Newtownards Christmas Switch On

About

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 and mini funfair rides, as well as a Community Programme running throughout the day in Conway Square. Follow the Christmas Passport Trail around the town for lots of festive fun, with the Lights Switch On taking place in Conway Square.

Newtownards Christmas Passport 
Saturday 30 November | 10am - 3pm | Newtownards, multiple locations

Visit 13 locations around the town and get your passport stamped at each participating business on Saturday 30th November from 10am - 3pm.

Find out about the Newtownards Christmas Passport 

Ards Visitor Information Centre | Open 9.30am – 5pm (music 2-4pm)

Will be filled with live festive music for you to enjoy while perusing the gift shop and children write their Santa letters.

Community Programme of Entertainment | 10am - 5pm

From 10am – 5pm the Community programme of entertainment will run throughout the town, enjoy music and dance performances, face painting and Santa’s Grotto ( The Precinct, South Street: 3pm – 5pm).

The Community programme activity will take place - Conway Square, Cancer Research Doorway, The Precinct South Street, Haptik Archway and Sheldon Gallery.

Conway Square | from 4pm

Community groups and performances will fill Conway Square with festive cheer all afternoon and visitors can enjoy a Christmas themed disco and keep an eye out for some walkabout Christmas characters. The Rock Choir will sing Christmas Carols by the Ards Arts Centre as we get ready to welcome the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, and special guest, Santa for the Switch On at 6pm.

List of Market Traders

Hair & Co
J McDonald Florist
MGs
Roamer Beauty
Taste Di Island Catering
Treehouse Interiors
Wee Cat Glass Art
Street Life
Blue Angel Designs
The Copeland Distillery
Cute As Handmade
Habanero Steve's
Papas Minerals
Pavilion Home
NI Classico
Wee Food Co
Yonder Savanna
Cacao Patisserie
Cafollas

Plus, more foodie treats to keep the cold at bay and the kids fuelled!
 

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 and some activities on the day

Don’t miss …..

Local Weekly Saturday Market | 8am - 4pm

To accommodate this event, the local weekly Saturday market will also be taking place, in the new location (for this date only) in Kennel Lane in the town.

GrANDFest 2024 | Saturday 30 November 2024 | 2 - 5pm
Queen’s Hall, Newtownards

Join us to celebrate local and ethnic diversity from across Ards and North Down at #grANDfest - a Good Relations festival of food, music, arts and dance.

Getting here

Please note:

There will be a road closure in place, affecting South Street, High Street and Meeting House Lane, from 6pm on Friday 29 Nov until Midnight on Saturday 30 Nov.

By car | Do you plan to drive to the event?  Allow plenty of time for your journey. If you are travelling by car follow directional road signs to Newtownards. Diversions will be in place due to road closure. Check out what car parking is available in the town (free and charged).

Car parking | Ards and North Down Borough Council

Public Transport | The nearest bus station is in Regent Street, Newtownards, located beside the Visitor Information Centre, an approx 5 minute walk from Conway Square. For information on timetables, visit Translink.co.uk

Event site | Useful information
Visitor Information Caravan | Located in Conway Square, members of our Visitor Information Centre team will be on hand to help with any event queries, wider tourism queries and you can pick up Visit Ards and North Down maps and guides.

Recycling | When disposing of rubbish please use the recycling stations when on-site. Please note, the usual waste bins on-site will not be in use during the event. Please help us continue our sustainability commitment to zero contamination at events by using the correct bin. There will be team members from Recycling on hand to provide advice and help you put your rubbish in the correct bin.

Accessibility | Conway Square and High Street - flat surfaces on hard concrete. Viewing points at the front of Conway Square.  Accessoloo will be in attendance, located along South Street. Assessoloo is a toilet facility for disabled people that has the right equipment, including Adult Changing Table, Ceiling Hoist, Lavatory, Grab Rails, Hot and Cold Running Water and Heating and Lighting. Find out more about Accessoloo. Public toilets will remain open throughout the event at Mill Street car park. 

First Aid | There will be First Aid Points located at the Old Cross and Conway Square. 
Lost children and Vulnerable adults | with crowds anticipated please pick up a wristband, which you can add a contact number to, at the Visitor Information Caravan located in Conway Square.

Dogs | We would advise dog owners this is an extremely busy site with large crowds and loud noises and recommend you do not bring your dog onto the site. If you do plan to attend with your dog, dogs should be kept on a short lead. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the appropriate bins.

Stay a while
Why not make a break of it? Relax in the beauty of this place, offering everything from 5 star luxury to cosy guest houses or unique self-catering options, maybe camping and caravanning is more your thing, let us help you plan your perfect getaway.
 
For more inspiration and tips on how to make the most of your trip sign up to our newsletter.

Sustainability

Ards and North Down Borough Council is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. Please keep sustainability in mind when coming along to our events. We encourage visitors to travel via public transport and bring along reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event. Please dispose of rubbish at the recycling stations provided. Read more about Sustainability.

For more information on safe alcohol consumption, visit the Drink Aware website.

Please note, all information is correct at time of publication. All activities are subject to change. For the most up to date information please follow us on our facebook page.

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[[Please note, this event is being photographed/filmed. Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional material. If you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff].

All events are subject to change