by iNews
Share
by iNews
Share
By Jason Le Masurier
Traders and families are being offered a packed programme of festive activities to get them into the Christmas spirit.
Derry and Strabane mayor, Grace Uí Niallais has officially launched the council’s 2026 Christmas programme which will begin on Friday November 13.
The programme includes the popular Guildhall craft fair, Christmas lights switch-on in Derry and Strabane, festive markets and the mayor’s Christmas tea dances.
Ms Uí Niallais said she was looking forward to celebrating the start of the festive season with local people.
“Our festival and events team have developed a wonderful programme, that includes our renowned switch-on events, where I will have the privilege of lighting up Derry and Strabane town centres for the first time.
“We want to create a magical festive experience for everyone in the council area, with a programme of activity that will also attract visitors here in the run up to Christmas,” the
Aisling McCallion, council festival and events manager, said the programme aimed to create opportunities for residents and visitors to embrace the festive spirit, explore the town centres and support local businesses.
“We have entertainment and activities for all the family to get involved, so we are encouraging people to access the programme and plan your experience with us.”
Derry Christmas Lights Switch-On is on Friday November 20, featuring an illuminated procession through the city centre, led by LUXE’s ‘A Fairy Tale Christmas’. ‘The Christmas Lights Procession’, will finish with a 70-foot-tall Christmas tree being illuminated in Guildhall Square. There will be local performers, including Ardnashee School and College Choir.
In Strabane on Saturday, November 2, a full day of entertainment will fill the town centre, with live music, choirs, dance groups, street animation and a festive street market, encouraging shoppers to support local businesses in the run-up to Christmas.
For more information and the full programme updates, including details of rural and community switch on events visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas.
Related Posts
By Adam Dunseath A24’s most recent film starring Robert Pattinson has garnered world-wide acclaim from reviewers, receiving 86% positive reviews from critics on rotten tomatoes. “Primetime” has been a major financial success, earning over $54 million since its release, making a profit against its $14.5 million budget. However, the positive reception isn’t shared by the
-
By Jason Le Masurier Traders and families are being offered a packed programme of festive activities to get them into the Christmas spirit. Derry and Strabane mayor, Grace Uí Niallais has officially launched the council’s 2026 Christmas programme which will begin on Friday November 13. The programme includes the popular Guildhall craft fair, Christmas lights
By Siobhan Greenfield Love has blossemed at North West Regional College for students, Joshua Kingh and Shayna Rodgers who have celebrated their wedding following a whirlwind romance. Journalism student, Josh from Strabane and Fine Art student, Shayna were joined by close family when they officially became husband and wife at a ceremony at Derry’s Guildhall
By Henry Robinson NWRC journalism student and Derry City FC fanatic Niall O’Doherty has vowed not to cut his hair until his beloved Candy Stripes win three games in-a-row. The Derry City supporter took his inspiration from fellow football fan Frank Ilett, a Manchester United supporter, who pioneered the challenge on TikTok by refusing to
