Festive AND Fun Times Ahead in Ards and North Down

Get ready for a festive calendar of events throughout November and December, filled with ideas on how to make the most of this wonderful time of year.

In Ards and North Down, you will find festive family fun aplenty! From pantomimes to music performances and themed plays, to heart-warming traditional Christmas evenings in unique locations. Enjoy kids' festive storytelling and those all-important Santa visits.

If you are feeling crafty, why not try one of our local wreath-making or festive candle-making workshops? For foodies, there are opportunities to learn to make traditional treats or try your hand at some Christmas baking. Our regular farmers' markets offer seasonal ingredients to stock up on for the big day. You are sure to find something unique from our renowned local artists and makers, perfect for gifts this Christmas, at our artisan craft markets such as the popular Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre.

Event Highlights include:

Friday 22 November - Sunday 5 Jan 2025 (Open Tue-Sat | 10am-4pm and Sun 12noon-4pm)
- Made in AND: Pop-up Christmas Shop at North Down Museum
  - Come and visit a unique shopping experience this Christmas at North Down Museum, located a few minutes walk from Bangor bus and rail station and the City Centre, attached to the City Hall. Browse the museum's galleries, which are filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that special gift and support your local crafters. Come in, get out of the cold and get a delicious hot coffee or chocolate from our café, Coffee Cure and shop 'til you drop'.
Saturday 23 November | 12 noon - 7 pm, City Centre | Switch On , Front of City Hall [Switch On element: Postponed]
- 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.** Please note, due to Storm Bert, the Switch On element of the day was unable to proceed. A new rescheduled Switch On event has been arranged for Bangor on Wednesday 4 December, 6pm to 7.15pm. Please visit City of Bangor rescheduled Christmas Light Switch On - Christmas Events in Bangor, Northern Ireland - Ards & North Down
Saturday 30 November | 10 am - 7 pm, Town Centre | Switch On 6 pm, 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.
Friday 6 December | 4pm - 8pm and Saturday 7 December | 10am - 4pm
- Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre, Ards Arts Centre (Town Hall), Conway Square in Newtownards
  - For a unique shopping experience, join the makers and artists of the Creative Peninsula as the popular Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre for 2 days only! Support local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a perfect, unique, handcrafted Christmas gift, made here in the Borough of Ards and North Down.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said: "We are thrilled to bring such a diverse range of festive activities to our community. These events not only celebrate the spirit of the season but also highlight the incredible talent and creativity within our local area. I encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities, and make wonderful memories with family and friends."

For more information, please visit www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/Christmas