Event details on Christmas switch on celebration-events across Ards and North Down. Find out how our Borough is marking Christmas 2024 this festive season.
Locations listed in alphabetical order.
City and Towns
City of Bangor Christmas Light Switch On
Saturday 23 November | 12noon – 7pm, City Centre | Switch On 6pm, Front of City Hall
Celebrate Christmas in the City! Enjoy festive family fun throughout the city centre, including the annual City Centre Passport Trail. Kickstart your Christmas shopping, be entertained, and mark the beginning of the Christmas season in Bangor. Join us at the front of City Hall for the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights and a spectacular themed light show.
Organised in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Bangor Chamber of Commerce
Free event | Charges apply to stall purchases
Find out more
Comber Christmas Light Switch On
Thursday 28 November | 4pm - 8pm
Christmas Fair in the Square and Christmas light switch on
Organised by Comber Regeneration Community Partnership
Free event | Charges will apply to stall purchases on the day
Find out more
Donaghadee Christmas Light Switch On
Friday 29 November | From 5.30pm
Family fun for everyone - Disco on the pier from 5.30pm. Market, 5pm - 9pm. Santa arrives by RNLI Lifeboat at 6.30pm, taking his seat in his Christmas grotto at the Market.
Free event | Charges will apply to stall purchases on the day at the Market
Sunday 1 December | From 6.30pm | Town Centre
Community Carol Service followed by the Christmas Light Switch On
Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association
Free event
Find out more
Holywood Christmas Light Switch On
Saturday 30 November | 10am - 5pm. Switch On 4.30pm
Welcome in the festive season to the town with what is sure to be a memorable day for all the family. Enjoy entertainment including Santa's Grotto, fairground rides, live performances that will get you in the Christmas spirit, an Artisanal Market of handcrafted gifts and delicious treats, and much more!
Organised by Holywood and District Community Council
Free event | Charges will apply to stall purchases on the day
Find out more
Newtownards Christmas Light Switch On
Saturday 30 November | 10am-7pm, Town Centre | Switch On 6pm, Conway Square
Join in the festivities in Newtownards as the specialty Christmas market returns to the town centre, soak up the seasonal atmosphere and enjoy some Christmas shopping. Follow the Christmas Passport Trail around the town for lots of festive fun, with the Lights Switch On taking place in Conway Square.
Organised in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Newtownards Chamber of Trade | Supported by the Department for Communities
Free event | Charges will apply to stall purchases on the day
Find out more
Villages
Ballygowan
Saturday 30 November | 4pm - 6pm Tree light switch on, Carol singing and a special visit from Santa
Organised by Ballygowan and District Community Association
Ballyhalbert
Friday 6 December | 7pm - 9pm Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Saturday 7 December | 1pm - 4pm Community Christmas Dinner
Saturday 21 December | 6pm - 7pm Santa Sleigh Ride through village
Organised by Ballyhalbert Community Association
Ballywalter
Thursday 5 December | 7pm - 9pm Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Saturday 7 December | 2pm - 4pm Children's Christmas party
Organised by Ballywalter Community Action Group
Carrowdore
Saturday 30 November | 6.30pm - 8.30pm Christmas Tree Light Switch On and Christmas Fantasyland Festival
Friday 22 - Sunday 24 November Mini Christmas Market and Wreath Making classes
Monday 25 - Friday 29 November Daily craft activities
Organised by Carrowdore District Community Association
Cloughey
Wednesday 4 December | 6.30pm - 9.30pm Christmas Festival and Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Cloughey and District Community Association
Conlig
Saturday 7 December | 3.30pm - 5.30pm Family Festival and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Conlig Community Regeneration Group
Greyabbey
Friday 13 December | 1pm - 9.30pm Something for Everyone Christmas Festival and 7pm - 9.30pm Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Greyabbey and District Community Association
Groomsport
Thursday 5 December | 6.30-8.45pm Christmas Festival and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Groomsport Village Association
Helen's Bay
Wednesday 18 December | 6pm - 8.30pm Christmas Carols and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Residents Association
Killinchy
Monday 9 December | 6pm - 10pm Christmas Festival and Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Killinchy Community Association
Kircubbin
Tuesday 3 December | 7-9pm All Inclusive Christmas Festival and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Sunday 15 December Children's Christmas Party
Organised by Kircubbin and District Community Association
Millisle
Saturday 7 December | 6.15pm - 9pm Christmas Festival and Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Millisle and District Community Association
Portaferry
Friday 29 November | 6.30pm - 8.30pm Community Christmas Lights Switch On
Organised by Portaferry Gala Festival
Portavogie
Friday 6 December | 9am - 3pm Community Fun Day at School
Friday 6 December | 7pm - 9pm Carol Service and Light Switch On
Thursday 19 December | 1pm - 3pm Seniors Christmas Dinner
Organised by Portavogie Regeneration Forum
Please note that all details were correct at time of publication and as always are subject to change. Please check directly with each provider for the latest information before attending any event.
If you are a local tourism provider and you would to list your event on our website, find out how here or get in touch with us via email on marketing@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.