About
Light Up Your Christmas in Ards and North Down
Celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Newtownards bringing seasonal cheer to the heart of the town.
Saturday 28 November | 4.30pm – 7pm | Switch On at 6pm
Join the festive celebrations in Newtownards and watch the town light up with festive family fun, a Christmas parade, local shopping, and Cool FM DJ Curtis McCosh. Pick up a Light Up Local Christmas Passport and explore participating businesses before the Mayor switches on the town’s Christmas lights at 6pm.
Whilst in the town...
Wander the popular weekly Newtownards Saturday market, Saturday 28 November held in the square (from 8am until 3pm)
Visit the Ards Arts Centre located in Conway Square and explore the art exhibitions.
The Discovery Hub, an exhibition space in Ards Visitor Information Centre also showcases local art and memorabilia. Within the centre you will also find a wonderful array of gifts, most of which are reflective of the local surrounds, showcasing local makers.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the Ards Visitor Information Centre is a place for both - perfect for Christmas gift buying and our staff can help provide you with information on events, experiences, attractions and accommodations in the Borough and beyond, offering inspiration on how to best spend your downtime.
Planned Temporary Road Closures
To facilitate the Christmas Parade route, there will be temporary road closures in place between 4.30pm - 6pm. The parade entourage will depart from Ards Blair Mayne Leisure Complex and will take route along John's St, Court St, High St, onwards to Conway Square.
Getting here
Public Transport | Please take public transport if possible. Newtownards Bus Station is located approximately 5 to 10 minute’s walk from Conway Square and the town centre. For information on Translink timetables and fares please visit Translink.co.uk or call the Contact Centre on +44 (0) 28 9066 6630.
By car | Do you plan to drive to the event? We expect the town to be busy; plan your journey ahead of time. Allow plenty of time for your journey. If you are travelling by car, follow directional road signs to Newtownards town centre and check out what car parking is available in the city (free and charged).
Christmas Car parking Information | Christmas Parking
Sustainability
Ards and North Down Borough Council is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. Please keep sustainability in mind when coming along to our events. We encourage visitors to travel via public transport. Please dispose of rubbish in the bins on site.
Stay a while
Why not make a break of it? Relax in the beauty of this place, offering everything from 5 star luxury to cosy guest houses or unique self-catering options, maybe camping and caravanning is more your thing, let us help you plan your perfect getaway.
For more inspiration and tips on how to make the most of your trip sign up to our newsletter.
Details subject to change. Keep checking back to our website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.
[Please note, this event is being photographed/filmed. Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional material. If you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free |
Free to attend. Some activities may incur costs.
