Enjoy Christmas shopping in Ards and North Down with lots of unique gifts and offers this festive season...
FREE ADMISSION TO ALL
Seasonal Pop-Up Shops and Creative Exhibitions
Made in AND: Pop-up Christmas Shop at North Down Museum, beside Bangor Castle near the city centre
Thurs 20 Nov – Sun 4 Jan 2026. Open Tue–Sat | 10am–4pm and Sun 12noon–4pm
Come and visit a unique shopping experience this Christmas at North Down Museum, located a few minutes walk from Bangor bus and rail station and the City Centre, attached to the City Hall. Browse the museum’s galleries, which are filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that special gift and support your local crafters. Come in, get out of the cold and get a delicious hot coffee or chocolate from our café, Coffee Cure and shop ‘til you drop!
Twilight Christmas Shopping at North Down Museum, Bangor
Thurs 27 Nov | 6pm - 8pm
To launch their Pop-Up Christmas Shop, Made in AND, North Down Museum is hosting a Late-Night Christmas Shopping event.
Come along for an evening of twinkly lights, music, artists demonstrations and shopping. The museum will be festively decorated, the museum café will be open serving food and drink and visitors will be able to explore the museum and purchase unique gifts in a completely different way. Find out more
Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre
Ards Arts Centre (Town Hall), Conway Square in Newtownards
Fri 5 Dec | 4pm – 8pm
Sat 7 Dec | 10am – 4pm
For a unique shopping experience, join the makers and artists of the Creative Peninsula as the popular Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre for 2 days only!
Support local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a perfect, unique, handcrafted Christmas gift, made here in the Borough of Ards and North Down.
Take time out of the busy shopping crowds and enjoy the opulent festive setting of Ards Arts Centre, with seasonal live music interludes, complementary gift wrapping, and festive refreshments! Find out more
Festive Themed Markets
Artisan Craft Market - Greyabbey
16 Nov | 12noon - 5pm | Greyabbey Village Hall
Portaferry Market on The Square
6 Dec | 10am - 1.30pm | Monthly artisan food and craft market
Regular Markets over the festive season
Bangor Market
Every Wed | 8am - 1pm
Asda Car Park, Bangor city centre
Newtownards Weekly Market
Every Sat | 8am - 4pm
Conway Square, Newtownards town centre
Comber Farmers' Market
First Thursday of the month | Pre-Christmas dates: 6 Nov and 4 Dec | 9am - 1.30pm
St Mary's Parish Church Car Park, Comber town centre
Find out more about our regular weekly and monthly markets.
Gifts and Souvenir Shopping
Our Visitor Information Centres in Ards and in Bangor offer a beautiful range of locally made gifts including textiles, arts and crafts, iconic landmark christmas decorations, handmade soaps, jewellery, calendars and so much more, as well as souvenirs of the borough and the island, perfect for sending overseas or purchasing as momento's of your time in our place.
Read our blog on gift ideas from the borough.
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.
