Ards and North Down City, Towns and Villages Christmas Activity

This year, the City of Bangor and Newtownards town will be hosting two day events over two different weekends, with the focus on a festive family fun programme welcoming in the festive season...

Christmas in the City  

Weekend Event: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November | Bangor Castle and throughout the City Centre
Sat 1pm–7pm and Sun 2pm–6pm
Mark the beginning of the festive season in the City of Bangor — enjoy live music, Christmas cheer, and plenty of shopping to get you into the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to pick up your Christmas Passport (Saturday 22 November only, 1pm - 5pm), offering festive fun throughout the city with local businesses providing seasonal treats and surprises!

Christmas lights will go on at City Hall, Saturday at 6pm.

Organised in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Bangor Chamber of Commerce

Find out more

Christmas in Conway Square 

Weekend Event: Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November | Newtownards Town Centre

Fri 11am – 7pm & Sat 10am – 7pm 
Celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Newtownards as Conway Square comes alive with market stalls, music, crafts and storytelling — bringing seasonal cheer to the heart of the town. Be sure to collect your Christmas Passport (Saturday 29 November only, 10am - 3pm) and enjoy festive fun across the town, with local businesses offering special seasonal treats along the way.  Come and Meet Paddington™  (Saturday 29 November only), our favourite marmalade-loving bear, will be making personal appearances at intervals between 11am and 3.30pm.

Christmas lights will go on, Friday at 4pm.

Organised in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Newtownards Chamber of Trade

Find out more

Events centred around the switch on of the local Christmas Trees across Ards and North Down 2025

Towns

Locations listed in alphabetical order

Comber Christmas Fair in the Square and Christmas light switch on

Thursday 27 November | 5pm - 9pm

Visitors can enjoy street stalls, food and entertainment. Local schools and groups will add to the festive atmosphere with singing and dancing, plus there will be street entertainers, fun fair rides and a Santa’s Grotto.

Free to attend event | Charges will apply to stall purchases on the day
Organised by Comber Regeneration Community Partnership

Christmas in Donaghadee

Saturday 6 December | 12noon – 5pm

Santa arrives at the harbour on the RNLI lifeboat at 3pm. 
Donaghadee Harbour and town centre area

The market is on in the car park of Church Lane (behind the Methodist Church) from 12noon - 5pm with 30+ stalls with festive treats, local crafts and gifts. There will be live music from the Donaghadee Community Choir and another great performance from surprise special guests.

Santa arrives at the harbour at 3pm - his ONLY arrival into town by RNLI Lifeboat - and parades through the town with groups of children to his grotto in the Methodist Church Hall.

Santa will be welcoming children into the grotto from around 3.30pm and hearing what they want for Christmas.

After Santa leaves to join the elves to prepare for his mega Christmas Eve journey to Donaghadee when he will deliver his gifts, the market traders will keep their stalls open until 5pm.

Christmas in Donaghadee .. the town with heart and harbour … welcomes everyone and assistance will be available for people who need a bit of additional help.

The town’s shops, bars and restaurants will be open and celebrating too, welcoming visitors and locals alike.

Donaghadee is a family friendly venue, welcoming the whole family including dogs. And on Saturday, December 6, free festive photography of pets will be available from 12noon - 3pm thanks to the talent at The Photography Spot. All donations will be gratefully received for The Barn Animal Rescue.

Organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association 

Sunday 7 December | 7pm
Donaghadee Community Carol Service and Christmas Lights Switch-On

Come along to the First Presbyterian Church at 7pm for the Annual Community Carol Service. Celebrating the true spirit of Christmas with music, reflection and togetherness. The evening concludes with the switching-on of the town’s Christmas Tree lights by the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum – a magical moment to share with family and friends.

This programme is subject to change. Please keep checking the Donaghadee Community Development Association website and facebook page. 

Holywood Christmas Light Switch On

Saturday 29 November | 11am - 5pm. Switch On 4.30pm

Welcome in the festive season to the town with what is sure to be a memorable day for all the family. Enjoy entertainment including Santa's Grotto, fairground rides, live performances that will get you in the Christmas spirit, an Artisan Market of handcrafted gifts and delicious treats, and much more!
Free to attend event | Charges will apply to stall purchases on the day
Organised by Holywood & District Community Council

Villages

Locations listed in alphabetical order

Ballygowan

Saturday 29 November | 4pm - 6pm  Tree light switch on, Carol singing and a special visit from Santa
Organised by Ballygowan and District Community Association

Ballyhalbert

Monday 8 December | 7.30pm - 9pm Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Ballyhalbert Community Association

Ballywalter

Thursday 4 December |  7pm - 9pm Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Ballywalter Community Action Group

Cloughey

Wednesday 3 December |  6.30pm - 9.30pm Christmas Festival and Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Cloughey and District Community Association

Conlig

Saturday 6 December |  3.30pm - 5.30pm Family Festival and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Conlig Community Regeneration Group

Greyabbey

Friday 5 December | 1pm - 9.30pm Family fun, 7pm Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Greyabbey and District Community Association

Groomsport

Friday 5 December | 6.30pm - 9pm  Christmas Festival and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Discover Groomsport

Helen's Bay

Thursday 18 December | 5.30pm - 9pm  Christmas Carols and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Residents are invited to Station Square Helen’s Bay, BT19 1TN and along the path to Helen’s Bay Golf Club on Golf Road, BT19 1TL to enjoy some food and refreshments along with music and Santa will arrive for the Children.
Organised by Bayburn Community Association (previously Helen’s Bay and Crawfordsburn Residents Association)

Killinchy

Monday 15 December | 5pm - 10pm  Christmas Festival and Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Killinchy Community Association

Kircubbin

Tuesday 2 December | 2pm - 7pm  All Inclusive Christmas Festival and Christmas Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Kircubbin and District Community Association

Millisle

Saturday 6 December | 6.30pm - 8.30pm Christmas Festival and Tree Light Switch On
Organised by Millisle and District Community Association

Portaferry

Friday 28 November | 6pm - 8.30pm Community Christmas Lights Switch On
Organised by Portaferry Gala Festival

Portavogie

Friday 27 November | 7pm - 9pm Carol Service and Light Switch On
Organised by Portavogie Regeneration Forum

Please note that all details were correct at time of publication and as always are subject to change. Please check directly with each provider for the latest information before attending any event.

If you are a local tourism provider and you would to list your event on our website, find out how here or get in touch with us via email on marketing@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.