News

Strabane set to shine as Christmas Lights Switch-On brings festive fun for all the family

11 November 2026

Strabane town centre will be transformed into a festive wonderland on Saturday 21st November as the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On returns with an afternoon of live entertainment, family activities and Christmas markets.

With a packed programme of events taking place across the town, the entire family can enjoy a magical start to the festive season. 
The afternoon will be hosted by Chrissy Mac on the main stage in Abercorn Square along with a feast of local performances from Chloe & Mr Men Band, Strabane Brass Band, JDA Dance, Knockavoe Choir, Much Ado Choir and the Browne – McGranaghan Academy of Irish Dance. 
The perfect accompaniment to the Christmas festivities will be the Christmas Community Market featuring an array of stalls all along Railway Street, the perfect opportunity to pick up some special Christmas gifts plus visit Santa in his grotto before he turns on the main Christmas Lights at 5pm.

Over in Canal Street visit some cute animals at Kidz farm and in Strabane Library there will be a full afternoon of entertainment and activities including The Ultimate Bubble Show with three performances throughout the afternoon, Ray Bubbles will be addind a little Christmas magic with a whole lot of bubbles. 

Show times:  12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, tickets £4 and pre booking required www.alley-theatre.com. 

There will also be free faepainting, storytelling and arts and crafts, Santa Sleigh photo opportunities throughout the afternoon.

Castle Street will feature live entertainment from local musicians, festive games, Christmas crafts, face painting and storytelling with Mrs Claus. Visitors can also enjoy a range of food options in the Food Quarter, featuring Tusk Indian, Mitchell’s BBQ and Scoop & Cup Crepes.

Gather round and enjoy the atmosphere before Santa and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais turn on the festive Christmas Lights at 5pm

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, encouraged families and visitors to come along and enjoy the celebrations, saying:

“Christmas is such a special time of year and I’m delighted to see Strabane town centre come alive with festive entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy. There is a fantastic programme planned, with something for all ages, and I would encourage everyone to come along, support our local traders, enjoy the festivities and help us officially welcome the Christmas season in Strabane.”

With sparkling lights, music, markets, food and entertainment throughout the town centre, Strabane’s Christmas Lights Switch-On promises a wonderful day of festive fun for all the family.

Everyone is invited to come along and help light up Strabane as the countdown to Christmas officially begins.

The Strabane Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place on Saturday 21st November, from 12 noon to 5:30pm, with the big switch-on at 5pm.

For full details and updates, visit www.derrystrabane.com/christmas.