festive activities catering for all the family between 10am and 7pm!

Organised in partnership with Ards Chamber of Trade, there will be plenty of buzz in the town as the Christmas market returns, together with festive entertainment.

High Street and South Street will be closed to traffic to welcome a specialty Christmas market to the town, offering everything from crafts to local produce, plus handmade gifts and much more. Combined with hot food stalls and a seasonal bar, it will be a perfect opportunity to do some traffic-free Christmas shopping while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

There will be entertainment throughout the day in Conway Square with local groups displaying their talent and pop-up performances from Frozen characters.  From 5.30pm enjoy “Ring in the Season” with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf who will be bringing the stage to life with their Frozen Show, followed by Santa and Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour switching on the Christmas tree lights.

Collect a Christmas Passport from Ards Visitor Information Centre (VIC), the Visitor Information Caravan (in Conway Square), or any of the 14 participating businesses and get it stamped when you visit the local retailers that are taking part.  From foodie stores, hairdressers, and florists, to shoe, art and clothes shops all participating retailers will have activities or giveaways to entertain the kids who visit them.  Look out for a caricaturist and face painting, the opportunity to make your own crafts, chances to enter competitions or grab some goodies—there will be lots of festive fun in the town. Then present your completed passport to Ards VIC and receive another festive treat for the kids!

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, said:

“We are delighted to have support from Newtownards Chamber of Commerce for this year’s Newtownards Christmas Lights Switch On, and to be introducing our Christmas Passport Trail to the event.  The town’s retailers are ready to welcome you to the town and kick off the festive season with lots of family fun. Come along as Santa and I switch on the lights marking the beginning of the Christmas festivities.”

Switch On events continue throughout November and December.  For information about all Christmas events in the Borough, including a list of Christmas switch-ons, go to: visitardsandnorthdown.com/Christmas

Please note: The local weekly Saturday market will also be taking place, in the new location (for this date only) in Kennel Lane in the town.

Photo caption: Members of Newtownards Chamber of Commerce looking forward to welcoming you on the Ards Christmas Passport Trail and to seeing Santa and Mayor Jennifer Gilmour switch on the Christmas Lights in Newtownards. (Image: Graham Baalham-Curry)