Ards and North Down is starting to get that festive feeling! Here is your ultimate guide to Christmas in our area this November and December on the build up to the big day…

A time to come together…

Make happy memories with family and friends at events everyone can enjoy.

Town Christmas Light Switch Ons

FREE

Comber
Friday 3 December, 5pm | Comber Square | Please refer to the lovelocalcomber.com for up-to-date information.

Donaghadee
Friday 3 to Sunday 5 December | A weekend of Christmas festivities | Please refer to visitdonaghadee.com for a full programme.

Newtownards
Saturday 11 and 18 December | 12noon - 4pm | Visit Santa
Santa heard that due to reasons beyond Newtownards' control they had to unfortunately cancel their BIGGEST Ever Christmas Market
and so he has decided to pay a visit. Enjoy music in the town and see him at his FREE Grotto at The Precinct, South Street | Donations may be given in aid of Young Lives vs Cancer | More info

Village Christmas Light Switch Ons

FREE

Portaferry
Friday 26 November, 6.30pm

Cloughey
Wednesday 1 December, 7pm
Ballywalter
Thursday 2 December, 7pm
Groomsport
Friday 3 December | 7pm Carols in Groomsport Parish Church | 7.45pm Lights switch on at Groomsport Presbyterian Church, with family fun.
Portavogie
Friday 3 December, 7.30pm

Ballygowan
Saturday 4 December, 4.20pm
Conlig
Saturday 4 December, 3.30pm-5.30pm

Millisle
Saturday 4 December, 6.30pm
Ballyhalbert
Monday 6 December, 7pm
Kircubbin
Tuesday 7 December, 7pm
Carrowdore
Saturday 11 December, 5pm-8pm
Greyabbey
Friday 10 December, 7pm
Killinchy
Monday 13 December, 6.30pm

Family Fun and Activities

The Carol Ship on Strangford Lough, Portaferry
Friday 3 to Sunday 5 December, with some activity every Friday, Saturday and Sunday taking place between Friday 3 and Friday 24 December | More info

Centre Stage Theatre Company Presents
Little Red Riding Hood’s Christmas Adventure
Queen’s Hall, Newtownards | Saturday 4 December, 2pm and 6pm | More info
Portico, Portaferry | Sunday 19 December, 3pm | More info

New Year’s Day Historic Ards Walk
Saturday 1 January 2022, 1.30pm - 3.30pm | More info

Craft Workshops at North Down Museum, Bangor
Make a Reindeer
Saturday 4 December, 10am-5pm | More info | SOLD OUT

A time of giving and sharing…

Buy something unique, handcrafted by our passionate local artists, from one of our creative markets.

Made in AND Christmas Shop at North Down Museum
Wednesday 24 November - Sunday 2 January | More info
Made in AND Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit at Ards Arts Centre
Saturday 27 November - Friday 17 December | More info

Markets

Project 24, Queen’s Parade, Bangor:

Keep Er Local Variety Market
•    Saturday 6 November, 11am-3pm
•    Saturday 20 November, 11am-3pm
•    Saturday 4 December, 11am-3pm
•    Saturday 18 December, 11am-3pm

Market Fresh
Saturday 13 November, 11am-4pm
Art on the Rails Craft Fayre
Saturday 27 November, 11am-3pm
Market Fresh Christmas Special
Saturday 11 December, 11am-5pm

Comber Farmers' Market, St Mary's Parish Church:
•    Thursday 2 December, 9am-1pm
•    Thursday 16 December *Christmas Special*
More info

Bangor weekly market, ASDA carpark:
Every Wednesday | 7am-1pm | More info

Newtownards weekly market, Conway Square:
Every Saturday | 8am-4pm | More info 

The Market on the Square, Portaferry:
Saturday 4 December (first Saturday of every month) | 10am-1.30pm | More Info | Cancelled due to inclement weather

North Down Craft Collective, Kylestone Nurseries in Groomsport:
Every Saturday | 10am-4pm | More info

Here are a few more ideas as to what there is to do on an autumn day in Ards and North Down.

All events are subject to change. For advice and information on the latest Covid guidance please refer to the NI Direct website before travelling to any event or attraction.