Get Ready for Christmas in the City of Bangor!

18th November 2025

Photo caption: Members of Bangor Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Councillor Gillian McCollum invite you to Bangor this Christmas to follow the specially designed trail, packed with festive surprises for the whole family. Grab your City of Bangor Christmas Passport and let the adventure begin!

Ards and North Down Borough Council invites everyone to join in the festive fun this year at Christmas in the City, a two-day programme that promises something for everyone.

On Saturday 22 November (1pm–7pm) and Sunday 23 November (2pm–6pm), Bangor will come to life with music, markets and merriment.  Enjoy family friendly entertainment, Christmas cheer, and plenty of shopping to get you into the holiday spirit.
Organised in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Bangor Chamber of Commerce, highlights include:

City of Bangor Christmas Passport (Saturday 22 November only, 1–5pm)

Step into the magic of Christmas with our Festive Trail – a journey packed with family fun, tasty treats, and delightful surprises at 13 amazing local businesses and attractions.

Grab your passport at any participating business and begin the trail. Enjoy sweet treats and seasonal refreshments, get creative with Christmas colouring, craft ornaments, and the opportunity to make reindeer food. Why not post your letter to Santa, print a Santa postcard or take a break to enjoy the classic Snowman film? There’s all this to enjoy and more! 
(Passport activities are free but subject to change and availability.)

Participating businesses in the City Centre Passport Trail are as follows:
Bangor VIC / Focus Menswear / Replay / Curious Candy / ASDA / North Down Museum / Kodak Bangor / The Red Berry Coffee House / Engraving NI / The Old Market House / Remakery Studio / The Peppery Cat / Seacourt Print Workshop.

Christmas Shopping
Get into the festive spirit and start your holiday shopping with our wonderful local retailers! Discover unique gifts and enjoy a fantastic mix of independent shops, award-winning cafés, restaurants, and welcoming hospitality venues across the Borough. This season, let’s celebrate together by supporting the local businesses that make our city shine.

Festive Funfair and Music
Sounds of the season will fill the air at Translink Bus and Rail Station with performances from school choirs and just across the road, a festive kids’ funfair at Bangor Park and Ride, Abbey Street 

Bangor Castle Grounds and North Down Museum
Bangor Castle Grounds will be filled with festive fun with music from brass bands, hot food stalls and bar.

Take your chance to grab a selfie at the Christmas light installations, with lights going on across the city on Saturday evening at 6pm.

Nearby, North Down Museum’s annual Made in AND Pop-up Christmas Shop (free admission) offers handcrafted gifts and artwork from over 20 local artists and crafters. Explore and browse the museum, filled with beautiful hand-made products – it’s the perfect place to get that extra special gift and support local talent.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:
“This year we have worked hard to curate a programme of exciting festive activities that will bring people together, celebrating the spirit of the season and supporting local businesses with an exciting festive trail that you can enjoy at your own pace.”
Join us for two full days of festive fun! Bring your family and friends and experience the magic, music, and cheer of the Christmas season.

Please note that some activities may incur costs and are subject to change and availability. For more information, visit visitardsandnorthdown.com/Christmas.