Countdown to Christmas: Strabane Gears Up for a Spectacular Lights Switch-On!
19 November 2025
Wednesday 19th November
The countdown is on! Strabane is set to sparkle brighter than ever as the town gears up for its Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 22nd November - a festive celebration packed with family fun, live entertainment, markets and magical moments from 12 noon to 5:30pm.
The highlight of the day arrives at 5pm, when Santa Claus takes to the Main Stage at the top of Railway Street to light up the town for Christmas. Hosting all the festivities is Chrissy Mac, bringing music, laughter and festive cheer throughout the afternoon.
Railway Street will be buzzing with live performances and the vibrant Christmas Community Market, bursting with seasonal treats, crafty gifts and local produce. Castle Street transforms into a cosy Food Quarter, filled with delicious bites, winter warmers and performances from talented local arts groups.
Families can visit Canal Street for pony rides, while John Wesley Street becomes a festive Candy Cane Lane leading to the Grass Roots Community Hub and Café, featuring festive decorations, a seasonal menu, a sensory-friendly calm area, and an open firepit where you can make your own s’mores.
Strabane Library will be a hub of creativity with face painting, crafts, cookie decorating, letter-writing to Santa, and even reindeer food-making!
New for 2025 is the Scrooge Christmas Trail, an immersive 35-minute festive adventure created by Class Act Theatre Group. Starting at Strabane Library, families will journey through the town following the Ghosts of Christmas with storytelling, dance, carols and sparkling surprises along the way. Tickets are £3 per child (adults go free) and must be booked in advance at www.alley-theatre.com, with trail times at 1pm, 1.50pm, 2.40pm and 3.30pm.
To support local traders and encourage increased footfall, free parking will be available in all Derry City and Strabane District Council-operated off-street car parks, beginning on the day of the Switch-On and continuing for the next five Saturdays. This initiative, delivered with the support of Love Strabane and Strabane BID, aims to boost local business during the busy festive shopping period.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, invited everyone to join the fun:
“The Strabane Christmas Lights Switch-On always brings the community together in the most magical way. With Santa, live entertainment, fantastic local talent and festive markets, it’s the perfect start to Christmas. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”
The Strabane Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Saturday 22nd November, from 12 noon to 5:30pm, with the big switch-on at 5pm.
For full details and updates, visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas.