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, offering festive fun throughout the city with local businesses providing seasonal treats and surprises!
Christmas lights will go on, Saturday at 6pm.
Organised in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Bangor Chamber of Commerce
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 and enjoy festive fun across the town, with local businesses offering special seasonal treats along the way. Look out for special guests appearing around the square!
Christmas lights will go on, Friday at 4pm.
Organised in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and Newtownards Chamber of Trade
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 – 9pm
A Christmas Market at the harbour from 12 noon with family entertainment and live music. At 6.30pm Santa will arrive by RNLI lifeboat and be greeted by the Mayor before joining a parade to his grotto, escorted by the Harbour Star Band and children in fancy dress. Each child will receive a selection box (funded by DCDA). A “Shop Local” day will run in partnership with traders.
Sunday 7th December | Fun Run (TBC) and Carol Service 6pm
A Santa Fun Run organised by Dee Runners, followed by a Community Carol Service led by local schoolchildren and the Christmas tree lights switch-on by the Mayor. The festival is community-led and volunteer-driven with involvement from the RNLI, Harbour Star Band, Rotary club, Dee Runners, St John Ambulance, schools, churches, and traders, offering opportunities for all ages and abilities to participate. Switch of lights will be after the carol service usually 8pm.
Free to attend event
These events are organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association
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 Residents Association
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
Thursday 4 December | 6.30 - 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.